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Fudgy Red Velvet Brownies with Cream Cheese Swirl Recipe

4.5 from 93 reviews

These fudgy red velvet brownies combine the rich, moist texture of classic brownies with the vibrant color and subtle chocolate flavor of red velvet. Topped with a creamy, tangy cream cheese frosting swirl, they make an indulgent treat perfect for any occasion.

Ingredients

Scale

Brownie Batter

  • 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. Prepare Pan and Oven: 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 Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the melted butter and granulated sugar until combined and smooth.
  3. Add Eggs and Vanilla: Whisk in the eggs one at a time until the batter is smooth. Stir in the vanilla extract for flavor depth.
  4. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, cocoa powder, and salt to evenly distribute the dry components.
  5. Mix Color and Buttermilk: In a small bowl, mix the buttermilk, red food coloring, and 1 tablespoon of white vinegar to create the wet colored mixture.
  6. Blend Dry and Wet: Add half of the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and mix on low speed until just combined; avoid overmixing to keep batter tender.
  7. Activate Baking Soda: In a small cup, combine the remaining 1 tablespoon of white vinegar with the baking soda until it foams slightly; immediately add this and the buttermilk mixture to the batter, folding gently until just incorporated.
  8. Add White Chocolate Chips: Fold in the white chocolate chips if using, adding extra sweetness and texture.
  9. Pour and Spread Batter: Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and spread evenly with a spatula.
  10. Prepare Cream Cheese Frosting: In a bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and butter together until smooth. Gradually beat in the powdered sugar and vanilla extract until the frosting is light and creamy.
  11. Create Swirl Effect: Drop spoonfuls of the cream cheese frosting over the brownie batter. Use a knife or skewer to gently swirl the frosting into the batter, creating a marbled pattern.
  12. Bake: Bake for 30 to 35 minutes, or until the edges appear set and a toothpick inserted near the center comes out with moist crumbs but no wet batter for a fudgy texture.
  13. Cool: Let the brownies cool completely in the pan on a wire rack, allowing them to set fully for clean cutting.
  14. Remove and Slice: Once cool, lift the brownies out based on the parchment overhang and cut into squares.
  15. Optional Additional Frosting: If desired, spread a thin layer of the prepared cream cheese frosting over the cooled brownies before slicing for a thicker frosting layer.

Notes

  • For a deeper red color, increase the amount of red food coloring slightly.
  • Ensure not to overmix the batter after adding the baking soda mixture to keep brownies tender.
  • Allowing brownies to cool completely before cutting is crucial for clean edges.
  • White chocolate chips add a nice contrast but are optional.
  • Use fresh, good quality cream cheese for the frosting for best flavor and texture.

Keywords: red velvet brownies, fudgy brownies, cream cheese frosting, dessert, easy brownies, chocolate swirl brownies