Description
Delight in these Homemade Red Velvet Brownie Bites, combining the rich, fudgy texture of classic brownies with a luscious cheesecake swirl. Perfectly portioned as mini treats, they feature a vibrant red velvet flavor enhanced by cocoa and espresso powder, and a creamy, tangy cheesecake center that adds a luxurious contrast. Ideal for parties, snacks, or anytime you crave a decadent bite-sized dessert.
Ingredients
Scale
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 large eggs
- 3/4 cup all-purpose flour (King Arthur recommended)
Cheesecake Swirl
- 9 oz cream cheese (room temperature, about 70°F)
- 3 tbsp sugar
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 egg yolk
Instructions
- Prepare the Oven and Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F. Generously grease a mini muffin pan with butter or cooking spray to ensure easy release of the brownie bites after baking.
- Sift Cocoa and Prepare Ingredients: Sift the cocoa powder to remove lumps for a smooth batter. Make sure all ingredients, especially cream cheese and eggs, are at room temperature to ensure smooth blending and optimal texture.
- Make the Brownie Batter: In a medium bowl, melt the butter. Whisk together the melted butter, sugar, sifted cocoa powder, vanilla, red food coloring, salt, espresso powder, and vinegar until combined. Add eggs one at a time, fully incorporating each before adding the next. Gently fold in the flour until no dry streaks remain, taking care not to overmix.
- Prepare the Cheesecake Filling: In a separate bowl, beat the room temperature cream cheese with sugar and vanilla until smooth and creamy, about 1 minute. Fold in the egg yolk gently until just combined to keep the filling soft and creamy during baking.
- Assemble the Brownie Bites: Spoon about 1 tablespoon of brownie batter into each mini muffin cup, filling halfway. Add about 1 teaspoon of cheesecake filling on top. Spoon another teaspoon of brownie batter over the cheesecake filling to seal it. Use a toothpick to gently swirl the batter and cheesecake in a figure-eight or circular motion to create a marbled pattern without overmixing.
- Bake: Bake the brownies in the preheated oven for 12 minutes. The tops should be just set and spring back lightly when touched, but the centers remain slightly soft and fudgy.
- Cool and Serve: Let the brownie bites cool in the pan for 5 minutes to set. Use a thin knife or small offset spatula to gently remove each bite from the pan, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before serving.
Notes
- Ensure cream cheese and eggs are at room temperature for the smoothest batter and filling.
- Gently swirl the cheesecake and brownie batter to avoid muddying the red velvet color and pattern.
- You can substitute unsweetened cocoa powder with natural or Dutch-processed according to your preference, but the flavor and color may vary slightly.
- Using espresso powder enhances the chocolate flavor without giving a coffee taste.
- These brownie bites store well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: Red Velvet Brownie Bites, Cheesecake Swirl Brownies, Mini Desserts, Homemade Brownies, Holiday Treats
