Red Velvet Cheesecake Brownies

By Heather_D

This recipe combines the rich flavor of red velvet cake with the smooth texture of cream cheese to make a wonderful flavor combination for your palate.

Ingredients

• Brownies:
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
• 1 cup sugar
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 2 eggs
• 3/4 cup flour
• 3 Tbsp cocoa powder
• 1 tsp distilled vinegar
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 1/2 Tbsp Red Food Coloring
• Cream Cheese Filling:
• 8 oz. cream cheese, softened to room temperature
• 1 egg
• 1 1/2 tsp sugar
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

Preparation

Step 1

For the Brownies:

Grease the bottom of an 8" x 8" square glass baking pan with non-stick cooking spray. Lay parchment paper onto the bottom and sides of the pan, making sure that the parchment paper reaches the top of the pan. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. In a large bowl, cream together the butter and sugar; Add the eggs and beat well. Add the cocoa powder and mix until it is incorporated into the batter. Add the salt, followed by the red food coloring and vinegar, and vanilla, making sure to mix well before adding the next ingredient. Add the flour last and mix just long enough to incorporate it into the batter. Remove 1/4 of the batter and set aside. Pour the remainder of the batter into the prepared pan.

For the Cream Cheese Filling:

In a separate medium bowl, cream together the cream cheese, sugar, egg, and vanilla very well until there are no longer any lumps in the mixture. Spread the cream cheese mixture on top of the brownie layer.

Using two spoons, dollop the remaining 1/4 cup of batter on top of the cream cheese mixture. Using a butter knife, swirl the batter into the cream cheese mixture.

Bake the brownies for about 30 to 35 minutes or until fully cooked. Allow the brownies to cool completely before cutting and serving.

**Double this recipe to make in a 9" x 13" glass baking pan.