Red Velvet Cheesecake Brownie Bars Recipe

Irresistible Red Velvet Cheesecake Brownie Bars Recipe

Biting into a decadent red velvet cheesecake brownie bar that melts effortlessly on your tongue.

Layers of rich, crimson cake swirl together with creamy cheesecake in a dessert that promises pure indulgence.

Chocolate lovers and sweet enthusiasts will absolutely adore this stunning mashup of classic treats.

Soft, fudgy textures complement the tangy cream cheese filling in unexpected ways.

Each square delivers a luxurious experience that transforms an ordinary afternoon into something extraordinary.

We guarantee these bars will become your new favorite dessert obsession.

Prepare to impress everyone with this showstopping recipe that looks as incredible as it tastes.

Why People Love Red Velvet Cheesecake Brownie Bars

  • Craft Irresistible Flavor Combinations: These red velvet cheesecake brownie bars blend rich chocolate, tangy cream cheese, and vibrant red color into a decadent dessert that dances across your taste buds with luxurious complexity.
  • Create Stunning Visual Appeal: The marbled swirl technique transforms ordinary brownies into an eye-catching treat that looks professionally crafted, making these bars perfect for impressing guests or sharing on social media.
  • Enjoy Foolproof Baking Simplicity: With straightforward mixing steps and minimal specialized techniques, home bakers of all skill levels can confidently produce these elegant bars without feeling overwhelmed by complicated instructions.
  • Maximize Make-Ahead Convenience: These bars can be prepared in advance, refrigerated, and served chilled, which makes them an ideal dessert for parties, potlucks, or weekend meal prep with minimal day-of preparation stress.

What You Need For Red Velvet Cheesecake Brownie Bars

Base Ingredients:
  • Butter: Rich base for brownies, adds moisture and depth of flavor. Unsalted butter recommended for better control of saltiness.
  • Granulated Sugar: Provides sweetness and helps create smooth texture. White, fine-grain sugar works best.
  • Eggs: Binding agent that adds structure and richness to the dessert. Fresh, room temperature eggs preferred.
Dry Ingredients:
  • Cocoa Powder: Delivers deep chocolate flavor for red velvet layer. Dutch-processed cocoa offers richer color and taste.
  • All-Purpose Flour: Provides structure to the brownie base. Sifting ensures smooth, lump-free batter.
  • Salt: Enhances overall flavor and balances sweetness. Fine table salt recommended.
Cheesecake and Flavor Ingredients:
  • Cream Cheese: Creates creamy, tangy cheesecake layer. Full-fat, room temperature cream cheese ensures smooth texture.
  • Vanilla Extract: Adds warm, sweet undertone to both layers. Pure vanilla extract provides best flavor.
  • Red Food Coloring: Gives classic red velvet color. Gel food coloring provides more vibrant result with less liquid.

How To Bake Red Velvet Cheesecake Brownie Bars

Step 1: Prepare Baking Pan

Grab an 8×8-inch baking dish and line it with parchment paper, allowing extra paper to hang over the sides. This trick makes lifting out the bars super easy later.

Step 2: Craft Red Velvet Brownie Base

Grab a large mixing bowl and blend these ingredients:
  • Melted butter
  • Granulated sugar
  • Eggs
  • Vanilla extract
  • Red food coloring
Sift in:
  • Cocoa powder
  • Flour
  • Salt

Gently fold everything together until just combined. Keep a small portion of batter aside for later magic. Spread the remaining batter evenly across the prepared pan.

Step 3: Whip Up Creamy Cheesecake Layer

In a separate bowl, create a smooth mixture by beating:
  • Cream cheese
  • Sugar
Add:
  • Egg
  • Vanilla extract

Mix until wonderfully creamy. Pour this luscious layer over the red velvet base, spreading it gently and evenly.

Step 4: Create Stunning Marbled Swirls

Take those reserved red velvet batter dollops and scatter them playfully across the cheesecake surface. Use a toothpick or knife to create gorgeous swirling patterns, blending colors without overmixing.

Step 5: Bake To Perfection

Slide the pan into a preheated 350°F oven. Bake for 30-35 minutes until the center looks set and a toothpick comes out clean. The aroma will be absolutely irresistible!

Step 6: Chill And Slice

Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours to help them set perfectly. When ready, lift out using the parchment paper edges and slice into delectable squares.

Step 7: Serve And Enjoy

Serve these stunning bars chilled or at room temperature. Watch everyone’s eyes light up with the first bite of this decadent dessert!

Top Tricks For Red Velvet Cheesecake Brownie Bars

  • Prevent Color Bleeding: Add food coloring gradually and mix thoroughly to ensure even color distribution without oversaturating the batter.
  • Achieve Smooth Cheesecake Texture: Ensure cream cheese is at room temperature and beat until completely smooth to avoid lumps in the cheesecake layer.
  • Master the Perfect Swirl: Use a toothpick or thin knife and make gentle figure-eight movements to create an elegant marbled pattern without overmixing.
  • Chill for Best Flavor: Refrigerate the bars for at least 2 hours to allow flavors to meld and achieve a firmer, cleaner cutting texture.
  • Customize Dietary Needs: Substitute gluten-free flour for a wheat-free version, or use low-fat cream cheese for a lighter alternative.

How To Store And Reheat Red Velvet Cheesecake Brownie Bars

  • Refrigerate: Store leftover bars in an airtight container inside the refrigerator for up to 5 days, ensuring they remain fresh and maintain their delightful texture.
  • Freeze: Wrap individual bars tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe container to preserve for 2-3 months, perfect for future sweet cravings.
  • Thaw Gently: Remove frozen bars from the freezer and let them defrost in the refrigerator overnight, preventing moisture loss and maintaining their creamy consistency.
  • Reheat Carefully: Warm bars briefly at room temperature for 10-15 minutes before serving to enhance their rich flavor and smooth cheesecake layer.

Pairing Ideas For Red Velvet Cheesecake Brownie Bars

  • Pair with Creamy Companions: Serve these decadent red velvet cheesecake brownie bars alongside a cold glass of whole milk or a smooth vanilla latte. The rich, velvety texture of the drink complements the dense, fudgy brownie layer perfectly.
  • Match with Fruity Contrasts: Balance the intense chocolate and cream cheese flavors with a tart raspberry sorbet or a bright passion fruit coulis. The acidic, refreshing notes will cut through the sweetness and provide a delightful palate cleanser.
  • Enhance with Textural Sidekicks: Accompany the bars with a sprinkle of toasted chopped pecans or a light dusting of powdered sugar. These additional elements add crunch and visual appeal, elevating the dessert's overall sensory experience.
  • Complement with Fortified Sips: Enjoy alongside a small glass of port wine or a creamy Irish cream liqueur. These rich, smooth beverages echo the dessert's luxurious profile and provide a sophisticated adult twist to the treat.

Red Velvet Cheesecake Brownie Bars With A Twist

  • Midnight Chocolate Swirl: Replace red food coloring with dark cocoa powder for a rich, deep chocolate version that keeps the creamy cheesecake layer intact.
  • Raspberry Cream Fusion: Fold fresh raspberry puree into the cheesecake mixture and sprinkle crushed raspberries on top for a tangy, fruity profile that complements the chocolate base.
  • Nutty Caramel Crunch: Incorporate chopped pecans or walnuts into the brownie batter and drizzle salted caramel sauce over the cooled bars for extra texture and depth of flavor.
  • Cream Cheese Marble Magic: Use white chocolate chips in the cheesecake layer and create more intricate swirl patterns for a visually stunning and decadent dessert experience.

Red Velvet Cheesecake Brownie Bars FAQ

  • What gives red velvet brownies their distinctive color?

The vibrant red color comes from red food coloring, which is carefully added to create the classic red velvet appearance. The food coloring doesn’t affect the taste but provides the signature look.

  • Can I make these brownie bars gluten-free?

Yes, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Just ensure it’s a 1:1 replacement to maintain the right texture and consistency of the brownies.

  • How do I know when the brownie bars are perfectly baked?

The bars are done when the center is set but still slightly soft, and a toothpick inserted into the middle comes out clean. This typically takes about 30-35 minutes in the oven at 350F.

  • Why do I need to swirl the red velvet batter into the cheesecake layer?

Swirling creates a beautiful marbled effect that makes the bars visually appealing. It also helps distribute the red velvet flavor throughout the cheesecake layer, adding an extra dimension of taste and texture.

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Red Velvet Cheesecake Brownie Bars Recipe

Red Velvet Cheesecake Brownie Bars Recipe


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4.5 from 12 reviews

  • Total Time: 2 hours 50 minutes
  • Yield: 12 1x

Description

Red velvet cheesecake brownie bars blend luxurious chocolate and creamy cheesecake into one irresistible dessert. Delightful layers of rich flavors promise a sensational treat that will satisfy sweet cravings and impress guests with minimal effort.


Ingredients

Scale

Dairy and Sweet Base:

  • ½ cup (115 g) unsalted butter, melted
  • 8 ounces (225 g) cream cheese, softened
  • 1 ⅓ cups (265 g) granulated sugar
  • 3 large eggs

Flour and Dry Ingredients:

  • ¾ cup (95 g) all-purpose flour
  • ¼ cup (25 g) unsweetened cocoa powder
  • ¼ teaspoon salt

Flavor and Color Enhancers:

  • 1 tablespoon red food coloring
  • 1 ½ teaspoons vanilla extract

Instructions

  1. Prepare the baking workspace by lining an 8×8-inch baking dish with parchment paper, ensuring overhanging edges for effortless removal. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C), creating an ideal environment for baking.
  2. Craft the red velvet brownie foundation by whisking melted butter and granulated sugar until silky. Incorporate eggs, vanilla extract, and vibrant red food coloring, blending until harmonious. Gently fold sifted cocoa powder, flour, and salt into the liquid mixture, maintaining a light touch to prevent overmixing.
  3. Distribute the red velvet batter across the prepared pan, smoothing the surface to create an even base. Set aside a small portion of the batter for decorative swirling later.
  4. Construct the creamy cheesecake layer by beating cream cheese and sugar until luxuriously smooth. Introduce an egg and vanilla extract, mixing until perfectly integrated. Carefully pour the cheesecake mixture over the red velvet base, ensuring complete coverage.
  5. Create an artistic marbled effect by dotting reserved red velvet batter across the cheesecake surface. Use a toothpick or thin knife to delicately weave the colored droplets, generating an elegant swirled pattern.
  6. Transfer the pan to the preheated oven, allowing the bars to bake for 30-35 minutes. Look for a set center and a clean toothpick test as indicators of perfect doneness.
  7. Remove from the oven and allow complete cooling at room temperature. Refrigerate for a minimum of 2 hours to achieve optimal texture and firmness.
  8. Once thoroughly chilled, lift the dessert from the pan using parchment paper edges. Slice into precise squares, presenting a visually stunning and decadent treat ready to be savored.

Notes

  • Customize the red food coloring amount to achieve your desired vibrant red shade without affecting the batter’s consistency.
  • Ensure cream cheese is at room temperature for smoother, lump-free mixing during cheesecake layer preparation.
  • Avoid overmixing the brownie batter to maintain a tender, fudgy texture that doesn’t become tough or dense.
  • Refrigerate the bars for at least 2 hours to help them set properly and enhance the flavor melding between layers.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 35 minutes
  • Category: Desserts, Snacks
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 12
  • Calories: 290
  • Sugar: 24 g
  • Sodium: 180 mg
  • Fat: 15 g
  • Saturated Fat: 9 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 34 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 4 g
  • Cholesterol: 70 mg
Jenna Stewart

Jenna Stewart

Head Chef & Recipe Innovator

Expertise

Farm-to-Table Cooking; Seasonal Menu Development; Visual Plating Techniques; Flavor Layering and Simple Prep Hacks.

Education

The Culinary Institute of America, Hyde Park, NY

  • Program: Associate Degree in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: Hands-on training in classic and modern techniques, global cuisines, and flavor development, combined with real-world experience in restaurant operations, business management, and industry internships.

Jenna Stewart is the inventive spirit behind many of our standout dishes at Pro of Delicious Creations. A proud graduate of The Culinary Institute of America, she built her skills mastering both classic recipes and fresh, modern twists.

Now, Jenna celebrates the beauty of seasonal, local ingredients, often sourced from her garden and nearby markets, to create recipes that are bursting with flavor yet easy to follow. When she’s not experimenting in the kitchen, Jenna loves exploring nature on hikes and discovering new treasures at local co-ops.

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