Red Velvet Cheesecake Brownies

Around my house red velvet is the favorite, hands down.  When I came across this recipe, I couldn't help but realize how everything perfect and sweet came together in one!  I am all about trying new recipes these days so I put on my baking shoes and had a go at it. For those of you who want to try it, here is the recipe:

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup butter
• 2-oz dark chocolate, coarsely chopped
• 1 cup sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 1/2 tsp red food coloring
• 2/3 cup all purpose flour
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 8-oz cream cheese, room temperature
• 1/3 cup sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1/2 tsp vanilla extract

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 350F. Butter the bottom and sides of a 8 inch metal baking pan. 
2. In a small, heatproof bowl, melt butter and chocolate together. Stir until combined and very smooth. Set aside to cool for a few minutes.  (This did not take as long as I thought it would, plus the chocolate still looks solid when it is ready to be stirred)
3. In a large bowl, whisk together sugar, eggs, vanilla extract and red food coloring. Add chocolate mixture and stir until smooth. Add flour and salt and stir until combined and no streaks of dry ingredients remain.
4. Pour into prepared pan and spread into an even layer.
5. To prepare cheesecake mixture, beat cream cheese, sugar, egg and vanilla extract in a medium bowl until smooth. Distribute the cheesecake mixture in 8 dollops over batter in the pan. Swirl in with a knife or spatula.
6. Bake for 35-40 minutes, until brownies and cheesecake are set. A knife inserted into the cheesecake mixture should come out clean and the edges will be lightly browned.
7. Let cool completely in pan before cutting or removing.  They can be stored at room temperature or refrigerated. 

Mine turned out wonderful.  I did notice that they tasted more like red velvet the day after they were baked.  Everyone loved them.

Happy Baking :)