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.
Ingredients
Scale
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
Instructions
- 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.
- 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.
- Incorporate the Eggs: Add the eggs one at a time, whisking well after each addition to create a smooth, emulsified batter without overmixing.
- 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.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, and salt to ensure even distribution and prevent clumps.
- 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.
- Add Chocolate Chips (Optional): Gently fold in chocolate chips for extra chocolate flavor.
- Soften the Cream Cheese: Ensure cream cheese is at room temperature or soften by microwaving in short bursts, creating a smooth swirl.
- Combine Cream Cheese and Sugar: Beat the softened cream cheese and sugar with an electric mixer until smooth and lump-free.
- Add Egg Yolk and Vanilla: Mix in the egg yolk and vanilla extract until the cream cheese mixture is smooth and glossy.
- 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.
- Pour Brownie Batter: Spread the red velvet brownie batter evenly in the prepared pan.
- Dollop Cream Cheese Mixture: Spoon cream cheese mixture evenly over the brownie batter surface.
- Create the Swirl: Use a knife or skewer to gently swirl cream cheese into the batter to create a marbled effect without overmixing.
- Bake the Brownies: Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with moist crumbs attached.
- Cool Completely: Cool brownies fully in the pan before cutting, which helps prevent crumbling. Refrigerate briefly to speed cooling if desired.
- 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
