Red Velvet Brownie Swirls Recipe

Introduction

Red Velvet Brownies combine the rich, chocolatey goodness of traditional brownies with the tangy cream cheese swirl and striking red color of a classic red velvet cake. This delightful dessert is perfect for special occasions or anytime you want a treat that’s both visually stunning and delicious.

Ingredients

• Brownie Layer:
• 1 cup (225 g) unsalted butter, melted
• 1½ cups (300 g) granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 tbsp cocoa powder
• 1½ cups (190 g) all-purpose flour
• ½ tsp baking powder
• ¼ tsp salt
• 2–3 tbsp red food coloring
• Cream Cheese Swirl:
• 8 oz (225 g) cream cheese, softened
• ¼ cup (50 g) granulated sugar
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 egg

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease or line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper for easy removal.
2. Step 2: In a large bowl, whisk the melted butter and granulated sugar until smooth. Add the eggs, vanilla extract, cocoa powder, and red food coloring, mixing well to combine.
3. Step 3: Stir in the flour, baking powder, and salt just until combined, avoiding overmixing to keep the brownies tender.
4. Step 4: In a separate bowl, beat the softened cream cheese, sugar, vanilla extract, and egg until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
5. Step 5: Pour half of the brownie batter into your prepared pan. Drop spoonfuls of half the cream cheese mixture over the brownie layer, then swirl gently with a knife to create a marbled effect. Repeat with the remaining brownie batter and cream cheese mixture, swirling again.
6. Step 6: Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with a few moist crumbs but is not wet with batter.
7. Step 7: Allow the brownies to cool completely in the pan before slicing into squares. For extra flair, dust with powdered sugar or drizzle with melted chocolate if desired.

Tips & Variations

• Use gel food coloring for a more vibrant red without altering the batter’s consistency.
• Substitute half the all-purpose flour with cake flour for a softer, more tender brownie.
• For a richer cream cheese layer, add a teaspoon of lemon juice or zest to brighten the flavor.
• Try swirling in some crushed peppermint candy or chocolate chips for added texture and festive flair.

Storage

Store leftover red velvet brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the refrigerator for up to a week. To reheat, warm gently in the microwave for 10-15 seconds to soften without melting the cream cheese layer. These brownies also freeze well for up to 2 months; thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use regular cocoa powder instead of Dutch-processed?

Yes, you can use either, but Dutch-processed cocoa will provide a smoother flavor and darker color. If using natural cocoa powder, you might notice a slightly more acidic taste.

Is it necessary to swirl the cream cheese layer?

Swirling creates the classic marbled look and mixes the flavors beautifully, but if you prefer, you can spread the cream cheese layer evenly for a distinct separate layer.

Red Velvet Brownie Swirls Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.6 from 68 reviews

These Red Velvet Brownies combine the rich, fudgy texture of classic brownies with a vibrant red hue and a tangy cream cheese swirl. Perfectly balanced between chocolatey and creamy, this dessert is visually stunning and irresistibly delicious, ideal for special occasions or everyday indulgence.

• Author: zara
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 16 brownies 1x
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Brownie Layer

• 1 cup (225 g) unsalted butter, melted
• 1½ cups (300 g) granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 tbsp cocoa powder
• 1½ cups (190 g) all-purpose flour
• ½ tsp baking powder
• ¼ tsp salt
• 2–3 tbsp red food coloring

Cream Cheese Swirl

• 8 oz (225 g) cream cheese, softened
• ¼ cup (50 g) granulated sugar
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 egg

Instructions

1. Preheat oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease or line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper to ensure easy removal of the brownies later.
2. Make brownie batter: In a large bowl, whisk together the melted butter and granulated sugar until smooth and well combined. Add the eggs, vanilla extract, cocoa powder, and red food coloring, mixing thoroughly. Then, gradually stir in the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt until just combined to form the brownie batter.
3. Prepare cream cheese layer: In a separate bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with granulated sugar, vanilla extract, and egg until the mixture is smooth and creamy without lumps.
4. Assemble: Pour half of the brownie batter into the prepared baking pan, spreading it evenly. Drop spoonfuls of half the cream cheese mixture over the brownie batter and gently swirl with a knife to create a marbled effect. Repeat this layering and swirling process with the remaining brownie batter and cream cheese mixture.
5. Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 25–30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with only a few moist crumbs, indicating the brownies are perfectly cooked.
6. Cool & serve: Allow the brownies to cool completely in the pan to set properly. Once cooled, cut into squares and optionally dust with powdered sugar or drizzle with chocolate for extra indulgence.

Notes

• Ensure the cream cheese is softened to avoid lumps in the swirl mixture.
• Use gel food coloring for more vibrant red without adding extra liquid.
• You can substitute butter with margarine for a dairy-free option, but the flavor may vary.
• Store the brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for longer freshness.
• Allow brownies to cool completely before cutting to achieve clean slices.

Keywords: Red velvet brownies, cream cheese swirl, chocolate brownies, dessert recipe, easy brownies