Cozy Red Velvet Brownies with Cream Cheese Swirl
The soft, velvety texture of red velvet brownies fresh out of the oven fills my kitchen with a warm embrace, wrapping me in nostalgia every time I take a bite. This recipe takes me back to my childhood, where the rich aroma of cocoa mixed with a hint of vanilla made every gathering feel special. The deep crimson hue of these delightful treats always seems to bring a hint of cheer, making them perfect for bringing people together.
Whether you’re snuggled up at home on a chilly evening or planning a cozy celebration, this decadent dessert is sure to create lasting memories. I always say it’s the little things—like sharing warm brownies—with friends and family that truly elevate our days. Trust me; this is one you’ll definitely want to pin for later!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Decadently Delicious: The combination of rich brownie and creamy cream cheese swirl creates an indulgent balance of flavors that everyone will adore.
- Crowd-Pleasing: Perfect for parties, potlucks, or just a cozy night in, these brownies are sure to impress friends and family alike.
- Easy to Make: With simple, quick steps, you’ll have these delightful treats ready in no time, making it ideal for any occasion.
- A Feast for the Eyes: The vibrant red color and luscious cream cheese topping make this dessert as beautiful as it is delicious—perfect for your Pinterest boards!
- Customizable: With a few fun twists, you can add your personal touch to make these brownies uniquely yours.
Ingredients You’ll Need for Red Velvet Brownies
Brownie Layer
- 1 cup (225 g) unsalted butter, melted
- 1½ cups (300 g) granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tbsp cocoa powder
- 1½ cups (190 g) all-purpose flour
- ½ tsp baking powder
- ¼ tsp salt
- 2–3 tbsp red food coloring
Cream Cheese Swirl
- 8 oz (225 g) cream cheese, softened
- ¼ cup (50 g) granulated sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 egg
Let’s Make It Together
Preheat: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease or line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper to ensure easy removal later.
Make Brownie Batter: In a large bowl, whisk together the melted butter and granulated sugar until smooth and creamy. Add the eggs, vanilla extract, cocoa powder, and red food coloring; mix until well combined. Gradually stir in the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt until the batter is just combined.
Prepare Cream Cheese Layer: In a separate bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth. Add in the sugar, vanilla extract, and egg, mixing until everything is well blended and creamy.
Assemble: Pour half of the brownie batter into the prepared pan. Spoon half of the cream cheese mixture on top, then gently swirl it with a knife for that beautiful marbled effect. Repeat the process with the remaining brownie batter and cream cheese mixture.
Bake: Bake your creations in the oven for 25–30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with only a few moist crumbs clinging to it.
Cool & Serve: Let the brownies cool completely in the pan before cutting them into generous squares. For an extra touch, dust with powdered sugar or drizzle with melted chocolate.
Delicious Variations to Try
- Chocolate Chip Delight: Add semi-sweet chocolate chips to the brownie batter for an extra chocolaty experience that complements the cream cheese.
- Nutty Crunch: Fold in some chopped walnuts or pecans into the brownie mixture for added texture and a nutty flavor.
- Citrusy Twist: Mix in a zesty lemon or orange zest into the cream cheese layer for a refreshing burst of flavor that shines through the richness.
- Spiced Red Velvet: Add a sprinkle of cinnamon or nutmeg to the brownie batter for a warm spice that elevates this cozy dessert.
Chef Emma’s Helpful Tips
- Make-Ahead Advice: These brownies can be made ahead of time and stored in an airtight container. They actually taste even better the next day, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully.
- Ingredient Swaps: For a lighter version, substitute unsweetened applesauce for half the amount of butter, and use a sugar substitute if you’re looking to reduce sugar intake.
- Slicing Tricks: To easily slice brownies, use a plastic knife or run your knife under warm water before cutting to get those clean edges.
- Storage Suggestions: Keep your brownies stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days, or refrigerate them for a week.
What’s Inside – Nutrition Breakdown
- Serving Size: 1 square (based on 16 total servings)
- Calories: 325
- Carbohydrates: 42 g
- Sugar: 24 g
- Fat: 15 g
- Protein: 4 g
- Sodium: 160 mg
Common Questions Answered
Can I make this ahead?
Absolutely! These brownies can be made a day in advance for an even richer flavor.
Can I use different ingredients?
Sure! Feel free to swap in your favorite types of sugar or even experiment with gluten-free flour.
How do I store leftovers?
Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days or refrigerate for up to a week.
How long does it last?
These brownies will last up to one week in the fridge, but they won’t last long, trust me!
Wrapping It Up
There’s something undeniably comforting about warm, gooey red velvet brownies with a rich cream cheese swirl. They add a splash of color and joy to any dessert table and evoke wonderful memories of shared moments. This recipe holds a special place in my heart, and I’m excited for you to create your own memories with each bite! Save this Red Velvet Brownies to your dessert board so it’s ready when you need a cozy treat!
Print
Cozy Red Velvet Brownies with Cream Cheese Swirl
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 16 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulgent red velvet brownies swirled with cream cheese, perfect for cozy gatherings or celebrations.
Ingredients
- 1 cup (225 g) unsalted butter, melted
- 1½ cups (300 g) granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tbsp cocoa powder
- 1½ cups (190 g) all-purpose flour
- ½ tsp baking powder
- ¼ tsp salt
- 2–3 tbsp red food coloring
- 8 oz (225 g) cream cheese, softened
- ¼ cup (50 g) granulated sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 egg
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease or line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, whisk together melted butter and granulated sugar until smooth and creamy. Add eggs, vanilla extract, cocoa powder, and red food coloring; mix until well combined. Gradually stir in flour, baking powder, and salt until just combined.
- In a separate bowl, beat the cream cheese until smooth. Add in sugar, vanilla extract, and egg, mixing until creamy.
- Pour half of the brownie batter into the prepared pan. Spoon half of the cream cheese mixture on top and gently swirl with a knife. Repeat with the remaining brownie batter and cream cheese mixture.
- Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted comes out with a few moist crumbs.
- Let cool completely in the pan before cutting into squares.
Notes
For added texture, mix in some chopped nuts or chocolate chips to the brownie batter. These brownies are even better the next day!
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 brownie
- Calories: 325
- Sugar: 24g
- Sodium: 160mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
Keywords: red velvet, brownies, dessert, baking, cream cheese swirl