Red Velvet Cream Cheese Brownies Recipe

If you crave a dessert that turns heads and tastes every bit as good as it looks, Red Velvet Cream Cheese Brownies are about to be your new favorite. With their deep scarlet swirls and rich cream cheese ribbons, these brownies are a pure delight—striking the perfect balance between fudgy, tangy, and sweet. The best part? They’re as perfect for a cozy afternoon treat as they are for sharing with a crowd, thanks to their bold color and irresistible flavor combo.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering your ingredients is a breeze, and each one plays a starring role in creating these luscious Red Velvet Cream Cheese Brownies. From the smoothness of cream cheese to the vibrant red food coloring, nothing here is extra—every ingredient brings something special to the party.

• Unsalted butter: Melted butter gives the brownies richness and a perfectly fudgy texture.
• Granulated sugar (for both batters): Sweetens and adds structure, helping create that classic shiny brownie top.
• Eggs: Essential for binding everything together and adding moisture.
• Vanilla extract: Adds depth and warmth, elevating both the brownie and cream cheese flavors.
• Red food coloring: The secret to those iconic, dramatic red layers—liquid or gel both work.
• Unsweetened cocoa powder: Delivers that subtle, chocolatey backbone that makes red velvet so irresistible.
• All-purpose flour: The foundation that brings all the ingredients together into a perfectly chewy brownie.
• Salt: A pinch enhances all the other flavors and balances the sweetness.
• Cream cheese (softened): For the filling, it brings a tangy creaminess that swirls beautifully through the brownies.

How to Make Red Velvet Cream Cheese Brownies

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare

Start by preheating your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Grease an 8 by 8 inch baking pan, then line it neatly with parchment paper—this little step makes your life so much easier when it’s time to lift out and slice those gorgeous brownies. Trust me, you’ll thank yourself later for the smooth release and picture-perfect squares.

Step 2: Make the Red Velvet Batter

Whisk together your melted butter and sugar until the mixture is super smooth and glossy. Add in the eggs, vanilla extract, and that all-important red food coloring—watch the batter transform before your eyes! Sift in the cocoa powder, flour, and salt, then stir it all together until just combined. Don’t overmix! Set aside about a quarter cup of this beautiful batter to use for swirling on top later.

Step 3: Make the Cream Cheese Filling

In another bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with sugar, one egg, and vanilla extract. The key here is to blend until smooth and creamy, with no lumps—this is what creates those luscious, velvety swirls that make Red Velvet Cream Cheese Brownies so irresistible.

Step 4: Assemble the Brownies

Spread most of your red velvet brownie batter evenly across the base of your prepared pan. Next, gently pour and spread the cream cheese mixture over the top. Drop spoonfuls of your reserved red velvet batter across the cream cheese layer. Now for the fun part: take a knife and softly swirl the two batters together, being careful not to overdo it. You want distinct, dramatic swirls for that signature look.

Step 5: Bake

Pop the pan into the oven and bake for 28 to 32 minutes. The brownies are ready when a toothpick poked into the center comes out with just a few moist crumbs—don’t wait until it’s bone dry, or you’ll miss that fudgy magic. Let the brownies cool completely in the pan for the cleanest slices and prettiest presentation.

How to Serve Red Velvet Cream Cheese Brownies

Garnishes

For a show-stopping finish, try dusting your brownies with a light sprinkle of powdered sugar or adding white chocolate curls on top. If you’re feeling extra fancy, a handful of fresh berries on the side adds a pop of color and a little burst of tartness that pairs beautifully with the creamy swirls.

Side Dishes

These brownies are divine with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. For a comforting touch, serve with a mug of hot coffee or a tall glass of cold milk—the contrast is pure comfort food bliss.

Creative Ways to Present

Cut your Red Velvet Cream Cheese Brownies into small squares and stack them for a tiered dessert platter at parties. You can also use a round cookie cutter for festive shapes, or serve them layered in parfait glasses with extra cream cheese or whipped cream between the layers for a stunning dessert cup.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Have extra brownies? Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days, or in the fridge for up to five days. The cream cheese layer keeps beautifully chilled, and the texture stays fudgy and moist.

Freezing

Red Velvet Cream Cheese Brownies freeze perfectly! Wrap individual squares in plastic wrap and then foil, or stack with parchment paper between each piece in an airtight container. They’ll keep for up to two months—just be sure to let them thaw in the fridge overnight before serving.

Reheating

If you love your brownies slightly warm, pop them in the microwave for 10-15 seconds. This revives their gooey magic and makes the cream cheese swirl extra creamy. Just keep an eye out not to overheat, as the cream cheese layer can get a little too soft.

FAQs

Can I use a different size pan?

Yes, you can use a 9 by 9 inch pan for slightly thinner brownies, but be sure to check for doneness a few minutes earlier since the brownies will bake faster.

Can I substitute oil for butter?

For the best texture and flavor, stick with melted butter. Oil can make the brownies a little too dense and won’t provide the signature richness these Red Velvet Cream Cheese Brownies are known for.

How do I get perfect swirls?

The trick is to add dollops of the reserved red velvet batter on top of the cream cheese layer and use a knife or skewer to gently swirl—just a few times is all you need for those showy, dramatic patterns.

Can I use natural cocoa powder instead of Dutch-process?

Natural cocoa powder works perfectly in this recipe and actually delivers the classic red velvet flavor and reddish hue. Dutch-process is less acidic and may darken the color slightly.

Do these brownies need to be refrigerated?

Since they have a cream cheese layer, it’s best to store Red Velvet Cream Cheese Brownies in the fridge if you’re keeping them longer than two days—just let them come to room temperature for the best taste and texture before serving.

Final Thoughts

Nothing captures attention (and hearts) quite like a tray of Red Velvet Cream Cheese Brownies. Once you take that first bite with the swirl of tangy cream cheese and the soft, fudgy red velvet, there’s no turning back! Don’t be surprised if these quickly become your go-to for parties, gifts, or even just a treat-yourself moment at home. Give them a try and experience the magic yourself!

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