Red Velvet Brownies with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe
Introduction
Red velvet brownies combine the rich, chocolatey flavor of classic brownies with the vibrant color and subtle tang of red velvet cake. Topped with a creamy, smooth cream cheese frosting, these brownies make a decadent treat 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 a bit of overhang for easy removal of the brownies later.
- Step 2: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, unsweetened cocoa powder, and salt until evenly combined. Set this dry mixture aside.
- Step 3: In a large mixing bowl, stir the melted 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 mixture is a uniform, vibrant red.
- Step 4: Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients using a spatula. Mix gently until just combined to keep the brownies tender.
- Step 5: 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.
- Step 6: Remove the brownies from the oven and allow them to cool completely in the pan.
- Step 7: While cooling, 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 8: Once the brownies are cooled to room temperature, spread the cream cheese frosting evenly on top. Use the parchment paper overhang to lift the brownies out of the pan, then cut into squares and serve.
Tips & Variations
- For a deeper chocolate flavor, use Dutch-processed cocoa powder instead of natural cocoa.
- Replace red food coloring with beetroot powder for a natural alternative.
- Add ½ cup of white chocolate chips to the batter for extra sweetness and texture.
- Ensure the brownies are completely cool before frosting to prevent the cream cheese frosting from melting.
Storage
Store the brownies in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Bring to room temperature before serving for the best texture and flavor. You can also freeze the unfrosted brownies for up to 2 months; thaw completely and then frost before serving.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use regular cocoa powder instead of unsweetened cocoa powder?
Yes, regular unsweetened cocoa powder works perfectly in this recipe and provides the classic chocolate flavor essential to red velvet brownies.
What if I don’t have cream cheese for the frosting?
You can substitute the cream cheese with mascarpone or Greek yogurt for a tangy alternative, though the texture and flavor will vary slightly from traditional cream cheese frosting.
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Red Velvet Brownies with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 16 brownies 1x
Description
Delight in these luscious Red Velvet Brownies topped with a smooth and creamy cream cheese frosting. Combining the classic flavors of red velvet cake with the rich, fudgy texture of brownies, this recipe is perfect for dessert lovers looking for a visually stunning and indulgent treat. Baked to perfection and finished with a tangy frosting, these brownies are sure to impress at any gathering or cozy night in.
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
- 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 gently with a spatula to combine. Take care not to overmix 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 cool completely in the pan.
- Make the Frosting: While the brownies cool, beat the softened cream cheese and unsalted butter in a mixing bowl 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 browned and 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
- Ensure the cream cheese and butter are softened to room temperature before making the frosting to avoid lumps.
- Do not overmix the batter to keep the brownies tender and fudgy.
- Use gel food coloring for a more vibrant color without thinning the batter.
- Allow brownies to cool completely before frosting to prevent the frosting from melting.
- Store leftovers 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 recipe, homemade brownies
