If you’re looking for a dessert that’s as visually stunning as it is delicious, look no further than these Red Velvet Brownies. With their rich, fudgy texture and striking red color, they’re perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a holiday gathering, a special celebration, or just a sweet treat for yourself. These brownies are not just a feast for the eyes but also for the taste buds, combining the best of red velvet cake and classic brownies into one irresistible dessert.
Ingredients:
For the Brownie Base:
1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
1 cup granulated sugar
1 large egg
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 tablespoon red food coloring
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
3/4 cup all-purpose flour
1 tablespoon unsweetened cocoa powder
1/2 cup white chocolate chips (optional)
For the Cream Cheese Swirl:
1/2 cup cream cheese, softened
1/4 cup granulated sugar
1 egg yolk
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Directions
Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8-inch baking dish with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides. This will make it easy to lift the brownies out after baking.
Prepare the Brownie Batter: In a large bowl, whisk together the melted butter and 1 cup of granulated sugar until combined. Add the egg, red food coloring, and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. Whisk until smooth. Sift in the cocoa powder, salt, and flour, stirring until just combined. Fold in the white chocolate chips if using.
Prepare the Cream Cheese Swirl: In a separate bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with 1/4 cup of granulated sugar, egg yolk, and 1/2 teaspoon of vanilla extract until smooth and creamy.
Assemble the Brownies: Pour the brownie batter into the prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly. Dollop the cream cheese mixture on top of the brownie batter. Use a knife or toothpick to swirl the cream cheese into the brownie batter, creating a marbled effect.
Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with only a few moist crumbs.
Cool and Serve: Allow the brownies to cool completely in the baking dish. Once cooled, lift the brownies out using the parchment paper overhang, cut into squares, and serve.
Serving Tips:
Cool Completely: Allow the brownies to cool completely in the baking dish before cutting. This helps them set properly and makes cutting into neat squares easier.
Use a Sharp Knife: For clean cuts, use a sharp knife to slice the brownies. You can also use a plastic knife to prevent the edges from sticking.
Garnish for Presentation: For an extra touch, garnish the brownies with a dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of melted white chocolate. Fresh berries or a dollop of whipped cream can also enhance their presentation.
Serve at Room Temperature: Red Velvet Brownies taste best at room temperature. Allow them to come to room temperature before serving for the best texture and flavor.
Storage Tips:
Store in an Airtight Container: To keep brownies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. This helps maintain their fudgy texture and prevents them from drying out.
Refrigerate for Longer Storage: If you need to store them for more than a few days, place the brownies in an airtight container and refrigerate. They will stay fresh for up to a week in the fridge.
Freeze for Extended Storage: For longer storage, freeze the brownies. Wrap them individually in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
Avoid Overcrowding: When storing brownies, avoid overcrowding the container, as this can cause them to become squished or lose their shape.
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FAQs:
Can I use gel food coloring instead of liquid food coloring?
Yes, you can use gel food coloring instead of liquid food coloring. Gel food coloring is often more concentrated, so you may need less of it to achieve the vibrant red color. Start with a small amount and add more if needed to reach your desired hue.
Can I substitute the white chocolate chips with another type of chocolate?
Absolutely! If you prefer a different type of chocolate, you can substitute the white chocolate chips with milk chocolate, dark chocolate, or even semi-sweet chocolate chips. Keep in mind that different types of chocolate will slightly alter the flavor profile of the brownies.
How can I make these brownies gluten-free?
To make these brownies gluten-free, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Make sure the blend is suitable for baking and contains xanthan gum or guar gum, which helps with texture and structure.
Can I add nuts or other mix-ins to the brownies?
Yes, you can add nuts or other mix-ins to the brownie batter if desired. Chopped walnuts, pecans, or even crushed candy canes can be mixed in for extra texture and flavor. Fold them in gently with the batter before transferring it to the baking dish.
Conclusion:
These Red Velvet Brownies are sure to impress with their vibrant color and deliciously creamy texture. The combination of fudgy brownie and tangy cream cheese swirl creates a unique flavor profile that will have everyone coming back for more. Enjoy the indulgence and share the love with friends and family!
📖 Recipe:
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Red Velvet Brownies
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 12 brownies
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the rich, fudgy delight of Red Velvet Brownies. With their vibrant red color and delicious chocolate flavor, these brownies are perfect for any occasion, making them a show-stopping dessert that’s sure to impress.
Ingredients
1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
1 cup granulated sugar
1 large egg
1 tablespoon red food coloring
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 tablespoon unsweetened cocoa powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
3/4 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 cup white chocolate chips (optional)
1/2 cup cream cheese, softened
1/4 cup granulated sugar
1 egg yolk
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8-inch baking dish with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides to easily lift the brownies out after baking.
- Prepare the Brownie Batter: In a large bowl, whisk together the melted butter and 1 cup granulated sugar until combined. Add the egg, red food coloring, and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract. Whisk until the mixture is smooth. Sift in the cocoa powder, salt, and flour. Stir until just combined. Fold in the white chocolate chips if using.
- Prepare the Cream Cheese Swirl: In a separate bowl, beat the softened cream cheese, 1/4 cup granulated sugar, egg yolk, and 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract until smooth and creamy.
- Assemble the Brownies: Pour the brownie batter into the prepared baking dish and spread it out evenly. Dollop the cream cheese mixture on top of the brownie batter. Use a knife or toothpick to swirl the cream cheese into the brownie batter, creating a marbled effect.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with only a few moist crumbs.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the brownies to cool completely in the baking dish. Once cooled, lift the brownies out of the dish using the parchment paper overhang. Cut into squares and serve.
Notes
Storage: Store brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, refrigerate for up to a week or freeze for up to 3 months.
Substitutions: You can substitute the white chocolate chips with any other type of chocolate or omit them entirely.
Gluten-Free Option: Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 12 brownies
- Calories: 200 kcal per serving
