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Decadent Red Velvet Brownie Bars with Cream Cheese Swirl

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Rich, fudgy red velvet brownie bars with a luscious cream cheese swirl baked right in, offering a creamy and tangy contrast without the fuss of frosting.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1/2 cup (115g) unsalted butter, melted
  • 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
  • 2 large eggs, room temperature
  • 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
  • 3/4 cup (90g) all-purpose flour (can substitute almond flour for gluten-free)
  • 2 tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 1/4 tsp salt
  • 2 tbsp red food coloring (gel-based recommended)
  • 1/2 tsp white vinegar
  • 1/4 tsp baking soda
  • 8 oz (225g) cream cheese, softened (full-fat recommended)
  • 1/3 cup (40g) powdered sugar
  • 1 large egg yolk
  • 1/2 tsp pure vanilla extract

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease or line an 8×8-inch pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang for easy removal.
  2. In a large bowl, whisk together the melted butter and granulated sugar until smooth and glossy, about 2 minutes.
  3. Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition, then stir in the vanilla extract.
  4. In a separate bowl, sift together the flour, cocoa powder, salt, and baking soda.
  5. Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients until just combined; avoid overmixing.
  6. Stir in the red food coloring and white vinegar until the batter is vibrant red and fully incorporated.
  7. Using a hand mixer, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth. Add powdered sugar, egg yolk, and vanilla extract, mixing until silky and lump-free.
  8. Pour half of the red velvet batter into the prepared pan and spread evenly.
  9. Dollop half of the cream cheese mixture over the batter in spoonfuls.
  10. Add the remaining red velvet batter in dollops over the cream cheese layer, then top with the remaining cream cheese mixture.
  11. Use a toothpick or skewer to gently swirl through the layers to create a marbled effect without overmixing.
  12. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until edges are set and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with a few moist crumbs.
  13. Cool completely in the pan on a wire rack. Use the parchment overhang to lift out and slice into squares.
  14. Serve slightly chilled or at room temperature.

Notes

Use room temperature eggs and cream cheese for smooth mixing. Avoid overmixing batter to keep fudgy texture. Chill cream cheese mixture if it softens too much while mixing to hold shape better for swirls. Watch baking time closely after 30 minutes to avoid overbaking. For dairy-free, substitute butter with coconut oil and cream cheese with plant-based alternative. For gluten-free, substitute flour with gluten-free blend.

Nutrition

Keywords: red velvet, brownie bars, cream cheese swirl, easy dessert, fudgy brownies, quick dessert, holiday dessert, crowd-pleaser

Find it online: https://rowanrecipes.com/decadent-red-velvet-brownie-bars-with-cream-cheese-swirl-easy-recipe/