❤️ Red Velvet Cream Cheese Brownies – A Decadent Dessert Delight

If you’re looking for a dessert that combines the rich, chocolatey goodness of brownies with the irresistible tang of cheesecake, Red Velvet Cream Cheese Brownies are your dream come true. With their stunning red hue, luscious cream cheese swirls, and fudgy texture, these brownies are as beautiful as they are delicious — perfect for Valentine’s Day, holidays, parties, or any time you crave something truly special.

This dessert takes the best of both worlds — red velvet cake and cheesecake — and merges them into one indulgent, chewy, creamy treat that’s impossible to resist. Let’s dive into how to make this showstopping dessert from scratch!

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🍫 What Are Red Velvet Cream Cheese Brownies?

Red Velvet Cream Cheese Brownies are a hybrid dessert — part brownie, part cheesecake. The base is a rich, red velvet brownie made with cocoa powder and vanilla, while the top features swirls of creamy, sweetened cream cheese filling.

The result? A stunning marbled dessert with layers of flavor: slightly tangy, deeply chocolatey, and perfectly balanced with smooth cream cheese.

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🧁 Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Red Velvet Brownie Batter:

• ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 tablespoon red food coloring (gel preferred for vibrant color)
• 1 teaspoon white vinegar
• ¾ cup all-purpose flour
• 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
• ¼ teaspoon salt

For the Cream Cheese Swirl:

• 8 oz cream cheese, softened
• ¼ cup granulated sugar
• 1 egg yolk
• ½ teaspoon vanilla extract

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👩‍🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare Your Pan

• Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
• Line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper or lightly grease it.

Step 2: Make the Red Velvet Batter

1. In a large bowl, whisk together melted butter and sugar until smooth.
2. Add in eggs, vanilla extract, red food coloring, and vinegar. Mix well until evenly combined.
3. In a separate bowl, sift together flour, cocoa powder, and salt.
4. Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined.
   • The batter should be thick and glossy.

Reserve about ¼ cup of the batter to use later for the swirl topping.

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Step 3: Prepare the Cream Cheese Mixture

1. In another bowl, beat together cream cheese, sugar, egg yolk, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy.

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Step 4: Assemble the Brownies

1. Spread most of the red velvet batter evenly into the prepared pan.
2. Gently spoon the cream cheese mixture on top in dollops.
3. Add the reserved red velvet batter over the cream cheese.
4. Use a knife or skewer to swirl the two mixtures together, creating a marbled effect. Don’t overmix — just a few gentle swirls are enough.

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Step 5: Bake

• Bake for 30–35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with a few moist crumbs (not wet batter).
• Let the brownies cool completely in the pan before cutting into squares.

For the best texture, chill them in the refrigerator for about 1 hour before slicing.

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🍰 Tips for Perfect Red Velvet Cream Cheese Brownies

✨ Use room temperature cream cheese – This ensures a smooth, creamy swirl without lumps.
✨ Don’t overbake – Overbaking will make them dry instead of fudgy.
✨ Use gel food coloring – It creates a more vibrant red color with less liquid.
✨ Cool completely before cutting – This helps the layers set for clean, beautiful slices.

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🍓 Serving Suggestions

These brownies are rich enough to enjoy on their own, but you can dress them up too:

🍨 Serve warm with vanilla ice cream and a drizzle of chocolate syrup.
☕ Pair with coffee or hot cocoa for a cozy dessert experience.
🍓 Top with fresh berries for a pop of color and tangy contrast.
🎁 Wrap individually for a sweet homemade gift during holidays.

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🧊 Storage & Make-Ahead Tips

• Store in the fridge: Keep brownies in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
• Freeze for later: Wrap tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before serving.
• Serve chilled or at room temperature — both are delicious!

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💡 Variations to Try

• Chocolate Chips: Add ½ cup mini chocolate chips to the red velvet batter for extra richness.
• Nutty Twist: Fold in chopped pecans or walnuts for a crunchy surprise.
• Heart-Shaped Brownies: Use a cookie cutter for Valentine’s Day or romantic treats.
• Layered Bars: Double the cream cheese mixture for a thicker cheesecake layer.

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❤️ Why You’ll Love Red Velvet Cream Cheese Brownies

✔️ Stunning presentation with red-and-white swirls
✔️ Soft, fudgy texture with creamy cheesecake flavor
✔️ Perfect for holidays, bake sales, or dessert platters
✔️ Easy to make with basic pantry ingredients

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🎉 Final Thoughts

Red Velvet Cream Cheese Brownies are more than just a dessert — they’re an experience. Every bite delivers a symphony of textures and flavors: fudgy chocolate, tangy cream cheese, and that signature red velvet sweetness.

Whether you’re baking for Valentine’s Day, Christmas, or simply indulging your sweet tooth, these brownies are guaranteed to impress and satisfy.

Serve them chilled for a firm, cheesecake-like bite or warm for a gooey, melt-in-your-mouth delight — either way, you’ll have a dessert that disappears fast!

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