Red Velvet Brownies Recipe

Introduction

Red Velvet Brownies combine the rich, fudgy texture of classic brownies with the vibrant color and tangy cream cheese swirl of red velvet. This dessert is perfect for those who want a twist on traditional brownies that’s both visually stunning and deliciously satisfying.

Ingredients

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

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease or line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
2. Step 2: In a large bowl, whisk the melted butter and sugar until smooth. Add the eggs, vanilla extract, cocoa powder, and red food coloring; mix well to combine.
3. Step 3: Stir in the flour, baking powder, and salt until just combined to form the brownie batter.
4. Step 4: In a separate bowl, beat the softened cream cheese, sugar, vanilla extract, and egg until smooth and creamy.
5. Step 5: Pour half of the brownie batter into the prepared pan. Drop spoonfuls of half the cream cheese mixture on top and gently swirl together with a knife. 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 in the center comes out with a few moist crumbs.
7. Step 7: Allow the brownies to cool completely in the pan before cutting into squares. Optionally, dust with powdered sugar or drizzle with melted chocolate before serving.

Tips & Variations

• Use gel food coloring for a more vibrant red without adding extra liquid to the batter.
• For an extra fudgy texture, replace half the all-purpose flour with cake flour.
• Try adding white chocolate chips to the brownie batter for added sweetness and texture.
• Swap cream cheese for mascarpone for a slightly different creamy swirl flavor.

Storage

Store leftover brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to a week. To reheat, warm individual pieces in the microwave for 10–15 seconds to soften the cream cheese swirl.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make these brownies gluten-free?

Yes, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking flour blend in a 1:1 ratio to make these brownies gluten-free.

How do I prevent the cream cheese swirl from mixing too much?

Gently drop spoonfuls of cream cheese mixture on top of the brownie batter and swirl lightly with a knife. Avoid over-mixing to keep distinct swirls.

Red Velvet Brownies Recipe

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★★★★★

4.8 from 56 reviews

These Red Velvet Brownies combine the rich, chocolaty flavor of classic brownies with the vibrant color and creamy tang of a cream cheese swirl, resulting in a decadent dessert that’s as visually stunning as it is delicious. Moist and fudgy, with a beautiful marbled appearance, they make an impressive treat for any occasion.

• Author: zara
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
• Total Time: 40-45 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). Prepare an 8×8-inch baking pan by greasing it or lining it with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
2. Make brownie batter: In a large bowl, whisk together the melted butter and sugar until smooth and well combined. Add the eggs, vanilla extract, cocoa powder, and red food coloring, mixing thoroughly. Gradually stir in the flour, baking powder, and salt until just combined without overmixing.
3. Prepare cream cheese layer: In a separate bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with sugar, vanilla extract, and egg until the mixture is smooth and creamy, ensuring no lumps remain.
4. Assemble: Pour half of the brownie batter evenly into the prepared pan. Drop spoonfuls of half the cream cheese mixture over the batter. Use a knife or skewer to swirl the cream cheese gently into the brownie batter, creating a marbled effect. Repeat the process with the remaining brownie batter and cream cheese mixture.
5. Bake: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 25–30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with a few moist crumbs but not wet batter.
6. Cool & serve: Allow the brownies to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack before cutting into squares. Optionally, dust with powdered sugar or drizzle with melted chocolate for extra decoration.

Notes

• Use room temperature cream cheese to ensure smooth mixing without lumps.
• Adjust the amount of red food coloring to achieve your desired shade of red.
• Do not overmix the batter once the flour is added to keep brownies tender.
• For easier removal, lift brownies out using the edges of the parchment paper.
• 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 brownies, chocolate brownies, easy brownie recipe, homemade brownies, dessert, baked brownies