Red Velvet Cream Cheese Brownies

Red Velvet Cream Cheese Brownies are the perfect blend of rich chocolate flavor, vibrant red color, and creamy cheesecake swirls. These brownies are soft, fudgy, and eye-catching—exactly the kind of treat I love to serve when I want something that tastes as beautiful as it looks. They’re indulgent without being overly sweet and are always a crowd favorite.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love these brownies because they combine two classics—red velvet cake and cheesecake—into one delicious dessert. They’re easy to make with simple pantry staples, but the marbled effect makes them look bakery-quality. The tangy cream cheese layer perfectly balances the rich cocoa base, giving each bite a sweet and creamy contrast that melts in my mouth.

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the brownie layer:

• Unsalted butter (melted)

• Granulated sugar

• Eggs

• Vanilla extract

• Red food coloring

• Unsweetened cocoa powder

• All-purpose flour

• Salt

• White vinegar

For the cream cheese swirl:

• Cream cheese (softened)

• Granulated sugar

• Egg

• Vanilla extract

Directions

1. I preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a square baking pan with parchment paper or lightly grease it.

2. In a large bowl, I whisk together the melted butter and sugar until combined.

3. I add the eggs, vanilla, red food coloring, and vinegar, whisking until smooth.

4. I sift in the cocoa powder, flour, and salt, stirring just until combined to create a thick batter.

5. I reserve about 1/4 cup of the batter and spread the rest evenly into the prepared pan.

6. In a separate bowl, I beat the cream cheese, sugar, egg, and vanilla until smooth and creamy.

7. I spoon the cream cheese mixture over the brownie base and gently spread it to cover.

8. I drop the reserved brownie batter on top in small dollops and use a knife to swirl the two layers together for a marbled effect.

9. I bake for 28–35 minutes, or until the center is set and a toothpick comes out with a few moist crumbs.

10. I let the brownies cool completely before slicing.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes about 9 to 12 brownies, depending on how large I cut them. Prep time is around 15 minutes, baking takes 30 minutes, and I let them cool for at least 1 hour before slicing. So from start to finish, I plan for about 1 hour and 45 minutes.

Variations

Sometimes I like to add mini chocolate chips to the brownie batter for extra richness. I’ve also made them in a heart-shaped pan for Valentine’s Day or topped them with a dusting of powdered sugar before serving. If I want more tang, I add a squeeze of lemon juice to the cream cheese mixture. For a festive twist, I occasionally swirl in a bit of raspberry jam alongside the cream cheese.

Storage/reheating

I store the brownies in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. They taste great cold, but if I want them slightly gooey, I microwave them for 10–15 seconds. I also freeze them in a single layer, then transfer to a zip-top bag once frozen. To thaw, I leave them in the fridge overnight or let them sit at room temperature for an hour.

FAQs

Can I use natural cocoa powder instead of Dutch-processed?

Yes, I’ve used both. Natural cocoa gives a slightly lighter flavor, while Dutch-processed makes it richer. Either works well in this recipe.

Why do I need vinegar in red velvet brownies?

Vinegar reacts with the cocoa and enhances the red color. It also gives the brownies that slight tang typical of red velvet.

Can I double this recipe?

Absolutely. I double the ingredients and use a 9×13-inch pan. I just add a few extra minutes to the baking time and check for doneness.

How do I get perfect swirls?

I use a butter knife or skewer and gently drag it through the batter in an “S” motion. I try not to overdo it so the layers stay distinct.

Can I make these ahead of time?

Yes, I often make them a day in advance. They actually taste better the next day once the flavors have settled.

Conclusion

Red Velvet Cream Cheese Brownies are a delicious, striking dessert that’s always a hit. I love how simple they are to make, yet they deliver bakery-style results with every batch. Whether for holidays, potlucks, or just a treat for myself, these brownies always bring rich flavor and creamy texture together in the best way.