Red Velvet Swirl Brownies Recipe

Introduction

These Red Velvet Swirl Brownies combine rich, fudgy chocolate with a tangy cream cheese topping for a delightful twist on classic brownies. The vibrant red batter swirled with creamy topping creates a stunning dessert that’s perfect for any occasion.

Ingredients

• 4 ounces bittersweet baking chocolate, chopped
• 1 1/2 sticks unsalted butter
• 2 cups sugar
• 4 large eggs
• 1 ounce red liquid food coloring
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 8-ounce package cream cheese, softened
• 1/4 cup sugar (for cream cheese topping)
• 2 large egg whites
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour (for cream cheese topping)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (for cream cheese topping)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13-inch baking dish with aluminum foil, covering the bottom and sides, then spray with non-stick spray and set aside.
2. Step 2: In a large microwave-safe bowl, combine the chopped chocolate and butter. Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until fully melted and smooth (about 2 minutes).
3. Step 3: Whisk in 2 cups sugar until combined. Add the eggs one at a time, whisking after each until just blended. Stir in the red food coloring and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract.
4. Step 4: Gently fold in 1 1/2 cups flour and 1/4 teaspoon salt until just combined. Pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread evenly.
5. Step 5: For the cream cheese topping, beat the softened cream cheese and 1/4 cup sugar with an electric mixer until light and fluffy. Add the egg whites and remaining 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, beating until smooth.
6. Step 6: Stir in 2 tablespoons flour until completely incorporated. Drop heaping tablespoons of this mixture over the brownie batter in the pan, then use a knife to swirl the topping through the batter to create a marbled effect.
7. Step 7: Bake for 30–35 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted in the center comes out clean. Allow the brownies to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack.
8. Step 8: Once cooled, lift the brownies out using the foil lining as a sling. Remove the foil and cut into squares to serve.

Tips & Variations

• Use gel food coloring instead of liquid for a more intense red without affecting batter consistency.
• Allow the brownies to cool fully before cutting to keep clean edges.
• Add a tablespoon of espresso powder to the chocolate mixture for a deeper chocolate flavor.
• Substitute cream cheese topping with a mascarpone or ricotta mixture for a different tangy twist.

Storage

Store brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to a week. Reheat briefly in the microwave if desired, but they are also delicious served cold.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use regular food coloring instead of liquid?

Yes, gel food coloring is preferred for more vibrant color and less impact on batter consistency, but regular liquid food coloring will work as well.

How do I know when the brownies are done?

Insert a wooden skewer in the center; it should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs. Avoid overbaking to keep them fudgy.

Red Velvet Swirl Brownies Recipe

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4.7 from 100 reviews

Delight in these rich and decadent Red Velvet Swirl Brownies, featuring a fudgy bittersweet chocolate base with vibrant red food coloring and a creamy, smooth cream cheese topping swirled throughout for a beautiful marbled effect. Perfect for special occasions or a luxurious everyday treat.

• Author: Maya
• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 30-35 minutes
• Total Time: 50-55 minutes
• Yield: 12–16 brownies 1x
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Brownie Batter

• 4 ounces bittersweet baking chocolate, chopped
• 1 1/2 sticks unsalted butter
• 2 cups sugar
• 4 large eggs
• 1 ounce red liquid food coloring
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/4 teaspoon salt

Cream Cheese Topping

• 1 8-ounce package cream cheese, softened
• 1/4 cup sugar
• 2 large egg whites
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

1. Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13-inch baking dish with aluminum foil, covering both the bottom and sides, then spray lightly with non-stick spray to ensure easy removal of the brownies.
2. Melt Chocolate and Butter: In a large microwave-safe bowl, combine the chopped bittersweet chocolate and unsalted butter. Microwave on high in 30-second intervals, stirring well after each, until fully melted and smooth, about 2 minutes total.
3. Mix Brownie Batter: Whisk the melted chocolate mixture until smooth. Gradually whisk in 2 cups sugar until combined. Add the eggs one at a time, whisking just until blended after each addition. Stir in the red liquid food coloring and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract for vibrant color and flavor. Gently fold in 1 1/2 cups flour and 1/4 teaspoon salt, stirring just until fully incorporated to avoid overmixing.
4. Pour Batter into Pan: Transfer the prepared brownie batter into the lined baking dish, spreading it out evenly.
5. Prepare Cream Cheese Topping: Using an electric mixer, beat the softened cream cheese and 1/4 cup sugar until light and fluffy. Add the 2 egg whites and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, beating until smooth and combined. Stir in 2 tablespoons flour until the mixture is smooth and slightly thick.
6. Swirl Cream Cheese Mixture: Drop heaping tablespoons of the cream cheese topping evenly over the brownie batter. Using a knife or skewer, swirl the cream cheese through the batter to create a marbled effect without fully blending.
7. Bake the Brownies: Bake in the preheated oven for 30 to 35 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted near the center comes out mostly clean with a few moist crumbs.
8. Cool and Serve: Allow the brownies to cool completely in the pan set on a wire rack. Once cooled, use the foil overhang to lift the brownies from the pan. Carefully remove the foil, then cut into squares and serve.

Notes

• Ensure cream cheese is fully softened for a smooth topping mixture.
• Do not overmix the batter once the flour is added to maintain a tender texture.
• Red food coloring is key to achieving the classic red velvet appearance; gel food coloring can be used as an alternative for a more vivid color with less liquid.
• Allow brownies to cool completely before cutting to prevent them from crumbling.
• Store brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to a week.

Keywords: red velvet brownies, cream cheese brownies, swirl brownies, chocolate dessert, homemade brownies, easy dessert recipe