Rich, fudgy red velvet brownies meet a creamy cheesecake swirl in this indulgent dessert, perfect for Valentine's Day or any occasion that calls for a little extra sweetness. The deep chocolate flavor, smooth cheesecake layer, and vibrant red hue make these brownies as stunning as they are delicious.

There’s something special about the combination of fudgy red velvet and creamy cheesecake—it’s the perfect balance of chocolatey richness and tangy sweetness.

These red velvet cheesecake swirl brownies bring together all the best parts of a classic red velvet cake with an irresistible cheesecake layer. The deep red hue makes them extra festive, while the fudgy texture and smooth cheesecake swirl create a dessert that’s as beautiful as it is delicious.

Whether you’re making these for Valentine’s Day, a birthday, or just because, this recipe is sure to impress.

Ingredients

For the brownie batter:

½ cup unsalted butter
1 cup granulated sugar
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon red food coloring
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
½ cup milk chocolate
¼ teaspoon salt
¾ cup all-purpose flour
¼ cup cocoa powder

For the cheesecake swirl:

1 block (250g) cream cheese
1 large egg
½ cup granulated sugar

Steps

Prepare the brownie batter

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8x8-inch baking pan with parchment paper, ensuring the sides are covered. Set aside.
Melt the butter and set it aside. In a separate bowl, melt the milk chocolate using a bain-marie (a heatproof bowl set over simmering water). Stir until smooth, then remove from heat.
In a medium bowl, whisk together the melted butter and granulated sugar until the mixture looks glossy.
Add the eggs and whisk until fully incorporated, emulsified, and slightly foamy.
Stir in the vanilla extract, red food coloring, and melted chocolate, ensuring everything is well mixed.
Add the flour, cocoa powder, and salt, mixing until just combined with no streaks of flour remaining.
Pour the batter into the prepared pan, spreading it into an even layer. Reserve a small amount of batter for the swirl.

Make the cheesecake swirl

In a mixing bowl, whisk together the cream cheese, egg, and granulated sugar until smooth and creamy.
Spoon large portions of the cheesecake mixture over the brownie batter.
Add small scoops of the reserved brownie batter on top of the cheesecake layer.
Use a butter knife to swirl the layers together, creating a marbled effect.

Bake and cool

Bake for 30 minutes, or until a knife inserted into the center comes out clean.
Allow the brownies to cool completely in the pan before slicing into 16 squares.

Tips for Success

Use room temperature ingredients – Ensures a smooth cheesecake mixture and even baking.

Melt chocolate gently – Use a bain-marie (double boiler) to melt the chocolate slowly, preventing it from burning.

Swirl with care – A butter knife works best for creating beautiful marbled patterns without overmixing.

Let them cool completely – This helps the cheesecake layer set and makes slicing easier.

‍

These red velvet cheesecake brownies strike the perfect balance between rich chocolate flavor and creamy, tangy cheesecake. The vibrant red color adds a festive touch, making them an excellent choice for Valentine’s Day, birthdays, or any special occasion. The fudgy brownie base pairs beautifully with the smooth cheesecake swirl, creating a dessert that’s as visually striking as it is delicious.

Slice, serve, and enjoy—these brownies are sure to disappear fast!

Storefront

Everything used for this recipe

No items found.

Some links in the storefront are affiliate links. Commissions may be earned at no extra cost to you. Thank you for the support!

Red Velvet Cheesecake Swirl Brownies – A Valentine’s Treat