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
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
- 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.
- 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.
- Incorporate the Eggs: Add the eggs one at a time, whisking thoroughly after each addition to ensure an emulsified batter without overmixing.
- 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.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: Whisk together flour, cocoa powder, and salt in a separate bowl to evenly distribute the dry ingredients and prevent clumps.
- Gradually Add Dry Ingredients to Wet: Slowly add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring just until combined to avoid tough brownies.
- Add Chocolate Chips (Optional): Gently fold in chocolate chips if using for enhanced chocolate flavor and texture.
- Soften the Cream Cheese: Ensure cream cheese is at room temperature for smooth blending, microwaving briefly if necessary.
- Combine Cream Cheese and Sugar: Beat cream cheese with sugar using an electric mixer until smooth and creamy with no lumps.
- Add Egg Yolk and Vanilla: Mix in egg yolk and vanilla until the cream cheese mixture is glossy and well combined.
- 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.
- Pour Brownie Batter into Pan: Spread the red velvet brownie batter evenly into the prepared pan.
- Dollop Cream Cheese Mixture: Drop spoonfuls of the cream cheese mixture evenly over the brownie batter surface.
- 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.
- 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.
- Cool Completely: Allow brownies to cool fully in the pan to set completely and prevent crumbling. Refrigerate briefly to speed cooling if desired.
- 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
