Why You’ll Love This Recipe
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Fudgy & Moist: The perfect texture—rich, fudgy, and moist in every bite.
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Vibrant Red Velvet: The striking red color makes these brownies an eye-catching dessert.
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Cream Cheese Swirl: A smooth, tangy cream cheese layer swirled on top adds a delicious contrast to the rich, chocolatey brownie base.
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Easy to Make: This recipe comes together quickly, and you can bake it in one pan for easy cleanup.
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Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a birthday, holiday, or just a special treat, these brownies are sure to be a crowd-pleaser.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
For the Brownie:
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1/2 cup unsalted butter (melted)
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1 cup granulated sugar
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2 large eggs
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1 teaspoon vanilla extract
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1 tablespoon red food coloring
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1 tablespoon cocoa powder (unsweetened)
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1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
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1/2 teaspoon baking powder
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1/4 teaspoon salt
For the Cream Cheese Swirl:
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4 oz cream cheese (softened)
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1/4 cup powdered sugar
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1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Directions
1. Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×9-inch baking pan, or line it with parchment paper.
2. Prepare the Brownie Base
In a large bowl, whisk together the melted butter and granulated sugar until smooth. Add the eggs, one at a time, whisking well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract and red food coloring.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the cocoa powder, flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until combined.
3. Make the Cream Cheese Swirl
In a small bowl, beat together the cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth.
4. Assemble the Brownies
Pour the brownie batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top with a spatula. Drop spoonfuls of the cream cheese mixture over the brownie batter. Use a knife or toothpick to swirl the cream cheese into the batter, creating a marbled effect.
5. Bake
Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with a few moist crumbs (not wet batter). Be careful not to overbake to maintain that fudgy texture.
6. Cool and Serve
Allow the brownies to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Once cooled, cut into squares and serve!
Servings and Timing
Servings: 12
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 25-30 minutes
Total time: 40-45 minutes
Variations
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Chocolate Chips: Add a handful of mini chocolate chips to the brownie batter for an extra chocolatey treat.
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Add a Topping: Top with whipped cream, a dusting of powdered sugar, or even fresh berries for a beautiful finish.
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Gluten-Free Option: Swap the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free flour blend to make these brownies gluten-free.
Storage
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Room Temperature: Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
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Refrigeration: You can also store them in the fridge for up to 5 days for a firmer texture.
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Freezing: These brownies freeze well for up to 3 months. Wrap individual brownies tightly in plastic wrap and foil before freezing.
FAQs
Can I use liquid food coloring instead of gel?
Yes, liquid food coloring can be used, but gel food coloring will give you a more vibrant color. Use a little more liquid food coloring if using that.
Can I make these brownies ahead of time?
Yes, these brownies can be made a day ahead. Store them in an airtight container and keep them in the fridge for the best texture.
Can I use cream cheese frosting instead of the swirl?
You can, but the cream cheese swirl gives a softer, more incorporated flavor. Cream cheese frosting is a bit thicker and will sit more on top of the brownies.
Conclusion
The Best Fudgy Red Velvet Brownies are a showstopper dessert with a perfect balance of rich chocolate and tangy cream cheese. Whether you’re serving them for a special occasion or just as a sweet treat, they are sure to become a favorite in your baking repertoire. With their decadent flavor and beautiful red color, these brownies will always be the star of the show!
The Best Fudgy Red Velvet Brownies
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
- Total Time: 40-45 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Best Fudgy Red Velvet Brownies combine rich chocolatey goodness with the iconic red velvet flavor. Topped with a luscious cream cheese swirl, these moist, fudgy brownies are perfect for special occasions or when you want to impress with a decadent treat.
Ingredients
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For the Brownie:
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1/2 cup unsalted butter (melted)
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1 cup granulated sugar
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2 large eggs
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1 teaspoon vanilla extract
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1 tablespoon red food coloring
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1 tablespoon cocoa powder (unsweetened)
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1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
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1/2 teaspoon baking powder
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1/4 teaspoon salt
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For the Cream Cheese Swirl:
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4 oz cream cheese (softened)
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1/4 cup powdered sugar
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- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
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Preheat the Oven:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×9-inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper. -
Prepare the Brownie Base:
In a large bowl, whisk together the melted butter and granulated sugar until smooth. Add the eggs, one at a time, whisking well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract and red food coloring.In a separate bowl, whisk together the cocoa powder, flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until combined. -
Make the Cream Cheese Swirl:
In a small bowl, beat together the cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth. -
Assemble the Brownies:
Pour the brownie batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top with a spatula. Drop spoonfuls of the cream cheese mixture over the brownie batter. Use a knife or toothpick to swirl the cream cheese into the batter, creating a marbled effect. -
Bake:
Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with a few moist crumbs (not wet batter). Be careful not to overbake to maintain that fudgy texture. -
Cool and Serve:
Allow the brownies to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Once cooled, cut into squares and serve!
Notes
Chocolate Chips: Add a handful of mini chocolate chips to the brownie batter for an extra chocolatey treat.Add a Topping: Top with whipped cream, a dusting of powdered sugar, or fresh berries for a beautiful finish.Gluten-Free Option: Swap the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free flour blend to make these brownies gluten-free.
