I can’t think of a more decadent dessert than these red velvet cream cheese brownies. They’re perfectly baked with a divine cream cheese swirl – yes, please! These brownies have the perfect balance between fudgy and cakey, and the tangy cream cheese blends so perfectly with the red velvet flavor. Plus, they’re super easy to make with just 10 simple ingredients!
I love red velvet cake, but these red velvet cream cheese brownies might be even better! Lush red velvet-flavored brownies swirled with tangy cream cheese both look and taste divine! They’re made with simple ingredients and come together in under an hour. I think they’d be perfect on any holiday or Valentine’s Day dessert table.
What’s in This Red Velvet Cream Cheese Brownie Recipe?
- Sugar: Granulated sugar sweetens the brownies and the cheesecake swirl.
- Butter: Unsalted butter adds moisture and richness to the brownies.
- Eggs: A large egg plus an extra yolk makes these brownies super rich.
- Vinegar: White vinegar adds a tangy flavor and brings out the natural redness of the cocoa powder.
- Vanilla Extract: Enhances the sweetness of the brownies and the cheesecake swirl.
- Salt: Kosher salt enhances the red velvet flavor of the brownies.
- Flour: All-purpose flour gives the brownies structure.
- Cocoa Powder: Unsweetened cocoa powder gives the brownies a delicate chocolate flavor. I recommend using Dutch-process cocoa powder over natural so the brownies don’t end up too acidic.
- Food Coloring: Enhances the rich red color of the brownies.
- Cream Cheese: Makes up the tangy, creamy base of the cheesecake swirl.
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How to Store
Store leftover red velvet cream cheese brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, in the refrigerator for up to 5 days, or in the freezer for up to 3 months. Let thaw overnight in the refrigerator before enjoying at room temperature.
Tips for Success
- If the cream cheese is not quite room temperature when you are ready to use it, pop it into the microwave for 15-30 seconds to soften it. This will make it easier to swirl into the brownie batter.
- For more red color, you can add a few drops of red food coloring to the cream cheese mixture as you mix it up.
- Try adding some chocolate, white chocolate, or cream cheese baking chips to the brownie batter for even more indulgent brownies. For a bit of crunch, add some chopped walnuts or pecans.
- The center of your brownies should be chewy and moist, but not necessarily gooey. You want to make sure that the batter is cooked and not still raw in the center before removing them from the oven.
Red Velvet Cream Cheese Brownies Recipe
Ingredients
For the Brownies
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup unsalted butter melted (1 stick)
- 1 large egg
- 1 egg yolk
- 1½ tablespoons white vinegar
- 1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- ⅔ cup all-purpose flour
- ⅓ cup unsweetened cocoa powder (see note)
- 3 drops red food coloring
For the Cream Cheese Swirl
- 8 ounces cream cheese room temperature (1 brick)
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- ¼ teaspoon pure vanilla extract
Equipment
- Kitchen Scale (optional)
- 8×8 Baking Pan
- Hand Mixer (optional)
- Stand Mixer (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F. Line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper and spray it with nonstick spray. Set aside.
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the granulated sugar and butter. Add the egg and egg yolk and whisk until smooth. Add the vinegar and vanilla and mix.¾ cup granulated sugar, ½ cup unsalted butter, 1 large egg, 1 egg yolk, 1½ tablespoons white vinegar, 1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract
- Stir in the salt, followed by the all-purpose flour and cocoa powder. Add the food coloring and whisk just until combined.½ teaspoon kosher salt, ⅔ cup all-purpose flour, ⅓ cup unsweetened cocoa powder, 3 drops red food coloring
- Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and smooth to the edges. Set aside.
- In a separate, small mixing bowl, use a hand or stand mixer to combine the cream cheese, granulated sugar, and vanilla extract until very smooth.8 ounces cream cheese, ½ cup granulated sugar, ¼ teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- Spoon blobs of the cream cheese mixture onto the brownie batter.
- Use a knife, the back of a spoon, or a rubber spatula to swirl the cheesecake into the brownie batter.
- Place the brownies into the oven to bake for 20-22 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with moist crumbs.
- Remove from the oven and place onto a cooling rack. Slice and serve!
Notes
How to Make Red Velvet Cream Cheese Brownies Step-by-Step
Mix the Wet Ingredients: Preheat your oven to 350°F. Line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper, spray it with nonstick spray, and set aside. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together ¾ cup of granulated sugar and ½ cup of melted unsalted butter. Add 1 large egg and 1 large egg yolk and whisk until smooth. Add 1½ tablespoons of white vinegar and 1 tablespoon of vanilla extract and mix.
Fold in the Dry Ingredients: Stir in ½ teaspoon of kosher salt, followed by ⅔ cup of all-purpose flour and ⅓ cup of unsweetened cocoa powder. Add 3 drops of red food coloring and whisk just until combined.
Smooth the Batter: Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and smooth to the edges. Set aside.
Beat the Cream Cheese: In a separate, small mixing bowl, use a hand or stand mixer to combine 8 ounces (1 brick) of cream cheese, ½ cup of granulated sugar, and ¼ teaspoon of vanilla extract until very smooth.
Spoon the Cream Cheese: Spoon blobs of the cream cheese mixture onto the brownie batter.
Swirl the Brownies: Use a knife, the back of a spoon, or a rubber spatula to swirl the cheesecake into the brownie batter.
Bake the Brownies: Place the brownies into the oven to bake for 20-22 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with moist crumbs. Remove from the oven and place onto a cooling rack. Slice and serve!
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