✅ Fudgy
✅ Swirled
✅ Bakery-style but easy at home
Introduction
If you love the classic flavor of red velvet cake — that subtle cocoa richness, soft texture, and touch of vanilla — and you also adore rich, fudgy brownies, then these Red Velvet Cream Cheese Brownies are the perfect dessert to fall in love with.
This recipe brings the best of both into one stunning pan: a deep red, velvety brownie base swirled with sweet, creamy cheesecake ribbons. The result is a dessert that looks beautiful, tastes indulgent, and slices perfectly into elegant squares. Perfect for holidays, parties, Valentine’s Day, or just a cozy baking night at home.
Ingredients List
For the Red Velvet Brownie Layer
- 1/2 cup (115g) unsalted butter
- 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 tablespoons cocoa powder
- 3/4 cup (95g) all-purpose flour
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon red food coloring (gel preferred)
For the Cream Cheese Swirl
- 8 oz (225g) cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup (50g) granulated sugar
- 1 egg yolk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Timing
| Step | Time |
|---|---|
| Prep Time | 10 minutes |
| Bake Time | 25–30 minutes |
| Cooling Time | 20 minutes |
| Total Time | ~55 minutes |
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prep the Pan
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
Line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
Step 2: Make the Red Velvet Batter
Melt butter and whisk in sugar until smooth.
Add eggs and vanilla, whisking until glossy.
Stir in:
- Cocoa powder
- Flour
- Salt
- Red food coloring
Mix just until combined — do not overmix.
Reserve 3 tablespoons of batter for the swirl.
Spread the remaining red velvet batter evenly into the pan.
Step 3: Make the Cream Cheese Swirl
Beat cream cheese, sugar, egg yolk, and vanilla until smooth and creamy.
Drop spoonfuls of the cream cheese mixture over the brownie base.
Step 4: Swirl
Drop the reserved red batter on top.
Use a knife to gently swirl into a marble pattern — don’t over-swirl.
Step 5: Bake
Bake 25–30 minutes, until the center is set and edges are firm.
Let cool completely before slicing for clean edges.
Nutritional Information (Approx. per brownie)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | ~240 kcal |
| Carbs | 26g |
| Fat | 13g |
| Protein | 3g |
Healthier Alternatives
| Goal | Swap |
|---|---|
| Lower Sugar | Reduce sugar in brownie layer to 3/4 cup |
| Gluten-Free | Use gluten-free 1:1 baking flour |
| Dairy-Free | Use vegan butter + dairy-free cream cheese |
| More Cocoa Flavor | Add 1 additional tablespoon cocoa powder |
Serving Suggestions
Serve these brownies:
- Cooled & sliced into squares
- Slightly warm with vanilla ice cream
- Chilled for extra fudge texture
- With hot coffee, tea, or cold milk
They’re also stunning on dessert tables and holiday platters.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
| Mistake | Solution |
|---|---|
| Brownies too cakey | Don’t overbake — remove when still slightly soft |
| Cream cheese layer cracks | Do not beat cream cheese mixture too long |
| Swirl disappears | Leave visible lines of both batters when swirling |
| Batter turns pink | Use gel food coloring for bold red tone |
Storing Tips
- Refrigerator: Up to 5 days, covered
- Freezer: Up to 2 months (wrap slices individually)
- Serve Cold or Room Temp: Both textures are delicious
Conclusion
These Red Velvet Cream Cheese Brownies are rich, eye-catching, and unbelievably satisfying — a perfect dessert when you want something special without complicated steps. With their bold red color and creamy swirl, they bring bakery-level beauty right to your kitchen.
Try them soon — and come back to share how they turned out!
FAQs
1. Can I double the recipe?
Yes — bake in a 9×13 pan and increase bake time by 5–8 minutes.
2. Can I use boxed brownie mix?
Yes — make brownies as usual, dye red, and add the cream cheese swirl.
3. Can I add chocolate chips?
Absolutely — white chocolate chips are especially delicious.
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