Red Velvet Brownies

These Red Velvet Brownies are the perfect balance of soft, fudgy texture and a rich, vibrant red velvet flavor. Topped with a luscious cream cheese swirl, they’re a decadent twist on classic brownies that are sure to impress at any occasion!

Ingredients:

For the Brownies:

1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
1 cup granulated sugar
2 large eggs
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 tbsp red food coloring
1 tsp white vinegar (helps activate the baking soda)
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
2 tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder
1/2 tsp baking powder
1/4 tsp salt

For the Cream Cheese Swirl:

8 oz cream cheese, softened
1/4 cup powdered sugar
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 large egg yolk

Instructions:

Preheat oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease or line an 8×8-inch baking dish with parchment paper.
Make the brownie batter:
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the melted butter and sugar until smooth and well combined.
- Add the eggs, vanilla extract, and red food coloring, and mix until fully incorporated.
- Stir in the vinegar, then sift in the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt. Mix until just combined, making sure not to overmix.
- Pour the brownie batter into the prepared baking dish and spread it out evenly.
Make the cream cheese swirl:
- In a separate bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with powdered sugar and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy.
- Add the egg yolk and mix until fully incorporated.
Add the cream cheese swirl:
- Drop spoonfuls of the cream cheese mixture over the brownie batter. Use a knife or toothpick to swirl the cream cheese into the brownie batter to create a marbled effect.
Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs (not wet batter). The top should look set and slightly cracked.
Cool and slice: Allow the brownies to cool in the pan for about 10-15 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely. Once cooled, slice into squares and serve!

Tips:

For extra cream cheese flavor: You can increase the cream cheese filling by doubling the swirl ingredients.
Make it richer: Add a few white chocolate chips or chopped white chocolate to the batter for extra richness.
Storage: Store the brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3-4 days, or refrigerate for longer freshness.