Red Velvet Brownies Recipe
Indulge in these rich and moist Red Velvet Brownies topped with creamy homemade cream cheese frosting. Combining the classic flavors of red velvet cake with the fudgy texture of brownies, this recipe offers a delightful twist perfect for any occasion. The recipe features a simple process with easy-to-find ingredients, producing dense, velvety brownies with a vibrant red hue and a subtle cocoa flavor.
- Author: Hannah
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 16 brownies 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Red Velvet Brownies
- ¾ cup butter, melted (regular or dairy free)
- ¾ cup light brown sugar
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 eggs
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon liquid red food coloring
- 1½ teaspoon white vinegar
- ¼ cup cocoa powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup + 3 tbsp all-purpose flour
Cream Cheese Frosting
- 4 oz plain cream cheese, room temperature (if dairy free, see notes)
- 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 dairy free, optional)
- Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F. Line an 8×8 inch square baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides to help lift the brownies out easily after baking.
- Melt Butter and Combine Sugars: Melt the butter using a microwave or on the stove, then transfer into a medium-sized bowl. Add light brown sugar and granulated sugar, whisking together until the mixture forms a paste that pulls away cleanly from the sides of the bowl.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: Add eggs, white vinegar, vanilla extract, and liquid red food coloring to the sugar and butter mixture. Mix well until fully combined and the batter is evenly colored. Adjust the amount of food coloring for desired redness.
- Add Dry Ingredients: Sift together cocoa powder, salt, and all-purpose flour. Gradually add these dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring just until combined. Avoid overmixing to keep brownies tender.
- Pour Batter and Bake: Scrape the batter into the prepared baking pan using a spatula. Smooth the top evenly. Bake in the preheated oven for 30-40 minutes, checking at 30 minutes with a toothpick. The brownies are done when the pick comes out with a few moist crumbs but no wet batter.
- Prepare Cream Cheese Frosting: While the brownies bake and cool, beat cream cheese, softened butter, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt in a bowl or mixer until smooth and creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar to reach your preferred frosting consistency. If using dairy-free cream cheese, optionally add cornstarch to thicken the frosting.
- Cool and Frost: Allow brownies to cool completely before spreading the cream cheese frosting evenly over the top. For best results, refrigerate the frosted brownies to set the frosting.
- Storage: Store frosted brownies in the refrigerator, or keep unfrosted brownies covered tightly at room temperature or in the fridge and frost just before serving.
Notes
- Use a kitchen scale for accuracy in measuring dry ingredients to ensure the best texture.
- Measure flour and cocoa powder using the scoop and level method or by weight to prevent dense or dry brownies.
- Baking times can vary based on oven type and pan material; glass pans require slightly longer baking time than metal.
- Liquid red food coloring provides vibrant color, but gel coloring can be used as an alternative. Adjust quantity as brands differ.
- If using dairy-free cream cheese, it’s not necessary to bring it to room temperature; you may use it cold.
- Cornstarch in the frosting is optional and is only recommended when using dairy-free cream cheese to improve thickness.
- Refrigerate frosted brownies to keep frosting set and fresh. Unfrosted brownies keep well at room temperature for 3-4 days when covered tightly.
- To double the recipe, use a 9×13 inch pan and bake for 20-35 minutes, monitoring closely for doneness.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 brownie (approx. 60g)
- Calories: 291 kcal
- Sugar: 34 g
- Sodium: 162 mg
- Fat: 12 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0.1 g
- Carbohydrates: 49 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 3 g
- Cholesterol: 28 mg
Keywords: Red velvet brownies, cream cheese frosting, dessert, cocoa brownies, easy red velvet dessert