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 cream cheese frosting, they make a perfect treat 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 on the sides 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 mixed. Add the eggs one at a time, stirring thoroughly after each addition. Mix in the vanilla extract and red food coloring until the batter is a uniform bright red.
- 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.
- Step 5: Pour the batter into the prepared pan, smoothing the top evenly. 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.
- Step 6: While the brownies cool, prepare the frosting. Beat the softened cream cheese and softened butter together until smooth and creamy. Gradually add the sifted powdered sugar, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
- Step 7: Spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over the cooled brownies. Use the parchment overhang to lift the brownies from the pan, then cut into squares and serve.
Tips & Variations
- For an extra fudgy texture, slightly underbake the brownies by a minute or two, checking carefully.
- Use gel food coloring for a more vibrant red without affecting the batter’s consistency.
- To add texture, fold in ½ cup chopped walnuts or chocolate chips before baking.
- If you prefer a less sweet frosting, reduce the powdered sugar by ¼ cup.
Storage
Store the frosted brownies in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Before serving, let them come to room temperature for the best texture. You can also freeze unfrosted brownies for up to 2 months; thaw completely before frosting and serving.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use regular cocoa powder instead of unsweetened?
Yes, unsweetened cocoa powder is best for this recipe to balance the sweetness, but you can use regular cocoa powder if that’s what you have. Just be mindful it may alter the flavor slightly.
Why does my red velvet brownie batter look purple instead of red?
This can happen when natural cocoa powder reacts with acidic ingredients or food coloring. Using Dutch-processed cocoa powder or adjusting the amount of food coloring can help maintain a brighter red hue.
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Red Velvet Brownies with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 16 brownies 1x
Description
These Red Velvet Brownies with Cream Cheese Frosting combine the rich, chocolaty flavor of cocoa with a vibrant red hue and a smooth, tangy cream cheese topping. Perfectly moist and tender, these brownies are a delightful twist on the classic dessert, ideal for celebrations or an indulgent treat.
Ingredients
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
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving a bit of 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 this dry mix for later.
- Combine the Wet Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, stir the melted unsalted butter and granulated sugar until well incorporated. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing thoroughly after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract and red food coloring until the mixture is a uniform, vibrant red.
- Create the Batter: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, folding them in gently with a spatula until just combined. Avoid overmixing to maintain a tender brownie texture.
- Bake the Brownies: Pour the batter evenly into the prepared baking pan and smooth the top 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 oven and let the brownies cool completely in the pan.
- Make the Frosting: While the brownies cool, combine the softened cream cheese and unsalted butter in a mixing bowl and beat 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 the 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, then slice into squares and serve.
Notes
- For best results, ensure the cream cheese and butter for the frosting are softened to room temperature before mixing.
- Do not overmix the batter to keep the brownies tender and moist.
- Check the brownies at 20 minutes to avoid overbaking; they should be slightly fudgy in the middle.
- Use gel food coloring for a more vibrant red without adding extra liquid.
- Store brownies in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Desserts
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: Red Velvet Brownies, Cream Cheese Frosting, Chocolate Brownies, Dessert, Sweet Treats, Valentine’s Day Dessert
