Red Velvet Cheesecake Brownies

I’ve been a big fan of brownies since getting into making them in my early 20’s but even more when I married my husband Jose. He’s always been a big fan of brownies and they’re in his top favorite desserts. maybe right next to key lime pies and canollis. These red velvet cheesecake brownies have come to be after some inspo off of Instagram from iramsfoodstory. After some tweaking, this recipe is now perfect and is sure to make someone, even yourself, very happy on Valentine’s Day or any day for that matter. They’re perfectly fudgy and gooey and the cheesecake flavor takes it to a whole other level!

Red Velvet Cheesecake Brownies

Ingredients

For the Red Velvet Brownie Layer:

• 1 cup unsalted butter
• 3 tbsp natural cocoa powder
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup light brown sugar
• 1 3/4 cups powdered sugar
• 3/4 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
• 1/3 cup semi-sweet chocolate, chopped
• 3 large eggs, room temperature
• 3/4 cup all-purpose flour
• Pinch of salt
• 3 tbsp olive oil
• 1 1/2 tsp gel red food coloring
• 1 teaspoon white vinegar

For the Cheesecake Layer:

• 8 oz cream cheese, room temperature
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1 tsp cornstarch
• 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
• 2 tbsp sour cream, room temperature
• 1 large egg, room temperature

Prepare

1. Preheat oven to 175°C / 350°F. Grease and line an 8×8 inch pan with parchment paper.
2. Prepare Cream Cheese Layer: Whisk cream cheese, egg, cornstarch, sour cream, vanilla, and sugar until smooth. Set aside.

Brownie Layer

1. Brown butter in a saucepan over medium-low heat, stirring every 10 seconds. Once milk solids from butter sink and turn golden brown, transfer to heatproof bowl.
2. Add cocoa powder, oil, vanilla, and chopped chocolate; mix until dissolved.
3. Add vinegar and food color. Mix and let the mixture cool at room temperature for 15-20 minutes.
4. Whisk eggs and light brown sugar (for 4-6 minutes) until dissolved and mixture turns into a light pale color. Add powdered sugar; mix until combined (1-2 minutes).
5. Combine egg mixture with browned butter mixture; mix until combined.
6. Add flour and chocolate chips. Mix until just combined; avoid overmixing.
7. Transfer half of the brownie mixture to the prepared pan. Reserve 30g / 2-3 tbsp of the cream cheese mixture; add the remaining mixture on top of the brownie layer.
8. Top with the remaining brownie batter; add the reserved cream cheese mixture. Make swirls.
9. Bake for 35-40 minutes or until the edges are golden and the center is slightly fudgy.
10. Let cool completely before cutting.