Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat the oven to 350°F and line an 8x8-inch pan with parchment paper. This ensures you can lift the entire brownie block out for clean slicing later.
- Whisk melted butter and 1 cup sugar in a medium bowl until glossy, then add 2 eggs and whisk vigorously for 2 minutes. This aeration creates the desirable crackly surface on the brownie portion.
- Stir in vanilla and red food coloring, then fold in flour, cocoa powder, and salt until just combined. The batter should look smooth with no visible streaks of white flour remaining.
- Spread the red batter into the pan, then whisk cream cheese, 1 egg, and ⅓ cup sugar in a separate bowl until smooth. The cheesecake mixture must be lump-free to swirl correctly.
- Drop dollops of cream cheese mixture over the red batter and use a butter knife to create large swirls. Do not over-mix, or the distinct colors will become muddy.
- Bake for 30–35 minutes until a knife inserted in the center comes out clean. Let the brownies cool completely in the pan to set the cheesecake layer before slicing.
Nutrition
Notes
Ensure the cream cheese is completely at room temperature before mixing to prevent lumps in the swirl. For clean slices, chill the brownies thoroughly and wipe the knife between cuts.
