Red Velvet Brownies with Cream Cheese

If you’re craving a dessert that combines rich, fudgy chocolate with a tangy, creamy twist, you’ve just found your new favorite: Red Velvet Brownies with Cream Cheese. This luscious treat blends the classic red velvet cake’s smooth texture and vibrant color with decadent brownie depth, all swirled through with a heavenly cream cheese layer. Perfect for sharing or indulging solo, these brownies bring a festive flair to any occasion and melt in your mouth, delivering pure bliss in every bite.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Effortless elegance: Combining two beloved desserts in one makes baking impressive yet simple.
• Rich, fudgy texture: Each bite offers moist, dense brownie perfection balanced with smooth cream cheese.
• Vibrant visual appeal: The signature red velvet color with creamy white swirls is as beautiful as it is delicious.
• Perfect for any occasion: Whether it’s a birthday, holiday, or just a sweet craving, these brownies fit right in.
• Customizable flavor: Easily adapt the recipe to your taste with mix-ins or toppings without losing the base magic.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of Red Velvet Brownies with Cream Cheese lies in the simplicity and balance of ingredients. Each element plays a vital role, from the cocoa powder that ensures rich chocolate notes to the cream cheese that brings a luscious tanginess, and of course, the vibrant red food coloring for that iconic hue.

• All-purpose flour: Provides the structure needed for fudgy brownies.
• Cocoa powder: Delivers a deep chocolate flavor essential for the red velvet base.
• Sugar: Sweetens the batter while ensuring a moist texture.
• Butter: Adds richness and helps create that fudgy consistency.
• Eggs: Bind the ingredients together and contribute to the chewy texture.
• Red food coloring: Gives the iconic red velvet color that pops beautifully.
• Vanilla extract: Enhances other flavors and adds warmth.
• Buttermilk: Adds acidity and moisture, vital for authentic red velvet taste.
• Cream cheese: The star of the swirl, bringing creamy, tangy contrast.
• Sugar (for cream cheese layer): Sweetens the cream cheese swirl perfectly.
• Egg (for cream cheese layer): Helps set the cream cheese layer firmly.

Variations for Red Velvet Brownies with Cream Cheese

Feel free to make this recipe your own! The base is incredibly flexible, so whether you want to adjust for dietary needs or add exciting twists, it’s easy to experiment without losing that luscious texture and flavor.

• Nutty upgrade: Add chopped pecans or walnuts for a delightful crunch in the batter.
• Chocolate chips: Mix in white or semi-sweet chips for additional bursts of chocolate goodness.
• Gluten-free version: Swap regular flour for a gluten-free blend keeping the same fudgy consistency.
• Vegan adaptation: Use flax eggs, dairy-free cream cheese, and plant-based butter substitutes for a cruelty-free treat.
• Spiced sweetness: Sprinkle cinnamon or nutmeg into the batter for a warm, cozy flavor.

How to Make Red Velvet Brownies with Cream Cheese

Step 1: Prepare the Red Velvet Brownie Batter

Begin by melting butter, then whisk together sugar, eggs, and vanilla until smooth. Stir in the cocoa powder and red food coloring to achieve that classic velvet hue, followed by flour and buttermilk for texture and moisture. Mix just until combined to avoid overworking the batter.

Step 2: Make the Cream Cheese Swirl

In a separate bowl, beat together softened cream cheese, sugar, egg, and vanilla extract until silky and smooth. This luscious cream cheese mixture will create the beautiful, tangy swirls that set these brownies apart.

Step 3: Layer and Swirl

Pour the red velvet batter into a greased baking pan, then dollop spoonfuls of the cream cheese mixture on top. Use a knife or skewer to gently swirl the two layers together, creating a marbled effect without fully blending them.

Step 4: Bake and Cool

Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 30-35 minutes until the top is set but still slightly soft in the center. Let the brownies cool completely in the pan to allow the cream cheese swirl to firm up before slicing.

Pro Tips for Making Red Velvet Brownies with Cream Cheese

• Don’t overmix: Combine ingredients until just incorporated to keep brownies tender, not tough.
• Use full-fat cream cheese: It creates the best creamy texture and flavor for the swirl.
• Room temperature ingredients: Ensure eggs and cream cheese are not cold to avoid lumps and uneven batter.
• Swirl gently: Too much swirling can blend the layers too much, losing the beautiful marble effect.
• Check for doneness carefully: Use a toothpick inserted near the edge to check; it should come out with just a few moist crumbs.

How to Serve Red Velvet Brownies with Cream Cheese

Garnishes

Adding a sprinkle of powdered sugar, chopped nuts, or even festive red sprinkles on top can enhance the presentation and add delightful texture contrasts.

Side Dishes

Serve these brownies alongside fresh berries or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent dessert experience that balances richness with freshness.

Creative Ways to Present

Cut into mini squares for party platters, layer in parfait cups with whipped cream, or use cookie cutters to create fun shapes for special occasions like Valentine’s Day or birthdays.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days or refrigerate to keep the cream cheese swirl fresh for up to one week.

Freezing

Wrap brownies tightly in plastic wrap and foil before freezing for up to three months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before serving to maintain texture and flavor.

Reheating

Warm brownies gently in a microwave or oven to return them to their fudgy goodness without drying out, best enjoyed slightly warm or at room temperature.

FAQs

Can I use regular cocoa powder for the red velvet brownies?

Absolutely! Just make sure to use unsweetened cocoa powder for the best flavor and color balance in your Red Velvet Brownies with Cream Cheese.

Is it necessary to use buttermilk?

Buttermilk adds acidity that enhances flavor and tenderness, but you can substitute with milk plus a teaspoon of vinegar or lemon juice if needed.

Can I make these brownies gluten free?

Yes, simply replace the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking blend that measures cup for cup for similar results.

How do I store leftover Red Velvet Brownies with Cream Cheese?

Keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for a few days or refrigerate for up to one week to maintain freshness and prevent the cream cheese from spoiling.

Can I double the recipe?

Yes, doubling works well if you use a larger baking pan or two pans, just make sure to adjust the baking time accordingly, checking for doneness regularly.

Final Thoughts

Ready to wow yourself and your loved ones? These Red Velvet Brownies with Cream Cheese combine classic flavors into one irresistibly fudgy, creamy delight that’s both simple to make and unforgettable to eat. Once you try them, they’ll become your go-to dessert for any sweet occasion, guaranteed to bring smiles and happy taste buds!

Related Posts

• Apple Pie Filling
• Pumpkin Coffee Cake with Pecan Streusel
• Pumpkin Pie with Flaky Crust

Print