Red Velvet Brownies with Cream Cheese Swirl Recipe

Introduction

These Red Velvet Brownies with Cream Cheese swirl combine the rich, fudgy texture of classic brownies with a smooth, tangy cream cheese ribbon. Perfect for any occasion, they’re as beautiful as they are delicious.

Ingredients

• 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)
• 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
• ⅓ cup granulated sugar
• 1 large egg yolk
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

1. Step 1: Melt the butter in a microwave-safe bowl or saucepan over low heat until fully melted. Allow it to cool slightly to avoid cooking the eggs in the next steps.
2. Step 2: In a large bowl, whisk the melted butter and granulated sugar together until smooth and combined.
3. Step 3: Add the eggs one at a time, whisking well after each addition to create a smooth, emulsified mixture without overmixing.
4. Step 4: Stir in the red food coloring, white vinegar, and vanilla extract until the batter is a bright red color and fully mixed.
5. Step 5: In a separate bowl, whisk the flour, cocoa powder, and salt together to distribute the dry ingredients evenly.
6. Step 6: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined without overmixing to keep brownies tender.
7. Step 7: Gently fold in chocolate chips if using, for an extra chocolate touch.
8. Step 8: Ensure cream cheese is softened to room temperature for easy mixing. This can be done by leaving it out for 30-60 minutes or microwaving briefly.
9. Step 9: In a medium bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with ⅓ cup sugar until smooth and creamy, without lumps.
10. Step 10: Add the egg yolk and vanilla extract to the cream cheese mixture, beating until glossy and well combined.
11. Step 11: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13 inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper, leaving an overhang.
12. Step 12: Pour the red velvet brownie batter evenly into the prepared pan.
13. Step 13: Drop spoonfuls of the cream cheese mixture over the brownie batter, distributing evenly across the surface.
14. Step 14: Use a knife or skewer to gently swirl the cream cheese into the batter, creating a marbled effect without over-swiring.
15. Step 15: Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted near the center comes out with moist crumbs.
16. Step 16: Allow the brownies to cool completely in the pan to firm up before cutting. For quicker cooling, place the pan in the refrigerator.
17. Step 17: Cut into squares and serve. Enjoy your delicious red velvet brownies with cream cheese swirl!

Tips & Variations

• Use high-quality unsweetened cocoa powder for the best red velvet flavor.
• Substitute the semi-sweet chocolate chips with white chocolate chips for a sweeter twist.
• For a stronger cream cheese flavor, add a little lemon zest to the cream cheese mixture.
• Line the pan with parchment paper for easy removal and cleaner cutting.

Storage

Store the brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, refrigerate for up to one week or freeze for up to 3 months. Reheat gently in the microwave to soften before serving if desired.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use regular cocoa powder instead of unsweetened?

Yes, regular cocoa powder works fine, but unsweetened cocoa powder is preferred to achieve the authentic rich flavor and proper balance in red velvet brownies.

Why do I need to add vinegar to the batter?

The white vinegar reacts with the cocoa powder to enhance the red color and also helps create a tender texture by activating the leavening components in the batter.

Red Velvet Brownies with Cream Cheese Swirl Recipe

---

★★★★★

4.7 from 77 reviews

• Author: Marina
• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 12 brownies 1x

Pin Recipe

Print Recipe

Description

These Red Velvet Brownies with Cream Cheese Swirl offer a rich, moist, and fudgy treat combining the distinctive cocoa flavor and vibrant color of red velvet with a smooth, creamy cream cheese swirl. Perfect for dessert lovers seeking a decadent twist on classic brownies.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

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: Melt the butter in a microwave-safe bowl or over low heat in a saucepan until fully liquid but not browned. Allow to cool slightly to avoid cooking the eggs in the next steps.
2. Combine Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, whisk together the melted butter and granulated sugar until smooth and well combined to create a fudgy base.
3. Incorporate the Eggs: Add the eggs one at a time, whisking thoroughly after each addition to ensure an emulsified batter without overmixing.
4. Add Red Food Coloring, Vinegar, and Vanilla: Mix in the red food coloring, white vinegar, and vanilla extract until the batter is vibrantly red and uniform. Vinegar activates the cocoa, enhancing color and flavor.
5. Combine Dry Ingredients: Whisk together flour, cocoa powder, and salt in a separate bowl to evenly distribute the dry ingredients and prevent clumps.
6. Gradually Add Dry Ingredients to Wet: Slowly add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring just until combined to avoid tough brownies.
7. Add Chocolate Chips (Optional): Gently fold in chocolate chips if using for enhanced chocolate flavor and texture.
8. Soften the Cream Cheese: Ensure cream cheese is at room temperature for smooth blending, microwaving briefly if necessary.
9. Combine Cream Cheese and Sugar: Beat cream cheese with sugar using an electric mixer until smooth and creamy with no lumps.
10. Add Egg Yolk and Vanilla: Mix in egg yolk and vanilla until the cream cheese mixture is glossy and well combined.
11. Prepare the Baking Pan: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13 inch pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
12. Pour Brownie Batter into Pan: Spread the red velvet brownie batter evenly into the prepared pan.
13. Dollop Cream Cheese Mixture: Drop spoonfuls of the cream cheese mixture evenly over the brownie batter surface.
14. Create the Swirl: Use a knife or skewer to gently swirl the cream cheese into the batter for a marbled effect. Avoid over-swapping to keep colors distinct.
15. Bake the Brownies: Bake for 25-30 minutes until a toothpick inserted comes out with moist crumbs attached. Adjust time based on your oven’s performance.
16. Cool Completely: Allow brownies to cool fully in the pan to set completely and prevent crumbling. Refrigerate briefly to speed cooling if desired.
17. Cut and Serve: Slice into squares and enjoy your luscious red velvet cream cheese swirl brownies.

Notes

• Using white vinegar helps intensify the red color and activates the cocoa powder for true red velvet flavor.
• Do not overmix the batter after adding dry ingredients to keep brownies tender.
• Softening cream cheese to room temperature is key for smooth swirls.
• The cream cheese swirl adds a rich, tangy contrast to the sweet, chocolatey brownie base.
• You can line the baking pan with parchment paper for easier removal of brownies after baking.
• Adjust baking time slightly if using different oven types or pan sizes.
• Chocolate chips are optional but enhance the chocolate flavor and add texture.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Baking
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Keywords: red velvet brownies, cream cheese swirl brownies, fudgy brownies, dessert, chocolate dessert, red velvet dessert