Ingredients
Scale
Brownie Batter Ingredients
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 cup sugar
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted
- 2 large eggs
- 2 tsp red food coloring
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/4 cup buttermilk
Cream Cheese Swirl Ingredients
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
- Prepare the Red Velvet Brownie Batter: Begin by melting the butter. In a large bowl, whisk together the sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract until smooth. Stir in the cocoa powder and red food coloring to achieve that classic velvet hue. Add the flour and buttermilk, mixing just until combined to avoid overworking the batter.
- Make the Cream Cheese Swirl: In a separate bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese, sugar, egg, and vanilla extract until silky and smooth. This mixture creates the tangy swirls that elevate the brownies.
- Layer and Swirl: Pour the red velvet batter into a greased baking pan. 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.
- Bake and Cool: Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 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.
Notes
- Do not overmix the brownie batter to keep the brownies tender, not tough.
- Use full-fat cream cheese for the best creamy texture and flavor in the swirl.
- Ensure eggs and cream cheese are at room temperature to avoid lumps and uneven batter.
- Swirl the cream cheese gently to maintain a beautiful marble effect.
- Check doneness with a toothpick inserted near the edge; it should come out with a few moist crumbs.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30-35 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Can be gluten-free or vegan with substitutions
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 brownie (approx. 2x2 inches)
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 25g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 55mg
Keywords: Red velvet brownies, cream cheese brownies, fudgy brownies, dessert, red velvet dessert, cream cheese swirl