Oh my goodness, let me tell you about the magic of red velvet cheesecake brownie bars! They’re the kind of dessert that makes your heart skip a beat and your taste buds dance. Imagine a luscious layer of creamy cheesecake sitting atop rich, fudgy red velvet brownies—it’s a combination that’s just swoon-worthy! The vibrant red color is not only stunning but also adds that touch of elegance to any gathering.
Now, I have to share a little story. A few years back, I made these bars for a holiday party, and they disappeared faster than I could say “red velvet!” Everyone was raving about them, and I remember one friend coming back for seconds, eyes wide with delight. That’s the kind of joy these bars bring—just pure happiness in every bite. Trust me, whether it’s a birthday bash, a potluck, or just a cozy night in, these red velvet cheesecake brownie bars are sure to impress and satisfy! So, grab your apron, and let’s get baking!
Ingredients for Red Velvet Cheesecake Brownie Bars
Gathering the right ingredients is key to making these delicious red velvet cheesecake brownie bars. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 1 box red velvet cake mix: This is the star of the show, providing that rich flavor and beautiful color.
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil: This keeps the brownies moist and adds to that fudgy texture.
- 2 large eggs: You’ll need these to bring everything together in the brownie batter.
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened: This creamy layer is what makes these bars so irresistible!
- 1/2 cup sugar: This sweetens the cheesecake layer and balances out the flavors.
- 1 egg: Just one more egg for the cheesecake mixture to give it that smooth consistency.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: A splash of vanilla enhances the flavors beautifully.
- 1/2 cup chocolate chips: These are optional, but I personally love the melty chocolate goodness on top!
Make sure your cream cheese is softened before you start, or else you might end up with lumps in that creamy layer—yikes! It’s all about those smooth, dreamy textures, so let’s get everything ready!
How to Prepare Red Velvet Cheesecake Brownie Bars
Now that we’ve got our ingredients ready, it’s time to bring this deliciousness to life! Follow these steps, and you’ll have a batch of red velvet cheesecake brownie bars that will wow your friends and family:
- Preheat your oven: First things first, go ahead and preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures your bars bake evenly and come out perfectly fudgy.
- Mix the brownie batter: In a large bowl, combine the red velvet cake mix, vegetable oil, and 2 large eggs. Stir until everything is well blended and you have a smooth batter.
- Spread the batter: Grab a greased baking dish (about 9×13 inches works great) and spread half of the red velvet batter into the bottom. Use a spatula to make sure it’s evenly distributed. This will be your brownie base!
- Prepare the cheesecake layer: In another bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese, sugar, 1 egg, and vanilla extract until it’s silky smooth. This layer is the creamy dream that makes these bars so special!
- Layer it up: Carefully spread the cream cheese mixture over the red velvet batter. Don’t worry if it’s not perfect; it’ll all come together in the baking process.
- Dollop and swirl: Take the remaining red velvet batter and dollop it on top of the cheesecake layer. Then, with a knife, gently swirl the two layers together. This creates those beautiful marbled effects that are so pleasing to the eye!
- Add chocolate chips: If you’re feeling indulgent, sprinkle the chocolate chips on top of the batter. This step is totally optional, but trust me, it adds an extra layer of yum!
- Bake to perfection: Pop your baking dish in the preheated oven and let it bake for about 30-35 minutes. You’ll know they’re done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs. Keep an eye on them, as you don’t want to overbake!
- Cool and cut: Once they’re out of the oven, let the bars cool in the pan for a bit before transferring them to a wire rack. Once they’re completely cool, cut them into squares. And there you have it—gorgeous red velvet cheesecake brownie bars ready to be devoured!
Oh, the smell of these baking is just heavenly! You’ll want to make sure they’re cooled completely before you dig in, but I know it’ll be tough to resist that first bite. Enjoy every delicious moment!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: With just a handful of ingredients and straightforward steps, you can whip up these bars in no time. Perfect for those last-minute dessert cravings!
- Unforgettable Flavor: The combination of rich red velvet and creamy cheesecake is simply divine. It’s a flavor explosion that’s sure to impress!
- Perfect for Gatherings: These bars are a showstopper! Whether it’s a potluck, birthday party, or holiday gathering, they always steal the spotlight.
- Versatile Treat: You can customize them with nuts, different chocolates, or even a drizzle of caramel. The possibilities are endless!
- Make-ahead Delight: They store beautifully in the fridge, making them a fantastic option for prepping ahead of time. Just slice and serve when you’re ready!
- Delightfully Decadent: Each bite is a perfect balance of fudgy brownie and creamy cheesecake—what’s not to love about that?
Tips for Success
To ensure your red velvet cheesecake brownie bars turn out absolutely perfect, I’ve got some insider tips just for you! Follow these suggestions, and you’ll be the star of every dessert table:
- Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Make sure your cream cheese is at room temperature before mixing. This helps achieve that smooth and creamy texture we all love. Nobody wants lumps in their cheesecake layer!
- Don’t Overmix: When you’re combining the brownie batter and cheesecake mixture, mix just until combined. Overmixing can lead to a denser texture, and we want these bars to be light and fluffy!
- Check for Doneness: Keep an eye on your bars as they bake. The toothpick test is your friend here—insert it into the center, and if it comes out with a few moist crumbs, you’re golden! Overbaking can dry them out, which is a big no-no.
- Let Them Cool Completely: I know it’s tempting to dive right in, but let those bars cool completely in the pan before cutting. This allows them to set up nicely, making them easier to slice and serve.
- Chill for Best Flavor: For the ultimate experience, try chilling your bars in the fridge for a couple of hours before serving. This enhances the flavors and gives them a nice, refreshing bite!
- Experiment with Toppings: Have fun with toppings! Add a drizzle of white chocolate, a sprinkle of nuts, or even a dollop of whipped cream on top. It’s a great way to personalize your bars and make them even more irresistible!
With these tips in your back pocket, you’ll be ready to impress everyone with your delicious red velvet cheesecake brownie bars. Happy baking!
Variations on Red Velvet Cheesecake Brownie Bars
Now that you’ve mastered the basic red velvet cheesecake brownie bars, let’s have some fun with variations! There are so many ways to customize these bars to suit your taste or to mix things up a bit. Here are some of my favorite ideas:
- Nutty Delight: If you love a little crunch, consider adding chopped walnuts or pecans to the brownie batter. It adds a lovely texture and makes each bite even more interesting!
- Chocolate Lovers: For those who can’t get enough chocolate, swap out some of the chocolate chips for dark chocolate or white chocolate chips. You could even drizzle melted chocolate on top for an extra indulgent treat!
- Fun with Frosting: After baking, try spreading a layer of cream cheese frosting on top of the cooled bars. It’ll take your dessert to a whole new level of sweetness and make it even more decadent!
- Minty Fresh: For a refreshing twist, add a few drops of peppermint extract to the cheesecake layer. The combination of red velvet and mint is surprisingly delightful!
- Fruit Fusion: Incorporate some fresh raspberries or chopped strawberries into the cheesecake mixture. They’ll add a burst of fruity flavor and a pop of color that looks gorgeous!
- Seasonal Spice: For a festive touch, mix in some pumpkin spice or cinnamon into the brownie batter. It’s perfect for the fall season and brings a cozy warmth to the bars!
Feel free to get creative with your own combinations as well! The beauty of these red velvet cheesecake brownie bars is their versatility. Whatever you choose, I can guarantee they’ll be utterly delicious!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Now that you’ve got a delicious batch of red velvet cheesecake brownie bars, you might be wondering how to keep them fresh for later. Don’t worry, I’ve got you covered with some simple storage tips!
First off, to keep these bars at their best, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll stay fresh for about 4-5 days—if they last that long! Trust me, the flavors only get better as they sit, and the cheesecake layer becomes even creamier. Just make sure to slice them before storing, to make it easier to grab a piece when the craving hits!
If you find yourself with leftovers (which is rare, but it happens!), you can also freeze these bars. Just wrap each individual piece tightly in plastic wrap, and then place them in a freezer-safe container or bag. They’ll keep well in the freezer for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, simply thaw them in the fridge overnight. No need to reheat—these bars are delightful served chilled!
So there you have it—easy storage and reheating tips to keep your red velvet cheesecake brownie bars scrumptious and ready for whenever that sweet tooth strikes! Enjoy every delicious morsel!
Nutritional Information
Okay, let’s talk numbers! While I always say it’s best to indulge without worrying too much about the calories, it’s nice to have an idea of what you’re enjoying. So, here’s the estimated nutritional breakdown for each delightful red velvet cheesecake brownie bar:
- Calories: Approximately 250
- Fat: About 12g
- Saturated Fat: Around 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: Approximately 40mg
- Sodium: Roughly 200mg
- Carbohydrates: About 32g
- Fiber: Approximately 1g
- Sugar: Around 18g
- Protein: About 3g
Keep in mind that these values are approximate and can vary based on specific brands or ingredients you choose. But hey, a little treat every now and then is totally worth it, right? Enjoy those rich flavors and creamy textures, guilt-free!
FAQ Section
Can I use a different cake mix?
Absolutely! While red velvet is a classic choice, you can swap it out for any flavor of cake mix you love. Just remember, it’ll change the color and flavor profile, but that’s part of the fun! Chocolate, vanilla, or even lemon could make for delicious alternatives.
How do I know when the bars are done baking?
Great question! You’ll want to keep an eye on them as they bake. The toothpick test works wonders here—insert a toothpick into the center of the bars, and if it comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs, they’re ready! Overbaking can dry them out, so don’t forget to check!
Can I make these bars gluten-free?
Yes, you can! Just use a gluten-free red velvet cake mix instead of the regular one, and you’ll have a tasty gluten-free treat. Just be sure to check the other ingredients like chocolate chips for gluten-free options too!
What can I serve with these bars?
Oh, the possibilities are endless! They’re delicious on their own, but you can elevate them even more by serving with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, a dollop of whipped cream, or even a drizzle of chocolate or caramel sauce. Yum!
How should I store leftovers?
If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, store your red velvet cheesecake brownie bars in an airtight container in the fridge. They’ll stay fresh for about 4-5 days, and trust me, the flavors just keep getting better!

Red Velvet Cheesecake Brownie Bars: 7 Irresistible Layers
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 16 bars 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delicious red velvet cheesecake brownie bars with a rich cream cheese layer.
Ingredients
- 1 box red velvet cake mix
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 2 large eggs
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1 egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup chocolate chips
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a bowl, mix the red velvet cake mix, vegetable oil, and 2 eggs.
- Spread half of the batter into a greased baking dish.
- In another bowl, beat the cream cheese, sugar, 1 egg, and vanilla until smooth.
- Spread the cream cheese mixture over the red velvet batter.
- Dollop the remaining red velvet batter on top and swirl with a knife.
- Sprinkle chocolate chips on top.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Let cool before cutting into bars.
Notes
- Store in an airtight container in the fridge.
- Try adding nuts for extra texture.
- These bars are best served chilled.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
Keywords: red velvet cheesecake brownie bars