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Cake Mix Red Velvet Brownies

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These irresistible and decadent red velvet brownies have a luscious cheesecake filling and are made with a cake mix. Sink your teeth into the rich and moist red velvet brownie base, complemented by the creamy and tangy cheesecake layer. With just the right amount of sweetness, these mouthwatering brownies are sure to satisfy your dessert cravings. Whether it’s for a special occasion or a sweet indulgence anytime, these red velvet brownies will be a hit with everyone.

A red velvet brownie swirled with cheesecake with a bite taken out.

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Below you will find tips, tricks and helpful hints for making this recipe including step by step instructions with pictures. If you would like to go directly to the recipe, scroll down to the recipe card or tap “Jump to Recipe” at the top of the page.

Why You’ll Love This Red Velvet Brownie Recipe 

  • Simplicity: These brownies are incredibly easy to make with just a box of cake mix and a few simple ingredients.
  • Festive and Eye-Catching: The bright red color makes these red brownies perfect for any special occasion, especially during the holiday season and Valentine’s Day.
  • Perfect Balance of Flavors: The combination of rich chocolatey brownie base and tangy cream cheese filling is a match made in heaven.
  • Customizable: You can easily add your own twists to these brownies by adding toppings such as white chocolate chips, nuts, or sprinkles.
  • Great for Sharing: These brownies are perfect for gatherings and potlucks, as they can be cut into individual servings and easily transported.
  • If you love Red Velvet, try these other red velvet desserts: Cheesecake Red Velvet Cupcakes, Red Velvet Ooey Gooey Bars, Red Velvet Waffles, Red Velvet Cake Mix Cookies, Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls.
Ingredients to make easy red velvet brownies.
Red Velvet Brownie Ingredients

Brownie Ingredients

*Ingredient amounts are located in the recipe card at the end of this post.

Red Velvet cake mixThe base of these brownies is a red velvet cake mix, which adds a beautiful color and flavor.

Vegetable Oil: The oil helps give the brownie base its moist and fudgy texture. Any neutral tasting oil, like corn or canola, may be substituted.

Eggs: Two eggs will be used for the brownie batter and one for the cream cheese filling. These act as binding agents and help give the brownies structure.

Cream Cheese: Softened cream cheese is used to make the decadent and creamy cheesecake filling, which perfectly complements the rich brownie base.

Sugar: A small amount of granulated sugar is added to the cream cheese filling to add just enough sweetness to the tangy cream cheese without being overpowering.

Vanilla Extract: A small amount of vanilla extract is added to the cream cheese filling for a subtle flavor enhancement.

How to Make This Red Velvet Brownies Recipe

[Step 1] Brownies: In a large mixing bowl, combine two eggs, oil, and dry cake mix, being careful to not over mix. Set aside.

Red velvet brownie batter in a mixing bowl.
Step One

[Step 2] Cheesecake: Beat the softened cream cheese, sugar, one egg, sugar, and vanilla with an electric hand mixer at medium speed until the batter is smooth. Set aside.

Cheesecake batter in a mixing bowl.
Step Two

[Step 3] Spray an 8×8 square baking pan with nonstick cooking spray and press 2/3 of the red velvet brownie batter onto the bottom, spreading in an even layer. (Tip: Spray your pan then add a sheet of parchment paper with the sides overhanging for easy removal of the brownies.)

Red velvet brownie batter in a baking dish lined with parchment paper.
Step Three

[Step 4] Pour the cheesecake batter over the brownie layer, then sprinkle the remaining brownie batter over the top.

Red velvet brownie batter and cheesecake batter in a baking dish.
Step Four

[Step 5] Bake at 350 degrees for 40-45 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center of the brownies comes out clean. Allow the brownies to cool completely before cutting into squares.

Red velvet cheesecake brownies cut into 9 bars.
Step Five

Helpful Kitchen Tools

How to Store Easy Red Velvet Brownies

Once the brownies have completely cooled, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. If you want to freeze them for later, wrap individual brownie squares in plastic wrap and then place them in a sealable freezer bag. They will keep well in the freezer for up to 3 months.

Red velvet cheesecake brownies on parchment paper.

Recipe Tips and Variations

  • For an extra decadent twist, add a layer of melted chocolate over the cheesecake filling before adding the remaining brownie batter on top.
  • Instead of using a box mix, you can make your own red velvet cake batter from scratch using cocoa powder, flour, sugar, butter, and food coloring. 
  • To make these brownies even more festive for special occasions, add red and green sprinkles on top before baking during the holiday season. 
  • For a gluten-free option, use a gluten-free cake mix and make sure to check that all other ingredients are also gluten-free.
  • If you prefer a more traditional brownie texture, try using half of the cream cheese called for in this recipe. This will result in a thinner layer of cheesecake filling and a slightly firmer brownie base. 
  • For an added crunch, sprinkle chopped pecans or walnuts on top before baking. The nuts will toast in the oven and add a delicious texture to the finished brownies. 
Cake mix red velvet brownies on parchment paper.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use other flavors of cake mix for this recipe?

Yes, you can definitely experiment with different flavors of cake mix. Some popular options include chocolate, white, and strawberry.

Can I substitute the vegetable oil with another type of oil?

Yes, you can use any neutral-flavored oil such as canola or grapeseed oil in place of vegetable oil.

Can I use low-fat cream cheese for the cheesecake filling?

Yes, you can use low-fat or even fat-free cream cheese in this recipe. However, keep in mind that the flavor and texture of the brownies may be slightly different. 

Why use a cake mix?

Using a cake mix in this recipe not only makes the preparation process quicker and easier, but it also ensures consistent results every time. Plus, the added ingredients and flavorings in the cake mix contribute to the overall taste and texture and eliminates the need for red food coloring in these delicious brownies. 

Red velvet brownies on parchment paper.

Final Thoughts on Red Velvet Cheesecake Brownies

These fudgy red velvet brownies are a decadent treat that is perfect for any occasion. Their vibrant color, rich flavor, and creamy texture make them a crowd-pleaser that everyone will love. With just a few simple ingredients and some helpful kitchen tools, you can easily whip up a batch of these delicious red velvet brownies to enjoy with friends and family. 

More Brownie Recipes:

Did you try this recipe? Make sure to give it a five star ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ rating below!

A red velvet brownie swirled with cheesecake with a bite taken out.

Cake Mix Red Velvet Brownies

Yield: 9 Brownies
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 45 minutes
Additional Time: 1 hour
Total Time: 2 hours

Get the best of both worlds with these red velvet brownies. Made with a cake mix and topped with a creamy cheesecake layer, they're the ultimate indulgence!

Ingredients

  • 15 Ounce Box Red Velvet Cake Mix
  • 2/3 Cup Vegetable Oil
  • 3 Eggs, divided
  • 8 Ounces Cream Cheese, softened
  • 1/4 Cup Sugar
  • 1 Teaspoon Vanilla Extract

Instructions

  1. Brownies: In a large mixing bowl, combine two eggs, oil, and dry cake mix, being careful to not over mix. Set aside.
  2. Cheesecake: Beat the softened cream cheese, sugar, one egg, sugar, and vanilla with an electric hand mixer at medium speed until the batter is smooth. Set aside.
  3. Spray an 8x8 square baking pan with nonstick cooking spray and press 2/3 of the red velvet brownie batter onto the bottom, spreading in an even layer. (Tip: Spray your pan then add a sheet of parchment paper with the sides overhanging for easy removal of the brownies.)
  4. Pour the cheesecake batter over the brownie layer, then sprinkle the remaining brownie batter over the top.
  5. Bake at 350 degrees for 40-45 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center of the brownies comes out clean. Allow the brownies to cool completely before cutting into squares.
Nutrition Information:
Yield: 9 Serving Size: 1 Brownie
Amount Per Serving: Calories: 438Total Fat: 37gSaturated Fat: 13gTrans Fat: 1gUnsaturated Fat: 21gCholesterol: 128mgSodium: 241mgCarbohydrates: 23gFiber: 0gSugar: 17gProtein: 5g

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