Red Velvet Brownies with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe

If you have a soft spot for rich, velvety desserts with a splash of vibrant color, you will absolutely adore this Red Velvet Brownies with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe. It perfectly balances a deep cocoa flavor with a subtle tang, all wrapped up in the signature luscious red hue that makes red velvet so captivating. Finished with a dreamy, creamy cheese frosting that melts in your mouth, these brownies are a showstopper for any occasion or just when you want to treat yourself. Get ready to dive into an indulgence that tastes just as fabulous as it looks!

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients are straightforward but play a crucial role in achieving the perfect texture, classic red velvet flavor, and that irresistibly creamy topping. Each one adds an essential element, whether it’s richness, moisture, or the distinctive tang of red velvet.

• Butter (3/4 cup, melted): Provides richness and a tender crumb, key for that soft brownie base.
• Light brown sugar (3/4 cup): Adds moisture and a mild caramel note, enhancing depth of flavor.
• Granulated sugar (1 cup): Balances sweetness and helps with structure.
• Eggs (2): Bind the ingredients and help create that chewy brownie texture.
• Vanilla extract (1 tbsp): Brings warmth and enhances the red velvet essence.
• Liquid red food coloring (1/2 tsp): Gives the brownies their iconic vibrant red color, with options to adjust intensity.
• White vinegar (1 1/2 tsp): Reacts with cocoa powder to brighten flavor and maintain color.
• Cocoa powder (1/4 cup): Adds a subtle chocolatey depth essential to red velvet.
• Salt (1/4 tsp): Balances sweetness and enriches overall taste.
• All-purpose flour (1 cup + 3 tbsp): The backbone for structure, carefully measured for perfect texture.
• Cream cheese (4 oz, room temperature): Creates creamy, tangy frosting that complements the brownies.
• Butter (1/4 cup, softened): Combined with cream cheese for a luxuriously smooth frosting.
• Powdered sugar (1 1/2 to 2 cups): Sweetens and thickens the frosting to just the right consistency.
• Vanilla extract (1/2 tsp): Adds flavor depth to the frosting.
• Salt (pinch): Enhances frosting flavors.
• Cornstarch (2 tbsp, optional): Helps to thicken the frosting if using dairy-free cream cheese.

How to Make Red Velvet Brownies with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Pan and Preheat

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F and line an 8×8-inch square baking pan with parchment paper. Be sure to leave an overhang on the sides—that little trick makes it super easy to lift the brownies out once baked, keeping them intact and ready for frosting.

Step 2: Mix Butter and Sugars

Melt the butter either in the microwave or on the stove, then transfer it to a bowl. Add both brown and granulated sugars, whisking together until you get a paste-like mixture that pulls cleanly from the bowl’s sides. This step is where the sugar begins to dissolve, ensuring your brownies are perfectly moist and chewy.

Step 3: Add the Wet Ingredients

Whisk in the eggs, followed by white vinegar, vanilla extract, and liquid red food coloring. The vinegar reacts wonderfully with the cocoa powder later to brighten flavor and keep that signature red color vibrant. Feel free to adjust the food coloring to get just the right red intensity you love.

Step 4: Incorporate Dry Ingredients

Now, sift or measure carefully your cocoa powder, salt, and flour, then whisk them into the wet mix. Do this gently until just combined—overmixing here can make the brownies tough; a few small lumps are perfectly fine. This step ensures that delicious fudgy texture you’re aiming for.

Step 5: Bake the Brownies

Pour your batter into the lined pan, scraping out every last bit with a spatula. Pop the pan into the oven and bake for 30 to 40 minutes. Start checking at 30 minutes by inserting a toothpick—remember, you want a few moist crumbs, not a clean pull, because over-baking will make these brownies dry and hard.

Step 6: Make the Cream Cheese Frosting

While the brownies cool, beat the cream cheese, softened butter, vanilla, and a pinch of salt until smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar to reach your desired frosting thickness. If you’re using dairy-free cream cheese, stir in cornstarch to thicken it slightly. Keep this frosting chilled until the brownies have completely cooled.

Step 7: Frost and Enjoy

Once your brownies are cool, spread that luscious cream cheese frosting evenly on top. Chill for a bit if you want firmer slices or serve immediately for a velvety melt-in-your-mouth experience. These treats definitely deserve a few minutes to show off their full flavors!

How to Serve Red Velvet Brownies with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe

Garnishes

If you want to elevate the presentation, consider sprinkling some white chocolate shavings, crushed pecans, or even a light dusting of cocoa powder on top. Fresh berries like raspberries or strawberries bring a lovely tart contrast that pairs beautifully with the creamy frosting.

Side Dishes

These brownies shine best on their own, but pairing with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream turns them into an extra special dessert. A warm cup of coffee or a glass of cold milk also perfectly balances the richness of the Red Velvet Brownies with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe.

Creative Ways to Present

Want to impress at your next gathering? Cut the brownies into small bite-sized squares and serve on a fancy platter with toothpicks. Or layer them in a trifle dish with whipped cream and berries for a show-stopping dessert parfait that keeps the spirit of red velvet alive in a new form.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep any leftover brownies in an airtight container in the refrigerator, especially once frosted. This helps the cream cheese frosting stay fresh and the brownies moist. Proper storage will keep them delicious for 3 to 4 days.

Freezing

You can freeze both the brownies and the frosting! Wrap unfrosted brownies tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer bag for up to 3 months. Freeze the frosting separately in a sealed container. When ready, thaw both in the fridge and frost the brownies fresh for the best experience.

Reheating

If you prefer warm brownies, gently reheat a piece in the microwave for 10-15 seconds. Avoid overheating to prevent drying. If frostings soften too much after warming, you can pop them back into the fridge for a few minutes before serving.

FAQs

Can I use gel food coloring instead of liquid?

Yes! Both work well. Gel food coloring tends to be more concentrated, so start with a smaller amount and adjust until you reach your desired red vibrancy.

Is it possible to make this recipe dairy-free?

Absolutely. Use dairy-free butter and cream cheese alternatives, and add cornstarch to the frosting to thicken it. The recipe notes these substitutions and they work wonderfully.

Why is vinegar included in the recipe?

Vinegar reacts with the cocoa powder to create the characteristic tang of red velvet and helps preserve that bright red color, making the brownies taste truly authentic.

How do I know when the brownies are perfectly baked?

Look for a crinkly top and check with a toothpick inserted in the center; a few moist crumbs should cling to it. If it comes out completely clean, the brownies may be overdone and dry.

Can I double the recipe for a larger batch?

Yes, just double all the ingredients and bake in a 9×13 pan. Keep an eye on baking times—they will typically reduce slightly, around 20 to 35 minutes.

Final Thoughts

This Red Velvet Brownies with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe holds a special place in my heart because it combines ease and elegance in every bite. Whether you’re baking for a celebration or simply craving something sweet and colorful, these brownies deliver joy and indulgence that never fail to impress. Trust me, once you try them, they’ll become a new favorite go-to dessert for any time you need a little happiness on a plate.

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