Why Make This Recipe
Red Velvet Brownies with Cream Cheese Frosting are a delightful twist on a classic favorite. These brownies combine the rich flavors of chocolate with the vibrant color of red velvet, making them not just a treat for the palate but also a feast for the eyes. The creamy frosting adds an extra layer of texture and sweetness that pairs perfectly with the dense, fudgy brownies. These brownies are perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a birthday, holiday gathering, or simply a cozy night at home.
How to Make Red Velvet Brownies with Cream Cheese Frosting
Ingredients
- 4 tablespoons (56g) unsalted butter
- 1/3 cup (2oz) semisweet chocolate
- 1/3 cup (2oz) dark chocolate
- 1/4 cup neutral oil (canola or vegetable)
- 1/3 cup (64g) light brown sugar
- 3/4 cup (144g) granulated sugar
- 3 large eggs
- 1 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/3 cup (35g) cocoa powder (dutch process)
- 1 3/4 teaspoon red gel food coloring
- 1/2 cup (60g) all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons (28g) unsalted butter (for frosting)
- 4 tablespoons (2oz) cream cheese (room temperature)
- 1 1/4 cup (150g) powdered sugar
- 1 tablespoon heavy cream (or milk)
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract (for frosting)
- Pinch of salt (for frosting)
Directions
- Preheat your oven to 350 degrees.
- In a nonstick pot, add your cubed butter and melt over low heat. Add semisweet and dark chocolate, stirring until melted. Remove from heat and stir in oil, then let cool slightly.
- In a large bowl, whisk together eggs and both sugars until foamy. Add vanilla and whisk for another 30 seconds.
- Pour the cooled chocolate mixture into the egg mixture and stir to combine.
- Using a spatula, fold in cocoa powder and red food coloring. Then add flour and salt gradually, mixing slowly.
- Line a 9×9 inch square pan with parchment paper and pour in the batter. Spread evenly.
- Bake for 18-21 minutes, until the top is shiny and the center is set. Cool for about an hour.
- For the frosting, mix room temperature butter until smooth. Incorporate cream cheese until fully combined. Add powdered sugar, heavy cream, vanilla, and salt. Mix until smooth.
- Spread the frosting on cooled brownies. Chill for at least an hour before slicing. Store in an airtight container in the fridge for about 5 days or freeze for later.
How to Serve Red Velvet Brownies with Cream Cheese Frosting
Serve these rich brownies at room temperature or slightly chilled for the best experience. You can cut them into squares and serve them on a pretty platter. They are wonderful as a dessert for a meal or as a special treat during an afternoon break with coffee or tea.
How to Store Red Velvet Brownies with Cream Cheese Frosting
To keep your brownies fresh, store them in an airtight container in the fridge. They will be good for about 5 days. If you need to, you can also freeze them. Just wrap the brownies well and store them in a freezer bag to prevent freezer burn. They can be thawed in the fridge before serving.
Tips to Make Red Velvet Brownies with Cream Cheese Frosting
- Make sure your butter and cream cheese are at room temperature. This helps achieve a smooth frosting.
- Use high-quality chocolate for the best flavor.
- Don’t overmix the batter; gently fold in the flour to keep the brownies fudgy.
- Let the brownies cool completely before frosting to prevent the frosting from melting.
Variation
You can add walnuts or pecans to the brownie batter for added texture. Another option is to sprinkle some chocolate chips on top before baking for an extra chocolaty treat.
FAQs
Can I use different food coloring?
Yes, you can use liquid food coloring instead of gel, but the color might not be as vibrant.
What if I don’t have cream cheese?
You can substitute cream cheese with mascarpone cheese or Greek yogurt for a different flavor.
Can I make these brownies gluten-free?
Absolutely! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend to make them gluten-free.
Red Velvet Brownies with Cream Cheese Frosting
Ingredients
Brownie Ingredients
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1/3 cup semisweet chocolate
- 1/3 cup dark chocolate
- 1/4 cup neutral oil (canola or vegetable)
- 1/3 cup light brown sugar
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 3 large eggs
- 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1/3 cup cocoa powder (dutch process)
- 1 3/4 teaspoons red gel food coloring
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Frosting Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter (for frosting) Should be at room temperature.
- 4 tablespoons cream cheese Should be at room temperature.
- 1 1/4 cups powdered sugar
- 1 tablespoon heavy cream (or milk)
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract (for frosting)
- pinch salt (for frosting)
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 350 degrees.
- In a nonstick pot, add your cubed butter and melt over low heat.
- Add semisweet and dark chocolate, stirring until melted. Remove from heat and stir in oil, then let cool slightly.
- In a large bowl, whisk together eggs and both sugars until foamy.
- Add vanilla and whisk for another 30 seconds.
- Pour the cooled chocolate mixture into the egg mixture and stir to combine.
- Using a spatula, fold in cocoa powder and red food coloring.
- Gradually add flour and salt, mixing slowly.
Baking
- Line a 9×9 inch square pan with parchment paper and pour in the batter. Spread evenly.
- Bake for 18-21 minutes, until the top is shiny and the center is set.
- Cool for about an hour.
Frosting
- Mix room temperature butter until smooth, then incorporate cream cheese until fully combined.
- Add powdered sugar, heavy cream, vanilla, and salt. Mix until smooth.
- Spread the frosting on cooled brownies.
- Chill for at least an hour before slicing.