Red Velvet Brownies

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Red Velvet Brownies are rich and decadent with the flavors of vanilla, cocoa and a luscious cheesecake swirl and chocolate chips! This brownie recipe is festive enough for Christmas and Valentine's Day and is easy enough for any occasion!

Prep Time15

Cook Time30

Additional Time0

Total Time45

Course: Sweets

Cuisine: American

Servings: brownies

Calories: 288kcal

Author: Marcie

Equipment

Ingredients

Brownies

1 stick unsalted butter
1 cup granulated sugar
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 tablespoon liquid food coloring use half a tablespoon if using gel food coloring
1 teaspoon white vinegar white balsamic works as well
2 large eggs
3/4 cup all purpose flour

Cheesecake layer

8 ounces cream cheese softened
1/3 cup granulated sugar
1 large egg
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/4 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips

Instructions

For the brownies:

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Grease an 8x8" square baking pan with cooking spray or line with foil.
Melt the butter in the microwave in a large heatproof bowl.
1 stick unsalted butter
Add the sugar, vanilla, cocoa powder, salt, red food coloring and vinegar to the melted butter and whisk well to combine.
1 cup granulated sugar, 2 teaspoons vanilla extract, 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder, 1/4 teaspoon salt, 1 tablespoon liquid food coloring, 1 teaspoon white vinegar
Whisk in the 2 eggs until incorporated, then fold in the flour just until combined.
2 large eggs, 3/4 cup all purpose flour
Reserve 4 tablespoons of the brownie batter and set aside. Pour the remaining batter into the prepared pan and spread evenly.

For the cheesecake layer:

Beat the cream cheese, 1/3 cup sugar, 1 egg and vanilla in a medium bowl until smooth.
8 ounces cream cheese, 1/3 cup granulated sugar, 1 large egg, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Spoon the filling over the brownie batter in large dollops. Spoon the reserved brownie batter over the top of the cream cheese filling, and sprinkle the chocolate chips over that.
1/4 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
Using a knife, swirl the cream cheese and brownie batter together in a circular motion to combine the layers.
Bake on the center rack of your oven for 20-25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean and the center is slightly puffed. Cool completely on a wire rack before cutting into squares. Enjoy!

Notes

Pro tip: Place the cream cheese at room temperature 30-60 minutes prior to baking. It's impossible to make cold cream cheese smooth.
If using gel food coloring, decrease the amount to 1.5 teaspoons and add more as needed to achieve the desired hue.
Red velvet cheesecake brownies may be stored at room temperature in an air tight container for up to 3 days, or stored in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.

Nutrition