Description
These fudgy red velvet brownies are the perfect combination of rich chocolate flavor, subtle tanginess, and luscious cream cheese swirls. With a gorgeous red hue, these brownies are festive enough for special occasions, yet easy enough to whip up anytime you crave a decadent treat.
Ingredients
Units
Scale
For the Red Velvet Brownies
- 3/4 cup (170g) unsalted butter, melted
- 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup (50g) brown sugar, packed
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tablespoon red food coloring
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon white vinegar
- 3/4 cup (95g) all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup (25g) unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
For the Cream Cheese Swirl
- 4 oz (113g) cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup (50g) granulated sugar
- 1 large egg yolk
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Prepare Pan & Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang for easy removal, and lightly grease.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the melted butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until smooth. Add in eggs, red food coloring, vanilla extract, and vinegar, beating until well combined and the color is even.
- Add Dry Ingredients: Sift the flour, cocoa powder, and salt over the wet mixture. Gently fold together until just combined—do not over mix.
- Make Cream Cheese Swirl: In a separate bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with sugar, egg yolk, and vanilla until smooth and creamy.
- Layer & Swirl: Pour most of the brownie batter into the prepared pan, reserving about 1/4 cup to dollop on top. Spread evenly. Drop spoonfuls of the cream cheese mixture over the brownie batter, then dollop the reserved red velvet batter over that. Use a knife or skewer to swirl the mixtures together for a marbled look.
- Bake: Bake for 28–32 minutes, or until the center is just set and a toothpick inserted comes out with a few moist crumbs. Do not overbake—fudgy is the goal!
- Cool & Serve: Let the brownies cool completely in the pan. Lift out using parchment, slice, and serve. Enjoy!
Notes
- For even fudgier brownies, bake toward the shorter end of the baking time and test with a toothpick.
- Gel food coloring produces a deeper red than liquid; adjust as needed.
- Brownies can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days, or frozen for 1 month.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 brownie
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 85mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 24g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 45mg