Fudgy Red Velvet Brownies with Cream Cheese Recipe

Introduction

These fudgy red velvet brownies combine the rich taste of cocoa with a vibrant red hue and a creamy swirl of tangy cream cheese. Perfectly moist and decadent, they’re a delightful twist on classic brownies that will impress any crowd.

Ingredients

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 2 large eggs
• 1 tbsp red food coloring (gel preferred)
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 8 oz full-fat cream cheese, softened
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar (for cream cheese mixture)
• 1 egg yolk (for cream cheese mixture)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line a 9×9-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
2. Step 2: In a bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, granulated sugar, and brown sugar.
3. Step 3: Melt the butter over low heat and let it cool slightly. Combine the melted butter with the dry ingredients and mix well.
4. Step 4: In another bowl, beat the eggs with the red food coloring and vanilla extract until combined. Mix this into the dry ingredients until smooth.
5. Step 5: In a separate bowl, beat the cream cheese with the 1/4 cup granulated sugar and egg yolk until smooth and creamy.
6. Step 6: Pour half of the brownie batter into the prepared pan. Spread the cream cheese mixture evenly over the batter, then add the remaining brownie batter on top and smooth the surface.
7. Step 7: Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with moist crumbs. Allow to cool completely before cutting and serving.

Tips & Variations

• Use gel food coloring for deeper color without altering the batter consistency.
• For extra texture, fold in 1/2 cup chopped pecans or walnuts to the brownie batter before baking.
• Ensure the cream cheese is fully softened to avoid lumps in the cream cheese swirl.
• Try adding a teaspoon of espresso powder to enhance the chocolate flavor.

Storage

Store the brownies in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. For longer storage, freeze them wrapped tightly for up to 2 months. To reheat, let thaw at room temperature or warm briefly in the microwave.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use a different pan size?

A 9×9-inch pan is best for even baking, but you can use an 8×8-inch pan for thicker brownies, increasing the baking time slightly. Adjust baking time by checking doneness with a toothpick.

What can I substitute for cream cheese?

If you need a substitute, mascarpone or ricotta cheese can work, but the texture and flavor will vary slightly. For a dairy-free option, try a vegan cream cheese alternative.

Fudgy Red Velvet Brownies with Cream Cheese Recipe

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★★★★★

4.7 from 58 reviews

• Author: Zoe
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 9 servings 1x

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Description

Indulge in these fudgy Red Velvet Brownies layered with a rich and creamy cream cheese swirl. Perfectly moist and decadently chocolatey, these brownies combine classic red velvet flavor with the luscious tang of cream cheese for a dessert that’s sure to impress at any gathering or cozy night in.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Brownie Batter

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 2 large eggs
• 1 tbsp red food coloring (gel preferred)
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

Cream Cheese Mixture

• 8 oz full-fat cream cheese, softened
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1 egg yolk

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Instructions

1. Preheat Oven and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line a 9×9-inch baking pan with parchment paper to ensure easy removal of the brownies.
2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, unsweetened cocoa powder, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until well combined.
3. Add Melted Butter: Melt the unsalted butter over low heat and allow it to cool slightly. Pour the melted butter into the dry ingredients and mix thoroughly to combine.
4. Incorporate Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, beat the two large eggs with the red food coloring and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and well blended. Add this to the flour and butter mixture and stir until just combined.
5. Prepare Cream Cheese Layer: In another bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with granulated sugar and the egg yolk until the mixture is smooth and creamy, ensuring no lumps remain.
6. Assemble the Brownies: Pour half of the brownie batter into the prepared pan, spreading it evenly. Carefully layer the cream cheese mixture on top of this batter, then pour and spread the remaining brownie batter over the cream cheese layer without mixing the layers.
7. Bake: Bake the assembled brownies in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the brownie layer (not cream cheese layer) comes out with moist crumbs.
8. Cool and Serve: Allow the brownies to cool completely in the pan before slicing and serving to ensure clean cuts and set layers.

Notes

• Use gel red food coloring for vibrant color without thinning the batter.
• Allow the melted butter to cool slightly before mixing to prevent cooking the eggs prematurely.
• Do not overmix the batter to keep brownies fudgy and tender.
• Cool the brownies completely before cutting for best presentation and texture.
• Store brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for up to a week.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Keywords: Red velvet brownies, cream cheese brownies, fudgy brownies, layered brownies, chocolate dessert, easy brownies recipe