Red Velvet Brownies Recipe
Introduction
Red velvet brownies combine the rich, fudgy texture of traditional brownies with the vibrant color and subtle tang of red velvet cake. Finished with a creamy, luscious cream cheese swirl, these treats are perfect for making an impression at any gathering.
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
- 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.
- Step 2: In a large bowl, whisk the melted butter and granulated sugar together until smooth. Add eggs, vanilla extract, cocoa powder, and red food coloring; mix thoroughly.
- Step 3: Stir in the flour, baking powder, and salt until the batter is just combined—avoid overmixing.
- Step 4: In a separate bowl, beat the softened cream cheese, sugar, vanilla extract, and egg together until smooth and creamy.
- Step 5: Pour half of the brownie batter into the prepared pan. Spoon half of the cream cheese mixture over the batter and gently swirl with a knife to create a marbled effect.
- Step 6: Repeat by layering the remaining brownie batter and cream cheese mixture on top, swirling again for a decorative pattern.
- Step 7: Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with a few moist crumbs attached.
- Step 8: Allow the brownies to cool completely in the pan before slicing into squares. Optionally, dust with powdered sugar or drizzle with melted chocolate before serving.
Tips & Variations
- For a deeper red color, add more red food coloring a little at a time until you reach the desired shade.
- Use full-fat cream cheese for the best texture and flavor in the swirl.
- Swirl gently to maintain distinct layers and avoid fully blending the cream cheese with the brownie batter.
- Add chocolate chips or white chocolate chunks to the brownie batter for extra richness and texture.
- If you prefer a less sweet cream cheese layer, reduce the sugar in that mixture slightly.
Storage
Store the red velvet 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 2 months. To reheat, warm them gently in the microwave for 15–20 seconds, or let thaw overnight in the fridge if frozen.
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 regular cocoa powder. It may slightly affect the color and flavor, but the brownies will still be delicious.
What can I substitute for red food coloring?
Beetroot powder or juice can be a natural alternative, though it may change the flavor slightly. Keep in mind the color might not be as vibrant as with artificial food coloring.
Print
Red Velvet Brownies Recipe
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 16 brownies (about 2x2 inch squares) 1x
Description
Deliciously rich and moist Red Velvet Brownies feature a vibrant red cocoa-infused brownie base swirled with a creamy, tangy cream cheese topping. Perfect for a dessert that combines classic red velvet flavors with a fudgy brownie texture, these treats are baked to perfection and sure to impress at any gathering.
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
- Preheat oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease or line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure easy removal of the brownies.
- Make brownie batter: In a large bowl, whisk together the melted butter and granulated sugar until smooth. Add in the eggs, vanilla extract, cocoa powder, and red food coloring; mix well until evenly combined. Gently stir in the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt until the mixture forms a smooth batter without overmixing.
- Prepare cream cheese layer: In a separate bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, and egg until the mixture is smooth and creamy, with no lumps remaining.
- Assemble: Pour half of the red velvet brownie batter into the prepared baking pan and spread it evenly. Drop spoonfuls of half the cream cheese mixture over the brownie layer. Using a knife, lightly swirl the cream cheese into the brownie batter to create a marbled effect. Repeat this process with the remaining brownie batter and cream cheese mixture on top.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 25–30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with a few moist crumbs but no wet batter. This ensures a fudgy yet fully cooked texture.
- Cool & serve: Allow the brownies to cool completely in the pan before cutting them into squares. For an optional finishing touch, dust the brownies lightly with powdered sugar or drizzle with melted chocolate for extra indulgence.
Notes
- Ensure the cream cheese is softened to room temperature for a smoother swirl mixture.
- Adjust the amount of red food coloring to reach your preferred shade of red.
- Use parchment paper with overhang for easy removal from the baking pan.
- Store brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for longer freshness.
- For a gluten-free version, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: red velvet brownies, cream cheese swirl, chocolate brownies, dessert, baked brownies, red velvet dessert
