Description
Delight in these rich and moist Red Velvet Brownies topped with a smooth cream cheese frosting. This easy-to-make dessert perfectly balances subtle cocoa flavor with a vibrant red color and creamy sweetness, creating an indulgent treat for any occasion.
Ingredients
Scale
Brownies
- 1 ¼ cups (155g) all-purpose flour
- ¼ cup (25g) unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
- ½ cup (115g) unsalted butter, melted
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tbsp red food coloring (liquid or gel)
- ¼ tsp salt
Cream Cheese Frosting
- 4 oz (115g) cream cheese, softened
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup (120g) powdered sugar, sifted
- ½ tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang for easy removal of the brownies later.
- Mix the Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, unsweetened cocoa powder, and salt until evenly combined. Set aside.
- Combine the Wet Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, stir the melted unsalted butter and granulated sugar until well incorporated. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing thoroughly after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract and red food coloring until the mixture is uniform and vibrant red.
- Create the Batter: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, folding gently with a spatula until just combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the brownies tender.
- Bake the Brownies: Pour the batter evenly into the prepared pan and smooth the top. Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with a few moist crumbs. Remove from oven and let cool completely in the pan.
- Make the Frosting: While the brownies cool, beat the softened cream cheese and unsalted butter in a bowl until smooth and creamy. Gradually add the sifted powdered sugar, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract to finish.
- Frost and Serve: Once cooled to room temperature, spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over the top. Use the parchment overhang to lift the brownies from the pan, slice into squares, and serve.
Notes
- For best results, use room temperature eggs and softened cream cheese and butter to ensure smooth mixing.
- You can substitute the red food coloring with natural beet juice powder for a natural alternative.
- Store leftover brownies in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- Allow brownies to cool completely before frosting to prevent melting the frosting.
- To make cutting easier, chill the brownies briefly after frosting.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: Red velvet brownies, cream cheese frosting, chocolate brownies, easy dessert, red food coloring brownies
