Red velvet lovers, rejoice! These Creamy Red Velvet Cheesecake Brownie Bars are the perfect marriage of rich, fudgy brownies and tangy cheesecake. With their gorgeous red hue and irresistible layers, they’re not only delicious but also stunning enough to impress at any gathering.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe?
These bars combine the best of both worlds: the chocolatey goodness of brownies and the creamy tang of cheesecake. They’re easy to make, slice beautifully, and are perfect for holidays, parties, or just indulging your sweet tooth.
Ingredients
Here’s a sneak peek at what you’ll need:
- Red velvet brownie mix (or homemade brownie batter)
- Cream cheese
- Sugar and vanilla extract
- Eggs
- Cocoa powder
Find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.
Directions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
- Prepare the red velvet brownie batter according to package instructions (or your favorite recipe). Pour ¾ of the batter into the prepared pan, reserving some for the top.
- In a bowl, beat cream cheese, sugar, vanilla extract, and one egg until smooth.
- Spread the cream cheese mixture evenly over the brownie layer in the pan.
- Dollop the reserved brownie batter on top and swirl it gently with a knife for a marbled effect.
- Bake for 35-40 minutes or until the center is set. Allow to cool completely before slicing.
Expert Tips and Tricks
- Don’t overmix the batter: Overmixing can make the brownie layer dense instead of fudgy.
- Use room-temperature ingredients: This ensures a smooth cheesecake layer.
- Chill before cutting: Refrigerating the bars makes slicing clean and easy.
Recipe Variations and Possible Substitutions
- Gluten-free version: Use a gluten-free brownie mix or make your own gluten-free brownie batter.
- Extra chocolate: Sprinkle mini chocolate chips on top before baking.
- Festive touch: Add a few drops of red food coloring to enhance the red velvet color if needed.
Serving and Pairing Suggestions
Serve these bars as they are, or top with a dollop of whipped cream and a sprinkle of crushed cookies for extra flair. Pair with a glass of cold milk, hot coffee, or even a dessert wine for a truly decadent experience.
Storage and Reheating Tips
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. These bars also freeze beautifully—wrap each slice individually in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge before serving.
FAQs
1. Can I use homemade brownie batter?
Yes! A simple red velvet brownie recipe or your favorite brownie base with added food coloring works perfectly.
2. What’s the secret to a smooth cheesecake layer?
Make sure the cream cheese is softened to room temperature before mixing to avoid lumps.
3. Can I double the recipe?
Definitely! Use a 9×13-inch pan and adjust the baking time as needed.
4. How do I get the perfect swirl on top?
Use a butter knife to gently swirl the batter without mixing too deeply. This keeps the layers intact while creating a beautiful design.
Conclusion
Creamy Red Velvet Cheesecake Brownie Bars are the ultimate dessert mashup, perfect for any occasion. They’re indulgent, eye-catching, and downright delicious. Whether you’re baking for a party or treating yourself, these bars are a sweet success every time. Grab your ingredients and start baking today!
Print
Easy Recipe for Creamy Red Velvet Cheesecake Brownie Bars
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30–35 minutes
- Total Time: 50–55 minutes
- Yield: 12–16 bars 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the ultimate dessert with these creamy red velvet cheesecake brownie bars. Rich and decadent, they feature a fudgy brownie base topped with a creamy, tangy cheesecake layer, creating the perfect combination of flavors and textures in every bite.
Ingredients
For the Brownie Layer:
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1 tbsp red food coloring
For the Cheesecake Layer:
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 large egg
- 1/4 cup sour cream
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×9-inch baking dish or line it with parchment paper.
- Make the Brownie Layer:
- In a large bowl, whisk together melted butter, granulated sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Add flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt, and stir until combined.
- Mix in red food coloring to achieve the desired color.
- Prepare the Cheesecake Layer:
- In a separate bowl, beat the cream cheese until smooth and creamy.
- Add powdered sugar, vanilla extract, egg, and sour cream, and mix until smooth.
- Assemble the Bars:
- Pour the brownie batter into the prepared baking dish and spread evenly.
- Spoon the cheesecake mixture over the brownie layer, and use a knife or spatula to swirl the cheesecake into the brownie batter to create a marbled effect.
- Bake:
- Bake for 30–35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out mostly clean (a few crumbs are okay).
- Let the bars cool completely in the baking dish, then refrigerate for at least 2 hours before cutting into squares.
- Serve:
- Once chilled, cut the bars into squares and enjoy this indulgent treat!
Notes
- Add extra red food coloring if you want a more vibrant red color.
- You can substitute the sour cream with Greek yogurt for a slightly tangier flavor.
- These bars can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 22g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 29g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 60mg