Red Velvet Brownies with Cream Cheese Swirl Recipe

Introduction

These Red Velvet Brownies with Cream Cheese swirl combine the rich, fudgy texture of classic brownies with the tangy sweetness of cream cheese. Perfect for special occasions or anytime you crave a decadent treat, these brownies offer a beautiful marbled look and irresistible flavor.

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 so it doesn’t cook the eggs in the next step.
2. Step 2: In a large bowl, whisk together the melted butter and granulated sugar until smooth.
3. Step 3: Add the eggs one at a time, whisking well after each addition to create a smooth batter.
4. Step 4: Stir in the red food coloring, white vinegar, and vanilla extract until evenly combined and vibrant in color.
5. Step 5: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, and salt to distribute the dry ingredients evenly.
6. Step 6: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring just until no flour streaks remain. Avoid overmixing.
7. Step 7: Fold in chocolate chips if using, for extra chocolatey bites.
8. Step 8: Ensure cream cheese is softened to room temperature for easier mixing and a smooth swirl.
9. Step 9: In a medium bowl, beat the cream cheese and ⅓ cup sugar until creamy 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 with an overhang.
12. Step 12: Pour the red velvet batter evenly into the prepared pan.
13. Step 13: Drop spoonfuls of the cream cheese mixture evenly over the brownie batter.
14. Step 14: Gently swirl the cream cheese into the brownie batter using a knife or skewer, creating 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: Cool completely in the pan before slicing to prevent crumbling; you may refrigerate to speed cooling.
17. Step 17: Cut into squares and serve your delicious red velvet cream cheese brownies.

Tips & Variations

• For a richer flavor, use high-quality cocoa powder and real cream cheese, not the whipped kind.
• Try adding chopped nuts or white chocolate chips instead of or in addition to semi-sweet chocolate chips.
• If you prefer less sweetness, reduce sugar slightly in the cream cheese mixture.
• Swirl gently to avoid blending the layers too much; the marbled look is part of the appeal.

Storage

Store brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, refrigerate for up to one week or freeze for up to 3 months. 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 use natural cocoa powder instead of Dutch-processed?

Yes, but natural cocoa powder is more acidic and may affect the red velvet’s color and texture slightly. The vinegar in the recipe helps balance acidity either way.

Do I have to use food coloring?

Food coloring is traditional for red velvet’s signature look, but you can reduce the amount or omit it for a milder color. Beet juice or powder can be a natural alternative.

Red Velvet Brownies with Cream Cheese Swirl Recipe

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★★★★★

4.6 from 67 reviews

• Author: Victor
• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 24 brownies (9×13-inch pan, cut into 24 squares) 1x

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Description

These Red Velvet Brownies with Cream Cheese Swirl combine the rich, fudgy texture of classic brownies with a vibrant red velvet flavor and a creamy, tangy cream cheese swirl. Perfectly balanced between chocolatey and tangy, these decadent treats are great for any occasion and provide a beautiful marbled effect that is as pleasing to the eye as it is to the taste buds.

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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

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Instructions

1. Melt the Butter: Melt the butter in a microwave-safe bowl or over low heat on the stove. Ensure it is fully melted but not browned, then allow it to cool slightly to prevent cooking the eggs in the next steps.
2. Combine Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the melted butter and granulated sugar until smooth and well combined, forming the base for a fudgy brownie texture.
3. Incorporate the Eggs: Add the eggs one at a time, whisking after each addition to fully incorporate them into the batter, resulting in a smooth, emulsified mixture. Avoid overmixing here.
4. Add Red Food Coloring, Vinegar, and Vanilla: Stir in the red food coloring, white vinegar, and vanilla extract until the batter is vibrantly red and evenly mixed. The vinegar enhances the cocoa’s activation and color intensity.
5. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, and salt to distribute them evenly and prevent clumps.
6. Gradually Add Dry Ingredients to Wet Ingredients: Slowly add the dry mixture into the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined to maintain a tender brownie texture. Avoid overmixing to keep brownies soft.
7. Add Chocolate Chips (Optional): Gently fold in semi-sweet chocolate chips for extra chocolate richness, if using.
8. Soften the Cream Cheese: Ensure the cream cheese is at room temperature for smooth mixing. Soften by leaving it out or microwaving in short bursts.
9. Combine Cream Cheese and Sugar: Beat the softened cream cheese with granulated sugar until creamy and lump-free using an electric mixer.
10. Add Egg Yolk and Vanilla: Mix in the egg yolk and vanilla extract until the cream cheese mixture is smooth and glossy, adding richness and aiding in binding.
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 an overhang for easy removal.
12. Pour Brownie Batter into Pan: Spread the red velvet brownie batter evenly into the prepared pan.
13. Dollop Cream Cheese Mixture: Spoon dollops of the cream cheese mixture evenly over the brownie batter surface.
14. Create the Swirl: Use a knife or skewer to gently swirl the cream cheese mixture through the brownie batter, creating a marbled pattern without over-mixing.
15. Bake the Brownies: Bake for 25-30 minutes until a toothpick inserted near the center comes out with moist crumbs. Baking time may vary by oven.
16. Cool Completely: Allow the brownies to cool fully in the pan before cutting, which helps them set and prevents crumbling. Refrigerate to speed cooling if desired.
17. Cut and Serve: Cut into squares and serve your beautifully swirled, fudgy red velvet brownies with cream cheese.

Notes

• Ensure the butter is melted but not browned to avoid altering the flavors.
• Do not overmix the batter after adding the dry ingredients to keep brownies tender.
• Softening the cream cheese properly is key to achieving a smooth swirl.
• The vinegar in the recipe enhances the red velvet color through activation of the cocoa powder.
• Use parchment paper in the pan for easy removal of brownies after baking.
• Baking times may differ slightly with different ovens, so check doneness early to avoid overbaking.
• For a deeper red color, you may increase red food coloring slightly but do so cautiously.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Keywords: Red velvet brownies, cream cheese swirl brownies, fudgy brownies, chocolate swirl brownies, red velvet dessert