Red Velvet Brownies Recipe
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.
- Author: Elena
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 16 brownies (8x8 pan, cut into 4x4 pieces) 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
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
- 1½–2 cups powdered sugar (icing sugar)
- 2 Tablespoons cornstarch (only if using dairy-free cream cheese)
- 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.
- Melt Butter: Melt the butter in the microwave or on the stove, then transfer it to a medium-sized bowl.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Cool and Frost: Allow brownies to cool completely in the pan. Once cooled, spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over the brownies.
- 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
- Serving Size: 1 brownie (approximately 50g)
- Calories: 250 kcal
- Sugar: 28 g
- Sodium: 120 mg
- Fat: 12 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 35 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 3 g
- Cholesterol: 35 mg
Keywords: red velvet brownies, cream cheese frosting, chocolate brownies, dessert recipe, baked brownies, red food coloring brownies