Description
Rich and fudgy Red Velvet Brownies with tangy Cream Cheese swirls combine classic red velvet flavor with luscious cream cheese for a moist, tender, and irresistible dessert perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
Scale
Brownie Batter
- 1/2 cup (115g) unsalted butter, melted
- 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs, at room temperature
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3/4 cup (90g) all-purpose flour (or gluten-free flour blend for gluten-free version)
- 1/4 cup (25g) cocoa powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons red food coloring
- 2 tablespoons sour cream or heavy cream
Cream Cheese Swirl
- 8 oz (225g) full-fat cream cheese, softened to room temperature
- 1/3 cup (65g) granulated sugar
- 1 large egg, at room temperature
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Optional Additions and Variations
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
- 1/2 cup white or dark chocolate chips (optional)
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon or dash of cayenne pepper (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the cream cheese swirl: In a medium bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese, sugar, egg, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy. Set aside.
- Mix the brownie batter: In a large bowl, combine melted butter and sugar until well blended. Add the eggs and vanilla extract, beating thoroughly to combine. Sift in the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt, then gently fold to incorporate. Stir in the red food coloring and sour cream or heavy cream until the batter is smooth and evenly colored.
- Layer and swirl: Pour half of the red velvet batter into a greased or parchment-lined baking pan. Dollop the cream cheese mixture evenly over the batter. Spread the remaining brownie batter on top. Using a knife or skewer, swirl the batters together gently to create beautiful marbled patterns.
- Bake to perfection: Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 30 to 35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted near the center comes out with moist crumbs but no wet batter. Remove from oven and let cool completely in the pan before slicing.
Notes
- Use full-fat cream cheese for the creamiest, richest swirl texture.
- Do not overmix the batter; gently fold dry ingredients to keep brownies dense and fudgy.
- Allow brownies to cool fully before slicing to prevent crumbling.
- Use a toothpick for light swirling rather than vigorous stirring to preserve the marbled design.
- Use eggs and cream cheese at room temperature for smooth blending and even baking.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 brownie (1/16 of recipe)
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 22g
- Sodium: 120mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 55mg
Keywords: Red Velvet Brownies, Cream Cheese Swirl, Fudgy Brownies, Dessert, Gluten-Free Option, Red Velvet Dessert
