Fudgy Red Velvet Brownies
Fudgy Red Velvet Brownies combine a rich, moist texture with a vibrant red hue and a tangy cream cheese swirl for a delightful, visually stunning dessert perfect for any occasion. These brownies blend bold cocoa notes with balanced sweetness, creating a tender yet fudgy treat that melts in your mouth.
- Author: Mary
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30-35 minutes
- Total Time: 50-55 minutes
- Yield: 16 brownies 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free (if using gluten-free flour blend)
Brownie Batter
- 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1/4 cup buttermilk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 teaspoons red food coloring
- 3/4 cup all-purpose flour (or gluten-free flour blend for gluten-free option)
Cream Cheese Swirl
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened (use vegan cream cheese for vegan option)
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Prepare the Cream Cheese Swirl: In a small bowl, beat the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy. Refrigerate the mixture to keep it cool while preparing the brownie batter.
- Mix the Wet Ingredients: Melt the butter and combine it with the cocoa powder and sugar in a large bowl. Stir until smooth and glossy. Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Then stir in the buttermilk, vanilla extract, and red food coloring until fully combined.
- Incorporate Dry Ingredients: Gently fold in the all-purpose flour (or gluten-free blend) until just incorporated. Avoid overmixing to maintain the fudgy texture. The batter should be thick but pourable.
- Layer and Swirl: Pour half of the brownie batter into a greased baking pan. Dollop half of the cream cheese mixture on top. Repeat with remaining batter and cream cheese. Use a knife or skewer to gently swirl the two layers together, creating an attractive marbled effect.
- Bake to Perfection: Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with a few moist crumbs but no raw batter. Let cool completely before slicing to ensure fudginess.
Notes
- Use room temperature ingredients to ensure smooth mixing.
- Do not overbake; remove brownies just before fully set for the best fudgy texture.
- Swirl the cream cheese gently to create a marbled effect without fully blending flavors.
- Use high-quality cocoa powder to enhance chocolate depth.
- Chill brownies before cutting to keep slices intact and flavors melded.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 brownie (assuming 16 servings)
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 20g
- Sodium: 100mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
Keywords: fudgy brownies, red velvet, cream cheese swirl, moist brownies, chocolate dessert, gluten-free brownies, homemade dessert