Homemade Red Velvet Brownie Bites Recipe
Introduction
These Homemade Red Velvet Brownie Bites combine the rich, fudgy texture of classic brownies with a creamy cheesecake swirl and vibrant red color. Perfect as bite-sized treats for parties or a sweet snack, they offer a delightful mix of flavors in every morsel.
Ingredients
- 9 tbsp unsalted butter (such as Kerrygold), melted
- 1 1/4 cups sugar
- 1/4 cup cocoa powder, sifted
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tbsp red food coloring
- 1/8 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp espresso powder
- 1/2 tsp vinegar
- 2 eggs
- 3/4 cup all-purpose flour (King Arthur recommended)
- 9 oz cream cheese, room temperature (about 70°F)
- 3 tbsp sugar (for cheesecake swirl)
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract (for cheesecake swirl)
- 1 egg yolk
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat the oven to 350°F. Generously grease a mini muffin pan with butter or cooking spray, coating the sides and bottoms to prevent sticking. Sift the cocoa powder to remove lumps and prepare all ingredients at room temperature for best results.
- Step 2: In a medium bowl, whisk together the melted butter, sugar, sifted cocoa powder, vanilla, red food coloring, salt, espresso powder, and vinegar until smooth. Add the eggs one at a time, fully incorporating each before adding the next. Gently fold in the flour just until no dry streaks remain, being careful not to overmix.
- Step 3: In a separate bowl, beat the cream cheese with sugar and vanilla using a whisk until creamy and smooth, about 1 minute. Fold in the egg yolk gently until just combined.
- Step 4: Spoon about 1 tablespoon of brownie batter into each muffin cup, filling halfway. Add about 1 teaspoon of the cream cheese mixture on top, then cover with another teaspoon of brownie batter. Use a toothpick or skewer to swirl the layers gently to create a marbled effect without overmixing.
- Step 5: Bake for 12 minutes until the tops are set and spring back lightly, but centers remain soft. Let cool in the pan for 5 minutes to set, then carefully remove using a thin knife or small offset spatula. Cool completely on a wire rack before serving.
Tips & Variations
- Use espresso powder to enhance the chocolate flavor without adding a coffee taste.
- Ensure all ingredients are at room temperature for smooth batter and filling texture.
- Try using different food coloring brands if you want a deeper or lighter red hue.
- For a dairy-free version, substitute butter and cream cheese with plant-based alternatives.
Storage
Store the brownie bites in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Bring to room temperature or warm slightly before serving for the best texture. You can also freeze them for up to 2 months; thaw in the refrigerator overnight before enjoying.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I make these brownie bites without cream cheese?
While the cheesecake swirl adds a creamy contrast and visual appeal, you can skip it and bake the brownie batter alone. The bites will be fudgy but won’t have the signature swirl or tangy creaminess.
Why is vinegar added to the batter?
The vinegar reacts with the baking soda or other leavening agents and enhances the red velvet flavor by adding a subtle tang. It also helps intensify the cake’s deep red color without changing the taste noticeably.
PrintHomemade Red Velvet Brownie Bites Recipe
These Homemade Red Velvet Brownie Bites are fudgy, richly chocolaty mini brownies with a luscious cream cheese swirl. Perfectly portioned in a mini muffin pan, they combine the classic flavors of red velvet cake with the indulgent texture of brownies, finished with a creamy cheesecake topping that adds a luxurious contrast.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 24 mini brownie bites 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Brownie Mixture
- 9 tbsp unsalted butter (preferably Kerrygold)
- 1 1/4 cups sugar
- 1/4 cup cocoa powder (sifted)
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tbsp red food coloring
- 1/8 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp espresso powder
- 1/2 tsp vinegar
- 2 eggs
- 3/4 cup King Arthur all-purpose flour
Cheesecake Swirl
- 9 oz cream cheese, room temperature (about 70°F)
- 3 tbsp sugar
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 egg yolk
Instructions
- Prepare Pan and Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F and generously grease a mini muffin pan with butter or cooking spray, coating the sides and bottoms to prevent sticking and ensure easy removal of the brownies.
- Sift Cocoa and Combine Brownie Ingredients: Sift the cocoa powder to remove lumps. In a medium bowl, melt the butter and whisk in sugar, sifted cocoa powder, vanilla, red food coloring, salt, espresso powder, and vinegar. The espresso powder enhances chocolate flavor subtly, and vinegar accentuates the red velvet tang.
- Add Eggs and Flour: Whisk in the eggs one at a time until fully incorporated. Gently fold in the flour just until there are no dry streaks to avoid toughness.
- Mix Cheesecake Filling: In a separate bowl, beat cream cheese with sugar and vanilla until smooth and creamy (about 1 minute). Fold in the egg yolk gently to keep the filling soft and silky.
- Assemble Brownie Bites: Spoon about 1 tablespoon of brownie batter into each muffin cup, filling halfway. Dollop about 1 teaspoon of cheesecake filling on top, then add another teaspoon of brownie batter to cover. Use a toothpick to swirl the layers gently in a figure-eight or circular motion, creating a marbled effect without overmixing.
- Bake: Bake the bites in the oven for 12 minutes until tops are set and spring back lightly, with a slightly soft and fudgy center.
- Cool and Remove: Let the brownie bites cool in the pan for 5 minutes to firm up. Use a thin knife or offset spatula to carefully loosen and remove each bite. Cool completely on a wire rack before serving for best texture.
Notes
- Ensure all ingredients, especially eggs and cream cheese, are at room temperature for smooth mixing and better texture.
- Sifting cocoa powder prevents lumps and streaks in the batter.
- Avoid overmixing the flour to keep brownies tender and fudgy.
- Swirling the cheesecake filling lightly helps achieve a pretty marbled pattern without blending layers completely.
- Cooling the bites before removing from the pan prevents crumbling.
Keywords: red velvet brownies, mini brownie bites, cheesecake swirl brownies, homemade brownies, dessert bites
