Red Velvet Brownies with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe

Introduction

These Red Velvet Brownies with Cream Cheese Frosting are a delightful twist on classic brownies, combining the rich cocoa flavor with a vibrant red hue and creamy frosting. Perfect for special occasions or whenever you want a treat that’s both sweet and visually stunning.

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 a bit of overhang to easily lift out the brownies later.
2. Step 2: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, unsweetened cocoa powder, and salt until well combined. Set this mixture aside.
3. Step 3: In a large bowl, stir the melted unsalted butter and granulated sugar until fully combined. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing thoroughly after each addition. Then stir in the vanilla extract and red food coloring until the batter is evenly colored.
4. Step 4: Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients with a spatula until just combined. Take care not to overmix to keep the brownies tender.
5. Step 5: Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and smooth the top with a spatula. 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.
6. Step 6: Meanwhile, make the frosting. Beat the softened cream cheese and softened butter together in a bowl until smooth and creamy. Gradually add the sifted powdered sugar, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract to finish.
7. Step 7: Once the brownies are cool, spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over the top. Use the parchment paper edges to lift the brownies from the pan, then slice into squares and serve.

Tips & Variations

• For a richer chocolate flavor, use Dutch-processed cocoa powder instead of natural cocoa.
• If you prefer less sweetness, reduce the granulated sugar to ¾ cup.
• Try adding white chocolate chips to the batter for a bit of texture and extra sweetness.
• Use gel food coloring for a more vibrant red without thinning the batter.
• For a festive touch, sprinkle chopped nuts or red sprinkles over the frosting before it sets.

Storage

Store the brownies in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Let them come to room temperature before serving, or warm slightly in the microwave for 10–15 seconds. You can also freeze unfrosted brownies for up to 2 months; thaw fully before frosting.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pan?

An 8×8-inch square pan is ideal for even baking and thickness. If using a different size, adjust baking time accordingly and keep a close eye to avoid overbaking.

Can I make these brownies vegan or dairy-free?

To make vegan brownies, substitute eggs with flax or chia eggs and use dairy-free butter and cream cheese alternatives. Adjust sweetness and texture as needed since results may vary.

Red Velvet Brownies with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe

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★★★★★

4.4 from 140 reviews

• Author: Andria
• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 16 brownies (about 2-inch squares) 1x

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Description

Delight in these rich and moist Red Velvet Brownies topped with a smooth and creamy cream cheese frosting. Combining the classic flavors of red velvet cake with the fudgy texture of brownies, this recipe is perfect for a decadent dessert or special occasion treat.

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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

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Instructions

1. Preheat and Prepare: 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 after baking.
2. Mix the Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, unsweetened cocoa powder, and salt until well combined. Set this dry mixture aside for later use.
3. Combine the Wet Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, stir the melted unsalted butter and granulated sugar until fully incorporated. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing thoroughly after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract and red food coloring, blending until the batter turns a uniform, vibrant red color.
4. Create the Batter: Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture using a spatula. Mix gently until just combined to maintain a tender and moist brownie texture, being careful not to overmix.
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 to 25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with a few moist crumbs. Remove the pan from the oven and allow the brownies to cool completely in the pan.
6. Make the Frosting: While the brownies are cooling, beat together the softened cream cheese and unsalted butter in a mixing bowl until smooth and creamy. Gradually add the sifted powdered sugar and continue beating until fully incorporated and fluffy. Stir in the vanilla extract for added flavor.
7. Frost and Serve: Once the brownies have cooled to room temperature, spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over the top using a spatula. Lift the brownies out of the pan using the parchment paper overhang and slice into squares. Serve and enjoy!

Notes

• Use room temperature eggs and cream cheese for easier mixing and better texture.
• Do not overmix the batter to keep the brownies tender and fudgy.
• You can substitute the red food coloring with natural beet juice or powder for a natural alternative.
• Store leftover brownies in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days.
• To soften cream cheese quickly, microwave briefly in 5-second increments to avoid melting.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Keywords: Red Velvet Brownies, Cream Cheese Frosting, Chocolate Brownies, Red Velvet Dessert, Fudgy Brownies, Homemade Brownies