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Heart-Shaped Red Velvet Brownies with Cream Cheese Swirl

heart-shaped red velvet brownies - featured image
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These heart-shaped red velvet brownies feature a rich cocoa base and a luscious cream cheese swirl, making them a showstopping treat for Valentine’s Day, parties, or any cozy occasion. Easy to make and irresistibly chewy, they’re perfect for gifting or sharing with loved ones.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1/2 cup (115g) unsalted butter, melted and slightly cooled
  • 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
  • 2 large eggs, room temperature
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 1 tablespoon red food coloring (liquid or gel)
  • 1/4 teaspoon white vinegar
  • 2/3 cup (80g) all-purpose flour
  • 1/4 cup (20g) unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 4 oz (115g) cream cheese, softened
  • 3 tablespoons granulated sugar
  • 1 large egg yolk
  • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8-inch square baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on two sides. Lightly grease the paper and pan edges.
  2. In a medium bowl, whisk together melted butter and granulated sugar until glossy and combined. Add eggs, vanilla, red food coloring, and white vinegar; whisk until smooth and bright red.
  3. In a separate bowl, sift together flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt. Fold dry ingredients into wet mixture just until no dry streaks remain. Do not overmix.
  4. In a small bowl, beat softened cream cheese, sugar, egg yolk, and vanilla until completely smooth and creamy.
  5. Pour most of the red velvet batter into the prepared pan, reserving about 1/4 cup for topping. Smooth with a spatula. Drop spoonfuls of cream cheese mixture over the surface (about 9 dollops).
  6. Spoon remaining red velvet batter in blobs between the cream cheese. Use a toothpick or butter knife to gently swirl the two together, creating bold, distinct swirls.
  7. Bake for 28–32 minutes, or until edges are set and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with moist crumbs but no raw batter. The cream cheese should look just set and glossy.
  8. Let brownies cool completely in the pan (about 1 hour). For clean heart shapes, chill in the fridge for 30 minutes before cutting.
  9. Lift brownies out using parchment. Use a heart-shaped cutter or knife and template to cut out hearts, wiping the cutter between each cut for neat edges.
  10. Arrange heart-shaped brownies on a platter. Optionally, dust with powdered sugar or drizzle with melted white chocolate before serving.

Notes

For gluten-free brownies, substitute all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free blend. Use room-temperature eggs and cream cheese for a smoother swirl. Chill brownies before cutting for clean shapes. Save scraps for snacking or ice cream toppings. Add mini chocolate chips, berry jam, or nuts for fun variations.

Nutrition

Keywords: red velvet brownies, heart-shaped brownies, cream cheese swirl, Valentine’s Day dessert, easy brownies, chocolate dessert, party treats, kid-friendly, homemade brownies, holiday baking

Find it online: https://katedishes.com/heart-shaped-red-velvet-brownies-recipe-easy-cream-cheese-swirl/