Red Velvet Cheesecake Brownies: 2 Unforgivable Sins

Okay, picture this: rich, fudgy red velvet swirled together with creamy, tangy cheesecake. That’s exactly what you get with these Red Velvet Cheesecake Brownies, and trust me, they’re as amazing as they sound!

My favorite part is how easy they are to whip up. Seriously, we’re talking cake mix easy! I know, I know, some folks turn their noses up at cake mix, but honestly, it’s a lifesaver when you need a quick dessert. I remember baking with my grandma – she always had a secret stash of cake mixes for “emergencies,” which basically meant any day ending in ‘y’. These brownies totally remind me of her, and they’re always a hit!

Why You’ll Love These Red Velvet Cheesecake Brownies

Seriously, what’s not to love? These Red Velvet Cheesecake Brownies are the perfect treat, and here’s why you NEED to make them.

Quick and Easy Red Velvet Cheesecake Brownies

Yep, you read that right! Thanks to the cake mix shortcut, these babies come together in a snap. I’m talking minimal effort, maximum reward!

Decadent Red Velvet Cheesecake Brownies Flavor

That rich red velvet flavor combined with the tangy cheesecake swirl? It’s a match made in dessert heaven. Your taste buds will thank you!

Perfect for Any Occasion Red Velvet Cheesecake Brownies

Party? Holiday? Just need a little something sweet? These Red Velvet Cheesecake Brownies are always the answer. They’re guaranteed to disappear fast!

Ingredients for Your Red Velvet Cheesecake Brownies

Alright, let’s gather up everything you’ll need to make these amazing Red Velvet Cheesecake Brownies. Don’t worry, the ingredient list is super simple!

Red Velvet Layer Ingredients

This is what you’ll need for that fudgy, red velvet base. Easy peasy!

1 box (15.25 ounces) red velvet cake mix

Any brand will do, but I usually grab Duncan Hines ’cause that’s what my store carries. Just the regular ol’ red velvet cake mix!

1/2 cup vegetable oil

Nothing fancy here, just plain vegetable oil. Canola oil works great too if that’s what you’ve got!

2 large eggs

Make sure they’re large! It makes a difference in the texture, trust me.

Cheesecake Layer Ingredients

Now, for the creamy, dreamy cheesecake swirl…

8 ounces cream cheese, softened

Full-fat cream cheese is the way to go for the best flavor and texture. And VERY important: make sure it’s softened! Otherwise, you’ll end up with lumpy cheesecake, and nobody wants that.

1/3 cup granulated sugar

Just your regular, plain ol’ granulated sugar. Nothing special!

1 large egg

Yep, another large egg! Just like with the brownie layer.

1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

I always use pure vanilla extract because it tastes so much better, but imitation will work in a pinch!

How to Make Red Velvet Cheesecake Brownies: Step-by-Step Instructions

Okay, here’s the fun part! Let’s get down to how to actually *make* these Red Velvet Cheesecake Brownies. Don’t worry, it’s super simple, I promise!

Preparing the Red Velvet Cheesecake Brownies Base

First, we make the red velvet layer. This is so easy it’s almost ridiculous.

Preheat and Prep

First things first: crank that oven up to 350°F (175°C). And VERY important: grease a 9×13 inch baking pan. I usually use cooking spray, but you can butter it if you’re feeling fancy. Get this done *before* you start mixing anything, okay?

Combine Ingredients

Grab a large bowl and dump in the red velvet cake mix, the vegetable oil, and those two large eggs. Now, mix it all together until it’s well combined. Don’t overmix, just until everything’s nice and smooth. It’ll be pretty thick – that’s totally normal!

Press into Pan

Now, take that red velvet mixture and press it evenly into the bottom of your greased baking pan. I find it’s easiest to use my fingers for this. Just make sure it’s nice and even so your brownies bake properly!

Making the Cheesecake Layer for Red Velvet Cheesecake Brownies

Time for the creamy cheesecake swirl! This is what takes these brownies to the next level.

Beat Cream Cheese and Sugar

In a separate bowl (we gotta keep things separate for now!), beat that softened cream cheese and granulated sugar together until it’s smooth as silk. Seriously, make sure there are no lumps! A hand mixer works great for this, but you can use a whisk if you’re feeling ambitious.

Add Egg and Vanilla

Crack in that last large egg and pour in the vanilla extract. Mix it all together until it’s just combined. Again, don’t overmix! We want a nice, smooth cheesecake layer, not a tough one.

Baking Your Red Velvet Cheesecake Brownies

Almost there! Now for the magic to happen in the oven.

Pour Cheesecake Layer

Gently pour that cheesecake mixture over the top of the red velvet layer in your baking pan. Try to spread it out evenly, but don’t worry if it’s not perfect – it’ll all even out in the oven!

Bake to Perfection

Pop that pan into your preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes. Keep an eye on it! You’ll know they’re done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with moist crumbs. Fudgy is good, gooey is not! If the top starts to brown too much, you can loosely tent it with foil.

Cooling and Cutting Red Velvet Cheesecake Brownies

Patience, young Padawan! This is the hardest part, but it’s crucial.

Cool Completely

Let those brownies cool *completely* in the pan before you even *think* about cutting them. I know, it’s torture, but trust me on this. If you cut them while they’re still warm, they’ll be a gooey mess. I usually let them cool on a wire rack.

Cut and Serve

Once they’re completely cool, cut those babies into squares and serve ’em up! And get ready for the compliments to roll in – these Red Velvet Cheesecake Brownies are seriously irresistible!

Tips for Perfect Red Velvet Cheesecake Brownies

Want to make sure your Red Velvet Cheesecake Brownies are absolutely perfect? Of course, you do! Here are a few of my top tips.

Don’t Overbake Your Red Velvet Cheesecake Brownies

This is HUGE! Overbaked brownies are dry and crumbly, and nobody wants that. Err on the side of slightly underbaking them – you want them fudgy in the middle, not cakey. A moist crumb is your friend!

Soften the Cream Cheese for Creamy Red Velvet Cheesecake Brownies

Seriously, I can’t stress this enough. If your cream cheese isn’t properly softened, you’ll end up with lumps in your cheesecake layer, and it won’t be nearly as smooth and dreamy. Plan ahead and let it sit out at room temperature for at least an hour (or even longer!).

Evenly Spread the Layers for Gorgeous Red Velvet Cheesecake Brownies

Okay, this is more for looks than taste, but hey, we eat with our eyes too, right? Try your best to spread both the red velvet layer and the cheesecake layer evenly in the pan. It doesn’t have to be perfect, but a nice, even distribution will make your brownies look extra professional!

Variations on Red Velvet Cheesecake Brownies

Okay, so you’ve mastered the basic Red Velvet Cheesecake Brownie recipe. Now what? Time to get creative! Here are a few fun variations to try.

Add Chocolate Chips to Your Red Velvet Cheesecake Brownies

Chocolate chips make everything better, right? Toss some into the red velvet batter for extra fudgy goodness. Or, for a fun twist, sprinkle them on top of the cheesecake layer before baking!

Swirl the Layers in Your Red Velvet Cheesecake Brownies

Want to get fancy? After you pour the cheesecake layer over the red velvet layer, use a knife or skewer to gently swirl them together. This creates a beautiful marbled effect that’s sure to impress!

Top with Cream Cheese Frosting for Extra Decadent Red Velvet Cheesecake Brownies

Feeling extra indulgent? Whip up a batch of cream cheese frosting and slather it on top of your cooled brownies. This takes them to a whole new level of decadence – perfect for special occasions!

Storing Your Red Velvet Cheesecake Brownies

Got leftovers? (Ha! As if!) But seriously, if you *do* manage to resist eating all these Red Velvet Cheesecake Brownies in one sitting, here’s how to keep ’em fresh.

Refrigerating Red Velvet Cheesecake Brownies

Just pop those brownies into an airtight container and stash them in the fridge. They’ll stay good for up to 5 days. I actually think they taste even better cold!

Freezing Red Velvet Cheesecake Brownies

Want to keep them longer? No problem! Wrap each brownie individually in plastic wrap, then put them all in a freezer bag. They’ll keep in the freezer for up to 2 months. Just thaw them out before you devour them!

Frequently Asked Questions About Red Velvet Cheesecake Brownies

Got questions about these Red Velvet Cheesecake Brownies? I’ve got answers! Here are a few of the most common questions I get asked.

Can I use a different size pan for these Red Velvet Cheesecake Brownies?

Yep, you totally can! Just keep in mind that the baking time will change. If you use a smaller pan, they’ll need a bit longer in the oven. A bigger pan? They’ll bake faster. Just keep an eye on them and use that toothpick test!

Can I make these Red Velvet Cheesecake Brownies ahead of time?

Absolutely! These Red Velvet Cheesecake Brownies are actually perfect for making ahead. Just bake them as directed, let them cool completely, and then store them in the fridge. They’ll be ready to go whenever you need a sweet treat!

Can I use a homemade red velvet brownie recipe instead of a cake mix for Red Velvet Cheesecake Brownies?

You betcha! If you’re feeling ambitious, go for it! Just make sure your homemade brownie recipe is for a 9×13 inch pan. The baking time should be about the same. I love using the cake mix for convenience, but homemade is always a delicious option!

Why did my cheesecake layer crack on my Red Velvet Cheesecake Brownies?

Cracked cheesecake can happen! Usually, it’s because the brownies baked too quickly or cooled too quickly. Try lowering the oven temperature by 25 degrees and letting the brownies cool gradually in the oven with the door slightly ajar. That should help prevent those pesky cracks!

Disclaimer

Okay, one quick but important thing: just a heads-up that all the nutrition info is just an estimate. It can vary a lot depending on the exact ingredients and brands you use, so it’s not an official guarantee or anything!

Enjoy Your Red Velvet Cheesecake Brownies!

Alright, go bake these Red Velvet Cheesecake Brownies and then come back and tell me what you think! Did you love them? Did you tweak the recipe? Leave a comment or rate the recipe – I wanna know!

Print