Red Velvet Cheesecake Swirl Brownies Recipe

June 8, 2025 Todd Recipes, Dessert Recipes Comments Off on Red Velvet Cheesecake Swirl Brownies Recipe

Red Velvet Cheesecake Swirl Brownies

These Red Velvet Cheesecake Swirl Brownies are the kind of treat that looks fancy but comes together in just a few steps. Moist, fudgy red velvet brownies are swirled with tangy vanilla cheesecake, creating a rich, marbled dessert that’s as stunning as it is satisfying.

They’re ideal for holidays like Valentine’s Day, Christmas, anniversaries, or anytime you’re in the mood for something chocolatey with a cheesecake twist. One bite and you’ll fall in love!

🍫 Ingredients

For the Brownie Layer:

  • ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 tbsp red food coloring
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • ⅓ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
  • ½ tsp salt
  • ¾ cup all-purpose flour

For the Cheesecake Swirl:

  • 8 oz cream cheese, softened
  • ⅓ cup granulated sugar
  • 1 egg yolk
  • ½ tsp vanilla extract

🛒 Shop Essentials

👩‍🍳 Instructions

Step 1: Make the Brownie Batter

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F. Line an 8×8-inch pan with parchment paper.
  2. In a bowl, whisk melted butter and sugar. Add eggs, food coloring, and vanilla. Mix well.
  3. Stir in cocoa powder, salt, and flour until just combined. Reserve ¼ cup batter for swirling.
  4. Pour remaining batter into prepared pan and smooth out evenly.

Step 2: Make Cheesecake Swirl

  1. Beat cream cheese, sugar, egg yolk, and vanilla until smooth.
  2. Spoon cheesecake mixture in dollops over brownie layer.
  3. Spoon reserved brownie batter between cheesecake dollops.
  4. Use a knife or skewer to gently swirl the two layers together.

Step 3: Bake

  1. Bake for 30–35 minutes or until center is just set.
  2. Cool completely before slicing into squares. Chill for cleaner cuts if desired.

❤️ Why You’ll Love These Brownies

  • ✅ Two desserts in one: brownie + cheesecake
  • ✅ Beautiful marbled finish
  • ✅ Rich, fudgy, and creamy in every bite
  • ✅ Perfect for gifting, holidays, and parties

🎉 Flavor Variations

  • Chocolate Chip Swirl: Fold mini chocolate chips into the cream cheese layer
  • Raspberry Ripple: Add spoonfuls of raspberry jam before swirling
  • Espresso Kick: Add 1 tsp espresso powder to the brownie batter
  • Frosted Finish: Top with cream cheese glaze or white chocolate drizzle

📦 Storage Tips

  • Store in an airtight container at room temp for 2 days or in the fridge up to 5 days
  • Freeze wrapped bars for up to 1 month; thaw in fridge overnight

📌 Related YesWeCoupon Desserts

💬 Reader Reviews

“They were a hit at my daughter’s bridal shower—almost too pretty to eat!” – Candace S.

“The cheesecake swirl makes them so creamy and rich. I’m OBSESSED!” – Rachel T.

❤️ How to Serve These Brownies for Maximum Wow-Factor

These brownies are already stunning on their own, but with a few simple presentation tricks, you can turn them into a true showstopper:

🍽️ Plated for Parties

Serve each brownie square on a dessert plate with a drizzle of white chocolate or cream cheese glaze. Add a dollop of whipped cream, a dusting of powdered sugar, or a few fresh raspberries for color contrast.

🧁 Mini Brownie Bites

Use a mini muffin tin lined with paper cups and spoon the brownie and cheesecake batters in with a toothpick swirl. Bake for 12–15 minutes and chill. These bite-size treats are perfect for dessert trays or showers.

🥂 Elegant Event Style

Cut brownies into bite-size squares and insert mini skewers or cocktail picks. Place on a tiered platter for weddings, anniversaries, or high-tea-style dessert displays.

🎁 Make These Brownies Gift-Worthy

Looking to impress friends, coworkers, or neighbors? Wrap individual brownies in clear cellophane bags and tie with ribbon. Add a label with a pun like “You make life sweet” or “Swirled up in love.”

Want to step it up?

  • Layer 3 brownies vertically in a bakery-style treat box.

  • Add a small jar of cream cheese glaze or red velvet crumbs as garnish.

  • Include a printed recipe card for bonus points!

Perfect for:

  • Valentine’s Day

  • Teacher appreciation

  • Galentine’s parties

  • Holiday cookie swaps

💡 Decorating & Customizing Ideas

Once you’ve nailed the base recipe, try these creative upgrades to make your brownies even more memorable:

✨ Chocolate Drizzle or Glaze

Drizzle cooled brownies with white chocolate, cream cheese glaze, or a simple vanilla icing. It adds sweetness and visual flair—especially if you add red sprinkles or edible glitter!

✨ Heart Cutouts

For Valentine’s Day or anniversaries, use a heart-shaped cookie cutter to make shaped brownies. Press leftover edges into truffles or crumble for topping ice cream.

✨ Topping Extras

Sprinkle brownie batter with:

  • White chocolate chips

  • Red velvet crumbs

  • Freeze-dried strawberries

  • Sparkling sugar or sanding sugar for a shimmery effect

🧁 Make-Ahead & Freezer Tips

Red velvet cheesecake brownies store beautifully, which makes them perfect for prepping ahead:

  • Fridge: Keep in a sealed container for up to 5 days. The cheesecake gets even better after a day or two!

  • Freezer: Wrap each brownie in plastic wrap, then store in a zip-top bag. Freeze for up to 2 months.

  • Serving: Thaw in fridge overnight or at room temp for 30–60 minutes before serving. Dust with fresh powdered sugar to refresh presentation.