Red Velvet Brownies with Swirl (Printable)
Fudgy red velvet brownies combined with a creamy cheesecake swirl for a decadent dessert experience.
# What You'll Need:
→ Red Velvet Brownie Base
01 - 3/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
02 - 1 cup granulated sugar
03 - 1/4 cup packed light brown sugar
04 - 2 large eggs
05 - 1 tsp vanilla extract
06 - 1 1/2 tbsp red food coloring (liquid or gel)
07 - 3/4 cup all-purpose flour
08 - 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
09 - 1/4 tsp salt
10 - 1 tsp white vinegar
→ Cheesecake Swirl
11 - 8 oz cream cheese, softened
12 - 1/4 cup granulated sugar
13 - 1 large egg yolk
14 - 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
# Directions:
01 - Preheat oven to 350°F. Line an 8x8-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang for easy removal.
02 - In a large bowl, whisk together melted butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until combined. Add eggs, vanilla, vinegar, and red food coloring. Whisk until smooth.
03 - Sift in flour, cocoa powder, and salt. Fold gently until just combined; do not overmix.
04 - Reserve 1/4 cup of the red velvet batter. Pour the remaining batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top.
05 - In a separate bowl, beat cream cheese, sugar, egg yolk, and vanilla until smooth and creamy.
06 - Dollop the cheesecake mixture over the brownie batter in the pan. Drop spoonfuls of reserved red velvet batter on top.
07 - Use a skewer or knife to gently swirl the cheesecake and red velvet batters together for a marbled effect.
08 - Bake for 33-36 minutes, or until the center is just set and a toothpick inserted into the edge comes out with a few moist crumbs.
09 - Cool completely in the pan, then lift out and cut into squares.
# Expert Advice:
01 -
- The fudgy brownie layer meets tangy cheesecake in every single bite
- They look like you spent hours but honestly come together in under an hour
02 -
- Overbaking is the death of fudgy brownies, so pull them when that toothpick has moist crumbs, not dry ones
- Room temperature cream cheese is non negotiable for getting that smooth swirl texture
03 -
- Skip the nonstick spray on your parchment, the butter in the batter handles that perfectly
- Gel food coloring is worth the extra trip to the baking aisle for that true red velvet drama