Save Experience a luscious union of flavors with rich red velvet bars intertwined with a creamy cheesecake swirl. This indulgent dessert combines a tender cocoa-infused base with smooth, tangy cream cheese, creating a marbled effect that delights both the eyes and palate. Preparation is straightforward, involving gentle folding of batter and a careful swirling technique before baking to perfection. Ideal for serving as an elegant treat for guests or family gatherings, these bars balance sweetness and texture beautifully.
The first time I made these, my kitchen looked like a crime scene with red splatter everywhere, but the swirl pattern came out so gorgeous that my roommate actually gasped when I pulled them from the oven. We ate them straight from the pan with forks while standing at the counter, and that moment became a Friday tradition that lasted through our entire lease.
I made these for my sisters birthday one year when I forgot to order a cake, and she said she actually preferred them to anything I could have bought. The marbled top makes them feel special without requiring any decorating skills.
Ingredients
- Unsalted butter: Melt it completely and let it cool slightly so it does not cook the eggs when you mix everything together
- Red food coloring: Gel coloring gives a more vibrant red without adding extra liquid to the batter
- Cream cheese: Leave it out on the counter for at least an hour so it blends into a silky smooth swirl layer
- All purpose flour: Measure by spooning it into the cup and leveling off rather than scooping directly to avoid dense brownies
Instructions
- Prepare your pan:
- Line your square baking pan with parchment paper so you can lift the whole batch out later for clean edges
- Mix the brownie batter:
- Whisk the butter and sugar until combined then add eggs vanilla and food coloring before folding in the dry ingredients
- Make the cheesecake swirl:
- Beat the cream cheese until completely smooth then mix in sugar egg yolk and vanilla until no lumps remain
- Layer and marble:
- Spread most of the red velvet batter in the pan drop cheesecake mixture on top then add small dollops of reserved batter and swirl gently with a knife
- Bake to perfection:
- Bake until the center is just set and a toothpick comes out with a few moist crumbs for the fudgiest texture
Save My friend accidentally used double the food coloring once and ended up with brownies so vibrant they glowed under the restaurant lights at our potluck. Everyone thought it was intentional and asked for the recipe.
Getting The Perfect Swirl
The trick to restaurant looking marbled tops is not overthinking it. Drop your cheesecake mixture in uneven spoonfuls across the brownie base then drag a knife through without lifting it creating just a few flowing curves.
Room Temperature Ingredients
Cold cream cheese will leave lumps in your swirl layer that break the beautiful smooth texture. Set it out on the counter when you start gathering your other ingredients and everything will come together seamlessly.
Storage and Serving
These brownies actually taste better the next day once the flavors have melded together in the refrigerator. Serve them slightly chilled for the cleanest slices or bring to room temperature for the fudgiest texture.
- Chill for at least 2 hours before slicing for picture perfect edges
- Store in the refrigerator for up to 5 days in an airtight container
- Let them come to room temperature for 20 minutes before serving
Save Every time I bring these to gatherings someone asks for the recipe and they are always shocked at how simple they are to make.
