If you’re looking for a dessert that’s both delicious and visually stunning, you’re in the right place! These Red Velvet Brownies are rich, fudgy, and topped with a cream cheese frosting that will make your taste buds dance.
They have that signature red velvet color and an indulgent taste that everyone will love.
Plus, they are super easy to make! Grab your favorite mixing bowl, and let’s dive into this delightful recipe.
Why This Recipe Is a Must-Try
These Red Velvet Brownies are perfect for any occasion.
Whether you’re hosting a party, celebrating a birthday, or just treating yourself on a cozy night at home, these brownies will impress.
They have the perfect balance of chocolatey richness and a hint of tanginess from the cream cheese frosting.
Plus, the vibrant red color makes them a festive treat that stands out on any dessert table.
Trust me; once you try this recipe, you’ll wonder how you ever lived without it!
Ingredients
To whip up a batch of these delectable Red Velvet Brownies, gather the following ingredients:
- 1 cup (120 g) all-purpose flour
- ¼ cup (25 g) unsweetened cocoa powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup (112 g) unsalted butter, melted
- 1 cup (200 g) granulated sugar
- ⅓ cup (67 g) light brown sugar
- 3 large eggs, at room temperature
- 2 ounces (56 g) semi-sweet chocolate, melted
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar
- Red food coloring (as desired)
For the cream cheese frosting, here’s what you need:
- 8 ounces (227 g) cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup (115 g) unsalted butter, softened
- 2 cups (240 g) powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- A pinch of salt
How To Make Red Velvet Brownies With the Best Cream Cheese Frosting
Now, let’s get into the fun part—making these heavenly brownies!
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
This will ensure your brownies bake evenly and come out perfectly fudgy.
Step 2: Prepare the Baking Pan
Line an 8×8 inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang on the sides.
This will make it super easy to lift the brownies out once they’re baked.
Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, and salt.
This helps to combine all the dry ingredients evenly and ensures there are no lumps.
Step 4: Mix the Wet Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine the melted butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar.
Mix well until everything is combined.
Then, add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
Stir in the melted semi-sweet chocolate, vanilla extract, and apple cider vinegar.
Finally, add a few drops of red food coloring, and mix until you reach your desired shade of red.
Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures
Carefully fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, mixing just until combined.
Avoid over-mixing, as this can make your brownies tough.
Step 6: Bake
Pour the brownie batter into your prepared pan and spread it out evenly.
Bake in the preheated oven for about 20-25 minutes.
You’ll know they’re done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with a few moist crumbs but not wet batter.
Let the brownies cool completely in the pan.
Step 7: Make the Cream Cheese Frosting
While your brownies are cooling, it’s time to make the frosting! In a medium bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and butter together until smooth and creamy.
Gradually add the powdered sugar and mix until combined.
Stir in the vanilla extract and a pinch of salt.
If the frosting is too thick, you can add a splash of milk to reach your desired consistency.
Step 8: Frost the Brownies
Once the brownies are completely cool, lift them out of the pan using the parchment paper overhang.
Spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over the top of the brownies.
You can use a spatula or the back of a spoon for this.
For a decorative touch, you can sprinkle some cocoa powder or mini chocolate chips on top.
Step 9: Cut and Serve
Cut the brownies into squares and serve.
Enjoy the ooey-gooey goodness with a glass of milk or your favorite beverage.
Trust me, these brownies will be gone before you know it!
Expert Tips
To help you achieve the best Red Velvet Brownies, here are some expert tips:
- Make sure your eggs are at room temperature for better mixing.
- Don’t skip the apple cider vinegar; it gives these brownies their signature tangy flavor.
- Use a light touch when mixing in the dry ingredients to keep your brownies fudgy.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature or in the fridge to maintain freshness.
Variations and Customizations
Feel free to get creative! Here are some fun variations and customizations for your Red Velvet Brownies:
- Add chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans for added texture.
- Mix in some chocolate chips for an extra chocolatey brownie.
- Swirl some raspberry or strawberry jam into the brownie batter for a fruity twist.
- Top the cream cheese frosting with crushed cookies or sprinkles for a festive finish.
How to Store Leftovers
If you somehow have leftovers (though I doubt it!), store the brownies in an airtight container.
They can be kept at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerated for up to a week.
Just make sure to bring them back to room temperature before serving for the best taste and texture.
FAQ
Can I make these brownies without food coloring?
Absolutely! If you prefer not to use food coloring, you can skip it entirely.
The brownies will still be delicious, just without the vibrant red color.
Can I freeze the brownies and frosting?
Yes! You can freeze the brownies without frosting for up to 3 months.
Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and place them in an airtight container.
Thaw in the fridge before serving.
Can I substitute the cream cheese frosting for something else?
Of course! You can use a basic chocolate ganache or a simple vanilla buttercream if you prefer a different frosting.
Get creative and use what you love!
Why are my brownies dense and fudgy?
Dense and fudgy brownies are what make them so delicious! This recipe is designed to create a moist, fudgy texture.
If you’d like them cake-like, try adding a bit more flour or baking them a little longer.
Just remember to watch them closely!
Conclusion
These Red Velvet Brownies with the Best Cream Cheese Frosting are sure to become a new favorite in your dessert repertoire.
With their rich flavor, beautiful color, and creamy frosting, they’re perfect for any occasion.
So why wait? Gather your ingredients and get baking today.
Trust me; you won’t regret it! Happy baking!
Red Velvet Brownies with Cream Cheese Frosting
Equipment
- Mixing Bowl
- Baking Pan
- Whisk
- Spatula
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- ¼ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- ⅓ cup light brown sugar
- 3 large eggs, at room temperature
- 2 ounces semi-sweet chocolate, melted
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar
- as desired red food coloring
Cream Cheese Frosting
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- a pinch salt
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Step 2: Line an 8×8 inch baking pan with parchment paper.
- Step 3: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, and salt.
- Step 4: In a large mixing bowl, combine the melted butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar. Mix well, then add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the melted chocolate, vanilla extract, and vinegar. Add red food coloring as desired.
- Step 5: Fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined.
- Step 6: Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake for 20-25 minutes.
- Step 7: While cooling, beat together cream cheese and butter until smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar, then vanilla and salt.
- Step 8: Once brownies are cool, frost with cream cheese frosting.
- Step 9: Cut into squares and serve.
