These heart-shaped brownies are perfect for any celebration! They’re rich, chocolatey, and just the right amount of fudgy, making them a treat everyone will love.
Making them in a heart shape adds a cute twist! I like to sprinkle a little powdered sugar on top for extra sweetness and, let’s be honest, it makes them look fancy! ❤️
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Unsalted Butter: This is essential for moisture and richness. If you need a dairy-free option, you can use melted coconut oil or a vegan butter substitute.
Sugar: Granulated sugar gives sweetness and structure. For a lower glycemic option, try coconut sugar or a sugar substitute like erythritol, but be sure to check conversion ratios!
Red Food Coloring: This gives the brownies their signature color. If you’re avoiding artificial colors, use beet juice powder instead, but you may need to adjust your liquids slightly.
Cream Cheese: A classic in red velvet treats. For a lighter option, use Greek yogurt or a dairy-free cream cheese spread.
How Do I Achieve the Perfect Swirl?
Swirling the red velvet and cream cheese mixture into the brownies is key for that beautiful look. Here’s how to do it:
- Start with the base brownie batter spread evenly in the pan.
- Next, spoon the red velvet batter across the top in small dollops for even distribution.
- Add dollops of the cream cheese mixture on top of the red velvet. This will create a layered effect.
- Using a toothpick or skewer, gently drag it through the layers to make beautiful swirls. Just a few gentle turns will help keep the layers distinct!
Be careful not to over-swirl—keeping some of the layers visible will make the brownies look stunning! Enjoy baking these delightful treats!
Heart-shaped Red Velvet Swirl Brownies
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Brownie Batter:
- 1/2 cup (115g) unsalted butter, melted
- 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/3 cup (35g) unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/2 cup (65g) all-purpose flour
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
For the Red Velvet Layer:
- 1/2 cup (65g) all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup (50g) granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/8 teaspoon salt
- 3 tablespoons buttermilk
- 1 large egg
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1-2 teaspoons red food coloring
For the Cream Cheese Swirl:
- 4 oz (115g) cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup (30g) powdered sugar
- 1 tablespoon heavy cream or milk
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare and about 25-30 minutes to bake. Remember to let the brownies cool completely before cutting them into heart shapes—this might take an additional 30 minutes. Overall, you’ll be enjoying your treats in about an hour!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat Your Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a baking pan that’s about 8×8 inches or line it with parchment paper so your brownies won’t stick.
2. Make the Brownie Batter:
In a medium bowl, whisk together the melted butter, sugar, eggs, and vanilla until everything is nice and smooth. Then sift in the cocoa powder, flour, salt, and baking powder. Stir until just combined, and set it aside for a moment.
3. Create the Red Velvet Layer:
In another bowl, mix together the flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt. After that, add the buttermilk, egg, vegetable oil, vanilla extract, and the red food coloring. Mix everything until it’s smooth and bright red—just like red velvet should be!
4. Prepare the Cream Cheese Swirl:
In a separate bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, heavy cream, and vanilla extract until it’s creamy and smooth. This will be your delicious swirl!
5. Assemble the Brownies:
Pour the brownie batter into your prepared pan and spread it evenly. Next, dollop spoonfuls of the red velvet batter on top of the brownie layer. Then, add dollops of the cream cheese mixture on top of the red velvet batter. Now, take a toothpick or a skewer and gently swirl it through the layers to create a beautiful marbled effect.
6. Bake Everything Together:
Pop the pan in the oven and bake for about 25-30 minutes. Keep an eye on it, and when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with just a few moist crumbs, they’re ready!
7. Cool the Brownies:
Let the brownies cool completely in the pan before using a heart-shaped cookie cutter to cut out your lovely shapes. This cooling time is important—it ensures they’ll hold their shape!
8. Serve and Enjoy:
Once cut, serve your heart-shaped red velvet swirl brownies to friends, family, or just yourself, because you deserve a treat! Enjoy the delightful combination of rich chocolate, vibrant red velvet, and sweet cream cheese.
These brownies are perfect for any romantic occasion or just as a sweet surprise for someone special. Happy baking!
Can I Use Different Food Coloring?
Absolutely! If you prefer natural options, you can use beet juice powder or other natural food colorings. Just remember that the color may not be as bright as traditional food coloring.
What If I Don’t Have Buttermilk?
No worries! You can easily make a buttermilk substitute by mixing 3 tablespoons of milk with 1 teaspoon of vinegar or lemon juice. Let it sit for about 5 minutes before using it in your recipe.
Can I Use a Different Pan Size?
Yes, but keep in mind that different pan sizes will affect the baking time. A larger pan will result in thinner brownies that bake faster, while a smaller pan will yield thicker brownies that may take longer to cook. Be sure to check for doneness with a toothpick!
How to Store Leftover Brownies?
Store leftover brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. You can also refrigerate them for a week or freeze them for even longer storage! Just make sure to wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or foil before freezing.