Red Velvet Brownies with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe

Introduction

Red velvet brownies combine the rich, chocolatey goodness of classic brownies with a vibrant red hue and a tangy cream cheese frosting. This delightful treat offers a perfect balance of moist texture and creamy topping, ideal for any special occasion or a cozy dessert night.

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 well combined. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing thoroughly after each. Stir in vanilla extract and red food coloring until the mixture is a uniform red.
4. Step 4: Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients using a spatula, mixing just until combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the brownies tender.
5. Step 5: Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top. Bake for 20–25 minutes, until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with a few moist crumbs. Let cool completely in the pan.
6. Step 6: To make the frosting, beat the softened cream cheese and butter together until smooth. Gradually add the sifted powdered sugar, beating after each addition. Stir in vanilla extract.
7. Step 7: Spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over the cooled brownies. Use the parchment paper edges to lift the brownies out of the pan, then cut into squares and serve.

Tips & Variations

• For an extra chocolate kick, add ½ cup of chocolate chips to the batter before baking.
• Use gel food coloring for a more intense red without thinning the batter.
• Substitute the cream cheese frosting with a white chocolate ganache for a different flavor profile.
• Ensure the brownies are completely cool before frosting to prevent melting or sliding.

Storage

Store leftover brownies in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Let them come to room temperature before serving, or warm briefly in the microwave to soften the frosting. For longer storage, freeze the brownies (unfrosted or frosted) for up to 2 months, thawing overnight in the fridge.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use regular cocoa powder instead of unsweetened?

It’s best to use unsweetened cocoa powder to achieve the true red velvet flavor and richness. Sweetened cocoa could alter the taste and texture.

What if I don’t have red food coloring?

Red food coloring is key for the classic red velvet look, but you can try natural alternatives like beet juice or powder. Keep in mind these may slightly affect the color and flavor.

Red Velvet Brownies with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe

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★★★★★

4.7 from 55 reviews

These Red Velvet Brownies with Cream Cheese Frosting are a delightful twist on traditional brownies, combining a rich cocoa flavor with vibrant red color and a creamy, tangy frosting. Perfectly moist and tender, topped with a luscious cream cheese frosting, these brownies make a decadent dessert for any occasion.

• Author: Ria
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 20-25 minutes
• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 16 brownies (4×4-inch squares) 1x
• Category: Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

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

1. Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper, ensuring there is an overhang for easy removal of the brownies later.
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 for later use.
3. Combine the Wet Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, stir together the melted unsalted 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 mixture has a consistent vibrant red color.
4. Create the Batter: Gradually fold the dry ingredient mixture into the wet ingredients using a spatula. Mix gently until just combined, taking care not to overmix to keep the brownies tender.
5. Bake the Brownies: Pour the batter evenly into the prepared baking pan and smooth the surface with a spatula. Bake in the preheated oven for 20–25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with a few moist crumbs. Remove from the oven and allow the brownies to cool completely in the pan.
6. Make the Frosting: While the brownies cool, beat together the softened cream cheese and unsalted butter in a mixing bowl until smooth and creamy. Gradually add the sifted powdered sugar, continuing to beat after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract to finish the frosting.
7. Frost and Serve: Once the brownies have cooled to room temperature, spread the cream cheese frosting evenly on top. Use the parchment paper overhang to lift the brownies from the pan, then slice into squares and serve.

Notes

• Ensure the brownies are completely cooled before frosting to prevent thecream cheese frosting from melting.
• You can substitute liquid red food coloring with gel food coloring for more intense color.
• Use full-fat cream cheese for a richer, smoother frosting.
• Store brownies refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
• For a more pronounced cocoa flavor, consider using Dutch-processed cocoa powder.

Keywords: red velvet brownies, cream cheese frosting, dessert brownies, easy brownies recipe, red velvet dessert