Red Velvet Cream Cheese Swirly Brownies

So I made these last night after some motivation from Elizabeth. It was her birthday today (Happy Birthday Elizabeth) so I thought whats a better gift than homemade calorie filled brownies? None better in my book. So I made them last night with some help from all my boys (including the hubby). They came out really good. I hope you guys find time to make them because everyone in your life will thank you.



Red Velvet Layer:
1 stick unsalted butter, melted
1 cup sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/4 cup cocoa powder
Pinch salt
1 tablespoon red food coloring
1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar
2 eggs
3/4 cup all-purpose flour

Cream Cheese Layer:
8 ounces cream cheese, softened
1/4 cup sugar
1 egg
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Butter an 8 by 8-inch baking pan.

Brownie layer: Add melted butter to a large bowl and add the sugar, vanilla, cocoa powder, salt, food coloring, and vinegar, mixing after each addition. Whisk the eggs in a small bowl and stir it into the cocoa mix. Fold in the flour until lightly combined. Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan, saving 1/4 cup of the batter for the top.

Cream cheese layer: Blend together the cream cheese, sugar, egg, and vanilla in a medium bowl. Spread the cream cheese layer on top of the brownie batter in the pan. Dollop the remaining brownie batter over the cream cheese layer. Using the tip of a knife, drag through the cream cheese mixture to create a swirl pattern. Bake the brownies for 30 minutes. Remove to a cooling rack and allow them to cool completely before cutting.

*I doubled this recipe and used a 13 by 9. Make sure you cook this for about 45-60 mins. Just keep checking the middle for done ness.

If you still have some left over, wrap remaining brownies tightly in plastic wrap and place in fridge.