Name: Red Velvet Brownies
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted; 1 cup granulated sugar; 2 large eggs; 1 tsp vanilla extract; 1 tbsp red food coloring; 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder; 3/4 cup all-purpose flour; 1/4 tsp salt; 4 oz cream cheese, softened; 1/4 cup granulated sugar (for swirl); 1 egg yolk; 1/2 tsp vanilla extract (for swirl)

Decadent and fudgy with a vibrant red hue, these red velvet brownies combine the richness of chocolate with a tangy cream cheese swirl. I like making these around the holidays, but honestly, they’re so irresistible that I find myself baking them year-round. Whether I want to impress guests or just indulge in something sweet and homemade, this treat never disappoints.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the brownies:

1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted

1 cup granulated sugar

2 large eggs

1 tsp vanilla extract

1 tbsp red food coloring

1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder

3/4 cup all-purpose flour

1/4 tsp salt

For the cream cheese swirl:

4 oz cream cheese, softened

1/4 cup granulated sugar

1 egg yolk

1/2 tsp vanilla extract

Directions

I start by preheating my oven to 350°F (175°C) and lining an 8×8-inch pan with parchment paper, letting the paper hang over the edges so it’s easy to lift the brownies out later.

In a large bowl, I whisk together the melted butter and sugar until the mixture is smooth.

I then mix in the eggs, vanilla extract, and red food coloring until everything’s fully combined.

After sifting in the cocoa powder, flour, and salt, I stir gently until just combined—overmixing here would ruin the texture.

I pour the batter into the prepared pan, holding back a couple of tablespoons for the final swirl.

In a separate bowl, I beat the cream cheese, sugar, egg yolk, and vanilla until smooth and creamy.

I drop spoonfuls of the cream cheese mixture over the brownie batter, add the reserved batter on top, and then swirl them together with a knife to get that beautiful marbled effect.

These bake for about 28 to 32 minutes. I check for doneness by inserting a toothpick—it should come out with just a few moist crumbs.

I let the brownies cool completely in the pan before lifting them out and slicing into neat squares.

Servings and timing

Servings: 9 brownies

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 30 minutes

Total Time: 45 minutes

Calories per serving: 265 kcal

Variations

When I want to change things up, I like adding white chocolate chips to the brownie batter for an extra layer of sweetness. Sometimes I even swap the red food coloring for green around Christmas to give them a festive twist. If I’m after something even richer, I double the cream cheese swirl for more of that cheesecake flavor.

Storage/Reheating

Once cooled, I store the brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If I need to keep them longer, I refrigerate them for up to 5 days or freeze them for up to 2 months. When I want to enjoy one warm, I just microwave a square for about 10–15 seconds.

FAQs

How do I know when red velvet brownies are done?

I like to check by inserting a toothpick into the center—if it comes out with a few moist crumbs (but no wet batter), they’re ready. The edges may look slightly firmer than the center, which is perfect.

Can I make these brownies without the cream cheese swirl?

Absolutely. I’ve made them plain red velvet before, and they’re still delicious. The swirl adds a cheesecake flavor, but the brownie base is rich enough to stand on its own.

What type of red food coloring should I use?

I prefer using gel food coloring because it gives a more vibrant red without watering down the batter. But if I only have liquid food coloring on hand, I just add a bit more to get the right shade.

Can I double the recipe?

Yes, I’ve doubled this recipe and baked it in a 9×13-inch pan. I just keep an eye on the baking time—it usually needs around 35 to 40 minutes when doubled.

How do I get clean slices?

I always wait until the brownies are completely cool before slicing. Then I use a sharp knife, wiping it clean between each cut to get those perfect edges.

Conclusion

These red velvet brownies with cream cheese swirl are one of my go-to desserts when I want something impressive yet simple. They’re rich, flavorful, and beautifully marbled. Whether I’m baking for a holiday or just treating myself, they never let me down. Give them a try—I think you’ll fall in love with them just like I did.

Recipe:

Red Velvet Brownies

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Author: Sophia
Total Time: 45 minutes
Yield: 9 brownies
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Decadent and fudgy red velvet brownies with a tangy cream cheese swirl. Perfectly balanced between cakey and fudgy, with a festive red hue ideal for holidays or any time of year.