Description
Rich and fudgy red velvet brownie bars topped with a creamy cheesecake swirl, creating a beautifully marbled dessert that perfectly balances chocolate flavor and tangy sweetness.
Ingredients
1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
1 cup granulated sugar
2 large eggs
1 tablespoon red food coloring
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 tablespoon cocoa powder
1 cup all-purpose flour
1/4 teaspoon salt
8 oz cream cheese, softened
1/3 cup granulated sugar (for cheesecake layer)
1 large egg (for cheesecake layer)
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract (for cheesecake layer)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8x8-inch baking pan with parchment paper and lightly grease it.
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together melted butter and sugar until smooth. Add eggs, red food coloring, and vanilla extract, mixing until fully combined.
- Sift in cocoa powder, flour, and salt. Stir gently until just combined without overmixing.
- In a separate bowl, beat softened cream cheese and sugar until smooth. Add egg and vanilla extract, beating until creamy and fully incorporated.
- Pour about three-quarters of the red velvet batter into the prepared pan and spread evenly.
- Spread the cheesecake mixture evenly over the brownie layer.
- Drop spoonfuls of the remaining red velvet batter on top and use a knife to swirl for a marbled effect.
- Bake for 30–35 minutes, or until the center is set and a toothpick inserted comes out with a few moist crumbs.
- Allow the bars to cool completely before slicing into squares.
Notes
Do not overmix the brownie or cheesecake batter to prevent dense texture or cracks.
A 9x9-inch pan can be used, but baking time may be slightly shorter.
Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Freeze for up to 2 months and thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
Optional additions include white chocolate chips, dark chocolate chunks, lemon juice for tang, or a chocolate ganache topping.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Sugar: 28 g
- Sodium: 180 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 36 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 5 g
- Cholesterol: 85 mg