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Red Velvet Brownies Recipe

4.9 from 86 reviews

Delight in these rich and moist Red Velvet Brownies featuring a luscious cream cheese swirl. Combining classic brownie decadence with the vibrant color and subtle cocoa flavor of red velvet, this recipe is perfect for a show-stopping dessert or special occasion treat.

Ingredients

Scale

Brownie Layer

  • 1 cup (225 g) unsalted butter, melted
  • 1½ cups (300 g) granulated sugar
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1 tbsp cocoa powder
  • 1½ cups (190 g) all-purpose flour
  • ½ tsp baking powder
  • ¼ tsp salt
  • 23 tbsp red food coloring

Cream Cheese Swirl

  • 8 oz (225 g) cream cheese, softened
  • ¼ cup (50 g) granulated sugar
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1 egg

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease or line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper to ensure easy removal of the brownies later.
  2. Make brownie batter: In a large bowl, whisk together the melted butter and granulated sugar until smooth and well combined. Add the eggs, vanilla extract, cocoa powder, and red food coloring, mixing thoroughly until the color and batter are uniform. Stir in the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt until just combined, being careful not to overmix.
  3. Prepare cream cheese layer: In a separate bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese, sugar, vanilla extract, and egg until the mixture is smooth and creamy with no lumps.
  4. Assemble: Pour half of the brownie batter evenly into the prepared pan. Drop spoonfuls of half the cream cheese mixture on top. Use a knife to gently swirl the cream cheese into the brownie batter to create a marbled effect. Repeat the process with the remaining brownie batter and cream cheese mixture.
  5. Bake: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 25–30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with just a few moist crumbs attached. Avoid overbaking to keep the brownies fudgy.
  6. Cool & serve: Remove the brownies from the oven and allow them to cool completely in the pan. Once cooled, cut into squares. Optionally, dust with powdered sugar or drizzle with melted chocolate for an extra touch of sweetness and presentation.

Notes

  • Use gel-based red food coloring for a more vibrant color without adding extra liquid.
  • Allow cream cheese to come to room temperature before mixing to prevent lumps.
  • Do not overmix the batter to maintain tender brownies.
  • For a richer flavor, you can substitute some of the unsalted butter with browned butter.
  • Store brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to a week.
  • Room temperature brownies taste best, so let them come to room temp after refrigeration before serving.

Keywords: red velvet brownies, cream cheese brownies, swirl brownies, chocolate brownies, easy brownie recipe, dessert, baked brownie