If you’re anything like me and brighten up your baking adventures with dazzling color and rich flavor, these Red Velvet Brownies with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe will instantly become your new go-to treat. They perfectly blend the deep chocolatey notes of traditional brownies with that iconic red velvet hue and a luxuriously creamy cream cheese frosting that practically melts in your mouth. Honestly, each bite feels like a cozy, festive hug from the inside out, making this recipe a true showstopper for any occasion or just a special weekend indulgence.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients may seem simple, but each one plays a vital role in creating the perfect balance of taste, texture, and color in this Red Velvet Brownies with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe. From the smooth richness of butter to the vibrant pop from red food coloring, every element works harmoniously together.
- ¾ cup unsalted butter (melted): Provides a velvety, rich base that keeps the brownies moist and tender.
- 1½ cup granulated sugar: Adds sweetness while contributing to a slightly chewy texture.
- 2 large eggs (at room temperature): Bind everything together and lend a delicate structure to the brownies.
- 2 tsp vanilla extract: Enhances the overall flavor depth and balances the cocoa’s earthiness.
- 1 tbsp red food coloring: Gives that signature, eye-catching red velvet color without altering the taste.
- 1 cup all-purpose flour (spooned and leveled): Creates the necessary framework for the brownies, ensuring a perfect crumb.
- ¼ cup cocoa powder: Adds a subtle chocolate richness that’s essential for red velvet.
- ¼ tsp salt: Balances the sweetness and highlights the other flavors perfectly.
- 4 oz cream cheese (at room temperature): Lets the frosting achieve that luscious, tangy creaminess.
- ¼ cup unsalted butter (at room temperature): Makes the frosting smooth and spreadable.
- 1 cup powdered sugar: Sweetens the frosting with a silky texture.
- ½ tsp vanilla extract: Adds a warm, inviting flavor to the frosting.
- Pinch of salt: Balances the frosting sweetness just like in the brownie base.
How to Make Red Velvet Brownies with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Your Pan
Start by setting your oven to 350°F, ensuring it’s ready to bake your brownies to perfection. Line an 8×8 baking pan with parchment paper—this little step makes removing the brownies effortless and keeps their edges intact.
Step 2: Mix Butter, Sugar, Eggs, and Flavorings
Melt the butter in the microwave and pour it into a large bowl. Stir in the sugar until combined, then add the eggs, vanilla extract, and that vibrant red food coloring. Mixing everything at this stage allows the color and flavors to evenly infuse the batter, setting the stage for those iconic Red Velvet Brownies with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe results.
Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients
Incorporate the flour, cocoa powder, and salt into your wet ingredients slowly while mixing. Make sure you blend until no streaks of flour remain—this ensures a smooth batter that will translate into beautifully textured brownies that are neither too cakey nor too fudgy.
Step 4: Bake and Cool
Pour your luscious batter into the prepared pan, smoothing it out evenly. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, keeping an eye for when the center looks set but still moist. Once out of the oven, let the brownies cool completely in the pan. This resting time helps them firm up for clean slicing and an ideal crumb.
Step 5: Prepare the Cream Cheese Frosting
While the brownies cool, whip together cream cheese and butter until creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt, mixing until smooth and fluffy. This frosting is what takes your Red Velvet Brownies with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe from delicious to utterly irresistible.
Step 6: Frost and Enjoy
Spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over the cooled brownies. Freeze for a few minutes if you’d like firmer frosting slices, or dive in right away—either way, you’re in for a treat!
How to Serve Red Velvet Brownies with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate your Red Velvet Brownies with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe, consider a sprinkle of crushed pecans or a dusting of extra cocoa powder on top. Fresh berries like raspberries or strawberries also add a bright, juicy contrast that’s both beautiful and delicious.
Side Dishes
These brownies pair wonderfully with a scoop of classic vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for added indulgence. For a cozy twist, serve alongside a hot cup of coffee or cocoa to complement their rich flavor.
Creative Ways to Present
Think outside the box by cutting brownies into bite-size squares and serving them on decorative skewers with alternating marshmallows or fruit. Another fun idea is layering crumbled brownies in parfait glasses with layers of frosting and whipped cream for a stunning dessert display at your next gathering.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once frosted, store your brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days or in the fridge for up to five days to keep the cream cheese frosting fresh and the brownies moist.
Freezing
You can freeze these brownies either unfrosted or frosted. Wrap them well in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then store in an airtight container or freezer bag for up to three months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving for the best texture.
Reheating
If you prefer your brownies warm, simply pop a slice in the microwave for 10-15 seconds. Avoid reheating too long or you risk melting the frosting, but just enough to bring out those gooey, comforting flavors that make this Red Velvet Brownies with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe so irresistible.
FAQs
Can I use natural food coloring instead of synthetic?
Absolutely! Beet juice or powdered beetroot are great natural alternatives that provide a beautiful red hue while keeping the recipe wholesome. Just be aware that the color might be slightly different but just as stunning.
What’s the best way to cut these brownies without smudging the frosting?
Use a sharp knife warmed under hot water and then wiped dry before slicing. This technique helps cut through the frosting cleanly, giving you neat, picture-perfect squares every time.
Can I make these gluten-free?
Yes, swapping all-purpose flour for a gluten-free blend works well. Just make sure your blend contains xanthan gum or another binder to maintain that classic brownie texture.
How long does the cream cheese frosting stay fresh?
When refrigerated, the cream cheese frosting will stay fresh and safe to eat for up to five days. Always store your brownies in an airtight container to prevent them from drying out or absorbing odors.
Is there a way to make these brownies more fudgy?
For a fudgier texture, reduce the flour by 2 tablespoons and add an extra tablespoon of melted butter. This little tweak enhances the moisture and rich density without sacrificing that perfect red velvet flavor.
Final Thoughts
Once you try this Red Velvet Brownies with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe, I promise it will become your favorite easy-to-make dessert for gatherings or just a delightful treat to brighten your day. The combination of luscious cream cheese frosting and stunning red velvet brownies is simply unbeatable and guaranteed to earn you compliments galore. So go ahead, roll up your sleeves, and enjoy every sweet moment!
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Red Velvet Brownies with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 16 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Red Velvet Brownies with Cream Cheese Frosting combine the rich, classic flavor of red velvet cake with the fudgy texture of brownies. Topped with a smooth and tangy cream cheese frosting, they make a perfect dessert for any occasion, offering a delightful balance of sweetness and a hint of cocoa.
Ingredients
Brownie Batter
- ¾ cup unsalted butter (melted)
- 1½ cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs (at room temperature)
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tbsp red food coloring
- 1 cup all-purpose flour (spooned and leveled)
- ¼ cup cocoa powder
- ¼ tsp salt
Cream Cheese Frosting
- 4 oz cream cheese (at room temperature)
- ¼ cup unsalted butter (at room temperature)
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- ½ tsp vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8 inch baking pan with parchment paper to prevent sticking and set it aside.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the unsalted butter. Once melted, pour it into a large mixing bowl with granulated sugar and mix until well combined. Add the eggs, vanilla extract, and red food coloring, mixing thoroughly until the batter is smooth and evenly colored.
- Add Dry Ingredients: Sift together the all-purpose flour, cocoa powder, and salt. Gradually add this dry mixture into the wet ingredients, stirring until just combined and there are no streaks of flour remaining in the batter.
- Bake the Brownies: Pour the batter evenly into the prepared baking pan. Bake in the preheated oven for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the center is set and a toothpick inserted comes out with a few moist crumbs. Remove from the oven and let cool completely in the pan.
- Prepare Frosting: In a bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and butter together until creamy and smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt, continuing to beat until the frosting is smooth and spreadable.
- Frost the Brownies: Once the brownies have cooled completely, spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over the top. Cut into 16 squares and serve.
Notes
- Ensure eggs and cream cheese are at room temperature to achieve a smooth batter and frosting.
- Use parchment paper for easy removal and clean-up.
- Adjust red food coloring amount based on desired vibrancy.
- Store brownies in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
- For a richer flavor, consider using Dutch-process cocoa powder.
