1. Prepare the Oven and Baking Pan: Setting the Stage for Baking

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C).
   • Tip: A slightly lower oven temperature helps to prevent the cheesecake layer from cracking.
2. Line Baking Pan: Line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on two sides. This will make it easy to lift the brownies out of the pan after they’ve cooled.
   • Tip: Lightly grease the bottom and sides of the pan before lining it with parchment paper to help the paper adhere.

2. Prepare the Red Velvet Brownie Batter: A Rich and Colorful Base

1. Combine Wet Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the melted butter and granulated sugar until well combined and smooth.
2. Add Eggs and Vanilla: Add the eggs one at a time, whisking well after each addition until fully incorporated. Stir in the vanilla extract.
3. Add Food Coloring: Add the red food coloring gel and whisk until the batter is evenly colored a vibrant red.
   • Tip: Start with 1 tablespoon of food coloring and add more if needed to achieve your desired shade of red.
4. Sift Dry Ingredients: In a separate medium bowl, sift together the cocoa powder, all-purpose flour, and salt. Sifting helps to remove any lumps and ensures even distribution of the ingredients.
5. Gradually Add Dry to Wet: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed or with a rubber spatula until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
   • Tip: Overmixing can develop the gluten in the flour, resulting in a tough brownie.

3. Make the Cheesecake Layer: A Creamy and Tangy Swirl

1. Beat Cream Cheese and Sugar: In a separate medium bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with an electric mixer on medium speed until smooth and creamy, about 1-2 minutes.
2. Add Sugar: Gradually add the granulated sugar to the cream cheese, beating until well combined.
3. Incorporate Egg and Vanilla: Add the egg and vanilla extract to the cream cheese mixture. Beat on low speed until just combined.

4. Assemble the Brownies: Creating the Marbled Effect

1. Spread Brownie Batter: Pour about ¾ of the red velvet brownie batter into the prepared baking pan. Use a rubber spatula or an offset spatula to spread it evenly across the bottom of the pan.
2. Pour Cheesecake Layer: Carefully pour the cheesecake mixture over the brownie batter, spreading it gently to the edges of the pan. Try to keep the layers as distinct as possible.
3. Add Remaining Brownie Batter: Drop spoonfuls of the remaining red velvet brownie batter over the cheesecake layer.
4. Swirl the Layers: Using a knife or a toothpick, gently swirl the two batters together to create a marbled effect.
   • Tip: Don’t over-swirl, or the colors will become muddy. Aim for distinct swirls of red and white.

5. Bake to Perfection: Achieving a Fudgy Brownie and Creamy Cheesecake

1. Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes.
2. Check for Doneness: The brownies are done when the edges are set and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with moist crumbs attached (not wet batter). The cheesecake layer should be set around the edges but may still have a slight jiggle in the center.

6. Cool and Chill: Allowing the Flavors to Meld

1. Cool in Pan: Let the brownies cool completely in the baking pan on a wire rack. This allows them to set properly and prevents them from falling apart when you lift them out.
2. Chill in Refrigerator: Once cooled to room temperature, cover the pan with plastic wrap and chill the brownies in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes, or up to several hours. Chilling helps the brownies firm up, making them easier to cut and serve.
   • Tip: For the cleanest cuts, chill the brownies for a longer period, or even overnight.

7. Serve and Enjoy: Indulging in Red Velvet Cheesecake Bliss

1. Lift Out of Pan: Using the overhanging parchment paper, carefully lift the entire block of brownies out of the pan and onto a cutting board.
2. Cut into Squares: Using a sharp knife, cut the brownies into squares of your desired size.
   • Tip: For clean cuts, wipe the knife with a damp cloth between each cut.
3. Serve: Serve the Red Velvet Cheesecake Brownies as is, or add your favorite toppings, such as a dollop of whipped cream, a drizzle of chocolate sauce, or fresh berries.