Red Velvet Brownies Recipe
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.
- Author: Elena
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 16 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
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
- 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.
- 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.
- Incorporate the Eggs: Add eggs one at a time, whisking well after each addition to fully incorporate and create a smooth batter without overmixing.
- 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.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour, unsweetened cocoa powder, and salt to evenly distribute the dry ingredients.
- Gradually Add Dry Ingredients to Wet: Fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture gradually, mixing just until combined to avoid tough brownies.
- Add Chocolate Chips (Optional): Gently fold in chocolate chips if using, adding extra chocolate flavor and texture.
- Soften the Cream Cheese: Ensure cream cheese is at room temperature for easy mixing. Microwave in short bursts if needed.
- 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.
- Add Egg Yolk and Vanilla: Beat in the egg yolk and vanilla extract until the cream cheese mixture is smooth and glossy.
- 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.
- Pour Brownie Batter: Pour the red velvet batter into the prepared pan and spread evenly.
- Dollop Cream Cheese Mixture: Drop spoonfuls of the cream cheese mixture evenly over the brownie batter surface.
- Create the Swirl: Gently swirl the cream cheese into the batter using a knife or skewer to create a marbled effect without overmixing.
- 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.
- Cool Completely: Allow brownies to cool fully in the pan to set and prevent crumbling. Refrigerate to speed cooling if desired.
- 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