Red Velvet Brownies with Cream Cheese Swirl Recipe

Introduction

These Red Velvet Brownies with Cream Cheese Swirl offer a rich, fudgy texture combined with the classic tangy cream cheese flavor. Perfectly moist and vibrant, they make a delightful twist on traditional brownies. Whether for a special occasion or a sweet treat, they’re sure to impress.

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 a saucepan over low heat until fully melted but not browned. Let it cool slightly to avoid cooking the eggs in the next step.
2. Step 2: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the melted butter and 2 cups of granulated sugar until smooth and well combined.
3. Step 3: Add the eggs one at a time, whisking well after each addition to ensure a smooth and emulsified batter.
4. Step 4: Stir in the red food coloring, white vinegar, and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract until the batter turns a vibrant red color and is evenly mixed.
5. Step 5: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, and salt to evenly distribute the dry ingredients.
6. Step 6: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet batter, stirring gently until just combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the brownies tender.
7. Step 7: Fold in the chocolate chips if using, distributing them evenly throughout the batter.
8. Step 8: Ensure the cream cheese is softened to room temperature for easy mixing. Leave it out for 30 minutes or microwave in short bursts if needed.
9. Step 9: In a medium bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with ⅓ cup granulated sugar until smooth and lump-free.
10. Step 10: Add the egg yolk and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract to the cream cheese mixture, beating until glossy and well combined.
11. Step 11: 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. Step 12: Pour the red velvet brownie batter into the prepared pan and spread evenly.
13. Step 13: Drop spoonfuls of the cream cheese mixture evenly over the brownie batter.
14. Step 14: Use a knife or skewer to gently swirl the cream cheese into the batter, creating a marbled effect without over-mixing.
15. Step 15: Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with moist crumbs attached.
16. Step 16: Allow the brownies to cool completely in the pan to firm up, making them easier to cut. You may chill them briefly in the refrigerator to speed cooling.
17. Step 17: Cut into squares and serve. Enjoy your delicious red velvet brownies with cream cheese swirl!

Tips & Variations

• For extra richness, substitute half of the butter with cream cheese in the batter.
• Use natural beet juice or powder as a food coloring alternative for a natural red tint.
• Try adding chopped nuts such as walnuts or pecans for added crunch.
• If you prefer a denser texture, reduce the flour by 2 tablespoons.

Storage

Store the brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, refrigerate for up to a week or freeze for up to 3 months. Reheat chilled brownies gently in the microwave for 10-15 seconds to restore softness.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use regular cocoa powder instead of unsweetened?

Yes, regular cocoa powder can be used, but it may alter the sweetness slightly. Since this recipe includes sugar, unsweetened cocoa is preferred for balance.

How do I know when the brownies are done?

Insert a toothpick into the center; it should come out with moist crumbs but not wet batter. Overbaking will dry out the brownies.

Red Velvet Brownies with Cream Cheese Swirl Recipe

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★★★★★

4.7 from 99 reviews

• Author: Ella
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 12 to 16 brownies 1x

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Description

These Red Velvet Brownies with a cream cheese swirl combine the rich, fudgy texture of classic brownies with the vibrant red color and subtle cocoa flavor of red velvet. The creamy, tangy cream cheese swirl adds a luscious contrast, making these brownies an irresistible treat perfect for any occasion.

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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 in a saucepan over low heat. Make sure it’s completely melted but not browned. Let it cool slightly before moving on to the next step to prevent cooking the eggs.
2. Combine Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, pour in the melted butter and add the granulated sugar. Whisk until the mixture is smooth and well combined for a fudgy texture.
3. Incorporate the Eggs: Add the eggs one at a time, whisking well after each addition to create a smooth, emulsified batter without overmixing.
4. Add Red Food Coloring, Vinegar, and Vanilla: Pour in the red food coloring, white vinegar, and vanilla extract. Whisk until the batter is vibrant red and evenly mixed. Vinegar activates the cocoa powder and enhances color.
5. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, and salt to ensure even distribution and prevent clumps.
6. Gradually Add Dry Ingredients: Slowly add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined to avoid tough brownies; no visible streaks of flour should remain.
7. Add Chocolate Chips (Optional): Gently fold in chocolate chips for extra chocolate flavor.
8. Soften the Cream Cheese: Ensure cream cheese is at room temperature or soften by microwaving in short bursts, creating a smooth swirl.
9. Combine Cream Cheese and Sugar: Beat the softened cream cheese and sugar with an electric mixer until smooth and lump-free.
10. Add Egg Yolk and Vanilla: Mix in the egg yolk and vanilla extract until the cream cheese mixture is smooth and glossy.
11. Prepare the Baking Pan: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13 inch pan or line it with parchment paper with overhang for easy removal.
12. Pour Brownie Batter: Spread the red velvet brownie batter evenly in the prepared pan.
13. Dollop Cream Cheese Mixture: Spoon cream cheese mixture evenly over the brownie batter surface.
14. Create the Swirl: Use a knife or skewer to gently swirl cream cheese into the batter to create a marbled effect without overmixing.
15. Bake the Brownies: Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with moist crumbs attached.
16. Cool Completely: Cool brownies fully in the pan before cutting, which helps prevent crumbling. Refrigerate briefly to speed cooling if desired.
17. Cut and Serve: Once cooled, cut into squares and enjoy your decadent red velvet brownies with cream cheese swirl.

Notes

• Use room temperature eggs and cream cheese for best mixing results.
• Do not overmix the batter or swirl to keep the brownies tender and maintain a distinct marbled cream cheese pattern.
• For easier removal, line the baking pan with parchment paper.
• Optional chocolate chips add extra chocolate richness but can be omitted if preferred.
• Store brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to a week.
• Allow brownies to come to room temperature before serving if refrigerated to restore fudgy texture.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Keywords: Red Velvet Brownies, Cream Cheese Swirl, Fudgy Brownies, Dessert Recipe, Chocolate Brownies