Rich, fudgy Red Velvet Brownies with a signature tangy cream cheese swirl. These brownies combine the deep flavor of chocolate with the velvety smoothness of red velvet cake, making them a perfect treat for any occasion.
Total Time:40-45 minutes
Yield:16 brownies
Ingredients
For the Brownies
Butter (½ cup, melted): Real butter adds richness, but you can use a plant-based substitute if you’re dairy-free.
Granulated sugar (1 cup): Regular white sugar gives perfect sweetness; a lower-sugar alternative may slightly affect texture.
Eggs (2 large): Room-temperature eggs for a fudgy texture.
Vanilla extract (1 tsp): Use pure vanilla extract for best flavor.
Red food coloring (1 tbsp): Gel food coloring offers an intense hue, but it’s optional.
Cocoa powder (2 tbsp): Unsweetened cocoa for a rich, chocolatey flavor.
All-purpose flour (¾ cup): Regular or a 1:1 gluten-free blend works here.
Baking powder (½ tsp): Helps the brownies rise slightly for a perfect balance between dense and fluffy.
Salt (¼ tsp): Enhances the sweetness and flavors.
For the Cream Cheese Swirl
Cream cheese (4 oz, softened): Adds a creamy, dreamy element; ensure it’s softened for easy blending.
Sugar (¼ cup): Just a touch for sweetness.
Egg yolk (1 large): Helps set the cream cheese swirl perfectly on the brownies.
Vanilla extract (½ tsp): Ties together the flavors.
Instructions
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8 inch baking pan with parchment paper.
In a large bowl, mix melted butter and sugar until combined.
Add eggs and vanilla extract, whisking until smooth.
Stir in red food coloring and cocoa powder, ensuring the mixture is well-blended.
Fold in flour, baking powder, and salt, mixing just until combined.
Pour half of the brownie batter into the prepared pan, smoothing it out with a spatula.
In a separate bowl, mix the softened cream cheese, sugar, egg yolk, and vanilla until smooth.
Drop spoonfuls of the cream cheese mixture over the brownie batter in the pan. Pour the remaining brownie batter over the top.
Use a knife to gently swirl the cream cheese into the brownie batter, creating a marbled effect.
Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with a few moist crumbs.
Let the brownies cool completely before slicing and serving.
Notes
For more intense color, use gel food coloring.
Substitute gluten-free flour if needed.
Allow the brownies to cool completely before cutting for clean slices.
