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Red Velvet Brownies with Cream Cheese

Red Velvet Brownies with Cream Cheese

Red Velvet Brownies with Cream Cheese combine the rich, fudgy texture of chocolate brownies with the tangy creaminess of a luscious cream cheese swirl. These vibrant, visually stunning brownies are perfect for parties, special occasions, or anytime you want a decadent yet simple dessert that balances sweet and tangy flavors with a moist, tender bite.

  • Total Time: 45 minutes
  • Yield: 16 brownies 1x

Ingredients

Scale

Brownie Batter

  • 1/2 cup (115g) unsalted butter
  • 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
  • 2 large eggs, room temperature
  • 2 tablespoons red food coloring
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 cup (125g) all-purpose flour (or gluten-free baking blend)
  • 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/4 cup (60g) sour cream or buttermilk

Cream Cheese Swirl

  • 8 oz (226g) cream cheese, softened
  • 1/3 cup (40g) powdered sugar
  • 1 teaspoon lemon juice (optional)

Instructions

  1. Prepare Your Ingredients: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease or line an 8×8 inch baking pan with parchment paper. Gather all ingredients to work efficiently without interruptions.
  2. Make the Brownie Batter: Melt the butter and sugar together until smooth. Whisk in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the red food coloring and vanilla extract. In a separate bowl, sift together the flour, cocoa powder, and baking powder. Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, and finally add the sour cream or buttermilk to maintain a moist and tender texture.
  3. Prepare the Cream Cheese Swirl: Beat together the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and lemon juice (if using) in a small bowl until smooth and creamy. This mixture will create the tangy, luscious swirls in your brownies.
  4. Assemble the Brownies: Pour half of the red velvet batter into the prepared pan and spread evenly. Dollop spoonfuls of the cream cheese mixture over the batter. Add the remaining red velvet batter on top and place additional cream cheese dollops. Use a knife or skewer to gently swirl the cream cheese through the brownie batter, creating a beautiful marble effect.
  5. Bake and Cool: Bake the brownies for 30 to 35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted near the center comes out with a few moist crumbs. Avoid overbaking to keep the brownies fudgy. Allow the brownies to cool completely in the pan before slicing to retain their shape and texture.

Notes

  • Use room temperature eggs for better batter integration and improved texture.
  • Do not overmix the batter to maintain a fudgy consistency; fold ingredients gently.
  • Use a light hand when swirling the cream cheese to achieve distinct, pretty marble patterns without fully blending.
  • Check your oven temperature with an oven thermometer to avoid over or under baking.
  • Allow brownies to cool completely before slicing to keep them intact and enhance the flavor of the cream cheese swirl.
  • Author: Lina
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Gluten Free (if using gluten-free flour)

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 brownie (1/16 of recipe)
  • Calories: 220 kcal
  • Sugar: 18 g
  • Sodium: 120 mg
  • Fat: 13 g
  • Saturated Fat: 7 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 25 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 3 g
  • Cholesterol: 45 mg

Keywords: red velvet brownies, cream cheese swirl, fudgy brownies, chocolate dessert, red velvet dessert, easy brownies, gluten-free brownies option