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Red Velvet Brownies Recipe

5 from 98 reviews

These decadent Red Velvet Cheese Brownies combine the rich, fudgy texture of classic red velvet brownies with a creamy, tangy cream cheese swirl. Perfectly moist and colorful, they offer a delightful balance of chocolate and cream cheese flavors, making them a fabulous dessert or treat for any occasion.

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: Start by melting the butter in a microwave-safe bowl or saucepan over low heat. Ensure it’s completely melted but not browned. Let it cool slightly to prevent cooking the eggs when added.
  2. Combine Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the melted butter and granulated sugar until smooth and well combined. This step helps create the fudgy texture of the brownies.
  3. Incorporate the Eggs: Add eggs one at a time, whisking well after each addition to fully incorporate and create a smooth batter without overmixing.
  4. Add Red Food Coloring, Vinegar, and Vanilla: Stir in red food coloring, white vinegar, and vanilla extract. The vinegar activates the cocoa powder and enhances the vibrant red color.
  5. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour, unsweetened cocoa powder, and salt to evenly distribute the dry ingredients.
  6. Gradually Add Dry Ingredients to Wet: Fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture gradually, mixing just until combined to avoid tough brownies.
  7. Add Chocolate Chips (Optional): Gently fold in chocolate chips if using, adding extra chocolate flavor and texture.
  8. Soften the Cream Cheese: Ensure cream cheese is at room temperature for easy mixing. Microwave in short bursts if needed.
  9. Mix Cream Cheese and Sugar: In a medium bowl, beat softened cream cheese and sugar with an electric mixer until smooth and creamy, without lumps.
  10. Add Egg Yolk and Vanilla: Beat in the egg yolk and vanilla extract until the cream cheese mixture is smooth and glossy.
  11. Prepare Baking Pan: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13 inch pan or line it with parchment paper with overhang for easy removal.
  12. Pour Brownie Batter: Pour the red velvet batter into the prepared pan and spread evenly.
  13. Dollop Cream Cheese Mixture: Drop spoonfuls of the cream cheese mixture evenly over the brownie batter surface.
  14. Create the Swirl: Gently swirl the cream cheese into the batter using a knife or skewer to create a marbled effect without overmixing.
  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 brownies to cool fully in the pan to set and prevent crumbling. Refrigerate to speed cooling if desired.
  17. Cut and Serve: Once cooled, slice into squares and enjoy your rich red velvet cream cheese swirl brownies.

Notes

  • Use room temperature cream cheese for easier mixing and smooth swirl.
  • Do not over-swirl the cream cheese mixture to maintain distinct marbling.
  • Baking time may vary slightly; check doneness starting at 25 minutes.
  • Line pan with parchment paper for easier removal and cleaner edges.
  • Optional chocolate chips add extra chocolate flavor and texture to brownies.

Keywords: Red Velvet Brownies, Cream Cheese Swirl, Fudgy Brownies, Chocolate Dessert, Sweet Treat