Hi! I’m Kate, the face behind KateFi.com—a blog all about making life easier and more affordable.

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Decadent Red Velvet Brownies with Cream Cheese Swirls

Ever wonder if you can eat gourmet on a broke budget? Same. Here’s my hack: whipping up delicious, Instagram-worthy desserts without dropping a soul-crushing amount at the store. Enter: No oven needed! It’s ideal for the busy mom juggling tasks, the student hustling on a shoestring budget, or let’s be real—anyone who simply loves a good dessert.

What Makes This Special

• No oven needed!
• Family-friendly and picky-eater approved
• Zero fancy kitchen gear needed
• Leftovers are even better the next day
• Easy to meal prep or double for later

Ingredients

• 1 box red velvet cake mix
• 1/4 cup unsweetened applesauce (or oil as per box instructions)
• 2 eggs
• 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

1. In a large bowl, mix the red velvet cake mix, applesauce, and eggs until combined and smooth.
2. Pour this mixture into a greased baking dish and spread it evenly.
3. In another bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, sugar, and vanilla extract. Beat until smooth and creamy.
4. Dollop the cream cheese mixture onto the red velvet batter and swirl with a knife for that marbled effect.
5. Refrigerate for 2 hours or until set.
6. Slice and enjoy the rich, chocolatey, and creamy goodness!

Keeping it Real

• This recipe is perfect when I’m low on time and need an easy, no-fuss dessert.
• Side gigs can be an amazing way to build a safety net while creating culinary masterpieces at home.
• If baking or admin tasks bore you, try different gigs—earning while doing what you love is possible.