Red Velvet Brownies with Cream Cheese Swirl Recipe

Introduction

Indulge in these rich and fudgy red velvet brownies swirled with tangy cream cheese for the perfect balance of flavors. They combine the classic red velvet taste with the comforting texture of a brownie, making them an irresistible treat for any occasion.

Ingredients

• 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, melted
• 2 cups granulated sugar
• 4 large eggs
• 1 tablespoon red food coloring
• 1 teaspoon white vinegar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• ½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• ½ cup semi-sweet chocolate chips (optional)
• 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
• ⅓ cup granulated sugar
• 1 large egg yolk
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

1. Step 1: Melt the butter in a microwave-safe bowl or saucepan over low heat. Let it cool slightly to avoid cooking the eggs later.
2. Step 2: In a large bowl, whisk together the melted butter and 2 cups granulated sugar until smooth.
3. Step 3: Add the eggs one at a time, whisking well after each addition until fully incorporated but avoid overmixing.
4. Step 4: Stir in red food coloring, white vinegar, and vanilla extract until the batter turns a vibrant red color.
5. Step 5: In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, and salt to combine evenly.
6. Step 6: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing just until no flour streaks remain.
7. Step 7: Gently fold in chocolate chips if using.
8. Step 8: Soften the cream cheese to room temperature to ensure smooth mixing.
9. Step 9: Beat together cream cheese and ⅓ cup sugar until smooth with no lumps.
10. Step 10: Add the egg yolk and vanilla extract to the cream cheese mixture and beat until glossy and combined.
11. Step 11: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare a 9×13 inch pan by greasing and flouring or lining with parchment paper.
12. Step 12: Pour the red velvet batter evenly into the prepared pan.
13. Step 13: Drop spoonfuls of the cream cheese mixture over the brownie batter evenly.
14. Step 14: Swirl the cream cheese into the batter gently with a knife or skewer to create a marbled effect.
15. Step 15: Bake for 25-30 minutes until a toothpick inserted comes out with moist crumbs.
16. Step 16: Allow the brownies to cool completely in the pan before cutting to prevent crumbling.
17. Step 17: Slice into squares and enjoy your decadent red velvet cream cheese brownies!

Tips & Variations

• For extra flavor, add a teaspoon of espresso powder to the dry ingredients to enhance the chocolate taste.
• Use full-fat cream cheese for a richer and creamier swirl.
• Try swapping semi-sweet chocolate chips with white chocolate chips for a different twist.
• Line your pan with parchment paper for easy removal and cleaner edges on your brownies.

Storage

Store leftover brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the refrigerator for up to one week. Reheat briefly in the microwave if desired, but these brownies are delicious served cold as well.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make these brownies gluten-free?

Yes, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Make sure it is a 1:1 substitute for best results.

Why do I need to soften the cream cheese before mixing?

Softening cream cheese ensures it blends smoothly with the sugar and egg yolk, creating a creamy swirl without lumps. Cold cream cheese can cause clumps and uneven texture.

Red Velvet Brownies with Cream Cheese Swirl Recipe

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★★★★★

4.7 from 51 reviews

• Author: Andria
• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 12 brownies 1x

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Description

These Red Velvet Brownies with Cream Cheese Swirl combine the rich, fudgy texture of classic brownies with the vibrant color and subtle cocoa flavor of red velvet cake. The creamy, tangy cream cheese swirl adds a luscious contrast, making every bite delightful and visually stunning. Perfect for special occasions or a decadent treat, these brownies bake up moist with a beautiful marbled topping.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Brownie Batter

• 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, melted
• 2 cups granulated sugar
• 4 large eggs
• 1 tablespoon red food coloring
• 1 teaspoon white vinegar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• ½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• ½ cup semi-sweet chocolate chips (optional)

Cream Cheese Swirl

• 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
• ⅓ cup granulated sugar
• 1 large egg yolk
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

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Instructions

1. Melt the Butter: Start by melting the butter in a microwave-safe bowl or saucepan over low heat until fully melted but not browned. Allow it to cool slightly to prevent cooking the eggs in the next step.
2. Combine Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, whisk together the melted butter and granulated sugar until smooth and well combined to create the base of your brownie batter.
3. Incorporate the Eggs: Add the eggs one at a time, whisking thoroughly after each addition to make a smooth and emulsified batter. Avoid over-whisking.
4. Add Red Food Coloring, Vinegar, and Vanilla: Mix in the red food coloring, white vinegar, and vanilla extract until the batter turns a vibrant red and is evenly mixed. The vinegar enhances the red color by activating the cocoa powder.
5. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, cocoa powder, and salt to evenly distribute the dry ingredients and prevent lumps.
6. Gradually Add Dry to Wet Ingredients: Slowly add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring until just combined to maintain a tender texture. Avoid overmixing to prevent toughness.
7. Add Chocolate Chips (Optional): Gently fold in chocolate chips for extra chocolate flavor and texture if desired.
8. Soften the Cream Cheese: Prepare the cream cheese by softening it to room temperature, either by leaving it out for 30–60 minutes or microwaving in short bursts.
9. Combine Cream Cheese and Sugar: In a medium bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with granulated sugar until smooth and creamy, ensuring no lumps remain.
10. Add Egg Yolk and Vanilla: Beat in the egg yolk and vanilla extract until the mixture is glossy and well blended, adding richness to the swirl.
11. Prepare the Baking Pan: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13 inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
12. Pour Brownie Batter into Pan: Spread the red velvet brownie batter evenly in the prepared pan.
13. Dollop Cream Cheese Mixture: Spoon dollops of the cream cheese mixture evenly over the brownie batter surface.
14. Create the Swirl: Use a knife or skewer to gently swirl the cream cheese into the brownie batter to create a marbled effect without overmixing.
15. Bake the Brownies: Bake for 25–30 minutes until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with moist crumbs attached. Oven times may vary, so start checking at 25 minutes.
16. Cool Completely: Allow brownies to cool fully in the pan to set before cutting. Refrigerate briefly to speed up cooling if desired.
17. Cut and Serve: Slice into squares and enjoy these rich, fudgy red velvet brownies with a creamy cream cheese swirl.

Notes

• Do not overmix the batter once the dry ingredients are added to keep brownies tender.
• Use full-fat cream cheese for a rich, creamy swirl.
• If you don’t have red food coloring, beet juice powder can be used as a natural alternative but will alter the flavor slightly.
• Letting the brownies cool completely ensures cleaner slices and prevents crumbling.
• Optional chocolate chips add extra bursts of chocolate for enhanced texture.
• Line the pan with parchment paper with an overhang to lift the brownies out easily after baking.
• Store brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to a week.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Keywords: red velvet brownies, cream cheese swirl, fudgy brownies, red velvet dessert, homemade brownies