Description
Red velvet brownies are a rich and festive dessert combining the fudgy texture of brownies with the tangy creaminess of a cheesecake swirl. Featuring a deep red hue and cocoa flavor, these indulgent bars are perfect for holidays, celebrations, or any time you crave something sweet and elegant. Simple to prepare and visually stunning, they’re guaranteed to impress every time.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Brownie Base:
- 1½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1½ cups granulated sugar
- ¼ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup melted unsalted butter
- 2 large eggs, room temperature
- 2 tablespoons red food coloring
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon white vinegar
- ½ cup buttermilk
For the Cream Cheese Swirl:
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Optional Add-ins:
- White chocolate chips
- Chopped nuts
- Sprinkles
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (177°C). Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt.
- In a large bowl, beat melted butter and sugar until combined.
- Add eggs one at a time, then mix in red food coloring, vanilla extract, and white vinegar.
- Alternate adding dry ingredients and buttermilk to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined. Do not overmix.
- In a separate bowl, beat cream cheese, sugar, egg, and vanilla until smooth.
- Pour brownie batter into the prepared pan. Dollop the cream cheese mixture on top and swirl gently with a knife to create a marbled effect.
- Bake for 30–35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with a few moist crumbs.
- Allow to cool completely before slicing into squares.
Notes
- Use room-temperature ingredients for even mixing.
- Do not overmix to maintain a fudgy texture.
- Chill before slicing for cleaner cuts.
- For a deeper red color, adjust food coloring as needed.
- Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 1 week or freeze up to 3 months.
- Serve chilled or at room temperature.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 brownie
- Calories: 270
- Sugar: 25 g
- Sodium: 160 mg
- Fat: 14 g
- Saturated Fat: 8 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 33 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 4 g
- Cholesterol: 65 mg