Introduction

Red velvet brownies combine the rich, fudgy texture of traditional brownies with the vibrant color and subtle tang of red velvet cake. Topped with a creamy, sweetened cream cheese swirl, these treats bring a delightful twist to a classic favorite.

Red Velvet Brownies with Cream Cheese Swirl Recipe - Recipe Image

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
1 tsp vanilla extract (for cream cheese mixture)
1 egg (for cream cheese mixture)

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 together the melted butter and sugar until smooth. Add the eggs, vanilla extract, cocoa powder, and red food coloring, mixing well to combine. Stir in the flour, baking powder, and salt until just incorporated.
Step 3: In a separate bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese, sugar, vanilla extract, and egg until smooth and creamy.
Step 4: Pour half of the red velvet brownie batter into the prepared baking pan. Spoon half of the cream cheese mixture over the batter, then swirl gently with a knife to create a marbled effect. Repeat with the remaining brownie batter and cream cheese mixture.
Step 5: Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with only a few moist crumbs.
Step 6: Allow the brownies to cool completely in the pan before cutting into squares. Optionally, dust with powdered sugar or drizzle with melted chocolate for extra indulgence.

Tips & Variations

For a more vibrant red color, use gel-based food coloring rather than liquid for better intensity without altering the batter consistency.
Swap half of the all-purpose flour for cake flour to create a lighter, softer texture in the brownies.
Add a handful of white chocolate chips or chopped pecans to the batter for extra flavor and crunch.
Make mini versions by baking in a muffin tin for easy party treats.

Storage

Store the brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to one week. If refrigerated, bring to room temperature before serving for the best texture. These brownies can also be frozen for up to 2 months; thaw overnight in the fridge.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use regular cocoa powder instead of Dutch-processed?

Yes, regular cocoa powder works fine. Just note that it may affect the acidity and slightly alter the flavor, but the brownies will still be delicious.

What if I don’t have red food coloring?

You can skip the food coloring if you prefer, but the brownies won’t have the classic red velvet hue. Alternatively, use natural colorings like beet juice, but they may impact flavor and moisture.

Red Velvet Brownies with Cream Cheese Swirl Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.5 from 101 reviews

These Red Velvet Brownies combine the rich, fudgy goodness of classic brownies with the tangy cream cheese swirl that adds a delightful texture and flavor contrast. Perfectly moist and vibrant red, these brownies are an irresistible treat for special occasions or anytime you crave a decadent dessert with a twist.

Author: Kai
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Yield: 16 brownies 1x
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

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 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.
Make brownie batter: In a large bowl, whisk together the melted butter and granulated sugar until the mixture is smooth and combined. Add the eggs, vanilla extract, cocoa powder, and red food coloring, mixing well after each addition to incorporate fully. Then stir in the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt until the batter is just combined; be careful not to overmix.
Prepare cream cheese layer: In a separate bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with granulated sugar, vanilla extract, and egg until the mixture is smooth and creamy. This will create the marble-like cream cheese swirl.
Assemble: Pour half of the brownie batter evenly into the prepared baking pan. Drop spoonfuls of half the cream cheese mixture over the brownie batter and gently swirl it with a knife or skewer to create a marbled effect. Repeat the layering process with the remaining brownie batter and cream cheese mixture, swirling again to achieve a beautiful pattern.
Bake: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 25–30 minutes. Check doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center; it should come out with a few moist crumbs but not wet batter.
Cool & serve: Allow the brownies to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack. Once cool, cut into squares. Optionally, dust with powdered sugar or drizzle with melted chocolate for an extra touch before serving.

Notes

Make sure the cream cheese is softened to room temperature to ensure a smooth swirl mixture.
Do not overbake to keep the brownies moist and fudgy.
You can adjust the amount of red food coloring for a more vibrant or subtle color.
For easier clean-up, lining the baking pan with parchment paper is recommended.
These brownies can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerated for up to a week.

Keywords: red velvet brownies, cream cheese brownies, dessert recipe, baked brownies, chocolate swirl brownies