Red Velvet Cheesecake Brownies

Welcome to the most delicious dessert you will eat this holiday season. When I say this recipe is a winner, I mean it is seriously winning! It is so tasty and ever so decadent. Do you love cheesecake? Do you love brownies? Do you love Red Velvet? If you answered yes to any of the above questions you will be totally hooked on this creation. I originally made this for my coworkers birthday in September and it was a hit. Literally, my coworkers have been asking me to make this for them again every time I mention baking. So with the approach of another coworkers birthday I decided to pull out the recipe and have at it again. And I just couldn't do so without sharing with you all. The recipe comes together pretty easily and there are no crazy ingredients. Just be sure to use really good quality dark chocolate it really does make a difference and is worth the few extra bucks. I found the original recipe on this blog, SweetPeasKitchen. My brownies didn't come out quite as pretty but seriously it didn't even matter they tasted oh so good! I am doubling the recipe for you and you will thank me.

All packed up ready for the office! 

Red Velvet Cheesecake Brownies
Brownie Batter:
1 cup unsalted butter
4 oz. good quality dark chocolate chopped
2 cups sugar
4 large eggs
2 tsp. vanilla extract
3 tsp. red food coloring
1 1/3 cup all purpose flour
1/2 tsp. salt
Cheesecake topping:
2 -- 8 oz. packages block style cream cheese
2/3 cup sugar
2 eggs
1 tsp. vanilla extract

Prepare a 9x13 pan with butter and parchment paper. Leave the parchment paper long on two sides for easy removal. For the brownie batter which will be your first layer begin with a microwave safe bowl, melt butter and chocolate together until smooth. Set aside and allow to cool slightly. In a large bowl, combine sugar, eggs, vanilla extract and food coloring.  Using an electric mixer, mix until combined. Slowly add the butter/chocolate mixture, stir together. Pour the brownie batter in the prepared pan. For the cheesecake mix together all ingredients until smooth. Pour cheesecake batter over top of the brownie batter. To swirl use the end of a knife (my swirling skills are lacking). Bake at 350 35-40 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.

Oh, and did I mention I am trying to get to 50 followers by the New Year? So if you have friends who like to cook and are looking for new recipes feel free to forward on One Recipe at a Time! You can follow the blog by "Joining this Site" in the right hand column and entering your email address. Thanks guys, I have one more recipe before the holidays so be on the look out!