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    Pink Owl Kitchen » Desserts » Red Velvet Brownies

    Red Velvet Brownies

    Published: Jan 11, 2023 by Ashley Boyd · This post may contain affiliate links

    JUMP TO RECIPE

    These chewy, fudgy red velvet brownies have creamy cheesecake swirled throughout for the perfect indulgent treat. These decadent brownies are just as tasty as they are beautiful!

    If you have been searching for an impressive dessert that doesn’t require a ton of effort, these red velvet brownies are the one!

    The brownie batter is made with rich, dark cocoa and the beautiful red color is eye-catching. The sweet and tangy cheesecake swirl adds an extra layer of deliciousness and makes these brownies pop!

    For more irresistible desserts, check out our Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls and Soft and Chewy Chai Cookies next!

    Red velvet cheesecake brownies arranged on parchment paper.
    Jump to:
    • Why You Will Love These Brownies
    • Ingredients You Need To Make This Recipe
    • How To Make This Recipe
    • Variations and Substitutions
    • Is Red Velvet Just Chocolate with Red Food Coloring Added?
    • More FAQs
    • Recommended Tools For This Recipe
    • More Irresistible Desserts You Will Love!
    • 📖 Recipe

    Why You Will Love These Brownies

    • They are showstopping! The beautiful red velvet brownie batter swirled with the rich, creamy cheesecake makes these brownies a dessert that is sure to impress your guests.
    • They taste incredible! The brownie batter is rich and chocolaty and the cheesecake is creamy, sweet, and tangy. The flavors pair amazingly well and will keep you coming back for more.
    • They are surprisingly easy to make! There are three simple parts to making these brownies - mix the brownie batter, then the cheesecake batter, and swirl them together in the pan!
    Red velvet cheesecake brownies stacked on parchment paper with a cup of milk in the background.

    Ingredients You Need To Make This Recipe

    Red Velvet Brownie Layer

    Ingredients for red velvet brownies spread out on a wooden cutting board.
    • Melted butter. Mixed with the sugar to create the base for the brownie batter. I use unsalted butter but salted also works. Just omit any additional salt.
    • Granulated sugar. To sweeten the brownies.
    • Eggs. Room-temperature eggs are beaten with sugar and butter to give the brownies the perfect texture. The longer you beat the eggs, the more of a crackly top your brownies will have.
    • Vanilla extract. For flavor and depth. Use good-quality vanilla for the best flavor!
    • Dutch-processed cocoa powder. To add rich cocoa flavor that is less bitter than regular cocoa powder. I use Hershey's Special Dark. Regular cocoa powder can also be used. Just note that the brownies will have a lighter color.
    • Salt. To enhance the flavors of the other ingredients.
    • Red food coloring. To create the beautiful red velvet color!
    • Apple cider vinegar. This is a key ingredient in the brownies that give them their signature red velvet flavor.
    • All-purpose flour. For soft and chewy brownies. Measure your flour properly by spooning and leveling.

    Cheesecake Layer

    Ingredients for the cheesecake layer in red velvet brownies arranged on a cutting board.
    • Cream cheese. For that signature sure tangy cheesecake flavor. Make sure your cream cheese is at room temperature.
    • Egg. To bind the ingredients and give the cheesecake the perfect texture.
    • Granulated sugar. To sweeten the cheesecake batter.
    • Vanilla extract. For extra flavor and depth. Use good-quality vanilla extract!

    How To Make This Recipe

    1. Preheat your oven to 350°F. Line an 8 x 8" baking pan with parchment paper and set it aside.
    2. In a medium mixing bowl, beat together the melted butter and sugar with an electric handheld mixer until light and fluffy. This should take about 2 to 3 minutes.
    3. Add the eggs to the bowl and beat with the mixer until the mixture is slightly foamy and small bubbles start to appear. This should take about 3 to 4 minutes.
    4. Add the cocoa powder, red food coloring, vanilla extract, apple cider vinegar, and salt and mix on medium until the ingredients are well combined.
    5. Scrape down the bowl, add the flour, and mix on medium until no more streaks of dry flour are visible. Do not overmix the batter.
    6. Pour the brownie batter into the prepared baking pan and smooth it out into an even layer. Set the pan aside while you mix the cheesecake batter.
    7. Add the softened cream cheese, egg, granulated sugar, and vanilla extract to a medium mixing bowl and beat with the handheld mixer until smooth and creamy.
    8. Using a spoon, drop dollops of cheesecake batter on top of the brownie batter. Use a butter knife to swirl the cheesecake and brownie batters together.
    9. Bake the brownies in the preheated oven for 25 to 30 minutes. Check the brownies by inserting a toothpick into the center. If the toothpick comes out with a few moist crumbs, the brownies are done.
    Step by step images for making red velvet brownies.
    Step by step images for making red velvet brownies.

    Variations and Substitutions

    • Regular cocoa powder can be used instead of dutch processed cocoa powder. The flavor of regular cocoa powder is slightly more bitter and the brownies will have a lighter, more vibrant red color. The flavors will still be delicious!
    • You may use a natural red food coloring instead of traditional red food color if you are avoiding artificial ingredients. Your brownies may have a less vibrant color depending on the food coloring you use.
    • You may also omit the red food coloring entirely if you like. The flavor of the brownies will not change.
    Red velvet cheesecake brownie with a bite taken out sitting on parchment paper.

    Is Red Velvet Just Chocolate with Red Food Coloring Added?

    While red velvet flavor is very similar to the traditional chocolate flavor, there are some differences.

    Red velvet flavor calls for less cocoa powder than traditional chocolate flavor, and of course, the red food coloring is added for the signature red color.

    Red velvet cheesecake brownies arranged on parchment paper.

    More FAQs

    How do I get a crackly top on my brownies?

    The signature crackly tart that brownies are known for comes from how well the eggs are beaten into the butter and sugar. If you beat the eggs with the butter and sugar until they are slightly foamy, you will get a beautiful crackly top.

    Why are my brownies spongy?

    If your brownies turn out spongy instead of chewy and fudgy, you most likely over-baked them. Take your brownies out of the oven before the center is completely set to get the perfect fudgy texture.

    What is the best way to store brownies?

    Most brownies can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days however because these brownies have a cheesecake layer, they need to be kept in the refrigerator and can be stored for up to 5 days.

    Can these brownies be frozen?

    Yes! Leftover red velvet cheesecake brownies can be frozen for up to three months. Place the brownies on a sheet pan in a single layer and place the pan in the freezer until the brownies are frozen solid. Then transfer the brownies to a zip-top freezer bag for storage.

    Red velvet cheesecake brownies stacked on parchment paper with a cup of milk in the background.

    Recommended Tools For This Recipe

    • Mixing bowls
    • Electric handheld mixer
    • Measuring cups and spoons
    • 8 x 8" baking pan
    • Silicone spatula
    Red velvet cheesecake brownies arranged on parchment paper.

    More Irresistible Desserts You Will Love!

    • Kitchen Sink Cookies
    • Pecan Pie Cheesecake Bars
    • Cinnamon Roll Cookies
    • Best Southern Pecan Pralines
    • Southern Buttermilk Pie
    • New Orleans Beignets
    • Best Ever Bread Pudding
    • Red Velvet Cheesecake Cake

    📖 Recipe

    Red velvet cheesecake brownies arranged on parchment paper.

    Red Velvet Brownies

    Ashley
    These chewy, fudgy red velvet brownies have creamy cheesecake swirled throughout for the perfect indulgent treat. These decadent brownies are just as tasty as they are beautiful!
    5 from 22 votes
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe
    Prep Time 15 mins
    Cook Time 25 mins
    Total Time 40 mins
    Course Dessert
    Cuisine American
    Prevent your screen from going dark
    Servings 16 servings
    Calories 201 kcal

    Equipment

    • 8 x 8 inch baking pan
    • Mixing bowls
    • Electric handheld mixer
    • Measuring cups and spoons

    Ingredients
      

    Red Velvet Brownie Layer

    • ½ cup butter unsalted, melted
    • 1 cup granulated sugar
    • 2 large eggs room temperature
    • ¼ cup dutch-processed cocoa powder
    • 3 teaspoons red food coloring
    • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
    • 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar
    • ½ teaspoon salt
    • ¾ cup all-purpose flour spooned and leveled

    Cheesecake Layer

    • 8 ounces cream cheese softened to room temperature
    • 1 large egg room temperature
    • ⅓ cup granulated sugar
    • ¼ teaspoon vanilla extract

    Instructions
     

    • Preheat your oven to 350°F. Line an 8 x 8" baking pan with parchment paper and set it aside.
    • In a medium mixing bowl, beat together the melted butter and sugar with an electric handheld mixer until light and fluffy. This should take about 2 to 3 minutes.
    • Add the eggs to the bowl and beat with the mixer until the mixture is slightly foamy and small bubbles start to appear. This should take about 3 to 4 minutes.
    • Add the cocoa powder, red food coloring, vanilla extract, apple cider vinegar, and salt and mix on medium until the ingredients are well combined.
    • Scrape down the bowl, add the flour, and mix on medium until no more streaks of dry flour are visible. Do not overmix the batter.
    • Pour the brownie batter into the prepared baking pan and smooth it out into an even layer. Set the pan aside while you mix the cheesecake batter.
    • Add the softened cream cheese, egg, granulated sugar, and vanilla extract to a medium mixing bowl and beat with the handheld mixer until smooth and creamy.
    • Using a spoon, drop dollops of cheesecake batter on top of the brownie batter. Use a butter knife to swirl the cheesecake and brownie batters together.
    • Bake the brownies in the preheated oven for 25 to 30 minutes. Check the brownies by inserting a toothpick into the center. If the toothpick comes out with a few moist crumbs, the brownies are done.

    Notes

    • Regular cocoa powder can be used instead of dutch processed cocoa powder. The flavor of regular cocoa powder is slightly more bitter and the brownies will have a lighter, more vibrant red color.
    • You may use a natural red food coloring instead of traditional red food color if you are avoiding artificial ingredients. Your brownies may have a less vibrant color depending on the food coloring you use.
    • Leftover brownies can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

    Nutrition

    Serving: 1brownieCalories: 201kcalCarbohydrates: 22.4gProtein: 3gFat: 11.8gSaturated Fat: 7.1gCholesterol: 62mgSodium: 128mgPotassium: 71mgFiber: 0.6gSugar: 16.9gCalcium: 20mgIron: 1mg
    Keyword brownie cheesecake bars, brownies, cheesecake brownies, red velvet bars, red velvet brownies, red velvet cheesecake brownies
    Tried this recipe?Tag @thepinkowlkitchen on Instagram! And don't forget to leave a ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ rating and review!

    More Desserts

    • New Orleans King Cake
    • Chai Cookies (Soft and Chewy)
    • Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls
    • Kitchen Sink Cookies

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Kirby Boyd

      January 11, 2023 at 3:03 am

      5 stars
      Love this recipe! So easy to follow and the outcome was phenomenal

      Reply
      • Ashley Boyd

        January 11, 2023 at 2:46 pm

        Thank you for trying the recipe, Kirby! I'm happy you loved the brownies.

        Reply
    2. Marlon Boyd

      January 11, 2023 at 3:40 am

      5 stars
      These were amazing! I will def make these for my family when they come in town again!

      Reply
      • Ashley Boyd

        January 11, 2023 at 2:46 pm

        I'm so happy you loved the brownies!

        Reply
    3. Grenda R Poole

      January 11, 2023 at 4:31 am

      5 stars
      I think I'm going to try this.

      Reply
      • Ashley Boyd

        January 11, 2023 at 2:46 pm

        I hope you love them!

        Reply
    4. Linda Peggs

      January 11, 2023 at 2:48 pm

      5 stars
      Look delicious!!! I will try recipe ❤️

      Reply
      • Ashley Boyd

        January 11, 2023 at 3:08 pm

        Thank you and I hope you love the brownies!

        Reply
    5. Jermeria Skillom

      January 12, 2023 at 3:10 pm

      5 stars
      I can't wait to try this and give an update! They look absolutely amazing!

      Reply
      • Ashley Boyd

        January 12, 2023 at 3:52 pm

        I can't wait to hear how they turn out! Thank you!

        Reply

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    Hi! I'm Ashley.

    I am a new mom, wife, and creator of all you see here at Pink Owl Kitchen. All of our recipes are influenced by my southern upbringing and are made with fresh, seasonal ingredients to encourage families to come together around the dinner table more!

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