red velvet cream cheese swirl brownies

OH MY GOODNESS! YUMMY DELICIOUS!

these were so much fun to make, and they are so delicious to eat! these are great for the holidays too with their rich flavor and beautiful color and presentation! gather round, kids. this one's a doozie.

ingredients for the brownie:
1 stick unsalted butter, melted
1 1/4 cup sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
pinch of salt
1 tablespoon red food coloring
1/2 teaspoon vinegar
2 eggs
3/4 cup all purpose flour

ingredients for the cream cheese layer:
8 ounces cream cheese, softened
1/4 cup sugar
1 egg
1/8 teaspoon vanilla extract (really... 1/8 teaspoon? i used about half. i think a measurement of ANYTHING in 1/8 of a teaspoon is ridiculous.)

directions for the brownie layer:
1. preheat the oven to 350 degrees.
2. grease a baking tray. (i used a brownie pan that the hubs' grandmother gave us around last Christmas, and i LOVE it. you'll see that in a second.)
2. melt the stick of butter. once melted, add it to a large mixing bowl.
3. add sugar and vanilla extract. blend until combined.
4. add cocoa powder, pinch of salt, red food coloring, and vinegar.
5. blend until well blended.
6. add the blended eggs and combine until well incorporated.
8. add the white flour.
9. pour 3/4 of the batter into the prepared pan and reserve 1/4 of the batter for later.

directions for the cream cheese layer:
10. in a separate large mixing bowl, combine the cream cheese, 1 egg, sugar, and vanilla extract.
11. blend until smooth and creamy.

12. add the cream cheese layer over the brownie mixture.
13. spread.
14. add the remaining red velvet batter.
15. swirl!

16. place in the oven and bake for 30 minutes exactly - DO NOT OVERBAKE!!
17. cut into squares. refrigerate before serving. (it tastes much better after it has cooled.)

the reason i LOVE the brownie pan i have (that i mentioned earlier) is that it cuts the brownie into squares for me! see...

get one for yourself at bed bath and beyond. you will LOVE it!

and what i also love are these brownies!!

they will be making an appearance at family gatherings this holiday season. look at how pretty just one brownie is.

but i can't make any more until Christmas. because these little treats don't last long in our home! nom nom nom.

fin.