Swirly Red Velvet Cheesecake Brownies

Everyone deserves a little decadence, and with this oh-so-easy recipe, your moment of indulgence is right around the corner. Red Tricycle’s Editorial Director recently whipped up a batch of these bites of goodness and found the recipe from Sally’s Baking Addiction super simple. Kids will love the mixing, dipping, dolloping and of course, whisk licking that this recipe requires. The not-so-easy part? Trying not to eat the whole batch in one sitting.

Ingredients:
2 large eggs
1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter
1 cup granulated sugar
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1/8 teaspoon salt
1 Tablespoon red food coloring
3/4 teaspoon white vinegar
3/4 cup all-purpose flour
8 ounces cream cheese, softened
1/4 cup sugar
1 egg yolk
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

Method:
1. Preheat the oven to 350F degrees. Spray 8×8 baking pan with nonstick spray. Set aside.

2. Make the brownie layer first. In a small bowl, beat the 2 eggs together. Set aside.

3. Melt the butter in a large microwave safe bowl in 30 second increments until melted. Stir in 1 cup sugar, 2 teaspoons vanilla extract, cocoa powder, salt, food coloring, and vinegar. Mix each of those ingredients into the batter in that order.

4. Whisk in the eggs, then fold in the flour until completely incorporated. Do not overmix. Pour the brownie batter into prepared baking pan, leaving about 3-4 Tablespoons for the top.

5. Make the cheesecake swirl. With a hand-held mixer on medium speed, beat the softened cream cheese, 1/4 cup sugar, egg yolk, and 1/2 teaspoon vanilla in a medium bowl until completely smooth – about 1 minute.

6. Dollop spoonfuls of the cream cheese mixture on top of the prepared brownie batter. Cover with the last few Tablespoons of brownie batter. Glide a knife through the layers, creating a swirl pattern.

7. Bake the brownies for 28-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the middle comes out clean. Allow the brownies to cool completely before cutting into squares. Store brownies at room temperature or in the refrigerator. Be sure to clean anything the food coloring touches immediately to avoid staining your kitchenware.

To read more great recipes to satisfy the inner baker in you, head over to Sally’s Baking Addiction. You will be addicted.