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Red Velvet Swirl Brownies Recipe

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.

Ingredients

Scale

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