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Ultimate Red Velvet Flag Brownies Recipe Easy Homemade Cream Cheese Swirl

red velvet flag brownies - featured image

These ultimate red velvet flag brownies feature a rich, velvety chocolate-red base paired with a tangy cream cheese swirl, creating a festive and delicious dessert perfect for celebrations or everyday treats.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 cup (125g) all-purpose flour, sifted
  • 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
  • 6 tablespoons (85g) unsalted butter, melted
  • 2 large eggs, room temperature
  • 1/4 cup (60ml) buttermilk (or milk + 1 tsp vinegar)
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 2 tablespoons red food coloring (gel or liquid)
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 8 ounces (225g) cream cheese, softened
  • 1/3 cup (65g) granulated sugar
  • 1 large egg, room temperature
  • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×9-inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper, leaving some overhang for easy removal.
  2. In a large bowl, whisk together sifted flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
  3. In another bowl, beat melted butter with sugar until smooth. Add eggs, buttermilk, vanilla extract, and red food coloring. Mix until well combined.
  4. Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients in batches, mixing gently until just combined. Avoid overmixing.
  5. In a separate medium bowl, beat softened cream cheese with sugar until light and fluffy. Add egg and vanilla extract, beating until smooth.
  6. Pour half of the red velvet batter into the prepared pan, spreading evenly. Dollop half of the cream cheese mixture over the top in spoonfuls. Repeat layers with remaining red velvet and cream cheese mixtures.
  7. Use a toothpick or skewer to gently swirl the cream cheese into the red velvet batter, creating a checkerboard or flag-like design. Do not over-swirl.
  8. Bake for 35-40 minutes until edges are set and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out mostly clean with a few moist crumbs. Start checking at 35 minutes to avoid overbaking.
  9. Cool completely in the pan for at least 1 hour before slicing to allow the cream cheese to set.
  10. Slice with a sharp knife, wiping it between cuts for neat pieces. Serve slightly chilled or at room temperature.

Notes

Use gel food coloring for a richer red color. Soften cream cheese well to avoid lumps in the swirl. Avoid overmixing the batter to keep brownies tender. Cool brownies completely before slicing for cleaner cuts. You can line the pan with parchment paper for easier removal and cleanup.

Nutrition

Keywords: red velvet brownies, cream cheese swirl, flag brownies, easy brownies, festive dessert, homemade brownies, chocolate dessert