Oh my goodness, have you ever tasted the sheer decadence of Red Velvet Brownies? These beauties are rich, moist, and swirled with luscious cream cheese that’ll make your taste buds dance! I promise you, once you sink your teeth into one, you’ll be hooked. They’re perfect for celebrations, whether it’s a birthday party, a holiday gathering, or just a sweet treat to brighten your day. The vibrant red color is a showstopper, making them not just delicious but also stunning on any dessert table. Trust me, you’ll want to whip up a batch of these Red Velvet Brownies to share (or maybe keep all to yourself!). So, let’s dive into this delightful recipe that’s sure to impress everyone who gets a taste!
Ingredients List
Gather these simple yet essential ingredients to create your dreamy Red Velvet Brownies:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup cocoa powder
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon red food coloring
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
Make sure your cream cheese is softened for easy mixing, and don’t skip on the red food coloring—it’s what gives these brownies that fabulous hue!
How to Prepare Red Velvet Brownies
Preheat the Oven
First things first, let’s get that oven preheated to 350°F (175°C). Preheating is super important because it ensures your Red Velvet Brownies bake evenly and come out perfectly moist. So, don’t skip this step—trust me, your brownies will thank you!
Prepare the Baking Pan
Next, grab a 9×13 inch baking pan and grease it well. I like to use a bit of unsalted butter or baking spray to coat the bottom and sides. This will prevent any sticking, making it easier to lift those delicious brownies out once they’re baked!
Mix the Brownie Batter
Now, let’s make that rich brownie batter! In a large bowl, melt the unsalted butter. Once it’s nice and melted, stir in the granulated sugar until it’s well combined. Then, crack in those four large eggs and add the vanilla extract. Mix everything together until it’s smooth and creamy. This step is where the magic begins, so give it a good stir! You’ll love how glossy and inviting it looks.
Combine Dry Ingredients
In another bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt. This will help to evenly distribute those dry ingredients and avoid any clumps in your batter. It’s a quick step, but it makes a big difference!
Add Food Coloring and Cream Cheese Swirl
Time to bring in that gorgeous red color! Gradually add the red food coloring to the wet mixture, stirring until it’s beautifully blended. Now, for the cream cheese swirl: in a separate bowl, mix the softened cream cheese with the powdered sugar until smooth. Pour half of your brownie batter into the prepared pan, drop spoonfuls of the cream cheese mixture over it, then top with the remaining brownie batter. Use a knife to gently swirl everything together—make sure not to overdo it because you want those lovely swirls to show!
Bake and Cool
Now, pop your pan into the preheated oven and bake for about 30-35 minutes. To check if they’re done, insert a toothpick in the center; it should come out with a few moist crumbs. Once they’re baked to perfection, take them out and let them cool in the pan. This cooling step is crucial—trust me, waiting just a bit longer will make cutting them into squares so much easier and cleaner!
FAQ About Red Velvet Brownies
Can I use a different type of food coloring? Absolutely! While red is classic for Red Velvet Brownies, you can experiment with other colors to suit any occasion. Just make sure to use gel food coloring for the best results.
What should I do if my brownies are too cakey? If your brownies turn out cakey, you might have overmixed the batter or baked them too long. Remember, they should be fudgy and moist!
Can I make these brownies ahead of time? Yes, you can! These Red Velvet Brownies store well in an airtight container for up to three days. They actually taste even better the next day as the flavors meld!
What can I serve with Red Velvet Brownies? These brownies are delicious on their own, but you can elevate them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for an indulgent treat.
Can I add nuts to the batter? Sure! Chopped walnuts or pecans can add a nice crunch. Just fold them in gently after mixing the batter.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Rich and Decadent Flavor: These Red Velvet Brownies are a chocolate lover’s dream, with a luscious cream cheese swirl that adds an irresistible tang.
- Easy Preparation: With simple steps and everyday ingredients, this recipe is perfect for bakers of all skill levels.
- Perfect for Gatherings: Their stunning red color and delicious taste make them a showstopper at parties, potlucks, or any celebration.
- Make Ahead: These brownies store well, so you can whip them up in advance and enjoy them later!
- Customizable: Feel free to add your favorite mix-ins like chocolate chips or nuts for an extra touch!
Tips for Success
To ensure your Red Velvet Brownies turn out perfectly, here are a few pro tips! First, make sure your ingredients, especially the eggs and cream cheese, are at room temperature. This helps with even mixing and a smoother batter. Next, don’t overmix your brownie batter once you add the dry ingredients; a few lumps are perfectly fine! Also, keep an eye on your baking time; every oven is different, so check for doneness a few minutes early. Finally, let the brownies cool completely in the pan before slicing—this helps them hold their shape and makes for cleaner cuts. Trust me, these little details can make a big difference!
Nutritional Information
Keep in mind that nutritional values can vary depending on the specific ingredients and brands you use. For these delightful Red Velvet Brownies, here’s what you can typically expect per serving (1 brownie):
- Calories: 250
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
- Sodium: 150mg
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 3g
- Sugar: 20g
These brownies may be indulgent, but they’re worth every delicious bite!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
To keep your leftover Red Velvet Brownies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. If you want to keep them longer, you can refrigerate them for up to a week. For reheating, simply pop a brownie in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds to warm it up and bring back that gooey goodness. Enjoy them slightly warm for a delightful treat!
Print
Red Velvet Brownies: 5 Steps to Irresistible Indulgence
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 24 brownies 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Rich and moist red velvet brownies with a cream cheese swirl.
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup cocoa powder
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon red food coloring
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Grease a 9×13 inch baking pan.
- In a large bowl, melt the butter and mix in sugar.
- Add eggs and vanilla, mix well.
- In another bowl, combine flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt.
- Gradually add dry ingredients to the wet mixture.
- Stir in food coloring until well combined.
- In a separate bowl, mix cream cheese and powdered sugar until smooth.
- Pour half of the brownie batter into the pan.
- Drop spoonfuls of cream cheese mixture over the batter.
- Top with remaining brownie batter and swirl with a knife.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes.
- Allow to cool before cutting into squares.
Notes
- Store leftovers in an airtight container.
- For a richer flavor, add chocolate chips.
- Serve with whipped cream for added taste.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 brownie
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 20g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: Red Velvet Brownies, brownies, dessert, red velvet