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

Scale

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