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Decadent Red Velvet Cheesecake Swirl Brownies

red velvet cheesecake swirl brownies - featured image

A rich and fudgy red velvet brownie base swirled with creamy cheesecake, creating a luscious marbled dessert perfect for any occasion.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1/2 cup (113g) unsalted butter, melted
  • 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
  • 2 large eggs, room temperature
  • 3/4 cup (95g) all-purpose flour
  • 2 tablespoons cocoa powder (Dutch-processed recommended)
  • 2 tablespoons buttermilk (or milk + 1 tsp vinegar as substitute)
  • 2 tablespoons red food coloring
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon espresso powder (optional)
  • 8 ounces (226g) cream cheese, softened
  • 1/3 cup (65g) granulated sugar
  • 1 large egg, room temperature
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease or line an 8×8-inch pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang for easy removal.
  2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the melted butter and sugar until combined and glossy, about 1-2 minutes. Add the eggs one at a time, whisking well after each addition.
  3. Add the vanilla extract, red food coloring, and buttermilk; stir until smooth and vibrant.
  4. In a separate bowl, sift together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, salt, and espresso powder. Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture using a spatula until just combined.
  5. Make the cheesecake swirl batter: beat the softened cream cheese until smooth and creamy. Add sugar and beat until fluffy, about 2-3 minutes. Add the egg and vanilla extract, mixing until combined. Fold in the tablespoon of flour.
  6. Pour half of the red velvet batter into the prepared pan, spreading evenly. Dollop half of the cheesecake mixture over the batter in spoonfuls. Repeat with remaining brownie batter and cheesecake mixture.
  7. Using a toothpick or skewer, gently drag through the batter to create a marbled swirl effect.
  8. Bake for 30-35 minutes. Check doneness by inserting a toothpick into the brownie section; it should come out mostly clean with a few moist crumbs.
  9. Cool completely in the pan on a wire rack for at least 1 hour before slicing.

Notes

Do not overmix the brownie batter to avoid dense texture. Use room temperature cream cheese for a smooth swirl. Cool brownies completely before slicing for clean cuts. Optional espresso powder enhances chocolate depth without coffee flavor. For gluten-free, substitute flour with almond or gluten-free blend. For dairy-free, use coconut cream cheese and plant-based milk.

Nutrition

Keywords: red velvet brownies, cheesecake swirl, dessert, brownies recipe, easy brownies, chocolate dessert, homemade brownies