Red Velvet Brownies with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe
Introduction
Red Velvet Brownies with Cream Cheese Frosting combine the rich, subtle cocoa flavor of red velvet with the fudgy, chewy texture of brownies. Topped with a smooth and tangy cream cheese frosting, this dessert is both indulgent and refreshing—perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
- 1 ¼ cups (155g) all-purpose flour
- ¼ cup (25g) unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
- ½ cup (115g) unsalted butter, melted
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tbsp red food coloring (liquid or gel)
- ¼ tsp salt
- 4 oz (115g) cream cheese, softened
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup (120g) powdered sugar, sifted
- ½ tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang for easy removal.
- Step 2: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, and salt until evenly combined. Set aside.
- Step 3: In a large bowl, stir the melted butter and granulated sugar until well combined. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing thoroughly after each. Stir in the vanilla extract and red food coloring until the batter is a uniform, vibrant red.
- Step 4: Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients with a spatula until just combined, being careful not to overmix.
- Step 5: Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top. Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with a few moist crumbs. Let cool completely in the pan.
- Step 6: To make the frosting, beat the softened cream cheese and unsalted butter until smooth and creamy. Slowly add the sifted powdered sugar, beating well after each addition, then stir in the vanilla extract.
- Step 7: Spread the frosting evenly over the cooled brownies. Use the parchment overhang to lift the brownies out of the pan, then slice and serve.
Tips & Variations
- For a richer chocolate flavor, use Dutch-processed cocoa powder instead of natural cocoa powder.
- If you prefer less sweetness, reduce the powdered sugar in the frosting by ¼ cup.
- Add a handful of white chocolate chips to the batter for extra texture and sweetness.
- Use gel food coloring for a more vibrant red color without altering the batter’s consistency.
Storage
Store leftover brownies in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. For best results, allow them to come to room temperature before serving. You can also freeze the unfrosted brownies for up to 2 months and frost them after thawing.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of frosting?
Yes, cream cheese frosting complements red velvet brownies best, but you can substitute it with chocolate ganache or a simple buttercream if you prefer.
How do I know when the brownies are done baking?
Insert a toothpick into the center of the brownies; it should come out with a few moist crumbs but not wet batter. Be careful not to overbake to keep them fudgy.
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Red Velvet Brownies with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 16 brownies (about 4x4 inch squares) 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the perfect blend of classic brownie decadence and red velvet charm with these Red Velvet Brownies topped with smooth, tangy Cream Cheese Frosting. These brownies feature a rich red color, subtle cocoa flavor, and a tender, fudgy texture. Perfect for any occasion, they combine the best of both worlds into one irresistible dessert that’s easy to make and sure to impress.
Ingredients
Brownies
- 1 ¼ cups (155g) all-purpose flour
- ¼ cup (25g) unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
- ½ cup (115g) unsalted butter, melted
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tbsp red food coloring (liquid or gel)
- ¼ tsp salt
Cream Cheese Frosting
- 4 oz (115g) cream cheese, softened
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup (120g) powdered sugar, sifted
- ½ tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides for easy removal later.
- Mix the Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, unsweetened cocoa powder, and salt until evenly combined. Set aside.
- Combine the Wet Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, stir the melted unsalted butter and granulated sugar until well combined. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing thoroughly after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract and red food coloring until the batter is a uniform vibrant red.
- Create the Batter: Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients using a spatula, mixing just until combined to preserve the tender texture of the brownies.
- Bake the Brownies: Pour the batter evenly into the prepared pan and smooth the surface. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with moist crumbs. Remove from oven and allow brownies to cool completely in the pan.
- Make the Frosting: While the brownies are cooling, beat the softened cream cheese and unsalted butter together until smooth and creamy. Gradually add the sifted powdered sugar, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract to finish the frosting.
- Frost and Serve: Once brownies have cooled to room temperature, spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over the top. Use the parchment paper overhang to lift the brownies out of the pan. Slice into squares and serve.
Notes
- Do not overmix the batter to keep the brownies tender and fudgy.
- Use gel food coloring for a more vibrant and less liquidy batter.
- Allow the brownies to cool completely before frosting to prevent melting.
- Store frosted brownies in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
- Bring refrigerated brownies to room temperature before serving for best taste.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Desserts
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: Red Velvet Brownies, Cream Cheese Frosting, Brownie Recipe, Red Velvet Dessert, Easy Brownies, Fudgy Brownies, Homemade Brownies
