Red velvet brownies are such a delightful twist on traditional brownies, and I can’t get enough of them! Their striking crimson hue is not just for show; it brings a fun and festive vibe to any gathering. Imagine cutting into one of these beauties and revealing that rich, moist interior, swirled with luscious cream cheese. It’s like a match made in dessert heaven! The combination of cocoa and that touch of buttermilk creates a texture that’s soft and fudgy, while the cream cheese adds a tangy sweetness that perfectly balances the flavors. Trust me, once you try these red velvet brownies, you’ll be dreaming of them long after the last bite! They’re perfect for birthdays, holidays, or simply when you want to impress your friends with something truly unique and delicious.

Ingredients List

1 cup unsalted butter – melted for that rich, buttery flavor
2 cups granulated sugar – to sweeten these brownies perfectly
4 large eggs – they’ll help bind everything together
2 teaspoons vanilla extract – for that warm, comforting aroma
1 cup all-purpose flour – the base for our brownie goodness
1 cup cocoa powder – unsweetened, of course, for that deep chocolate flavor
1 teaspoon baking powder – it gives the brownies a little lift
1 teaspoon salt – to enhance all those sweet flavors
1 tablespoon red food coloring – to achieve that classic red velvet look
8 oz cream cheese, softened – for the dreamy cream cheese swirl
1/2 cup powdered sugar – to sweeten the cream cheese mixture

How to Prepare Red Velvet Brownies

Making these red velvet brownies is a breeze, and I promise they’ll be worth every minute! Let’s get started with the essentials:

First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This is super important because you want your brownies to bake evenly and come out perfectly moist.
Next, grab a 9×13 inch baking pan and grease it up! You can use some butter or non-stick spray to make sure those brownies slide right out after baking.
In a large bowl, melt your butter. I like to do this in the microwave, but just be careful—don’t let it splatter! Once melted, mix in the granulated sugar until it’s well combined.
Now, add in your eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract too; it adds such a lovely touch!
In another bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt. This step is crucial for ensuring everything gets evenly distributed.
Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring until just combined. Don’t overmix—it’s okay if a few lumps remain!
Then, it’s time to stir in that vibrant red food coloring. Mix until you achieve a beautiful red hue throughout the batter.
In a separate bowl, blend the softened cream cheese and powdered sugar until it’s smooth and creamy. This will be the dreamy swirl in your brownies!
Now, pour half of the brownie batter into your prepared pan. Spread it evenly. Then, drop spoonfuls of the cream cheese mixture over the top. It doesn’t have to be perfect—just dollop it around.
Top it off with the remaining brownie batter and use a knife to gently swirl it all together. This creates those gorgeous marbled effects!
Pop it in the oven and bake for 30-35 minutes. You’ll know they’re done when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with a few moist crumbs.
Once baked, allow your brownies to cool in the pan for about 15 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This step is key for cutting clean squares!

Nutritional Information

When you indulge in these delicious red velvet brownies, you’ll want to know what you’re getting, right? Here’s a breakdown of the typical nutritional values for one brownie:

Calories: 250
Sugar: 20g
Sodium: 150mg
Fat: 12g
Saturated Fat: 7g
Unsaturated Fat: 4g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 35g
Fiber: 2g
Protein: 3g
Cholesterol: 70mg

Keep in mind that these values are estimates and can vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes. Enjoy responsibly, and don’t forget that a little treat now and then is part of the fun!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Rich, velvety flavor that’s a delightful twist on classic brownies
Easy preparation with simple ingredients—perfect for bakers of all levels
Stunning visual appeal with that gorgeous red color and cream cheese swirl
Perfectly moist and fudgy texture that melts in your mouth
Great for any occasion, from casual get-togethers to fancy dinner parties
Can easily be customized with your favorite mix-ins or toppings

Trust me, once you take a bite of these red velvet brownies, you’ll be hooked! They’re not just a treat; they’re an experience!

Tips for Success

To make sure your red velvet brownies turn out perfectly every time, I’ve got a few pro tips to share!

Measure ingredients accurately: Baking is a science, so be sure to measure your flour and cocoa powder properly. Use the spoon-and-level method to avoid packing it down.
Don’t overmix: When combining the wet and dry ingredients, mix just until combined. Overmixing can lead to dense brownies, and we want them fudgy and soft!
Check for doneness: Start checking your brownies a few minutes before the recommended baking time. Insert a toothpick into the center; it should come out with a few moist crumbs, but not wet batter.
Cool completely: Allow your brownies to cool in the pan before cutting. This helps them set and makes for cleaner edges when you slice them!
Experiment with add-ins: Feel free to toss in chocolate chips or nuts for extra texture and flavor. Just remember, less is more to keep that classic red velvet taste!

With these tips, you’ll be a red velvet brownie expert in no time!

Variations

If you’re in the mood to switch things up with your red velvet brownies, I’ve got some fun ideas for you! You can easily adapt this recipe to suit your taste or dietary preferences:

Nutty Delight: Add chopped walnuts or pecans for a delightful crunch that contrasts beautifully with the soft brownie texture.
Chocolate Lovers: Mix in semi-sweet or dark chocolate chips for an extra chocolatey kick. Trust me, it’s a game changer!
Minty Fresh: Incorporate a few drops of peppermint extract into the batter for a refreshing mint twist that pairs wonderfully with the cocoa.
Gluten-Free Option: Swap out the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free baking blend. Just make sure it has a good texture for brownies!
Berry Swirl: Add dollops of raspberry or strawberry jam alongside the cream cheese for a fruity burst of flavor with every bite.

These variations can take your red velvet brownies to a whole new level, so don’t be afraid to get creative and make them your own!

Storage & Reheating Instructions

To keep your delicious red velvet brownies fresh, store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want to keep them longer, you can refrigerate them for about a week. Just be sure to let them come to room temperature before serving for the best flavor and texture!

If you’d like to reheat them, pop a brownie in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds. This will warm them up just enough to make the cream cheese swirl extra gooey and delightful. Enjoy every bite!

Serving Suggestions

These red velvet brownies are delightful on their own, but let’s take it up a notch with some fabulous pairings! For a classic touch, serve them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream—trust me, the creamy sweetness is a match made in dessert heaven! You can also drizzle some warm chocolate or cream cheese frosting on top for an extra indulgence. Pair your brownies with a rich cup of coffee or a glass of cold milk to balance the sweetness beautifully. And if you want to impress, serve them alongside fresh berries for a burst of freshness that complements the rich chocolate flavor perfectly!

FAQ Section

Can I use a different type of food coloring? Absolutely! While red is traditional for red velvet brownies, you can experiment with other colors for fun. Just remember, the taste will remain the same!

What if I don’t have cream cheese? No worries! You can substitute it with Greek yogurt for a similar creamy texture, or even a store-bought frosting if you want to save time.

Can these brownies be made ahead of time? Yes! These red velvet brownies actually taste even better the next day as the flavors meld. Just store them properly in an airtight container.

How do I know when the brownies are done? Check for doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center; it should come out with a few moist crumbs but not wet batter.

Can I freeze red velvet brownies? Definitely! Just wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and store in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge before enjoying!

Red Velvet Brownies: 7 Reasons You’ll Adore This Recipe

Author: Lisa
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Total Time: 55 minutes
Yield: 24 brownies 1x
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

Rich and moist red velvet brownies with a cream cheese swirl.

Instructions

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
Grease a 9×13 inch baking pan.
In a large bowl, melt the butter and mix in sugar.
Add eggs and vanilla, mix well.
In another bowl, combine flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt.
Gradually add dry ingredients to the wet mixture.
Stir in food coloring until well combined.
In a separate bowl, mix cream cheese and powdered sugar until smooth.
Pour half of the brownie batter into the pan.
Drop spoonfuls of cream cheese mixture over the batter.
Top with remaining brownie batter and swirl with a knife.
Bake for 30-35 minutes.
Allow to cool before cutting into squares.

Notes

Store leftovers in an airtight container.
For a richer flavor, add chocolate chips.
Serve with whipped cream for added taste.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 brownie
Calories: 250
Sugar: 20g
Sodium: 150mg
Fat: 12g
Saturated Fat: 7g
Unsaturated Fat: 4g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 35g
Fiber: 2g
Protein: 3g
Cholesterol: 70mg

Keywords: Red Velvet Brownies, brownies, dessert, red velvet

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