Red Velvet Cream Cheese Brownies

These Red Velvet Cream Cheese Brownies are the ultimate indulgence, combining rich red velvet brownie batter with a creamy, tangy cream cheese swirl. With their vibrant color and decadent layers, these brownies are perfect for special occasions or whenever you’re craving something sweet and spectacular!

Ingredients

For the Red Velvet Brownie Batter:

• ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1 tablespoon red food coloring
• ⅓ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• ¾ cup all-purpose flour
• ¼ teaspoon salt

For the Cream Cheese Filling:

• 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
• ¼ cup granulated sugar
• 1 large egg
• ½ teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) .
2. Grease an 8×8-inch baking pan and line it with parchment paper, leaving some overhang for easy removal.

Step 2: Make the Red Velvet Batter

1. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the melted butter and granulated sugar until smooth.
2. Add the eggs , vanilla extract , and red food coloring . Mix until fully combined.
3. Sift in the cocoa powder , flour , and salt . Stir gently until just combined—do not overmix.
4. Set aside about ¼ cup of the red velvet batter for swirling on top later.

Step 3: Make the Cream Cheese Filling

1. In a separate bowl, beat the softened cream cheese , granulated sugar , egg , and vanilla extract using a hand mixer or whisk until smooth and creamy.

Step 4: Assemble the Brownies

1. Spread most of the red velvet batter evenly into the prepared baking pan.
2. Pour the cream cheese mixture over the red velvet batter and gently spread it out with a spatula.
3. Drop spoonfuls of the reserved ¼ cup red velvet batter on top of the cream cheese layer. Use a knife or skewer to lightly swirl the batters together for a marbled effect.

Step 5: Bake

1. Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 28–32 minutes , or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with a few moist crumbs (not wet batter).
2. Avoid overbaking to keep the brownies fudgy.

Step 6: Cool and Slice

1. Remove the brownies from the oven and let them cool completely in the pan on a wire rack.
2. Once cooled, lift the brownies out of the pan using the parchment paper overhang and cut them into squares.

Tips for Success

• Use gel food coloring : For a more vibrant red color, use red gel food coloring instead of liquid.
• Don’t overmix the batter : Overmixing can make the brownies dense instead of fudgy. Stir until just combined.
• Make ahead : Store the brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
• Freeze for later : Wrap individual brownies in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.

Serving Suggestions

• Dust with powdered sugar for an elegant touch before serving.
• Pair with a glass of cold milk or a hot cup of coffee for a delightful treat.

Enjoy these Red Velvet Cream Cheese Brownies —a luscious, tangy, and chocolatey dessert that’s sure to impress!