Description
These Gluten-Free Red Velvet Brownies combine the rich, fudgy texture of classic brownies with a luxurious cream cheese swirl, all made with almond flour for a grain-free twist. Perfectly moist and tender, these brownies feature a vibrant red velvet color and a subtle tang from vinegar, making them an irresistible dessert for any occasion.
Ingredients
Scale
For the brownie base:
- 3/4 cup almond flour (King Arthur brand preferred)
- 3 eggs (room temperature)
- 10 tbsp butter (unsalted, Kerrygold recommended)
- 1/3 cup cocoa powder
- 3/4 cup sweetener
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1 tsp vinegar
- 1 tbsp red food coloring
- 1/4 tsp salt
For the cheesecake layer:
- 6 oz cream cheese (Philadelphia brand preferred)
- 1/4 cup sweetener
- 1 egg
- 1 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
- Prepare the oven and pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease an 8×8 inch baking pan thoroughly with butter or cooking spray to prevent sticking and ensure an even bake.
- Mix the cheesecake layer: In a small bowl, beat together the cream cheese, 1/4 cup sweetener, 1 egg, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy, about 1-2 minutes. Set aside to use later for the swirl.
- Combine wet ingredients for brownie batter: Melt the butter and allow it to cool slightly. Whisk it with the room-temperature eggs for 1-2 minutes until well emulsified. Stir in the vinegar and red food coloring until the mixture is evenly colored with a deep red hue.
- Mix dry ingredients for brownie batter: In a separate bowl, whisk together the almond flour, cocoa powder, 3/4 cup sweetener, baking powder, and salt until evenly combined.
- Combine wet and dry ingredients: Fold the dry ingredients gently into the wet mixture, mixing just until incorporated to maintain a tender texture. Avoid overmixing.
- Assemble the brownie batter and cheesecake layer: Pour the brownie batter into the prepared pan and smooth into an even layer. Spoon the cream cheese mixture in small dollops over the top and use a knife to gently swirl the two mixtures together, creating a marbled pattern without over-swiping.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven at 350°F for 25-30 minutes. The edges should be set while the center still has a slight jiggle for a fudgy texture.
- Cool and serve: Allow the brownies to cool completely in the pan to set the cheesecake layer properly. Once cooled, cut into squares and serve.
Notes
- Using room-temperature eggs prevents the batter from seizing and ensures better emulsification.
- King Arthur almond flour is recommended for its fine texture, which creates a tender crumb.
- The vinegar reacts with baking powder and the red food coloring to create the signature red velvet tang and color.
- Do not overmix the batter; overmixing can result in dense, tough brownies.
- Swirling too much will blend the cheesecake layer completely; a gentle swirl creates the signature marbled effect.
- Cooling the brownies fully before cutting ensures cleaner slices and proper setting of the cheesecake layer.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: gluten-free brownies, red velvet brownies, almond flour brownies, cream cheese swirl brownies, gluten free dessert
