Red Velvet Brownies with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe
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.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20-25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 16 brownies (4x4-inch squares) 1x
- Category: Desserts
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
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, ensuring there is an overhang for easy removal of the brownies 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 for later use.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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
