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Red Velvet Brownies Recipe

Red Velvet Brownies Recipe

4.8 from 25 reviews

Delight in the rich, moist texture and vibrant color of these classic Red Velvet Brownies topped with a smooth cream cheese frosting. Perfectly balancing cocoa and tangy flavors, these brownies make a decadent dessert or special treat with an elegant twist.

Ingredients

Scale

Brownie Batter

  • 3/4 cup butter, melted (regular or dairy free)
  • 3/4 cup light brown sugar
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 eggs
  • 1 tbsp vanilla extract
  • ½ teaspoon liquid red food coloring (adjust to preference)
  • 1½ teaspoon white vinegar
  • ¼ cup cocoa powder
  • 1/4 tsp salt
  • 1 cup + 3 tbsp all-purpose flour

Cream Cheese Frosting

  • 4 oz plain cream cheese, room temperature (use dairy-free cream cheese if needed)
  • ¼ cup butter, softened (dairy free or regular)
  • ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
  • Pinch of salt
  • 2 cups powdered sugar (icing sugar)
  • 2 Tablespoons cornstarch (only if using dairy-free cream cheese)

Instructions

  1. Prepare Pan and Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8 inch square baking pan with parchment paper, allowing the paper to hang over the sides for easy removal later.
  2. Melt Butter: Melt the butter in the microwave or on the stove, then transfer it to a medium-sized bowl.
  3. Mix Sugars and Butter: Add the light brown sugar and granulated sugar to the melted butter. Whisk vigorously until the mixture becomes a thick paste that pulls away cleanly from the sides of the bowl.
  4. Add Wet Ingredients: Incorporate the eggs, white vinegar, vanilla extract, and liquid red food coloring. Mix well until fully combined. Add additional food coloring if a deeper red is desired.
  5. Add Dry Ingredients: Sift together the cocoa powder, salt, and all-purpose flour. Gradually add these dry ingredients to the wet mixture, whisking gently until just combined. Avoid overmixing.
  6. Pour Batter and Bake: Pour the brownie batter into the prepared pan, scraping the bowl to get all the batter. Smooth the surface with a spatula. Bake for 30-40 minutes. Check doneness at 30 minutes by inserting a toothpick—there should be moist crumbs but no wet batter.
  7. Prepare Cream Cheese Frosting: While brownies bake, combine cream cheese and softened butter in a medium bowl. Beat with a mixer until smooth. Add salt and vanilla extract, then slowly add powdered sugar until reaching desired thickness. If using dairy-free cream cheese, add cornstarch to help thicken the frosting.
  8. Cool and Frost: Allow brownies to cool completely in the pan. Once cooled, spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over the brownies.
  9. Store: Store frosted brownies in the refrigerator. Alternatively, you can refrigerate the frosting and leave brownies unfrosted until serving to keep them fresher longer.

Notes

  • The amount and type of red food coloring can affect the color intensity; adjust according to brand and personal preference.
  • Use all-purpose flour for the best texture. Measuring by weight (approximately 130g for 1 cup plus 3 tbsp) can improve accuracy.
  • Dairy-free cream cheese works well for a vegan or dairy-free option; add cornstarch to help thicken the frosting.
  • Do not overbake the brownies to maintain a fudgy and moist texture; a toothpick with a few moist crumbs is ideal.
  • Room temperature cream cheese and butter ensure smooth frostings without lumps.

Nutrition

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