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Decadent Red Velvet Cheesecake Brownie Bars Recipe with Easy Berry Topping

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These decadent red velvet cheesecake brownie bars feature a rich, fudgy brownie base layered with tangy cheesecake and topped with a fresh, lightly sweetened berry topping. Perfect for any occasion, they are creamy, dense, and bursting with flavor.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1/2 cup (115g) unsalted butter, melted
  • 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
  • 1 large egg, room temperature
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/3 cup (35g) unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 3/4 cup (95g) all-purpose flour
  • 1 tablespoon red food coloring (gel or liquid)
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 8 ounces (225g) cream cheese, softened
  • 1/3 cup (65g) granulated sugar
  • 1 large egg, room temperature
  • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour (optional)
  • 1 cup (150g) mixed fresh berries (strawberries, blueberries, raspberries)
  • 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup (adjust to taste)
  • 1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease an 8×8-inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper, leaving an overhang for easy removal.
  2. Make the brownie batter: In a medium bowl, whisk together the melted butter and sugar until smooth and glossy, about 1-2 minutes. Add the egg and vanilla extract, mixing until well combined.
  3. Sift the cocoa powder, flour, and salt into the wet mixture. Gently fold with a spatula until just combined. Stir in the red food coloring until the batter is a vibrant red hue.
  4. Spread half of the brownie batter evenly into the prepared pan, smoothing the surface gently.
  5. Prepare the cheesecake layer: In a separate bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with sugar until creamy and no lumps remain, about 2-3 minutes using a hand mixer.
  6. Add the egg, vanilla extract, and flour (if using) to the cream cheese mixture. Mix until smooth and silky.
  7. Pour and spread the cheesecake mixture evenly over the brownie base. Dollop the remaining brownie batter on top in spoonfuls and swirl gently with a knife or skewer to create a marbled effect.
  8. Bake for 35-40 minutes until edges are set and slightly pulling away from the pan, and the center is slightly wobbly but not liquid.
  9. While baking, prepare the berry topping: In a small bowl, gently toss the mixed berries with honey and lemon juice. Set aside to macerate.
  10. Cool the bars completely in the pan on a wire rack. Chill in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours to set fully.
  11. Before serving, spoon the berry topping evenly over the bars. Cut into squares using a sharp knife, wiping the blade between cuts for neat edges.

Notes

Use softened cream cheese to avoid lumps. Do not overmix the brownie batter to keep it dense and fudgy. Swirl the layers gently for a marbled effect. Pull bars out of the oven when the center still jiggles slightly to avoid cracking. Chill bars for at least 2 hours for clean slicing. Fresh berries are preferred for the topping to avoid watery texture.

Nutrition

Keywords: red velvet, cheesecake, brownie bars, berry topping, dessert bars, easy dessert, crowd-pleaser, layered dessert

Find it online: https://sweetstirring.com/decadent-red-velvet-cheesecake-brownie-bars-recipe-with-easy-berry-topping/