Red Velvet Brownies with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe

Introduction

Red velvet brownies combine the rich, fudgy texture of classic brownies with the vibrant color and subtle cocoa flavor of red velvet. Topped with a smooth, tangy cream cheese frosting, this dessert is perfect for special occasions or anytime you want a delicious treat.

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

1. 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 of the brownies.
2. Step 2: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, and salt until evenly combined. Set aside.
3. Step 3: In a large bowl, stir the melted butter and granulated sugar until combined. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract and red food coloring until the mixture is uniform and vibrant red.
4. Step 4: Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients using a spatula, mixing just until combined to keep the brownies tender.
5. 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 the brownies cool completely in the pan.
6. Step 6: While the brownies cool, beat the softened cream cheese and butter until smooth. Gradually add the sifted powdered sugar, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
7. Step 7: Spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over the cooled brownies. Use the parchment paper overhang to lift the brownies out of the pan, then cut into squares and serve.

Tips & Variations

• For a richer flavor, try adding a teaspoon of instant espresso powder to the dry ingredients.
• Use gel food coloring if you prefer a more intense red without thinning the batter.
• To make individual servings, bake the batter in a lined muffin tin for red velvet brownie bites.

Storage

Store the brownies in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Let them come to room temperature before serving, or warm briefly in the microwave for a soft, melty treat.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make these brownies without cream cheese frosting?

Yes, you can skip the frosting and enjoy the red velvet brownies as they are, or dust them with powdered sugar for a simpler finish.

What can I use instead of red food coloring?

You can try natural alternatives like beet juice or powder, but the color may be less vibrant and the flavor slightly different.

Red Velvet Brownies with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe

Print Recipe

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5 from 129 reviews

Indulge in rich, fudgy red velvet brownies topped with a smooth and creamy cream cheese frosting. These delightful treats combine the classic flavors of cocoa and red velvet in a moist brownie base, perfect for any dessert occasion.

• Author: Ria
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 16 brownies 1x
• Category: Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Brownie 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

Cream Cheese Frosting Ingredients

• 4 oz (115g) cream cheese, softened
• 2 tbsp unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup (120g) powdered sugar, sifted
• ½ tsp vanilla extract

Instructions

1. 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 of the brownies.
2. Mix the Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, unsweetened cocoa powder, and salt until evenly combined. Set aside.
3. Combine the Wet Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, stir melted unsalted butter and granulated sugar until well incorporated. Add eggs one at a time, mixing thoroughly after each addition. Stir in vanilla extract and red food coloring until the mixture is vibrant and uniform in color.
4. Create the Batter: Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients using a spatula until just combined. Be careful not to overmix to keep the brownies tender.
5. Bake the Brownies: Pour the batter evenly 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. Remove from oven and cool completely in the pan.
6. Make the Frosting: While the brownies cool, beat together softened cream cheese and unsalted butter until smooth and creamy. Gradually add sifted powdered sugar, beating well after each addition. Stir in vanilla extract.
7. Frost and Serve: Spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over the cooled brownies. Use the parchment paper overhang to lift the brownies from the pan, slice into squares, and enjoy.

Notes

• Do not overmix the batter to ensure tender brownies.
• Use gel food coloring for more vibrant color without thinning the batter.
• Let brownies cool completely before frosting to avoid melting the frosting.
• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

Keywords: red velvet brownies, cream cheese frosting, chocolate brownies, dessert, easy brownies, baked dessert