🍫✨ Decadent Red Velvet Cream Cheese Brownies ✨🍰

(A stunning swirl of rich red velvet and tangy cream cheese—perfect for any occasion!)

📝 Ingredient Breakdown (Why Each Matters)

For the Red Velvet Brownie Layer:

• ½ cup unsalted butter (melted) – Adds richness and fudgy texture.
• 1 cup granulated sugar – Sweetens and helps create a crackly top.
• 2 large eggs – Bind the batter and add moisture.
• 2 tsp vanilla extract – Enhances flavor depth.
• 1 tbsp red food coloring – For that iconic red velvet look.
• ⅓ cup unsweetened cocoa powder – Provides deep chocolate flavor without too much sweetness.
• ¾ cup all-purpose flour – Gives structure while keeping them tender.
• ¼ tsp salt – Balances sweetness and intensifies flavors.

For the Cream Cheese Swirl:

• 8 oz (225g) cream cheese (softened) – Must be at room temp for smooth blending.
• ¼ cup granulated sugar – Slightly sweetens the tangy cream cheese.
• 1 large egg – Helps the filling set.
• ½ tsp vanilla extract – Complements the cream cheese flavor.

👩‍🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions (Foolproof Method!)

1️⃣ Prep Work (Key for Success!)

• Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
• Grease an 8×8-inch pan and line with parchment paper (for easy removal).

2️⃣ Make the Red Velvet Brownie Batter

1. In a bowl, whisk melted butter + sugar until smooth.
2. Add eggs, vanilla, and red food coloring—mix until vibrant red.
3. Sift in cocoa powder, flour, and salt. Fold gently until just combined (overmixing = tough brownies).
4. Set aside ¼ cup of batter for swirling later.

3️⃣ Make the Cream Cheese Filling

• In another bowl, beat cream cheese + sugar until smooth.
• Add egg + vanilla, mixing until creamy (no lumps!).

4️⃣ Assemble the Swirls (The Fun Part!)

1. Spread 90% of the red velvet batter into the pan.
2. Pour cream cheese filling on top, spreading evenly.
3. Dollop reserved red velvet batter over the cream cheese.
4. Use a knife to swirl gently—don’t overmix!

5️⃣ Bake to Perfection

• 28–32 minutes (edges should pull away slightly; center should have a slight wobble).
• Cool completely before slicing (this prevents a gooey mess!).

🔥 Pro Tips for the Best Brownies Ever

✅ Room-temperature cream cheese = smoother filling.
✅ Don’t overbake! A toothpick should have a few moist crumbs (not wet batter).
✅ Chill before slicing for cleaner cuts.
✅ For extra fudginess, underbake by 1–2 minutes.

🍓 Variations & Serving Ideas

• White Chocolate Swirl: Add ¼ cup melted white chocolate to the cream cheese filling.
• Raspberry Swirl: Fold 2 tbsp raspberry jam into the cream cheese layer.
• Serve with: Vanilla ice cream, fresh berries, or a dusting of powdered sugar.

🎉 Why You’ll Love These Brownies:

✔ Striking marbled look (perfect for parties!).
✔ Ultra-moist with a tangy cream cheese contrast.
✔ Easy to customize—try matcha or caramel swirls!

Ready to bake? Tag me in your creations! 📸😍 #RedVelvetBrownies