If you have a soft spot for rich, velvety treats, you’re going to adore this Red Velvet Brownies with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe. It takes the classic brownie to a whole new level of decadence, combining the deep, chocolatey notes enhanced with a beautiful red hue and finishing with a luscious cream cheese frosting that’s smooth and tangy. Every bite offers a perfect balance of flavors and textures, making it a crowd-pleaser whether for a festive occasion or a cozy moment at home.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Red Velvet Brownies with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe relies on simple yet essential ingredients that come together beautifully to create its distinctive color, moist texture, and creamy topping. Each ingredient plays an important role, from the butter that ensures richness to the cocoa powder adding subtle chocolate depth.
- Unsalted butter: Melted to add moistness and a tender crumb to the brownies.
- Granulated sugar: Sweetens the batter and helps create a delicate crust.
- Large eggs: Bind the ingredients and give structure and richness.
- Vanilla extract: Enhances the overall flavor with a warm, aromatic note.
- Red food coloring: Gives the brownies their signature vivid red color, a true hallmark of red velvet.
- Unsweetened cocoa powder: Adds subtle chocolate flavor without overwhelming the velvet texture.
- Salt: Balances sweetness and deepens the flavors.
- All-purpose flour: Provides structure for the fudgy yet soft brownie base.
- Cream cheese: Softened to create the tangy and creamy frosting that beautifully complements the brownies.
- Powdered sugar: Sweetens and smooths the cream cheese frosting perfectly.
How to Make Red Velvet Brownies with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Pan and Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper and lightly grease it. This step ensures your brownies won’t stick and makes cleanup a breeze while getting things ready for the perfect bake.
Step 2: Mix Butter and Sugar
In a large bowl, whisk together the melted unsalted butter and granulated sugar until they’re well combined. This mixture lays the foundation for your brownies’ moist and sweet base.
Step 3: Add Eggs, Vanilla, and Food Coloring
Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract and red food coloring. Whisk everything until the batter is smooth and vibrant—this is when your brownies start to come alive with emotion and color.
Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients
Sift together the cocoa powder, salt, and all-purpose flour. Gently fold these dry ingredients into your wet mixture with a spatula until just combined. Be careful not to overmix to keep your brownies tender and fudgy.
Step 5: Bake the Brownies
Pour the rich red batter into your prepared pan and smooth the top for even baking. Bake in the preheated oven for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the edges are set but the center still holds a few moist crumbs when tested with a toothpick. Let them cool fully before frosting; the wait is totally worth it.
Step 6: Make the Cream Cheese Frosting
While the brownies cool, whip the softened cream cheese and butter together in a medium bowl until silky smooth. Add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract next, beating until the frosting is fluffy and creamy—a perfect balance for those intense, velvety brownies.
Step 7: Frost and Slice
Spread the luscious cream cheese frosting evenly over the cooled brownies using a spatula. Then slice into squares and get ready to indulge in one of the most irresistible desserts you’ll ever make!
How to Serve Red Velvet Brownies with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe
Garnishes
Adding a little extra flair can make these brownies truly shine. Consider topping each square with a dusting of cocoa powder or finely chopped nuts for crunch. Fresh berries or a sprinkle of mini chocolate chips also add a beautiful touch and enhance flavors.
Side Dishes
Serve these brownies alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of freshly whipped cream to balance the richness with some coolness. A hot cup of coffee or a glass of cold milk pairs wonderfully, turning your dessert time into a cozy celebration.
Creative Ways to Present
For special occasions, cut the brownies into bite-sized squares and serve them on a tiered dessert stand. You might also create brownie pops by inserting sticks and chilling before dip-coating in melted white chocolate. This Red Velvet Brownies with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe is perfect for all kinds of festive presentations!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep your frosted brownies fresh by storing them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. For longer storage, refrigeration is best to maintain the texture of the cream cheese frosting, lasting about 5 days when chilled properly.
Freezing
If you want to enjoy these brownies later, freeze uncut and unfrosted brownies in a tightly wrapped package for up to three months. Once thawed, frost and serve as usual, and they’ll taste nearly as fresh as the day you baked them.
Reheating
Warm leftover brownies slightly in the microwave for about 10 seconds to soften before serving. Be cautious not to overheat, especially once the frosting is added, as it can melt and lose its luxurious texture.
FAQs
Can I use a different size pan for this Red Velvet Brownies with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe?
Absolutely! An 8×8-inch pan is ideal for thickness and baking time, but if you use a different size, just adjust the baking time accordingly. Thinner brownies will bake faster, so keep an eye on them starting a few minutes earlier.
What can I substitute for red food coloring?
You can try natural alternatives like beet juice for that signature red hue, though the color might be less vibrant. Gel food coloring also works well for more intense color without altering the batter’s consistency.
Can I make the cream cheese frosting ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the frosting a day in advance and keep it refrigerated in an airtight container. Before frosting your brownies, bring it to room temperature and give it a good stir for perfect spreadability.
Is this recipe suitable for freezing after frosting?
It’s best to freeze the brownies before frosting for optimal texture. Freezing frosted brownies might cause the frosting to become too hard or separate when thawed, which can affect the overall experience.
How can I make these brownies extra fudgy?
To boost the fudginess, slightly reduce the flour by a tablespoon or increase the butter by a small amount. Just remember to keep the balance to prevent them from becoming cakey or greasy.
Final Thoughts
This Red Velvet Brownies with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe has become one of my all-time favorites because it pairs simplicity with show-stopping flavor and texture. Whether you’re baking for loved ones or treating yourself, these brownies are guaranteed to bring smiles and maybe even requests for seconds. Don’t hesitate to give them a try—you’ll fall in love at first bite!
Print
Red Velvet Brownies with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 9 brownies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Red Velvet Brownies combine the rich, moist texture of classic brownies with the vibrant color and subtle cocoa flavor of red velvet. Topped with a smooth and creamy cream cheese frosting, they make a perfect dessert for any occasion, balancing the sweetness of the brownies with a tangy frosting that melts in your mouth.
Ingredients
For the Brownies:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon red food coloring
- 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 3/4 cup all-purpose flour
For the Cream Cheese Frosting:
- 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper and lightly grease it to prevent sticking.
- Mix Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the melted butter and granulated sugar until the mixture is smooth and well combined, creating a sweet, buttery base.
- Add Wet Ingredients: Incorporate the eggs, vanilla extract, and red food coloring into the butter and sugar mixture. Whisk until the batter is fully combined and smooth, ensuring even color and texture.
- Fold in Dry Ingredients: Sift together the cocoa powder, salt, and all-purpose flour and gently fold them into the wet ingredients using a spatula. Mix just until combined to avoid overmixing, which can toughen the brownies.
- Pour Batter into Pan: Transfer the batter into the prepared baking pan and spread it evenly, smoothing the top with your spatula for an even bake.
- Bake Brownies: Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes or until the edges appear set and 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 Frosting: In a medium bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and butter together until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
- Add Sugar and Vanilla: Slowly add powdered sugar and vanilla extract to the cream cheese mixture, continuing to beat until the frosting becomes light, fluffy, and spreadable.
- Frost Brownies: Evenly spread the cream cheese frosting over the cooled brownies, covering the surface completely.
- Serve: Slice the brownies into 9 or more squares and serve. Enjoy your indulgent red velvet brownies!
Notes
- Make sure the cream cheese and butter are softened for easy mixing and a smooth frosting texture.
- Do not overmix the batter after adding flour to keep the brownies tender.
- Use an 8×8-inch pan for the correct thickness and baking time.
- Allow the brownies to cool completely before frosting to prevent melting and sliding.
- For deeper red color, use gel food coloring instead of liquid.
