Red Velvet Brownies with Cream Cheese Swirl Recipe

Introduction

Red Velvet Brownies with Cream Cheese swirl combine the rich, fudgy texture of classic brownies with the vibrant color and tart flavor of red velvet. Topped with a luscious cream cheese swirl, these treats are perfect for impressing friends and family at 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 prevent cooking the eggs later.
2. Step 2: In a large mixing bowl, whisk the melted butter and granulated sugar together until smooth.
3. Step 3: Add eggs one at a time, whisking well after each to create a smooth, emulsified mixture.
4. Step 4: Stir in red food coloring, white vinegar, and vanilla extract until the batter is evenly colored bright red.
5. Step 5: In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, and salt to combine evenly.
6. Step 6: Gradually add dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing just until no flour streaks remain; avoid overmixing.
7. Step 7: If using, gently fold in the chocolate chips for extra chocolate flavor.
8. Step 8: Soften cream cheese to room temperature for easier mixing.
9. Step 9: Beat softened cream cheese with granulated sugar until smooth and lump-free.
10. Step 10: Add the egg yolk and vanilla extract to the cream cheese mixture and beat until smooth and glossy.
11. Step 11: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13 inch pan or line it with parchment paper.
12. Step 12: Pour the red velvet batter evenly into the prepared pan.
13. Step 13: Spoon dollops of the cream cheese mixture over the brownie batter, distributing evenly.
14. Step 14: Use a knife or skewer to gently swirl the cream cheese into the brownie batter to create a marbled effect.
15. Step 15: Bake for 25-30 minutes, until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with moist crumbs.
16. Step 16: Let brownies cool completely in the pan to firm up before cutting.
17. Step 17: Cut into squares and serve. Enjoy your delicious red velvet brownies with cream cheese swirl!

Tips & Variations

• For a more intense red color, add an extra teaspoon of food coloring.
• Swap semi-sweet chocolate chips with white chocolate chips for a sweet contrast.
• Make sure the cream cheese is properly softened to avoid lumps in the swirl.
• Use parchment paper with overhang to easily lift brownies from the pan after baking.

Storage

Store brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to a week. If refrigerated, let them come to room temperature before serving or warm gently in the microwave for a few seconds.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use regular cocoa powder instead of unsweetened cocoa powder?

Yes, but make sure it is unsweetened for the best flavor balance. Sweetened or flavored cocoa powder may alter the taste and texture of the brownies.

How can I tell when the brownies are done baking?

Insert a toothpick into the center; it should come out with moist crumbs attached but not wet batter. Avoid overbaking to keep the brownies fudgy and tender.

Red Velvet Brownies with Cream Cheese Swirl Recipe

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★★★★★

4.9 from 109 reviews

These Red Velvet Brownies with Cream Cheese Swirl combine the rich, fudgy texture of classic brownies with the vibrant color and slight tang of red velvet cake, topped with a smooth, creamy cream cheese swirl. Perfectly moist and indulgent, these brownies offer a unique twist that’s sure to impress at any gathering or dessert craving.

• Author: Bella
• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 12–16 brownies 1x
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

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

Instructions

1. Melt the Butter: Melt the butter completely without browning it, then allow it to cool slightly to prevent cooking the eggs when added.
2. Combine Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, whisk the melted butter and granulated sugar together until the mixture is smooth for a fudgy brownie base.
3. Incorporate the Eggs: Add eggs one by one, whisking after each to create a smooth and emulsified batter without overmixing.
4. Add Red Food Coloring, Vinegar, and Vanilla: Mix in the red food coloring, white vinegar, and vanilla extract thoroughly to develop the signature red velvet flavor and vibrant color.
5. Combine Dry Ingredients: Whisk flour, cocoa powder, and salt in a separate bowl to evenly distribute dry ingredients and prevent clumps.
6. Gradually Add Dry Ingredients to Wet Ingredients: Add dry ingredients gradually to the wet mixture, mixing just until no flour streaks remain to avoid tough brownies.
7. Add Chocolate Chips (Optional): Fold in chocolate chips gently if using for added texture and chocolate bursts.
8. Soften the Cream Cheese: Ensure cream cheese is at room temperature for easy mixing; soften as needed in short microwave bursts.
9. Combine Cream Cheese and Sugar: Beat softened cream cheese and sugar with an electric mixer until smooth and creamy.
10. Add Egg Yolk and Vanilla: Mix in egg yolk and vanilla until the cream cheese swirl is smooth and glossy.
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 with overhang 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 cream cheese mixture in small dollops evenly over the brownie batter.
14. Create the Swirl: Use a knife or skewer to gently swirl the cream cheese into the brownie batter to form a marbled effect without overmixing.
15. Bake the Brownies: Bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out with moist crumbs attached, adjusting time as needed for your oven.
16. Cool Completely: Allow brownies to cool fully in the pan, optionally chilling to speed this process and to prevent crumbling.
17. Cut and Serve: Once cooled, cut into squares and serve your luscious red velvet cream cheese swirl brownies.

Notes

• Use good quality red food coloring for the best vibrant color.
• Do not overmix the batter to keep brownies tender and fudgy.
• Softening cream cheese properly is key for a smooth swirl without lumps.
• Line your baking pan with parchment paper for easy removal and cleaner edges.
• Check brownies early to avoid overbaking; they should remain moist inside.
• Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for up to a week.

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