Go Back

Red Velvet Brownies

Red velvet brownies with a fudgy cocoa base and a cream cheese swirl baked through the center. A vibrant red interior and marbled swirl make these classic American brownies extra eye-catching.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Servings: 16 servings
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For red velvet brownies
  • 0.75 cup unsalted butter melted
  • 1.5 cup granulated sugar
  • 3 eggs
  • 2 tsp vanilla
  • 2 tbsp red food coloring use 2–3 tbsp for your preferred color
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 0.3333 cup cocoa powder
  • 1 tsp white vinegar
  • 0.5 tsp salt
For cream cheese swirl
  • 8 oz cream cheese
  • 0.25 cup sugar
  • 1 egg
  • 1 tsp vanilla

Equipment

  • 1 sheet pan

Method
 

Prep and mix the red velvet batter
  1. Preheat oven to 350F and line a 9x13 pan with parchment so the brownies lift out cleanly.
  2. Whisk melted unsalted butter and granulated sugar until smooth, then beat in the eggs, vanilla, and red food coloring until evenly colored.
  3. Fold in all-purpose flour, cocoa powder, white vinegar, and salt just until no dry streaks remain.
  4. Spread the batter evenly in the lined pan.
Make the swirl and bake
  1. Beat cream cheese, sugar, egg, and vanilla until smooth, then dollop the mixture over the brownie batter.
  2. Swirl the cream cheese into the batter with a gentle motion to create marbled ribbons.
  3. Bake at 350F for 25–30 minutes until the center looks set and a toothpick comes out with moist crumbs.
Finish
  1. Cool completely before cutting so the brownies hold their shape and the swirl firms up.

Notes

Pro tip: for the deepest red interior, start with 2 tbsp red food coloring and increase to 3 tbsp if you want a stronger color. Store airtight at room temperature up to 3 days or refrigerate up to 5 days; freeze baked brownies up to 2 months. For a dairy-reduced option, use reduced-fat cream cheese and standard butter substitutes that bake well.