These Red Velvet Brownies are a fun mix of rich chocolate and beautiful red color. With cream cheese frosting on top, they’re both yummy and eye-catching!
Everyone loves how these brownies bring a little joy to any gathering. Who wouldn’t want a sweet treat that looks as good as it tastes? Plus, they’re super easy to whip up!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
All-Purpose Flour: This is the base of the brownies. For a gluten-free option, you can use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. Just make sure it has xanthan gum for the right texture.
Cocoa Powder: Unsweetened cocoa powder is essential for that rich chocolate flavor. If you’re out, you can substitute with Dutch-processed cocoa powder, but it will alter the color slightly.
Butter: Unsalted butter adds richness. If you need a dairy-free version, coconut oil or a vegan butter substitute will work just fine!
Red Food Coloring: This gives the brownies their signature color. If you’re looking for a more natural option, you can use beet juice or powder, but the color may not be as vibrant.
Buttermilk: It adds moisture and tang. You can easily make a substitute by mixing milk with a tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice. Let it sit for a few minutes before using.
How Do I Swirl Cream Cheese into Brownies Perfectly?
Creating that beautiful cream cheese swirl can be a little tricky, but here’s how to do it right!
- First, ensure your cream cheese is at room temperature for a smooth mix.
- After pouring the brownie batter into the pan, drop spoonfuls of the cream cheese mixture evenly on top.
- Using a knife or skewer, gently drag it through the cream cheese and brownie batter in a zigzag motion.
- Avoid stirring too much; you want distinct swirls, not a full mix!
Take your time, and don’t worry if it doesn’t look perfect. The marbled effect will look great once baked!
How to Make Red Velvet Brownies?
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Red Velvet Brownie:
- 1 cup (125g) all-purpose flour
- 2 tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup (115g) unsalted butter, melted
- 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tbsp red food coloring
- 1/2 tsp white vinegar
- 1/2 cup (120ml) buttermilk
For the Cream Cheese Swirl:
- 8 oz (225g) cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup (50g) granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful recipe takes about 15 minutes to prep and around 30-35 minutes to bake, plus some cooling time afterwards. In total, you’ll be enjoying these scrumptious brownies in about an hour, excluding cooling time. Super quick and tasty!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat and Prepare Your Pan:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While that’s heating up, grease or line an 8×8 inch (20×20 cm) baking pan with parchment paper. This ensures your brownies don’t stick and makes for easy serving!
2. Mix the Dry Ingredients:
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, unsweetened cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt. This will ensure that everything is evenly distributed. Set this bowl aside for now.
3. Cream the Butter and Sugar:
In a large bowl, mix the melted butter with granulated sugar until it’s well combined. Then, add the eggs one at a time, making sure to mix well after each addition. Next, stir in the vanilla extract, red food coloring, and white vinegar until all is smoothly mixed together.
4. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients:
Now, it’s time to integrate the dry flour mixture with the wet ingredients. Do this slowly by alternately adding the flour mixture and the buttermilk, starting and ending with the flour mixture. Mix just until they are combined — be careful not to overmix!
5. Prepare the Cream Cheese Swirl:
In a separate bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese, sugar, egg, and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and creamy. This will add a lovely tangy flavor to your brownies!
6. Assemble the Brownies:
Pour the brownie batter into the prepared pan and spread it evenly. Next, drop spoonfuls of the cream cheese mixture evenly over the brownie batter. Don’t worry about making it perfect — the swirling will come next!
7. Create a Marbled Effect:
Take a knife or skewer and gently swirl the cream cheese topping into the brownie batter. Aim for a marbled effect, but don’t mix too much; you want to keep those beautiful swirls visible!
8. Bake and Cool:
Pop your brownies into the oven and bake for 30-35 minutes. When they’re done, a toothpick inserted into the center should come out with a few moist crumbs. Once baked, allow the brownies to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack before slicing them into squares.
9. Time to Enjoy:
Serve these delicious Red Velvet Brownies at your next gathering or simply enjoy them at home. The creamy swirls combined with the rich brownie base make for a delightful treat!
These Red Velvet Brownies mix rich chocolate flavor with creamy cream cheese swirls—perfect for any occasion! Happy baking!
Can I Use Different Food Coloring?
Yes, you can! While red food coloring gives these brownies their signature look, you can substitute with other colors for a fun twist—like green for St. Patrick’s Day or blue for a themed party. Just keep in mind that the flavor and intensity of color may vary slightly.
Can I Make These Brownies Without Buttermilk?
Absolutely! If you don’t have buttermilk on hand, you can easily make your own by mixing 1/2 cup of milk with 1/2 tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice. Let it sit for about 5-10 minutes before using it in the recipe.
How Do I Store Leftover Brownies?
Store any leftover brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want to keep them longer, you can refrigerate them for up to a week or freeze them for up to 2 months. Just make sure to wrap them tightly before freezing!
What Can I Substitute for Cream Cheese?
If you’re looking for a non-dairy option or want to avoid cream cheese, you can use a vegan cream cheese alternative or make a simple frosting with powdered sugar, a splash of vanilla, and a bit of milk or plant-based milk. However, the flavor will differ slightly from traditional cream cheese.