These Red Velvet Cream Cheese Brownies are the perfect combination of rich, velvety chocolate and creamy, tangy cheesecake. The deep red color of the brownies makes them as visually striking as they are delicious, and the smooth, luscious cream cheese swirl adds an indulgent contrast to the fudgy brownie base. Whether you're craving the smooth texture of cheesecake or the deep, chocolatey bite of a brownie, this recipe delivers both in every single bite. These brownies are ideal for any special occasion or whenever you need a show-stopping dessert to impress family and friends.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
This recipe is a delightful twist on classic brownies with a gorgeous swirl of cream cheese that enhances the rich chocolate flavor. You’ll love how easy it is to make, yet the result looks and tastes like a dessert straight from a bakery. The red velvet brownie base adds a subtle cocoa flavor that pairs beautifully with the sweet, tangy cream cheese. The vibrant red color makes them stand out, perfect for holidays or special celebrations. Plus, these brownies are soft, chewy, and melt-in-your-mouth good, making them a crowd-pleaser for any dessert table.
Perfect Occasion:
Red Velvet Cream Cheese Brownies are perfect for any celebration, from Valentine's Day to Christmas, or just as a special treat to enjoy at home. They’re great for potlucks, bake sales, or as a sweet gift for friends and family. Their striking red and white appearance makes them perfect for festive gatherings, and they’re always a hit at parties. These brownies also make a wonderful dessert to bring to a dinner party, as they’re both visually stunning and incredibly delicious.
Decoration Tips:
To elevate the presentation of your Red Velvet Cream Cheese Brownies, consider dusting the top with a light sprinkling of powdered sugar just before serving. For a more decadent look, drizzle melted white or dark chocolate over the cooled brownies in thin, decorative lines. If you’re serving them for a special occasion, you could even top each brownie with a small edible gold leaf or sprinkle some festive sprinkles for a touch of fun. If you want an extra touch of elegance, serve the brownies with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.
Ingredients for the Brownies:
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 cup white sugar
- 2 eggs
- 1½ teaspoons red food coloring
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¾ cup all-purpose flour
- 3 tablespoons cocoa powder
Ingredients for the Cream Cheese Swirl:
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1 egg yolk
- ¼ cup sugar
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8x8 inch baking pan with parchment paper, ensuring the edges overhang slightly for easy removal.
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the melted butter and sugar until the mixture appears glossy. Add the eggs, one at a time, and whisk until the mixture becomes light and foamy. Stir in the vanilla extract and red food coloring, ensuring the color is evenly distributed.
- Sift together the flour, cocoa powder, and salt, and gradually add this to the wet mixture. Stir just until everything is well combined, being careful not to overmix.
- Pour the brownie batter into the prepared baking pan, spreading it evenly with a spatula.
- To make the cream cheese swirl, whisk together the softened cream cheese, egg yolk, and sugar in a separate bowl until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
- Drop spoonfuls of the cream cheese mixture over the brownie batter. Use a knife or toothpick to gently swirl the cream cheese into the batter, creating a marbled effect.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with a few moist crumbs.
- Let the brownies cool completely in the pan before slicing into squares.
Enjoy!