There’s something truly magical about the combination of red velvet and cream cheese swirl. When I first tried this recipe for Red Velvet Brownies with Cream Cheese Swirl, I was skeptical about how the rich, chocolatey tones of red velvet would meld with the tangy, creamy swirl. However, the result was nothing short of spectacular. My family, who are seasoned dessert critics, couldn’t stop raving about the nuanced flavors and the perfect balance of sweetness and tanginess. The brownies were devoured within minutes, and I knew instantly that this recipe was a keeper.
Ingredients
To create these delightful Red Velvet Brownies with Cream Cheese Swirl, you’ll need a selection of pantry staples and a few special items. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) of unsalted butter
- 1 cup of granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon red food coloring
- 2/3 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
Preparing these brownies is a straightforward process, and the results are worth every step. Follow these instructions to achieve the perfect red velvet brownies with a luscious cream cheese swirl:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper or aluminum foil, leaving an overhang on the sides to lift the brownies out easily.
- Melt the butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Once melted, remove from the heat and stir in 1 cup of sugar, followed by the 2 eggs, 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract, and 1 tablespoon of red food coloring. Mix until well combined.
- In a separate bowl, sift together the flour, cocoa powder, and salt. Gradually add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring until smooth and fully incorporated.
- Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan, spreading it evenly with a spatula.
- In another bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with 1/4 cup of sugar, 1 large egg, and 1/2 teaspoon of vanilla extract until smooth and creamy.
- Carefully dollop the cream cheese mixture over the red velvet batter in the pan. Use a knife to gently swirl the cream cheese into the red velvet batter, creating a marbled effect.
- Bake in the preheated oven for about 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with only a few moist crumbs. Be careful not to overbake.
- Allow the brownies to cool completely in the pan before lifting them out using the parchment overhang. Slice into squares and serve.
Nutrition Facts
When it comes to indulgent desserts like these Red Velvet Brownies with Cream Cheese Swirl, it’s helpful to be aware of the nutrition facts. This recipe makes approximately 12 servings, with each serving containing about 250 calories. These values can vary slightly depending on specific ingredients and portion sizes, but this estimation serves as a general guideline for those monitoring their intake.
Preparation Time
One of the many advantages of this recipe is its efficiency. The total preparation time is around 15 minutes, with an additional baking time of 30-35 minutes. This means you can have these delicious brownies ready to enjoy in under an hour, making them perfect for last-minute dessert needs or spontaneous sweet cravings.
How to Serve
These Red Velvet Brownies with Cream Cheese Swirl are incredibly versatile and can be served in a variety of delightful ways:
- As is: Serve the brownies warm or at room temperature straight from the pan for a straightforward yet satisfying dessert.
- With a scoop of vanilla ice cream: The contrast of warm brownies and cold ice cream is an irresistible treat.
- Drizzled with chocolate or caramel sauce: Add an extra layer of indulgence with a drizzle of sauce over the top.
- Paired with fresh berries: The tartness of berries complements the rich flavors of the brownies beautifully.
- With a dusting of powdered sugar: A simple dusting can add a touch of elegance and sweetness.
Additional Tips
To ensure your Red Velvet Brownies with Cream Cheese Swirl turn out perfectly every time, consider the following tips:
- Use room temperature ingredients: This helps the batter mix more smoothly and ensures even baking.
- Don’t overmix the batter: Overmixing can lead to dense brownies. Stir until just combined.
- Adjust the food coloring: Depending on your preference, you might want to adjust the amount of red food coloring for a more vibrant hue.
- Check for doneness early: Since oven temperatures can vary, start checking for doneness at the 30-minute mark.
- Allow to cool completely before cutting: This will help the brownies set properly and make slicing easier.
FAQ Section
Here are some frequently asked questions about Red Velvet Brownies with Cream Cheese Swirl:
- Can I use a different type of flour?
- What if I don’t have red food coloring?
- How should I store these brownies?
- Can I double the recipe?
- Can I make these brownies ahead of time?
Yes, you can use gluten-free all-purpose flour as a substitute if you’re looking for a gluten-free option. Just make sure it’s a 1:1 substitute to get the best results.
The food coloring is primarily for aesthetics and won’t affect the taste. You can omit it if you prefer a natural look or use beet juice as a natural alternative.
These brownies can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, refrigerate them for up to a week or freeze them for up to 3 months.
Absolutely! Simply double the ingredients and use a 9×13-inch baking pan. You may need to adjust the baking time slightly, so keep an eye on them as they bake.
Yes, these brownies taste great the next day. Making them a day ahead can actually enhance the flavors as they have time to meld together. Just store them properly until you’re ready to serve.