Introduction

These Red Velvet Brownies with Cream Cheese Frosting combine the rich, chocolaty flavor of classic brownies with the signature tangy sweetness of red velvet. Perfectly moist and topped with a smooth cream cheese frosting, they make an irresistible treat for any occasion.

Red Velvet Brownies with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe - Recipe Image

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

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 for easy removal later.
Step 2: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, and salt until evenly combined. Set aside.
Step 3: In a large mixing bowl, stir the melted 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 uniform and vibrant red.
Step 4: Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture using a spatula, stirring gently until just combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the brownies tender.
Step 5: Pour the batter evenly into the prepared pan and smooth the top. Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with a few moist crumbs. Allow the brownies to cool completely in the pan.
Step 6: While cooling, beat together the softened cream cheese and butter until smooth. Gradually add the sifted powdered sugar, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract to finish the frosting.
Step 7: Once cooled, spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over the brownies. Use the parchment overhang to lift the brownies from the pan, slice into squares, and serve.

Tips & Variations

For a richer flavor, substitute half of the granulated sugar with light brown sugar.
If you prefer a thicker frosting, chill it for 20 minutes before spreading.
Try adding white chocolate chips to the batter for extra sweetness and texture.
Use gel food coloring to achieve more vibrant red color without adding extra liquid.

Storage

Store the brownies in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Bring to room temperature before serving for the best flavor and texture. You can also freeze the unfrosted brownies for up to 2 months; thaw completely before adding frosting.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make these brownies without food coloring?

Yes, but the characteristic red velvet color will be missing. The brownies will still be delicious and chocolaty but less vibrant in appearance.

How do I know when the brownies are done baking?

Insert a toothpick into the center; it should come out with a few moist crumbs but not wet batter. This ensures the brownies remain fudgy and tender.

Red Velvet Brownies with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe

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4.5 from 138 reviews

Delight in these moist and tender Red Velvet Brownies topped with a luscious cream cheese frosting. Combining the rich cocoa flavor with the classic tang of red velvet and a creamy frosting, this recipe is perfect for a decadent dessert or special occasion treat.

Author: Zane
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 20-25 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Yield: 16 brownies (4×4 squares) 1x
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American
Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale

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

Instructions

Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides for easy removal of the brownies after baking.
Mix the Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, unsweetened cocoa powder, and salt until fully combined. Set aside this mixture for later use.
Combine the Wet Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, stir together the melted unsalted butter and granulated sugar until comingled well. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing thoroughly after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract followed by the red food coloring until the batter achieves a uniform, vibrant red color.
Create the Batter: Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients using a spatula. Mix gently until just combined, being careful not to overmix to ensure a tender brownie texture.
Bake the Brownies: Pour the prepared batter evenly into the lined baking pan and smooth the surface with a spatula. Place in the preheated oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into 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, beat together the softened cream cheese and unsalted butter in a mixing bowl until smooth and creamy. Gradually add the sifted powdered sugar, beating well after each addition. Finally, stir in the vanilla extract to complete the frosting.
Frost and Serve: Once the brownies have cooled to room temperature, spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over the top. Using the parchment paper overhang, lift the brownies out of the pan and slice into squares. Serve and enjoy your decadent Red Velvet Brownies with Cream Cheese Frosting.

Notes

Be careful not to overmix the batter to keep the brownies tender.
Use parchment paper with an overhang to make it easier to lift the brownies out of the pan.
Make sure the cream cheese and butter are softened to get a smooth frosting.
Check for doneness with a toothpick; a few moist crumbs indicate perfectly baked brownies.
Store leftover brownies in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

Keywords: Red Velvet Brownies, Cream Cheese Frosting, Dessert, Brownies recipe, Baked brownies, Easy brownies, Red velvet dessert