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Red Velvet Brownies with Cream Cheese Swirl Recipe

★★★★★

4.6 from 67 reviews
  • Author: Victor
  • Total Time: 50 minutes
  • Yield: 24 brownies (9x13-inch pan, cut into 24 squares) 1x

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.

Ingredients

Scale

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

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

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Find it online: https://tastywithvictor.com/red-velvet-brownies-with-cream-cheese-swirl-recipe/