If you’re a fan of combining rich, velvety chocolate with tangy cream cheese, then you’re going to absolutely adore this Red Velvet Brownies with Cream Cheese Swirl Recipe. These brownies bring together the deep, cocoa-infused red velvet base and a luscious, creamy swirl that bakes into perfect harmony. The texture is delightfully fudgy with just the right amount of cream cheese sweetness cutting through, making it a show-stopping dessert you’ll want to share with friends and family. Trust me, once you try these, they’ll become a new favorite treat in your baking repertoire!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting the ingredients right is the first and most important step to nailing this recipe. Each component plays a crucial role— from the smooth melted butter that lends richness to the batter, to the vivid red food coloring that gives these brownies their signature color. Don’t underestimate the magic of simple pantry staples that combine to make a dessert so memorable!
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted: Adds richness and a perfect fudgy texture to your brownies.
- 1 cup granulated sugar: Sweetens the batter and balances the cocoa’s bitterness.
- 1 large egg: Binds everything together and provides structure.
- 1 tablespoon red food coloring: Gives the brownies that iconic red velvet color that catches the eye.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Enhances the flavor depth both in the brownie and cream cheese swirl.
- 1 tablespoon unsweetened cocoa powder: Adds just the right touch of chocolatey richness without overpowering the red velvet flavor.
- 1/4 teaspoon salt: Balances sweetness and amplifies other flavors.
- 3/4 cup all-purpose flour: The base that holds everything together in your brownie.
- 1/2 cup white chocolate chips (optional): Adds bursts of creamy sweetness as a delightful surprise in each bite.
- 1/2 cup cream cheese, softened: The star of the swirl, bringing tangy creaminess and melt-in-your-mouth texture.
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar: Sweetens the cream cheese swirl so it perfectly complements the brownies.
- 1 egg yolk: Helps the cream cheese swirl stay creamy and luxuriously smooth.
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract: Rounds out the flavor of the cream cheese mixture beautifully.
How to Make Red Velvet Brownies with Cream Cheese Swirl Recipe
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare an 8×8-inch baking dish by lining it with parchment paper, making sure to leave an overhang on the sides. This will make it super easy to lift your brownies out of the pan after they’ve baked without any mess or damage. This simple step ensures your brownies come out perfectly every time.
Step 2: Prepare the Brownie Batter
In a large bowl, whisk together the melted butter and 1 cup granulated sugar until smooth and combined, infusing the base with sweetness and fat for that rich, fudgy texture. Next, beat in the egg, red food coloring, and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract until the mixture is velvety and inviting. Then sift in the cocoa powder, salt, and flour, folding gently just until combined—overmixing can toughen the brownies, so keep it light. If you’re feeling indulgent, fold in white chocolate chips for little pockets of extra creamy sweetness.
Step 3: Prepare the Cream Cheese Swirl
In a separate bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese, 1/4 cup granulated sugar, egg yolk, and 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract until your mixture is silky smooth and free of lumps. This creamy blend will create that iconic swirl that looks so impressive and tastes heavenly, giving a lovely tang that balances the deep cocoa flavor perfectly.
Step 4: Assemble the Brownies
Pour the brownie batter into your prepared pan and spread it out evenly with a spatula. Then dollop spoonfuls of the cream cheese mixture evenly over the batter. Grab a knife or toothpick, and swirl the two together with gentle twisting motions to create those beautiful marbled patterns. It’s a fun step where you can get a bit creative—the swirl isn’t just gorgeous, it also ensures the tangy cream cheese is present in every bite.
Step 5: Bake and Cool
Place the pan in your preheated oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with a few moist crumbs (not wet batter). Let the brownies cool completely in the pan—this cooling step is essential for the fudgy texture to set. Once cooled, use the parchment paper overhang to lift brownies out, then slice them into generous squares and get ready to enjoy!
How to Serve Red Velvet Brownies with Cream Cheese Swirl Recipe
Garnishes
Keep your garnishes simple to let the beauty of these brownies shine through. A light dusting of powdered sugar or a few fresh raspberries on the side add a lovely touch of elegance without overpowering the flavors. You can also sprinkle chopped white chocolate or edible rose petals if you want to make your presentation extra special.
Side Dishes
These brownies pair wonderfully with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream or a drizzle of chocolate or caramel sauce. For a refreshing contrast, serve them alongside some fresh berries or a dollop of whipped cream to complement that creamy swirl. Coffee or a rich hot chocolate are also excellent beverage companions that bring out the best in this dessert.
Creative Ways to Present
Want to wow guests? Try cutting these brownies into bite-sized squares and arranging them on a decorative platter with small forks or skewers for easy sharing. Another fun idea is to layer chunks of your skillet brownies in a parfait glass with whipped cream or mousse, creating a decadent layered dessert that showcases the swirled colors beautifully.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Your Red Velvet Brownies with Cream Cheese Swirl Recipe leftovers will keep nicely if stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If your kitchen is warm, it’s best to refrigerate them to maintain the cream cheese swirl’s freshness. Just be sure to bring them back to room temperature before serving for the best flavor and texture.
Freezing
These brownies freeze wonderfully! Wrap individual squares tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe container or bag. They can stay in the freezer for up to 3 months. When you’re ready for a treat, thaw them overnight in the fridge. This makes them fantastic for meal prep or unexpected guests.
Reheating
To enjoy the brownies warm, pop them in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds or warm them in a 300°F oven for 5-7 minutes. Warming enhances the fudgy texture and revives that creamy swirl, making each bite feel freshly baked and utterly indulgent.
FAQs
Can I make this recipe without red food coloring?
Absolutely! While red food coloring is traditional for red velvet, you could use natural alternatives like beet juice for color, though it might alter the flavor slightly. Without any coloring, you’ll get delicious chocolate cream cheese brownies that taste amazing but won’t have the signature red hue.
What if I don’t have cream cheese on hand? Is there a substitute for the swirl?
Cream cheese is key for that tangy, smooth swirl that contrasts the sweet brownie, but you could try mascarpone or a thick Greek yogurt mixed with sugar as a substitute if needed. The texture might vary, but it will still be delicious.
Can I make the brownies gluten-free?
Yes! Swap the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free blend that measures cup-for-cup the same. Just be sure your cocoa powder and other ingredients are also gluten-free. The texture may be slightly different, but the flavor will still shine through.
How do I avoid overbaking these brownies?
The best tip is to start checking around 25 minutes by inserting a toothpick into the center. You want a few moist crumbs to cling to it but not wet batter. Overbaking will dry out the brownies, so keep a close eye and pull them out as soon as the edges look set and the center is almost done.
Can I add nuts or other mix-ins to this recipe?
Definitely! Chopped walnuts, pecans, or even dried cherries make great add-ins to the brownie batter. Just fold them in at the end along with or instead of white chocolate chips for some extra texture and flavor twists.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly magical about this Red Velvet Brownies with Cream Cheese Swirl Recipe. It’s a dessert that’s rich, visually stunning, and delightfully indulgent all at once. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or just because you deserve a treat, these brownies are sure to become a cherished favorite. So go ahead, gather your ingredients and dive into this delicious adventure—you won’t regret it!
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Red Velvet Brownies with Cream Cheese Swirl Recipe
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
Description
These Red Velvet Brownies combine the rich, moist texture of traditional brownies with the vibrant color and subtle tang of red velvet cake. Swirled with a creamy white chocolate and cream cheese topping, they are perfect for a decadent dessert or special occasion treat.
Ingredients
Brownie Batter
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 tablespoon red food coloring
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 3/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup white chocolate chips (optional)
Cream Cheese Swirl
- 1/2 cup cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 egg yolk
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8-inch baking dish with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides to easily lift the brownies out after baking.
- Prepare the Brownie Batter: In a large bowl, whisk together the melted butter and 1 cup granulated sugar until well combined. Add the egg, red food coloring, and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract. Whisk until the mixture is smooth. Sift in the cocoa powder, salt, and flour. Gently stir until just combined. Fold in the white chocolate chips if using.
- Prepare the Cream Cheese Swirl: In a separate bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with 1/4 cup granulated sugar, egg yolk, and 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract until smooth and creamy.
- Assemble the Brownies: Pour the brownie batter into the prepared baking dish and spread it out evenly. Dollop spoonfuls of the cream cheese mixture on top of the batter. Use a knife or toothpick to swirl the cream cheese into the brownie batter, creating a marbled effect.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with only a few moist crumbs.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the brownies to cool completely in the baking dish. Once cooled, lift the brownies out using the parchment paper overhang. Cut into 12 squares and serve.
Notes
- For a more intense red velvet flavor, you can add 1/2 teaspoon of white vinegar.
- Make sure not to overmix the brownie batter to keep the brownies tender.
- Use full-fat cream cheese for the best texture in the swirl.
- These brownies can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerated for up to a week.
- Optionally, white chocolate chips enhance the sweetness and texture but can be omitted for a less sweet version.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
