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
Scale
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
