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
Scale
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
