Red Velvet Swirl Brownies Recipe
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
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
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Pour Batter into Pan: Transfer the prepared brownie batter into the lined baking dish, spreading it out evenly.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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