Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon
Red Velvet Brownies

Red Velvet Brownies


5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

  • Author: Olivia Harper
  • Total Time: 45 minutes
  • Yield: 1216 brownies 1x
  • Diet: Vegetarian

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
  • 23 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:

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C)
  2. Line 9×13-inch pan with parchment paper, creating overhang
  3. Lightly spray parchment with cooking oil

For the Brownie Batter:

  1. Mix dry ingredients:
    • Whisk flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt
    • Set aside
  2. 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
  3. Combine mixtures:
    • Gradually add dry ingredients to wet
    • Mix until just combined – avoid overmixing

For the Cream Cheese Swirl:

  1. Beat together until smooth:
    • Softened cream cheese
    • Sugar
    • Egg
    • Vanilla extract

Assembly:

  1. Layer in pan:
    • Pour 2/3 of brownie batter
    • Add dollops of cream cheese mixture
    • Top with remaining brownie batter
  2. Create swirls:
    • Use knife to make figure-eight patterns
    • Don’t overwork the swirls

Baking:

  1. Bake 30-35 minutes at 350°F
  2. 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