Red Velvet Brownies with Cream Cheese Swirl Recipe
Introduction
These red velvet brownies combine the rich, chocolatey flavor of classic brownies with the tangy cream cheese swirl of red velvet cake. They are moist, fudgy, and perfect for any occasion when you want a colorful twist on a beloved treat.
Ingredients
- 1 cup (225 g) unsalted butter, melted
- 1½ cups (300 g) granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tbsp cocoa powder
- 1½ cups (190 g) all-purpose flour
- ½ tsp baking powder
- ¼ tsp salt
- 2–3 tbsp red food coloring
- 8 oz (225 g) cream cheese, softened
- ¼ cup (50 g) granulated sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract (for cream cheese swirl)
- 1 egg (for cream cheese swirl)
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease or line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper for easy removal.
- Step 2: In a large bowl, whisk the melted butter and 1½ cups sugar until smooth. Add the eggs, 1 tsp vanilla extract, cocoa powder, and red food coloring; mix thoroughly.
- Step 3: Stir in the flour, baking powder, and salt until just combined to form your brownie batter.
- Step 4: In a separate bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with ¼ cup sugar, 1 tsp vanilla extract, and 1 egg until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
- Step 5: Pour half of the brownie batter into the prepared pan. Drop spoonfuls of half the cream cheese mixture on top and use a knife to gently swirl them together. Repeat with the remaining batter and cream cheese mixture.
- Step 6: Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with a few moist crumbs.
- Step 7: Allow the brownies to cool completely in the pan before slicing. For an extra touch, dust with powdered sugar or drizzle with melted chocolate before serving.
Tips & Variations
- Use gel food coloring for more vibrant red color without affecting the batter’s consistency.
- Try adding chopped nuts or white chocolate chips to the batter for added texture.
- To make it gluten-free, substitute all-purpose flour with a 1-to-1 gluten-free baking flour blend.
- For a stronger cream cheese flavor, increase the cream cheese swirl ingredients by half.
Storage
Store the brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, keep them refrigerated for up to one week or freeze for up to 3 months. Reheat refrigerated brownies gently in the microwave for 15–20 seconds before serving.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use a different pan size?
Yes, you can use a 9×9-inch pan, but the brownies will be thinner and may bake faster. Adjust the baking time accordingly and check for doneness earlier.
What if I don’t have red food coloring?
You can substitute with natural alternatives like beet juice or powder, but the color will be less vibrant and might slightly alter the flavor.
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Red Velvet Brownies with Cream Cheese Swirl Recipe
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 16 brownies (8×8 inch pan) 1x
Description
These Red Velvet Brownies combine the rich, fudgy texture of classic brownies with a vibrant red color and a creamy swirl of tangy cream cheese. Perfectly balanced with cocoa and vanilla flavors, this baked treat is an eye-catching dessert that delivers moist, tender bites with a delightful cream cheese ribbon throughout.
Ingredients
Brownie Layer
- 1 cup (225 g) unsalted butter, melted
- 1½ cups (300 g) granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tbsp cocoa powder
- 1½ cups (190 g) all-purpose flour
- ½ tsp baking powder
- ¼ tsp salt
- 2–3 tbsp red food coloring
Cream Cheese Swirl
- 8 oz (225 g) cream cheese, softened
- ¼ cup (50 g) granulated sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 egg
Instructions
- Preheat oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease or line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper to prepare for baking the brownies.
- Make brownie batter: In a large bowl, whisk together the melted butter and granulated sugar until the mixture is smooth and creamy. Add the eggs, vanilla extract, cocoa powder, and red food coloring. Mix thoroughly to combine. Then, gently stir in the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt until just combined to form the brownie batter.
- Prepare cream cheese layer: In a separate bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with the sugar, vanilla extract, and egg until the mixture is smooth and well combined, forming the cream cheese swirl batter.
- Assemble: Pour half of the red velvet brownie batter into the prepared baking pan, spreading it evenly. Drop spoonfuls of half the cream cheese mixture over the brownie layer and use a knife to swirl the mixture lightly. Repeat with the remaining brownie batter and cream cheese mixture to create a marbled effect.
- Bake: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 25–30 minutes. Check doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center; it should come out with a few moist crumbs but not wet batter.
- Cool & serve: Remove the brownies from the oven and allow them to cool completely in the pan. Once cooled, cut into squares. Optionally, dust with powdered sugar or drizzle with melted chocolate for an extra touch before serving.
Notes
- Be careful not to overmix the batter to keep brownies tender.
- Use room temperature ingredients for better mixing.
- Swirling the cream cheese mixture gently avoids blending it too much with the brownie batter.
- Adjust red food coloring to your preferred color intensity.
- Store brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for longer freshness.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: red velvet brownies, cream cheese swirl brownies, red velvet dessert, chocolate brownies, baked brownies
