Prepare to embark on a culinary journey that combines the rich, velvety texture of red velvet with the creamy decadence of cream cheese in a brownie that's about to become your new obsession! These aren't just ordinary brownies - they're a show-stopping dessert that will have your friends and family begging for the recipe. With their stunning red color, marbled cream cheese swirls, and irresistibly moist texture, these brownies are the perfect blend of elegance and indulgence that will elevate any dessert table or sweet craving.
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 50 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 16 brownies
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon cocoa powder
- 1 teaspoon red food coloring
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x13 inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal of the brownies.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the melted unsalted butter and granulated sugar. Whisk them together until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
- Add the eggs, one at a time, to the butter and sugar mixture, whisking well after each addition. Then stir in the vanilla extract until fully incorporated.
- In a separate bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, cocoa powder, and salt. Gradually add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
- Next, add the red food coloring to the brownie batter. Stir until the color is evenly distributed and the batter is a vibrant red.
- In another bowl, prepare the cream cheese layer. Beat the softened cream cheese and powdered sugar together until smooth and creamy. This will be your cream cheese swirl.
- Pour half of the red velvet brownie batter into the prepared baking pan, spreading it evenly across the bottom.
- Drop spoonfuls of the cream cheese mixture over the brownie batter. Then, pour the remaining red velvet batter on top of the cream cheese layer, spreading it gently to cover.
- Using a knife or a toothpick, gently swirl the cream cheese mixture into the brownie batter for a marbled effect. Be careful not to over-swirl; you want to maintain some distinct layers.
- Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with a few moist crumbs (not wet batter).
- Once baked, remove the brownies from the oven and let them cool in the pan on a wire rack for about 15-20 minutes.
- After cooling, lift the brownies out of the pan using the edges of the parchment paper (if used) and cut them into 16 squares.
- Serve the red velvet cream cheese brownies warm or at room temperature. Enjoy your delicious treat!
Tips
- Use room temperature ingredients to ensure smooth mixing and consistent texture.
- Don't overmix the batter - this can lead to tough brownies.
- For the most vibrant red color, use gel food coloring instead of liquid.
- Make sure your cream cheese is softened but not melted for the perfect swirl.
- Use parchment paper for easy removal and clean cutting.
- Let the brownies cool completely for cleaner, neater slices.
- For extra indulgence, serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dusting of powdered sugar.
- Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for up to a week.
- For best results, use high-quality cocoa powder and pure vanilla extract.
- Allow the brownies to rest for 15-20 minutes after baking for the best texture and flavor development.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 270kcal
Carbohydrates: 41g
Protein: 4g
Fat: g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: mg
