When you sink your teeth into a red velvet cheesecake brownie, you enter a world where rich chocolatey goodness meets the tangy creaminess of cheesecake. The texture is just right: fudgy yet light, and the colors scream festive cheer like a holiday party gone right. Every bite is a sweet invitation to indulge in something extraordinary—a dessert that’s perfect for birthdays, anniversaries, or just because it’s Tuesday.

These brownies are not just a treat; they’re an experience. I remember the first time I made them at a family gathering. My cousin, who usually claims to be on a diet, devoured half the tray and declared them “life-changing.” Trust me, once you make these red velvet cheesecake brownies, you’ll understand why everyone will want seconds.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- These red velvet cheesecake brownies are simple to make and deliver a rich flavor that’s hard to resist.
- Their vibrant color makes them visually appealing for any occasion.
- You can easily customize the cheesecake layer for added creativity.
- Perfect for gatherings or as an everyday indulgence when you need a treat!
I once brought these brownies to a potluck, and let’s just say my reputation as the “dessert queen” was solidified after that day.
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
- Unsalted Butter: I recommend using high-quality unsalted butter for richer flavor and better control over saltiness.
- Granulated Sugar: This adds sweetness and helps create that lovely chewy texture in your brownies.
- Brown Sugar: The molasses in brown sugar adds depth and moisture to your brownies.
- Large Eggs: Fresh eggs help bind everything together while adding richness.
- Red Velvet Cake Mix: Use your favorite box mix or homemade version; both work beautifully in this recipe.
- Cream Cheese: Make sure it’s softened; this creates that creamy cheesecake layer we all love.
- Vanilla Extract: A splash of pure vanilla extract enhances all the flavors in this dessert.
- Cocoa Powder: Use unsweetened cocoa powder for that deep chocolate flavor contrasting with the cream cheese.
- Powdered Sugar: This adds sweetness to the cream cheese layer and gives it that lovely smooth texture.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

How to Make red velvet cheesecake brownies
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13 inch baking pan with cooking spray. This ensures easy removal later!
In a large mixing bowl, combine melted unsalted butter with granulated sugar and brown sugar until it achieves a smooth consistency. The mixture should be glossy and slightly warm.
Now add large eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition until fully incorporated. You want that mixture to look thick and luscious!
In another bowl, whisk together red velvet cake mix and cocoa powder. Slowly fold this into your wet mixture until no dry streaks remain—be gentle; we want airy brownies!
Next up is our creamy layer! In another bowl, mix softened cream cheese with powdered sugar and vanilla extract until smooth. It should resemble fluffy clouds on a sunny day.
Pour half of the brownie batter into your prepared pan, spreading it evenly. Next, dollop spoonfuls of the cream cheese mixture on top before pouring the remaining brownie batter over it. Use a knife to swirl gently for that marbled effect—don’t go crazy; we still want some layers visible!
Bake in your preheated oven for about 30-35 minutes or until set but still slightly gooey in the center—this is key! Allow them to cool completely before cutting into squares.
Now grab yourself some milk or coffee (or both), because those red velvet cheesecake brownies are ready to rock your world! Enjoy every decadent bite while reminiscing about how easy it was to create such magic in your kitchen!
Content
The secret to perfect red velvet cheesecake brownies is using room temperature ingredients for a smooth batter. I learned this the hard way when my cream cheese refused to blend, creating an awkward lumpy situation.
Using high-quality cocoa powder enhances the rich chocolate flavor. Trust me, your taste buds will thank you when they experience pure chocolate bliss.
You Must Know
- Don’t overbake!
- Keep a close eye on your brownies in the oven; they should be soft and fudgy, not dry and crumbly.
- My first batch resembled a desert rather than a delightful dessert!
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by mixing the brownie batter first, then prepare the cheesecake filling while the brownies bake for optimal time management and delicious results.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to add chocolate chips or nuts to your brownie batter for extra texture and flavor. You can also swap vanilla with almond extract for a unique twist.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftover brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to five days. For reheating, pop them in the microwave for 10-15 seconds until warm.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- Using a toothpick to check brownie doneness ensures they stay perfectly fudgy without being undercooked.
- Allowing them to cool fully enhances their flavor and texture.
- When cutting brownies, use a hot knife for clean edges and neat slices.
I remember the first time I made these red velvet cheesecake brownies. Friends devoured them so quickly that I barely got a taste!
FAQ
What makes red velvet cheesecake brownies different from regular brownies?
They combine rich chocolatey brownie layers with creamy cheesecake swirls for added indulgence.
Can I make these brownies ahead of time?
Absolutely! They store well and taste even better after chilling overnight in the fridge.
How can I reduce the sweetness in this recipe?
Consider using dark chocolate cocoa powder or reducing sugar slightly in both layers of the recipe.
Red Velvet Cheesecake Brownies
Red Velvet Cheesecake Brownies are an indulgent dessert that beautifully marries rich chocolate brownie layers with a creamy cheesecake swirl. Their vibrant red color and fudgy texture make them perfect for celebrations or simply treating yourself. Easy to make and irresistible, these brownies will quickly become your go-to dessert for any occasion.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 12 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 3 large eggs
- 1 box (15.25 oz) red velvet cake mix
- 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13 inch baking pan.
- In a large bowl, combine melted butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until smooth. Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
- In another bowl, whisk together the red velvet cake mix and cocoa powder. Fold this mixture into the wet ingredients until just combined.
- In a separate bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with powdered sugar and vanilla until smooth.
- Spread half of the brownie batter in the prepared pan. Dollop the cream cheese layer on top, then pour the remaining brownie batter over it. Use a knife to gently swirl for a marbled effect.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes or until set but slightly gooey in the center. Allow cooling completely before cutting into squares.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 brownie (approx. 70g)
- Calories: 290
- Sugar: 24g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 55mg
Keywords: For added texture, consider folding in chocolate chips or nuts into the brownie batter. Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to five days.







