Description
These Red Velvet Brownies are a decadent twist on classic brownies, featuring a rich cocoa flavor enhanced with red food coloring, and optionally swirled with creamy white chocolate or a luscious cream cheese mixture. Perfectly fudgy and moist, these brownies make a delightful dessert for any occasion, especially Valentine’s Day or special celebrations.
Ingredients
Scale
Brownie Batter
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon red food coloring
- 1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/2 teaspoon white vinegar
- 3/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Optional Cream Cheese Swirl
- 4 oz cream cheese
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 1 egg yolk
Optional Mix-ins
- 1/2 cup white chocolate chips or cream cheese swirl
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper to ensure easy removal and cleanup.
- Make the Batter: In a large bowl, whisk together the melted unsalted butter and granulated sugar until smooth and fully combined. Add in the eggs, vanilla extract, red food coloring, and white vinegar, mixing thoroughly until the batter is smooth and evenly colored.
- Add Dry Ingredients: Sift the unsweetened cocoa powder, all-purpose flour, and salt into the wet ingredients. Gently stir until just combined, being careful not to overmix to maintain a tender texture.
- Prepare Optional Swirl: If making a cream cheese swirl, beat together the cream cheese, sugar, and egg yolk until smooth. Gently fold white chocolate chips or swirl the cream cheese mixture into the batter as desired, creating a marbled effect.
- Bake the Brownies: Pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread it evenly. Bake in the preheated oven for 25 to 30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with just a few moist crumbs attached.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the brownies to cool completely in the pan before cutting into 9 equal squares. This resting time helps set the brownies for clean cuts and optimal texture.
Notes
- For a richer red hue, increase the amount of red food coloring slightly.
- To create a cream cheese swirl, mix 4 oz cream cheese, 2 tablespoons sugar, and 1 egg yolk, then dollop and swirl into the brownie batter before baking.
- Ensure not to overbake to keep brownies fudgy; check at 25 minutes.
- Line the pan with parchment paper for easy removal and to avoid sticking.
- Store brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
