Red Velvet Brownies with Cream Cheese Layer Recipe
These Red Velvet Brownies combine the rich, fudgy texture of classic brownies with the vibrant color and subtle tang of red velvet cake, topped with a creamy, sweetened cream cheese layer. Perfectly moist and decadent, these brownies are a stunning treat for any occasion.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 16 brownies 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
Brownie Batter
- ½ cup (1 stick/115g) unsalted butter, melted
- 3 tablespoons (20g) unsweetened cocoa powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¾ cup plus 2 tablespoons (175g) granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- ¾ teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon apple cider vinegar (or distilled white vinegar), optional
- 2–3 teaspoons red food coloring (gel preferred)
- ⅔ cup (95g) all-purpose flour
Cream Cheese Layer
- 8 ounces (225g) full-fat cream cheese, room temperature
- ¼ cup (50g) granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- ½ teaspoon pure vanilla extract
Instructions
- Prepare Brownie Batter: In a mixing bowl, combine the melted butter, cocoa powder, salt, and sugar. Whisk until smooth and well blended.
- Add Eggs and Flavorings: Beat in eggs one at a time until fully incorporated, then stir in vanilla extract and vinegar if using. Add the red food coloring gradually until the desired vibrant red color is achieved.
- Mix in Flour: Gently fold in the all-purpose flour until just combined, taking care not to overmix to keep the brownies tender.
- Prepare Cream Cheese Layer: In a separate bowl, beat the cream cheese with sugar until smooth. Add the egg and vanilla extract, mixing until the mixture is silky and lump-free.
- Assemble and Bake: Pour the brownie batter into a greased or parchment-lined 8×8 inch baking pan. Dollop the cream cheese mixture evenly over the batter, then use a knife or skewer to swirl it into the batter creating a marbled effect.
- Bake the Brownies: Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for approximately 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted near the center comes out with a few moist crumbs.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the brownies to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack before slicing into squares. This cooling helps them set and enhances their rich texture.
Notes
- Using gel food coloring gives a more vibrant red color without changing the batter’s consistency.
- The vinegar is optional but helps enhance the classic red velvet flavor by reacting with the cocoa powder.
- Do not overmix when adding flour to avoid tough brownies.
- Let the brownies cool completely before cutting for clean slices.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Keywords: red velvet brownies, cream cheese brownies, fudgy brownies, red velvet dessert, homemade brownies