Ingredients
Scale
For the Brownie Base:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder (I use Dutch-processed for deeper color)
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs, room temperature
- 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
- 2–3 tablespoons red food coloring
- 1 tablespoon white vinegar
For the Cream Cheese Swirl:
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
Prep:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C)
- Line 9×13-inch pan with parchment paper, creating overhang
- Lightly spray parchment with cooking oil
For the Brownie Batter:
- Mix dry ingredients:
- Whisk flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt
- Set aside
- Create wet mixture:
- Cream butter and sugar until fluffy (3-4 minutes)
- Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each
- Mix in vanilla extract, red food coloring, and vinegar
- Combine mixtures:
- Gradually add dry ingredients to wet
- Mix until just combined – avoid overmixing
For the Cream Cheese Swirl:
- Beat together until smooth:
- Softened cream cheese
- Sugar
- Egg
- Vanilla extract
Assembly:
- Layer in pan:
- Pour 2/3 of brownie batter
- Add dollops of cream cheese mixture
- Top with remaining brownie batter
- Create swirls:
- Use knife to make figure-eight patterns
- Don’t overwork the swirls
Baking:
- Bake 30-35 minutes at 350°F
- Cool completely before cutting
Success Tips:
- Watch for set edges and slightly soft center
- Let cool entirely for clean slices
- Don’t overbake – a few moist crumbs on toothpick is perfect
Notes
- Room Temp Rules:
- Let eggs, butter, and cream cheese soften for 1 hour before mixing. Cold ingredients = lumpy batter.
- Flour Measuring Hack:
- Use the spoon-and-level method: Lightly spoon flour into a measuring cup, then level with a knife. No compacting!
- Vinegar’s Magic:
- The 1 tsp white vinegar isn’t optional! It enhances the cocoa’s color and gives that classic red velvet tang.
- Cream Cheese Swirl Success:
- Beat softened cream cheese until silky smooth before adding sugar. Lumps here won’t bake out!
- Bake-Time Test:
- Insert a toothpick near the center. Perfect bake = moist crumbs (not wet batter). If unsure, underbake slightly they firm up as they cool.
- Color Boost:
- For vibrant red hues without artificial dye, try 1 tbsp beet juice mixed into wet ingredients.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 brownie (based on 16 pieces)
- Calories: 250 kcal
- Sugar: 20g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 50mg