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Delicious Red Velvet Flag Brownies Recipe with Cream Cheese Swirl Easy and Perfect

red velvet flag brownies - featured image

These red velvet flag brownies with cream cheese swirl combine a tender, cocoa-infused red velvet base with a tangy, creamy swirl, perfect for festive occasions and comforting treats.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1/2 cup (113g) unsalted butter, melted
  • 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
  • 2 large eggs, room temperature
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 3/4 cup (90g) all-purpose flour, sifted
  • 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1 tablespoon red food coloring (gel or liquid)
  • 1 teaspoon white vinegar
  • 8 oz (225g) cream cheese, softened to room temperature
  • 1/3 cup (40g) powdered sugar, sifted
  • 1 large egg, room temperature
  • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

  1. Line an 8×8-inch (20×20 cm) baking pan with parchment paper, leaving overhang on two sides for easy removal. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. In a large bowl, combine melted unsalted butter and granulated sugar. Whisk until smooth and glossy. Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in vanilla extract.
  3. In a separate bowl, sift together flour, cocoa powder, and salt. Slowly add dry ingredients to wet ingredients, folding gently just until combined. Do not overmix.
  4. Stir in red food coloring and white vinegar until batter is vibrant and smooth.
  5. In a medium bowl, beat softened cream cheese with powdered sugar until creamy and lump-free. Add egg and vanilla extract, beating until silky smooth.
  6. Pour half of the red velvet batter into the prepared pan, spreading evenly. Dollop half of the cream cheese mixture in small spoonfuls over the batter. Repeat with remaining batter and cream cheese mixture.
  7. Use a toothpick or skewer to gently swirl the cream cheese through the red velvet batter, creating a marbled, flag-like effect without overmixing.
  8. Bake for 30-35 minutes, checking at 30 minutes by inserting a toothpick into the red velvet section; it should come out with a few moist crumbs.
  9. Remove from oven and cool completely on a wire rack, about 1 hour, before lifting out with parchment overhang and slicing.

Notes

Ensure cream cheese is fully softened to avoid lumps in the swirl. Use a light hand when swirling to maintain distinct flag patterns. Start checking brownies at 30 minutes to avoid overbaking. Cool completely before slicing for best texture. For gluten-free, substitute flour with gluten-free blend or almond flour (denser texture). For dairy-free, use plant-based cream cheese and vegan butter with flax eggs.

Nutrition

Keywords: red velvet brownies, cream cheese swirl, flag brownies, patriotic dessert, easy brownies, festive dessert, Fourth of July dessert