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Red Velvet Brownies with Cream Cheese Swirl Recipe
Annie Graves

Red Velvet Brownies with Cream Cheese Swirl

Try these Red Velvet Brownies with Cream Cheese Swirl! Fudgy red velvet brownies topped with a luscious cream cheese swirl for a perfect blend of flavors.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Servings: 9
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Calories: 180

Ingredients
  

For the Red Velvet Brownies
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter melted
  • 3/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/4 cup brown sugar
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 large egg yolk
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1 tbsp red food coloring
  • 3/4 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 1/4 tsp salt
For the Cream Cheese Swirl
  • 4 oz cream cheese softened
  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 large egg yolk
  • 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
Optional Add-Ins
  • 1/2 cup chocolate chips for extra chocolatey goodness
  • A handful of chopped nuts for a bit of crunch
Substitutions
  • Gluten-Free: Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.
  • Vegan: Substitute eggs with flax eggs 1 tbsp flaxseed + 3 tbsp water per egg, use vegan butter, and a plant-based cream cheese.

Method
 

Preheat the Oven
  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Line an 8x8-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang for easy removal.
Prepare the Red Velvet Brownie Batter
  1. In a large bowl, whisk together the melted butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until smooth.
  2. Add the egg, egg yolk, vanilla extract, and red food coloring, mixing until well combined.
  3. Sift in the flour, cocoa powder, and salt, and gently fold until just combined. Be careful not to overmix. If using, fold in chocolate chips or nuts.
Make the Cream Cheese Swirl
  1. In a small bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese, granulated sugar, egg yolk, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy.
Assemble the Brownies
  1. Pour the red velvet brownie batter into the prepared baking pan, spreading it evenly.
  2. Drop dollops of the cream cheese mixture on top of the brownie batter.
  3. Use a knife or toothpick to gently swirl the cream cheese into the batter, creating a marbled effect.
Bake the Brownies
  1. Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with only a few moist crumbs.
  2. Be careful not to overbake.
Cool and Serve
  1. Let the brownies cool completely in the pan.
  2. Lift them out using the parchment paper overhang, then cut into squares.
  3. Enjoy these Red Velvet Brownies with Cream Cheese Swirl for a decadent dessert or snack!

Notes

Nutritional Information (Per Brownie):

  • Calories: 150-180
  • Carbohydrates: 18g
  • Protein: 2g
  • Fat: 9g
  • Saturated Fat: 5g
  • Sodium: 70mg
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Sugar: 15g
 

Notes/Advice:

  • Additions/Subtractions:
    • Adjust the amount of red food coloring for a more vibrant or subtle red velvet color.
    • If you want extra tanginess in the cream cheese swirl, add a teaspoon of lemon juice.
    • For fudgier brownies, slightly underbake them, as they will continue to set as they cool.