Red Velvet Brownies with Cream Cheese Swirl Recipe
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.
- 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
