Fudgy Red Velvet Brownies with Cream Cheese Recipe

ByElla Hart
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Introduction

These fudgy red velvet brownies offer a perfect balance of rich chocolate and tangy cream cheese swirls. They’re a delightful twist on classic brownies, combining vibrant color and moist texture for an irresistible treat.

The image shows two stacked brownies with three visible layers: the bottom layer is a dark red, soft and rich cake; the middle layer is creamy white with a smooth texture; and the top layer is a thin, bright red crust with a slightly crumbly look. The brownies have sharp edges and sit on a white marbled surface with a blurred background. The lighting highlights the moist texture and colors of the brownies. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/2 cup brown sugar
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 tbsp red food coloring (gel preferred)
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 8 oz full-fat cream cheese, softened
  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar (for cream cheese mixture)
  • 1 egg yolk (for cream cheese mixture)

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line a 9×9-inch baking pan with parchment paper for easy removal.
  2. Step 2: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until well combined.
  3. Step 3: Melt the butter over low heat and let it cool slightly. Stir the melted butter into the dry ingredients thoroughly.
  4. Step 4: In a separate bowl, beat the eggs with the red food coloring and vanilla extract. Mix this wet mixture into the brownie batter until smooth.
  5. Step 5: For the cream cheese layer, beat the softened cream cheese with 1/4 cup granulated sugar and the egg yolk until creamy and smooth.
  6. Step 6: Pour half of the brownie batter evenly into the prepared pan. Spread the cream cheese mixture over the brownie layer, then top with the remaining brownie batter.
  7. Step 7: Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted near the center comes out with moist crumbs. Allow to cool completely before cutting and serving.

Tips & Variations

  • Use gel food coloring for a richer, more vibrant red without adding extra liquid to the batter.
  • For extra fudginess, slightly underbake the brownies by a minute or two, but be careful not to overdo it.
  • Swap the cream cheese mixture with mascarpone or ricotta for a different creamy texture and flavor.
  • Sprinkle chopped nuts or chocolate chips on top before baking for added crunch and flavor.

Storage

Store leftover brownies in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Bring to room temperature or warm slightly before serving for a soft, luscious texture. These brownies can also be frozen for up to 2 months; thaw overnight in the fridge before enjoying.

How to Serve

The image shows two square pieces of red velvet cheesecake brownies stacked on a white marble surface. Each piece has three layers: the bottom layer is a deep red, dense brownie with a slightly rough texture, the middle layer is a creamy white cheesecake filling with a smooth texture, and the top layer is a marbled mix of the red brownie batter and white cheesecake, creating swirls of red and white. The edges are clean but slightly crumbly, revealing the contrast between the dense brownie and creamy cheesecake. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use liquid food coloring instead of gel?

Yes, but gel food coloring is preferred because it provides a more intense color without altering the batter’s consistency. If using liquid, add it sparingly to avoid making the batter too thin.

How do I know when the brownies are done?

Insert a toothpick into the center of the brownies; it should come out with moist crumbs but not wet batter. The brownies will continue to set as they cool, ensuring a fudgy texture.

Print
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Fudgy Red Velvet Brownies with Cream Cheese Recipe

★★★★★

4.8 from 59 reviews
  • Author: Ella
  • Total Time: 45 minutes
  • Yield: 16 brownies (about 2-inch squares) 1x
  • Diet: Vegetarian
Print Recipe

Description

Indulge in rich and fudgy red velvet brownies layered with a luscious cream cheese swirl. These deliciously moist brownies combine the deep cocoa flavor with vibrant red food coloring and a creamy, tangy cream cheese topping, baked to perfection in a single pan for an easy and impressive dessert.

Ingredients

Scale

Brownie Batter

  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/2 cup brown sugar
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 tbsp red food coloring (gel preferred)
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract

Cream Cheese Swirl

  • 8 oz full-fat cream cheese, softened
  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 egg yolk

Instructions

  1. Preheat Oven and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line a 9×9-inch baking pan with parchment paper to ensure easy removal of the brownies later.
  2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, unsweetened cocoa powder, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until well combined to create the dry base of your brownie batter.
  3. Add Melted Butter: Melt the unsalted butter over low heat and allow it to cool slightly before adding it to the dry ingredients. Stir until the mixture is evenly moistened and smooth.
  4. Incorporate Eggs and Flavorings: In a separate bowl, beat the two large eggs with the red food coloring and vanilla extract until well blended. Combine this mixture with the dry ingredients and melted butter, stirring until you achieve a uniform red velvet batter.
  5. Prepare Cream Cheese Mixture: In another bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with 1/4 cup granulated sugar and one egg yolk until smooth and creamy. This mixture will add a rich, tangy layer to your brownies.
  6. Layer the Batter and Cream Cheese: Pour half of the red velvet brownie batter into the prepared pan and spread it evenly. Carefully dollop and spread the cream cheese mixture over the batter, then gently add the remaining brownie batter on top, creating a layered effect.
  7. Bake the Brownies: 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 moist crumbs but not wet batter.
  8. Cool and Serve: Remove the brownies from the oven and allow them to cool completely in the pan before cutting into squares and serving. This helps the brownies set and enhances their fudgy texture.

Notes

  • For best results, use gel red food coloring as it provides vibrant color without altering the batter’s consistency.
  • Let the melted butter cool slightly before mixing to prevent cooking the eggs prematurely.
  • Ensure the cream cheese is softened to avoid lumps in the cream cheese mixture.
  • Do not over-bake; the brownies should remain fudgy and moist in the center.
  • 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, fudgy brownies, cream cheese brownies, chocolate dessert, baked brownies, layered brownies

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