Fudgy Red Velvet Brownies with Cream Cheese Swirl Recipe

Introduction

These fudgy red velvet brownies combine the rich cocoa flavor of classic brownies with the striking red velvet color and a creamy cream cheese swirl. Perfect for special occasions or a decadent treat, they are moist, tender, and irresistibly delicious.

Ingredients

• 1 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1 3/4 cups granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon white vinegar
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon red food coloring (or more for deeper color)
• 1 tablespoon white vinegar
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 cup buttermilk
• 1/2 cup white chocolate chips (optional)
• For the Cream Cheese Frosting:
• 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar, sifted
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8 inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides for easy removal. Lightly grease the paper.
2. Step 2: In a large bowl, whisk together the melted butter and granulated sugar until combined.
3. Step 3: Whisk in the eggs one at a time until smooth. Stir in the vanilla extract.
4. Step 4: In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, and salt.
5. Step 5: In a small bowl, mix the buttermilk, red food coloring, and 1 tablespoon of white vinegar.
6. Step 6: Add half of the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and mix on low speed until just combined.
7. Step 7: In a small cup, mix the remaining 1 tablespoon of white vinegar with the baking soda until it foams slightly. Immediately add this mixture and the buttermilk mixture to the batter, mixing until just incorporated. Do not overmix.
8. Step 8: Fold in the white chocolate chips, if using.
9. Step 9: Pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread evenly.
10. Step 10: Prepare the cream cheese swirl: In a bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and butter until smooth. Gradually beat in the powdered sugar and vanilla extract until the frosting is light and creamy.
11. Step 11: Drop spoonfuls of the cream cheese frosting over the brownie batter. Use a knife or skewer to gently swirl the frosting into the batter to create a marbled effect.
12. Step 12: Bake for 30 to 35 minutes. The edges should look set, and a toothpick inserted near the center should come out with moist crumbs attached, not wet batter, for a fudgy texture.
13. Step 13: Let the brownies cool completely in the pan on a wire rack. This is important for clean cutting.
14. Step 14: Once cool, lift the brownies out using the parchment overhang. Cut into squares.
15. Step 15: If you prefer a thicker frosting layer, you can spread a thin layer of the prepared cream cheese frosting over the cooled brownies before slicing.

Tips & Variations

• For a deeper red color, add an extra 1/2 teaspoon of red food coloring.
• Substitute buttermilk with plain yogurt or milk plus 1 teaspoon lemon juice if you don’t have buttermilk.
• Try adding chopped nuts or swap white chocolate chips for dark chocolate chunks for variation.
• Ensure not to overmix after adding the baking soda and vinegar to keep brownies tender.

Storage

Store brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for up to a week. If refrigerated, bring to room temperature before serving. You can also freeze brownies (without topping) for up to 2 months; thaw overnight in the fridge.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make these brownies gluten-free?

Yes, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend suitable for baking, measuring cup for cup. The texture may vary slightly.

What if I don’t have white vinegar?

You can use apple cider vinegar as a substitute in equal amounts; it will still react with baking soda to help the brownies rise and keep them moist.

Fudgy Red Velvet Brownies with Cream Cheese Swirl Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.7 from 64 reviews

These fudgy red velvet brownies combine the rich texture of classic brownies with the vibrant color and subtle tang of red velvet cake. Swirled with creamy homemade cream cheese frosting, they offer a perfect balance of dense chocolate flavor and smooth, tangy sweetness, making them an indulgent treat for any occasion.

• Author: Grace
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 16 brownies 1x
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Brownies

• 1 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1 3/4 cups granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon white vinegar
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon red food coloring (or more for deeper color)
• 1 tablespoon white vinegar
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 cup buttermilk
• 1/2 cup white chocolate chips (optional)

Cream Cheese Frosting

• 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar, sifted
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

1. Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8 inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides for easy removal. Lightly grease the parchment paper to prevent sticking.
2. Mix Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, whisk together the melted butter and granulated sugar until fully combined and smooth.
3. Add Eggs and Vanilla: Whisk in the eggs one at a time until the mixture is smooth. Stir in the vanilla extract gently.
4. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, unsweetened cocoa powder, and salt until evenly mixed.
5. Mix Wet Coloring Ingredients: In a small bowl, combine the buttermilk, red food coloring, and 1 tablespoon of white vinegar. Stir to blend well.
6. Incorporate Dry Ingredients: Add half of the dry flour mixture into the wet ingredients and mix on low speed until just combined to avoid overmixing.
7. Baking Soda and Vinegar Reaction: In a small cup, mix the remaining 1 tablespoon of white vinegar with the baking soda until it fizzes slightly. Immediately add this mixture along with the buttermilk mixture into the batter, mixing lightly until just incorporated.
8. Fold in White Chocolate Chips: Gently fold in the white chocolate chips if using, ensuring even distribution without overmixing.
9. Pour Batter: Pour the prepared batter into the lined baking pan and spread it evenly with a spatula.
10. Prepare Cream Cheese Swirl: In a bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and softened butter together until smooth. Gradually add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract, beating until the frosting is light and creamy.
11. Create Swirl Pattern: Drop spoonfuls of the cream cheese frosting over the brownie batter. Use a knife or skewer to gently swirl the frosting into the batter to create a marbled effect.
12. Bake: Bake the brownies in the preheated oven for 30 to 35 minutes. The edges should look set, and a toothpick inserted near the center should come out with moist crumbs attached but not wet batter to ensure a fudgy texture.
13. Cool Completely: Let the brownies cool completely in the pan on a wire rack. This step is crucial for clean, neat cutting.
14. Remove and Slice: Once cooled, lift the brownies out of the pan using the parchment paper overhang. Cut into squares.
15. Optional Frosting Layer: If a thicker frosting layer is desired, spread a thin layer of the remaining cream cheese frosting over the cooled brownies before slicing and serving.

Notes

• Make sure not to overmix the batter after adding baking soda and vinegar to keep brownies tender and fudgy.
• Using parchment paper with an overhang allows easy removal of brownies without breaking.
• Adjust the amount of red food coloring based on desired intensity of red velvet color.
• Optional white chocolate chips add a sweet contrast but can be omitted if preferred.
• Allow brownies to cool fully before cutting to prevent crumbling and to achieve clean slices.
• Store brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for longer freshness.

Keywords: red velvet brownies,fudgy brownies,cream cheese swirl brownies,dessert recipes,easy brownie recipe,homemade brownies