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
Scale
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.
