Indulge in the rich and creamy goodness of Red Velvet Cheesecake Swirl Bars—a dessert that masterfully combines the best of both worlds. With marbled layers of red velvet cake and smooth cheesecake, these bars are visually stunning and incredibly delicious. They’re perfect for any special occasion or just a delightful treat.
Ingredients You’ll Need
To create these mouthwatering bars, gather the following ingredients:
- 1 box of red velvet cake mix
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Optional: 1 teaspoon red food coloring
Step-by-Step Instructions
First 1: Preheat the Oven
First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×9 inch baking pan with parchment paper, ensuring the paper extends over the sides for easy removal later.
Step 2: Prepare the Red Velvet Layer
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt until well combined.
- Cream the Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, combine the melted butter and granulated sugar. Whisk until smooth and creamy.
- Add Eggs and Vanilla: Incorporate the eggs, one at a time, into the butter and sugar mixture, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
- Incorporate Food Coloring: If desired, add red food coloring to achieve a vibrant color, mixing until the batter is evenly tinted.
- Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, alternating with the buttermilk. Start and end with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined, taking care not to overmix.
- Spread in Pan: Pour the red velvet batter into the prepared baking pan, spreading it evenly with a spatula.
Next 3: Prepare the Cheesecake Layer
- Beat Cream Cheese: In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth and creamy, about 2-3 minutes.
- Add Sugar and Vanilla: Mix in the granulated sugar and vanilla extract until well combined.
- Incorporate Eggs: Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
- Add Sour Cream and Flour: Stir in the sour cream and flour until smooth and lump-free.
- Layer on Red Velvet: Pour the cheesecake mixture over the red velvet layer in the pan, smoothing it out with a spatula.
Then 4: Create the Marble Effect
To achieve a marbled effect, drop spoonfuls of the remaining red velvet batter over the cheesecake layer. Use a toothpick or knife to gently swirl the two layers together, creating a beautiful pattern.
Next 5: Bake the Bars
Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the cheesecake layer is set and the edges are slightly golden brown. The cheesecake should be firm to the touch but slightly jiggly in the center. If it starts to brown too quickly, cover it loosely with aluminum foil.
Next Step 6: Cool and Set
Allow the pan to cool completely at room temperature. Once cooled, refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or until fully set. This chilling time will help the bars firm up and make slicing easier.
Step 7: Slice and Serve
Lift the bars out of the pan using the parchment paper overhang. Slice into squares or rectangles with a sharp knife. For a decorative touch, dust with cocoa powder and garnish with fresh berries or mint leaves.
Tips for Success
- Avoid Overmixing: When combining the red velvet batter, mix only until just combined to prevent the cake from becoming dense.
- Even Swirls: To create a pronounced marble effect, swirl gently and avoid overmixing the layers.
- Cream Cheese Texture: Ensure the cream cheese is fully softened to prevent lumps in the cheesecake layer.
- Chilling Time: Do not skip the chilling step; it helps the bars set and makes slicing easier.
- Enhancing Flavor: For an extra boost, add a teaspoon of espresso powder to the red velvet batter. This will deepen the chocolate flavor without imparting a coffee taste.
Serving Suggestions
Pairings:
- Sides: Serve these bars with fresh berries, a dollop of whipped cream, or a scoop of vanilla ice cream to complement the rich flavors.
- Drinks: Enjoy with a cup of coffee, a glass of cold milk, or a dessert wine like port or Moscato.
Portioning:
- Standard Serving Size: Each bar is approximately 2 inches by 2 inches. This recipe yields about 12 bars.
- Adjusting for Groups: Double the recipe and use a larger baking pan (e.g., 9×13 inch) to serve a larger group.
Variations and Customizations
Alternative Versions:
- Chocolate Lovers: Add chocolate chips to the red velvet batter for an extra chocolatey twist.
- Nutty Variation: Incorporate chopped pecans or walnuts into the cheesecake layer for added texture and flavor.
Dietary Adjustments:
- Gluten-Free: Substitute gluten-free all-purpose flour for a gluten-free version.
- Vegan: Use vegan cream cheese, flax eggs (1 tablespoon flaxseed meal + 3 tablespoons water per egg), and coconut oil for a vegan adaptation.
Storage and Reheating
Shelf Life:
- Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Reheating Tips:
- For the best texture, serve chilled. If desired, reheat in the microwave for 10-15 seconds. Avoid overheating to maintain texture.
Nutritional Information
Each bar (based on a 12-serving recipe) contains approximately:
- Calories: 300
- Protein: 5g
- Fat: 20g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Sugar: 20g
- Fiber: 1g
- Calcium: 50mg
- Iron: 1.5mg
Health Benefits:
- Cocoa Powder: Rich in antioxidants, cocoa powder may improve heart health and reduce inflammation.
- Cream Cheese: Provides calcium and protein, supporting bone health.
Internal Linking Opportunities
- How to Make Homemade Cream Cheese: Guide to Making Cream Cheese
- Tips for Baking Perfect Cheesecake: Cheesecake Baking Tips
- Other Red Velvet Recipes: Red Velvet Cake Recipe
FAQs
Is red velvet cheesecake strain indica or sativa?
Red velvet cheesecake is a dessert, not a cannabis strain. It combines red velvet cake with cheesecake. For more treats, try our Creamy Taco Soup Recipe.
Does Costco sell red velvet cheesecake?
Costco often carries red velvet cheesecake, particularly around the holidays. Check with your local store for availability. For homemade options, see our Rich and Creamy Cheesecake Recipe.
Does Sam’s Club have red velvet cheesecake?
Yes, Sam’s Club also sells red velvet cheesecake, especially during festive seasons. For more dessert ideas, explore our Holiday Baking Collection.
What is red velvet cheesecake made of?
Red velvet cheesecake typically features a red velvet cake base combined with a creamy cheesecake layer. Common ingredients include flour, cocoa powder, cream cheese, and red food coloring. Check out our Best Cocoa Powder for Baking guide.
Does Costco have cheesecake year-round?
Costco generally offers various cheesecakes year-round, though flavors may vary. For a classic option, try our Classic New York Cheesecake Recipe.
Does Costco make good cheesecake?
Many find Costco’s cheesecakes delicious and of high quality. They’re known for their rich, creamy texture. For a homemade version, try our Rich and Creamy CheesEasy Orzo Soup Recipes Full of Flavor | Quick & Deliciousecake Recipe.
Try It Yourself
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Conclusion
This Red Velvet Cheesecake Bar is a showstopper that merges the rich flavors of red velvet cake with the creamy decadence of cheesecake. It’s a dessert that will
impress whether for a special occasion or a treat for yourself. Enjoy baking and savoring this delightful dessert!