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Firecracker Red Velvet Cheesecake Brownies

firecracker red velvet cheesecake brownies - featured image

These Firecracker Red Velvet Cheesecake Brownies combine a moist, fudgy red velvet brownie base with a tangy, creamy cheesecake swirl for a vibrant and addictive dessert perfect for any occasion.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 cup (120 grams) all-purpose flour
  • 2 tablespoons (15 grams) unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 cup (113 grams) unsalted butter, melted
  • 1 cup (200 grams) granulated sugar
  • 2 large eggs, room temperature
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 2 tablespoons red food coloring (liquid or gel)
  • 8 ounces (225 grams) cream cheese, softened
  • 1/4 cup (50 grams) granulated sugar
  • 1 large egg, room temperature
  • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8 inch (20×20 cm) baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang for easy removal.
  2. In a medium bowl, sift together flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
  3. In a large bowl, whisk melted butter with granulated sugar until combined. Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in vanilla extract and red food coloring. Gradually fold in dry ingredients until just combined; do not overmix.
  4. In a separate bowl, beat softened cream cheese with sugar until smooth. Add egg and vanilla extract, mixing until creamy and fully incorporated.
  5. Pour half of the red velvet batter into the prepared pan, spreading evenly. Dollop half of the cheesecake mixture over the brownie layer. Repeat with remaining brownie batter and cheesecake mixture. Use a butter knife or skewer to gently swirl the cheesecake through the batter, creating a marbled effect without over-swelling.
  6. Bake for 30-35 minutes. Check doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center; it should come out with a few moist crumbs but not wet batter.
  7. Cool brownies completely in the pan on a wire rack for 1-2 hours. Use parchment overhang to lift brownies out before slicing into squares.

Notes

Soften cream cheese to room temperature before mixing to avoid lumps. Do not overmix the batter to keep brownies fudgy. Use a light hand when swirling the cheesecake mixture to create defined ribbons. Start checking brownies at 30 minutes to avoid overbaking. Cool completely before slicing for neat squares. Use a serrated knife and wipe clean between cuts for best results.

Nutrition

Keywords: red velvet brownies, cheesecake brownies, dessert, easy brownies, firecracker brownies, red velvet dessert, cream cheese swirl