If you love the flavors of cocoa and cream cheese, this is the recipe for you! In this post I’m going to show you how to make delicious Red Velvet Cheesecake Bars. Best of all, they start with a box of cake mix!
Is it a Bar, a Square, or a Brownie?
I baked my Red Velvet Cheesecake Bars in a slightly smaller pan because my 9×13-inch dishes were in use making Caramel Apple Bars, Cappuccino Cheesecake Bars, and Strawberry Lemonade Bars.
I know, I know. . .it’s been a busy day on this end!
So, I used an 8×10-inch pan, which gave me a slightly taller outcome.
They look like brownies, don’t they? I’ll share some changes to the recipe near the end if you want to actually turn these bars into bonafide brownies.
For now, let’s take a quick look at what goes into these bars.
Red Velvet Cheesecake Bar Ingredients
You will find a full printable recipe card at the bottom of this post but here’s a quick glance at what you’ll need. These are simple ingredients you might already have on hand. If not, they’re all readily available at your local grocery store.
- Red Velvet cake
- room temperature butter
- large egg
- sweetened condensed milk
- softened cream cheese
- Water to thin batter
How to Make Red Velvet Cheesecake Bars
To make this delicious dessert: Start by preheating your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
Prepare a 9×13-inch baking dish by spraying with nonstick cooking spray and then placing a piece of parchment paper (or aluminum foil) inside as shown in the photo. Spray the paper lightly with more nonstick spray.
Place dry cake mix, egg, and melted butter into mixing bowl or bowl of a stand mixer with paddle attachment.
Mix until it comes together and looks the consistency of cookie dough.
Place 2/3 of the dough into the prepared pan in an even layer.
Place in preheated oven and bake for 10 minutes.
Thin out the remaining 1/3 of the dough by adding a few tablespoons of water. You’re looking for the consistency of thick cake batter here. Set aside.
Place cream cheese into clean mixing bowl and whip at medium speed until light and fluffy. Add the can of sweetened condensed milk and mix it in.
Pour cheesecake batter over the partially baked dough.
Add remaining cake batter directly on top of the cheesecake layer.
Use a knife to gently swirl the two colors together. (Check out that cheesecake swirl!)
Place in preheated oven and bake for 30 minutes.
Remove and place on wire rack to cool.
Allow to sit for an hour to cool.
Place in refrigerator for another hour or two to chill.
Cut into squares and serve.
Store leftovers in an airtight container (or covered in plastic wrap) in the refrigerator. They will stay good 3 – 4 days.
You can freeze these bars in a ziplock bag up to two months.
What to Expect from these Red Velvet Cheesecake Bars
If you love red velvet with cream cheese, you’re going to adore these delicious bars. And talk about an easy recipe!
These bars have the luscious cocoa flavor you’ve come to expect from Red Velvet but the creamy cheesecake filling.
The swirls of flavor? Perfection!
These will be great for Valentine’s Day, a loved one’s birthday, or any day in between! This is one of those amazing red velvet desserts you’ll return to, again and again!
Variations on this Recipe
Chocolate Chips: Add half a cup of white or semi-sweet chocolate chips.
Brownies: You can make these in a smaller pan as brownies by adding a second egg to thin the batter out to brownie consistency.
Chocolate Chips: Swirl melted chocolate chips (1/2 cup, melted) into the batter before baking.
Questions People are Asking about these Bars
Are these the same thing as red velvet cheesecake brownies?
Not exactly, though they are similar in consistency. A red velvet brownie batter would have a thicker consistency. To turn the bottom layer into brownies, add two eggs and half a stick of butter. Then you’ll end up with fudgy red velvet brownies!
Can I add to the cheesecake mixture?
You can use two blocks of cream cheese to make the cheesecake layer thicker. (I love the idea of making the cream cheese layer thicker!)
Does Red Velvet have vinegar in it?
Most mixes (or homemade) red velvet cakes have buttermilk and/or vinegar. You can add a teaspoon of white vinegar to the cake batter if you like.
Can I use a chocolate cake mix if I don’t have red velvet?
Absolutely! Add a teaspoon of vinegar to the mix, along with red food coloring.
Can I add vanilla extract?
Absolutely. Add a teaspoon to the cake batter and to the cream cheese mixture.
Can I add sour cream in place of cream cheese?
I don’t recommend it in this recipe. You need the cream cheese for flavor and as a binder.
Can I add an egg to the cheesecake mixture?
Absolutely! I will definitely help make the texture even better.
Other Red Velvet Favorites from Out of the Box Baking
Red Velvet Cookies from Scratch: If you love a rich red velvet cake but you’re in the mood for something quick, have I got a treat for you! These homemade red velvet cookies give you the full-on red velvet experience, but in a fraction of the time!
Easy Red Velvet Truffles: If you’re looking for the perfect sweet treat to share with loved ones this Valentine’s Day, have I’ve got a recipe for you! These delicious Red Velvet Truffles are easy to make and oh, so tasty!
Classic Red Velvet Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting: Mention the words “red velvet cake” and southerners begin to swoon. We’re so addicted to this cake we can’t imagine life without it. If you’re a fan of this rich cocoa-infused delicacy, you’re going to love this post. I’m about to offer you a “from scratch” version that’s simply irresistible.
Red Velvet Sandwich Cookies: If you enjoy red velvet cake with luscious cream cheese frosting you’re going to flip over these yummy Red Velvet Sandwich Cookies. They’re simple to make and loaded with rich cocoa flavor. Best of all, the recipe starts with a boxed cake mix!
That’s it for this post, friends! I hope you enjoyed this delicious recipe.
See this recipe at
About the Author
Janice Thompson is an author, baker, and all-around mischief maker! She has overcome a host of baking catastrophes, including a toppled wedding cake, to learn more about the baking process. Janice has published over 150 books for the Christian market but particularly enjoys writing recipes and baking devotions. To learn more about Janice or to drop her a note, visit her About the Author page.
Red Velvet Cheesecake Bars
If you love the flavors of cocoa and cream cheese, this is the recipe for you! In this post I’m going to show you how to make delicious Red Velvet Cheesecake Bars. Best of all, they start with a box of cake mix!
Ingredients
- 1 box Red Velvet cake
- 1 stick (1/2 cup) butter
- 1 egg
- 1 can sweetened condensed milk
- 1 block cream cheese
- Water to thin dough
Instructions
How to Make Red Velvet Cheesecake Bars
Start by preheating your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
Prepare a 9x13-inch baking dish by spraying with nonstick spray and then placing a piece of parchment paper inside as shown in the photo. Spray the paper lightly with more nonstick spray.
Place dry cake mix, egg, and melted butter into mixing bowl or bowl of a stand mixer with paddle attachment.
Mix until it comes together and looks the consistency of cookie dough.
Place 2/3 of the dough into the prepared dish.
Place pan in preheated oven and bake for 10 minutes.
Thin out the remaining 1/3 of the dough by adding a few tablespoons of water. You’re looking for the consistency of thick cake batter here. Set aside.
Place cream cheese into clean mixing bowl and whip until light and fluffy. Add the can of sweetened condensed milk and mix it in.
Pour cream cheese mixture over the partially baked dough.
Add remaining cake batter directly onto the cream cheese mixture in blobs.
Use a knife to gently swirl the two colors together.
Place in preheated oven and bake for 30 minutes.
Remove and place on wire rack to cool.
Allow to sit for an hour to cool.
Place in refrigerator for another hour or two to chill.
Cut into squares and serve.
Store leftovers in an airtight container (or covered in plastic wrap) in the refrigerator. They will stay good 3 - 4 days.
You can freeze these bars in a ziplock bag up to two months.
Easy Strawberry Dump Cake Recipe - Southern Home Express
Wednesday 9th of August 2023
[…] Red Velvet Cheesecake Bars – These delicious cookie bars from Out of the Box Baking will have you and your guests lingering at the dessert table. […]
Helen at the Lazy Gastronome
Tuesday 8th of August 2023
I love how simple your decadent recipes are!! This looks like a real treat!! Thanks for sharing at the What's for Dinner party. Have a fantastic week!
booksbyjanice
Wednesday 9th of August 2023
Thank you so much!