Red Velvet Brownies

Name: Red Velvet Brownies
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 50 min
Ingredients: 8 ounces cream cheese, (softened to room temperature); ⅓ cup granulated sugar; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1 large egg yolk (room temperature); ½ cup salted butter, (melted and cooled); ¾ cup granulated sugar; 2 large eggs, (room temperature); ¼ cup cocoa powder, (sifted); 2½ teaspoons vanilla extract; 3 teaspoons liquid red food coloring; 1 teaspoon white distilled vinegar; ¾ cup all-purpose flour

These decadent red velvet brownies are the ultimate treat with a tangy cream cheese swirl that makes them out of this world.

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Table of Contents

Red Velvet Brownies Ingredients
Substitutions And Additions
How To Make This Red Velvet Brownies Recipe
How To Serve
Storage
Why We Love This Recipe
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There’s nothing quite like the rich, chocolatey taste of fudgy red velvet brownies. The chewy chocolate brownie crust with that perfect reddish hue and classic red velvet flavor, topped with an oh-so-creamy cream cheese swirl, is utterly drool-worthy.

Red Velvet Brownies Ingredients

Red Velvet Brownies raw ingredients that are labeled

Red velvet brownies are a perfect blend of rich chocolate, tangy buttermilk, and a hint of vanilla.

The smooth and velvety texture of the brownies is complemented by cream cheese, which adds a creamy dimension.

The deep red color of the brownies adds a pop of color to your dessert plate, making them a perfect treat.

You’ll need:

For The Cream Cheese Swirl:

8-ounce block of cream cheese, softened to room temperature
⅓ cup of granulated sugar
1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
1 large egg yolk, room temperature

For The Brownie Layer:

½ cup of salted butter, melted and cooled
¾ cup of granulated sugar
2 large eggs, room temperature
¼ cup of cocoa powder, sifted
2½ teaspoons of vanilla extract
3 teaspoons of liquid red food coloring
1 teaspoon of white distilled vinegar
¾ cup of all-purpose flour

PRO TIP:

Be sure you are using full-fat cream cheese, as the low-fat and non-fat varieties contain too much liquid and will alter the texture of your cream cheese swirl.

Substitutions And Additions

VANILLA: Clear vanilla extract can be substituted for the standard vanilla extract in the cream cheese mixture.

This substitute will keep your cream cheese whiter in appearance and will not alter the final taste.

Clear vanilla extract is actually an imitation extract, so if you are a purist when it comes to vanilla extract, then stick with what you love.

COCOA POWDER: Be sure you use unsweetened cocoa powder, also known as baking cocoa powder, for these delicious brownies.

You can also use Dutch-processed cocoa powder.

Be sure you are NOT using a hot cocoa powder mix as it contains added sugars and, often, dehydrated milk.

How To Make This Red Velvet Brownies Recipe

The first step is to make the decadent red velvet brownie batter. Once that is spread into the pan, you can add spoonfuls of the cream cheese mixture and swirl it into the batter to create the pretty topping.

Here’s how to make them.

STEP ONE: Preheat the oven to 350°F. Line an 8×8 square pan with a piece of parchment paper.

Be sure that you have enough of the parchment paper overhanging to allow you to lift the brownies out of the pan once cooled.

OUR RECIPE DEVELOPER SAYS

Allow the sides of the parchment paper to hang over to easily remove the red velvet cheesecake swirl brownies once baked and cooled.

STEP TWO: In a medium bowl using a handheld electric mixer on medium speed, beat together the softened cream cheese, granulated sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth.

STEP THREE: Beat in the egg yolk just until fully incorporated. You do not want to add too much air to the cream cheese mixture. Set aside.

STEP FOUR: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the melted butter and granulated sugar until the sugar has been dissolved.

Add the eggs and whisk until the eggs are fully incorporated.

STEP FIVE: Add the sifted cocoa powder to the butter mixture and whisk until smooth.

cocoa powder added to the butter mixture and whisked in a bowl

STEP SIX: Whisk in the vanilla extract, liquid red food coloring, and distilled white vinegar until your red velvet brownie batter is a bright red color.

STEP SEVEN: Add the all-purpose flour and give the batter one final whisk to incorporate all the ingredients. Do not over-mix.

flour added incorporated with all the ingredients and whisked in a bowl

STEP EIGHT: Spread the batter into an even layer in the prepared baking pan.

STEP NINE: Dollop spoonfuls of the cream cheese mixture over the top of the red velvet brownie batter.

cream cheese dollop on top of the red velvet brownie batter

STEP TEN: Using a butter knife or a bamboo skewer, create a swirl pattern with the cream cheese and red velvet brownie batter.

swirl patterns created with the cream cheese and red velvet brownie batter

STEP ELEVEN: Bake for 30 to 35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with just a few crumbs.

Do not wait until the toothpick comes out clean, or your brownies will be overbaked.

PRO TIPS:

Oven temperatures vary and may need to be recalibrated periodically to ensure they are accurate. Make sure to check your red velvet cream cheese brownies at the lower end of the recommended baking time.

Red Velvet Brownies baked in a baking pan

STEP TWELVE: Allow the red velvet brownies to cool completely in the pan before removing them from the pan to slice and serve.

How To Serve

These unbelievably rich and delicious red velvet cheesecake brownies are the perfect snack anytime you need a little indulgence.

Add a Wendy’s Frosty, cold iced tea, or a warm mug of homemade hot chocolate to wash it down.

To take this sweet treat to the next level, consider serving it alongside some delicious accompaniments.

Fresh berries, whipped cream, or a scoop of vanilla ice cream would perfectly complement the decadence of the brownies.

Check out our red velvet cheesecake and red velvet cookies if you are a big fan of delectable red velvet desserts.

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Storage

Keep a batch of these delectable brownies in the freezer in case the craving strikes for a snack.

MAKE AHEAD: If you’re planning ahead, you can absolutely make these brownies in advance.

Simply allow them to cool completely in the baking dish, then cover them tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil.

Store them at room temperature for up to two days.

When you’re ready to enjoy, give them a quick zap in the microwave or a few minutes in the oven to restore their gooey, chocolatey goodness.

IN THE FRIDGE: These homemade brownies can be stored in an airtight container for up to four days in the refrigerator.

IN THE FREEZER: This red velvet brownie recipe can be stored in the freezer for up to two months.

Why We Love This Recipe

DECADENT INDULGENCE: These brownies are the ultimate indulgence with their rich, fudgy texture and a delightful swirl of cream cheese.

VIBRANT RED HUE: The striking red color not only adds a visual treat but also hints at the irresistible cocoa flavor and subtle notes of vanilla that make these brownies truly special.

CREAM CHEESE SWIRL: The cream cheese swirl not only adds a luxurious contrast in taste and texture, making them ideal for special occasions.

These fudgy brownies feature the vibrant red color that is distinctive of these unique desserts. They are deliciously moist and have the perfect red velvet flavor, making these red velvet brownies the ideal choice for a snack or dessert.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Do I have to keep the red velvet swirl brownies in the fridge after baking?

Because they have cream cheese in the topping, these easy red velvet brownies need to be stored in the fridge.

What can I do with the leftover egg whites?

Egg whites can be kept in the fridge in an airtight container for a few days. You can also freeze them for longer. Pour each egg white into one cube of an ice tray and freeze. Transfer them to a bag, and all you need to do is defrost them at room temperature when they’re called for.

What is red velvet made of?

When the recipe was first introduced, the red was created through a reaction between vinegar, buttermilk, and cocoa in the recipe. Nowadays, the color is mainly created using red food coloring and cocoa powder, with vinegar adding a distinct tanginess.

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Red Velvet Brownies

5 from 2 votes

These decadent red velvet brownies are the ultimate treat with a tangy cream cheese swirl that makes them out of this world.

Prep Time 15

Cook Time 35

Total Time 50

Servings

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Ingredients

Cream Cheese Swirl

8 ounces cream cheese, softened to room temperature
⅓ cup granulated sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 large egg yolk room temperature

Brownie Layer

½ cup salted butter, melted and cooled
¾ cup granulated sugar
2 large eggs, room temperature
¼ cup cocoa powder, sifted
2½ teaspoons vanilla extract
3 teaspoons liquid red food coloring
1 teaspoon white distilled vinegar
¾ cup all-purpose flour

Instructions

Preheat the oven to 350°F. Line an 8×8 baking pan with a piece of parchment paper. Be sure that you have enough of the parchment paper overhanging to allow you to lift the brownies out of the pan once cooled.
In a medium mixing bowl using a handheld mixer on medium speed, beat together the softened cream cheese, granulated sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth.
Beat in the egg yolk just until fully incorporated. You do not want to add too much air to the cream cheese mixture. Set aside.
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the melted butter and granulated sugar until the sugar has been dissolved. Add the eggs and whisk until the eggs are fully incorporated.
Add the sifted cocoa powder to the butter mixture and whisk until smooth.
Whisk in the vanilla extract, liquid red food coloring, and distilled white vinegar until your red velvet brownie batter is a bright red color.
Add the all-purpose flour and give the batter one final whisk to incorporate all the ingredients. Do not over-mix.
Spread the batter into an even layer in the prepared baking pan.
Dollop spoonfuls of the cream cheese mixture over the top of the red velvet brownie batter.
Using a butter knife or a bamboo skewer, create a swirl pattern with the cream cheese and red velvet brownie batter.
Bake for 30 to 35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with just a few crumbs. Do not wait until the toothpick comes out clean, or your brownies will be overbaked.
Allow the red velvet brownies to cool completely in the pan before removing them from the pan to slice and serve.

Notes

Be sure you are using full-fat cream cheese, as the low-fat and non-fat varieties contain too much liquid and will alter the texture of your cream cheese swirl.
Allow the sides of the parchment paper to hang over to easily remove the red velvet cheesecake swirl brownies once baked and cooled.
Oven temperatures vary and may need to be recalibrated periodically to ensure they are accurate. Make sure to check your red velvet cream cheese brownies at the lower end of the recommended baking time.

Nutrition

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Proudly Prepared by the Spaceships Kitchen

This recipe was developed, tested, cooked and photographed by the Spaceships Kitchen. From our dinner table to yours, we hope you think it's out of this world!

Stephanie Keeping Publisher
Layne Kangas Marketing
Rhadonda Sedgwick Creative Director
Lexus Monroe Editorial Assistant
Angela Sessions Recipe Developer

Red Velvet Brownies

Red Velvet Brownies Ingredients

Substitutions And Additions

How To Make This Red Velvet Brownies Recipe

How To Serve

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Storage

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