Homemade Red Velvet Brownie Bites Recipe
Introduction
These Homemade Red Velvet Brownie Bites combine the rich, fudgy texture of brownies with a creamy cheesecake swirl, creating a delightful treat that’s perfect for any occasion. Their bite-sized form makes them ideal for sharing or enjoying as a snack.
Ingredients
- 9 tbsp butter (unsalted, room temperature)
- 1 1/4 cups sugar
- 1/4 cup cocoa powder (sifted)
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tbsp red food coloring
- 1/8 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp espresso powder
- 1/2 tsp vinegar
- 2 eggs (room temperature)
- 3/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 9 oz cream cheese (room temperature, about 70°F)
- 3 tbsp sugar (for cheesecake swirl)
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract (for cheesecake swirl)
- 1 egg yolk (for cheesecake swirl)
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F and generously grease a mini muffin pan with butter or cooking spray, coating all sides and bottoms to prevent sticking. Sift the cocoa powder to remove lumps. Ensure all ingredients are at room temperature for better blending.
- Step 2: In a medium bowl, melt the butter and whisk together with the sugar, sifted cocoa powder, vanilla extract, red food coloring, salt, espresso powder, and vinegar. Whisk in eggs one at a time until fully incorporated. Gently fold in the flour until no dry streaks remain, taking care not to overmix.
- Step 3: In a separate bowl, beat the cream cheese with sugar and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy. Gently fold in the egg yolk until just combined. Avoid overbeating to keep the filling soft.
- Step 4: Spoon about 1 tablespoon of brownie batter into each mini muffin cup, filling halfway. Add about 1 teaspoon of the cheesecake mixture on top, then cover with another teaspoon of brownie batter. Use a toothpick or skewer to swirl the layers gently without overmixing.
- Step 5: Bake for 12 minutes, or until the tops spring back lightly to the touch but the centers remain fudgy. Let the bites cool in the pan for 5 minutes, then carefully remove them with a thin knife or offset spatula. Cool completely on a wire rack before serving.
Tips & Variations
- Use espresso powder to enhance the chocolate flavor without adding a coffee taste.
- Room temperature ingredients help batter blend smoothly and improve texture.
- Try swapping the vanilla extract for almond extract in the cheesecake swirl for a different flavor.
- For a festive touch, sprinkle mini chocolate chips on top before baking.
- Use a toothpick to gently swirl the layers for a beautiful marbled effect without muddying the colors.
Storage
Store the brownie bites in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Let them come to room temperature or warm briefly in the microwave before serving for the best texture. They also freeze well—wrap individually and thaw overnight in the fridge.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use regular chocolate instead of cocoa powder?
Cocoa powder is preferred here as it provides the classic red velvet flavor and color without altering the batter’s texture. Using regular chocolate would change the consistency and might affect the final result.
Why is there vinegar in the recipe?
The vinegar reacts with the baking soda and enhances the tangy flavor classic to red velvet desserts. It also helps intensify the red color, giving these brownie bites their signature look.
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Homemade Red Velvet Brownie Bites Recipe
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 24 mini brownie bites 1x
Description
These Homemade Red Velvet Brownie Bites combine the rich, fudgy texture of classic brownies with the creamy tang of a luscious cheesecake swirl. Perfectly portioned in mini muffin form, they boast a vibrant red velvet flavor enhanced by espresso powder and vinegar, topped with a smooth cream cheese filling. Ideal for parties, snacks, or dessert lovers craving an indulgent yet bite-sized treat.
Ingredients
Brownie Mixture
- 9 tbsp unsalted butter (preferably Kerrygold)
- 1 1/4 cups sugar
- 1/4 cup cocoa powder (sifted)
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tbsp red food coloring
- 1/8 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp espresso powder
- 1/2 tsp vinegar
- 2 large eggs
- 3/4 cup all-purpose flour (King Arthur preferred)
Cheesecake Swirl
- 9 oz cream cheese, room temperature (~70°F)
- 3 tbsp sugar
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 egg yolk
Instructions
- Preheat and prepare pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F and generously grease a mini muffin pan with butter or cooking spray, coating sides and bottoms to prevent sticking and ensure clean release.
- Sift and gather ingredients: Sift cocoa powder to remove lumps for a smooth batter. Ensure all ingredients, especially cream cheese and eggs, are at room temperature (~70°F) for better blending and texture.
- Make brownie batter: In a medium bowl, melt butter then whisk it with sugar, sifted cocoa powder, vanilla extract, red food coloring, salt, espresso powder, and vinegar until combined. Whisk in eggs one at a time until fully incorporated. Gently fold in flour until no dry streaks remain to avoid tough brownies from overmixing.
- Prepare cheesecake swirl: In a separate bowl, beat cream cheese with sugar and vanilla until smooth and creamy (about 1 minute). Gently fold in egg yolk just until combined to keep filling soft and creamy during baking.
- Assemble brownie bites: Spoon about 1 tablespoon of brownie batter into each muffin cup, filling halfway. Add approximately 1 teaspoon of cheesecake filling on top, then cover with another teaspoon of brownie batter. Use a toothpick or skewer to gently swirl layers in a figure-eight or circular motion to create a marbled effect without overmixing.
- Bake: Place the muffin pan in the preheated oven and bake for 12 minutes until tops are set and spring back lightly but centers remain fudgy.
- Cool and remove: Let the bites cool in the pan for 5 minutes to set, then gently remove each using a thin knife or offset spatula. Transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before serving for best texture and flavor.
Notes
- Ensure all ingredients are at room temperature, especially cream cheese and eggs, to promote smooth mixing and better texture.
- Do not overmix the brownie batter after adding flour to avoid tough brownies due to gluten development.
- Sifting cocoa powder eliminates lumps for a more uniform batter and prevents streaks.
- The espresso powder enhances chocolate flavor subtly without adding a coffee taste.
- Gentle swirling produces beautiful marbled brownies—avoid overmixing to maintain distinct layers.
- Use a mini muffin pan for perfectly portioned bites that bake evenly.
- Cool brownies completely on a wire rack to allow them to set and firm up before serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: red velvet brownies, cheesecake swirl brownies, mini brownie bites, red velvet dessert, fudgy brownies, cream cheese swirl
