If you’re looking for a fun and different treat for your valentine this year, here ya go. These quick and easy Red Velvet Cheesecake Brownies start with a simple chocolate boxed cake mix and are transformed into something amazing.

Layer the brownie batter, top with the cheesecake mixture, then drop dollops of the reserved brownie batter on top and swirl together. (Stacey Little / Southern Bite)

Red Velvet Cheesecake Brownies

Prep time: 20 minutes

Cook time: 30 minutes

Servings: 16 to 20 brownies, depending on how they are cut.

Ingredients

For the brownies:

• 1 (15.25-ounce) box chocolate cake mix
• 1/2 cup butter
• 3 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 1 egg
• 2 tablespoons red food coloring

For the topping:

• 1 (8-ounce) package cream cheese, room temperature
• 1/3 cup sugar
• 1 egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Prepare a 9-inch-by-13-inch baking pan with nonstick cooking spray or by lining it with parchment paper.
2. In a medium bowl, combine the cake mix, melted butter, oil, egg and food coloring. The batter with be thick. Reserve about 1/3 cup of the brownie batter/dough and press the remaining batter into the bottom of the prepared pan. Add 3 tablespoons of water to the reserved batter to thin it; set it aside.
3. To make the cheesecake topping, combine the cream cheese, sugar, egg and vanilla using a hand mixer or in a stand mixer. Beat until well-combined. Pour on top of the brownie batter and spread evenly. Drop the reserved, thinned brownie batter over the cheesecake layer and swirl the two layers together using a butter knife.
4. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the brownies are set. Cool completely before slicing.

 This recipe originally appeared on SouthernBite.com. For more great recipes, visit the website or check out ”The Southern Bite Cookbook.”