If you’re craving a dessert that blends the rich, fudgy allure of brownies with the vibrant charm of red velvet, I have just the delight for you. The Decadent Red Velvet Brownies with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe strikes the perfect balance between classic indulgence and a festive twist. These brownies are moist, intensely flavorful, and topped with a luscious cream cheese frosting that’s silky and sweet, making them an irresistible treat for any occasion. Whether you’re baking for a party or a cozy night in, this recipe is a joyful way to satisfy your sweet tooth with a burst of color and depth.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this recipe comes from straightforward, well-chosen ingredients that work in harmony to create those signature textures and tastes. Each component plays a pivotal role—be it the smooth butter for richness, the red food coloring for that iconic hue, or the cocoa powder for subtle chocolate undertones.
- Unsalted butter (1/2 cup, melted): Adds moisture and a creamy richness that makes the brownies delectably fudgy.
- Granulated sugar (1 cup): Balances the cocoa bitterness and sweetens the batter perfectly.
- Eggs (2 large): Essential for structure and a tender crumb.
- Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Enhances the flavor depth and rounds out the richness.
- Red food coloring (1 tablespoon): Gives these brownies their vibrant red velvet appearance that delights the eyes as much as the palate.
- Unsweetened cocoa powder (1/3 cup): Brings a subtle chocolate layer that distinguishes these from a classic red velvet cake.
- All-purpose flour (3/4 cup): Provides the structure to hold these dense yet tender brownies together.
- Salt (1/4 teaspoon): A small but crucial ingredient to balance sweetness and elevate flavors.
- White vinegar (1 teaspoon): Reacts with baking agents to ensure the brownies stay moist and tender with a slight tang.
- For the cream cheese frosting:
- Cream cheese (4 oz, softened): The star of the frosting, adding tang and creamy texture.
- Unsalted butter (2 tablespoons, softened): Makes the frosting smooth and spreadable.
- Powdered sugar (1 cup): Sweetens the frosting while keeping it light and airy.
- Vanilla extract (1/2 teaspoon): Adds a delicate sweetness and enhances the frosting’s flavor profile.
How to Make Decadent Red Velvet Brownies with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Pan and Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While it heats, grease an 8×8-inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper. This simple prep step ensures your brownies bake evenly and release easily once done.
Step 2: Mix the Wet Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together the melted butter and granulated sugar until smooth and glossy. Then, add the eggs, vanilla extract, red food coloring, and white vinegar. Whisk everything together thoroughly for a vividly red and smooth batter that sets the stage for deep flavor and striking color.
Step 3: Incorporate Dry Ingredients
Sift the cocoa powder, flour, and salt into the wet mixture. Gently fold everything together until just combined. Be mindful not to overmix here; overworking the batter can lead to tougher brownies, and we want these to be irresistibly tender and fudgy.
Step 4: Bake to Perfection
Pour the batter into the prepared pan, spreading it evenly with a spatula. Bake in the oven for 25 to 28 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted near the center comes out with a few moist crumbs clinging to it. This perfect timing ensures the brownies stay richly fudgy without drying out.
Step 5: Make the Cream Cheese Frosting
While the brownies cool completely, beat together the softened cream cheese and butter until smooth and creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar and vanilla extract, beating until the frosting is light, fluffy, and perfectly luscious.
Step 6: Frost and Chill
Spread the frosting evenly over the cooled brownies, smoothing it out for a beautiful finish. Chill the cheesecake-topped brownies in the refrigerator for 20 to 30 minutes before slicing. This step helps the frosting set nicely, giving you clean, attractive edges for serving.
How to Serve Decadent Red Velvet Brownies with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe
Garnishes
For a finishing touch, try sprinkling white chocolate shavings or a light dusting of cocoa powder over the frosting. These simple garnishes elevate the visual appeal and add an extra layer of flavor contrast that’s impossible to resist.
Side Dishes
These brownies shine wonderfully on their own, but if you want to add a little something more, pair them with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream or fresh berries. The cold creaminess of ice cream contrasts delightfully with the rich fudginess, while berries add a refreshing tartness.
Creative Ways to Present
For a party, slice the brownies into bite-sized squares and arrange them on a pretty platter with fresh mint leaves for color and aroma. You can also serve them layered with extra cream cheese frosting in mini dessert cups for an elegant twist that’s sure to impress guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once frosted, these brownies store best in an airtight container in the refrigerator. This keeps them fresh and protects the delicate cream cheese frosting. They’ll stay delicious for up to five days, making them a perfect make-ahead treat.
Freezing
You can freeze the baked brownies (without frosting) tightly wrapped in plastic wrap and foil for up to three months. When ready to enjoy, thaw them at room temperature before adding the frosting. This keeps the texture and flavor fresh without the frosting becoming soggy.
Reheating
If you prefer your brownies warm, briefly microwave an individual piece for about 10 seconds. Avoid reheating the entire pan to preserve the cream cheese frosting’s texture. The warmth brings out the rich fudginess beautifully without compromising the chill of the frosting.
FAQs
Can I use natural cocoa powder instead of Dutch-processed cocoa?
Yes, you can substitute natural cocoa powder, but keep in mind that natural cocoa is more acidic and can affect the red velvet color slightly. To balance acidity, use the recommended vinegar to keep the texture tender and the color vibrant.
Is it necessary to use red food coloring?
The red food coloring is what gives these brownies their signature red velvet appearance. Without it, you’ll have delicious chocolate brownies but without the distinctive red hue. For the best result, use gel or liquid food coloring according to the recipe.
Can I make these brownies dairy-free?
You can try substituting dairy-free butter and cream cheese alternatives. However, the texture and flavor may vary somewhat from the original rich and creamy profile, as the cream cheese frosting is a key component of the decadence.
How do I ensure my brownies stay fudgy and not cakey?
Be careful not to overmix the batter once the flour is added and avoid overbaking. Pull them from the oven as soon as a toothpick comes out with a few moist crumbs to keep that luscious fudgy texture.
Can I double this recipe for a larger batch?
Absolutely! You can double all ingredients and bake in a 9×13-inch pan, adjusting the baking time to about 35 to 40 minutes. Just keep an eye on it to avoid overbaking, as ovens can vary.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about the Decadent Red Velvet Brownies with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe that makes it a standout dessert in my baking repertoire. It wraps classic brownie comfort in a festive, eye-catching package that’s just as much fun to share as it is to eat. I encourage you to dive in, try this recipe, and watch how quickly these rich, colorful squares become a favorite in your kitchen and beyond!
Print
Decadent Red Velvet Brownies with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 28 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 16 brownies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in these Decadent Red Velvet Brownies with Cream Cheese Frosting, a rich and fudgy twist on classic brownies. Featuring a vibrant red cocoa-infused base topped with a smooth, creamy frosting, these brownies are perfect for any dessert lover craving a luxurious treat.
Ingredients
For the brownies:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (melted)
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon red food coloring
- 1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 3/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon white vinegar
For the cream cheese frosting:
- 4 oz cream cheese (softened)
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter (softened)
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Prepare the baking pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease an 8×8-inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal of brownies.
- Mix wet ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the melted butter and granulated sugar until smooth. Add the eggs, vanilla extract, red food coloring, and white vinegar; continue whisking until well combined.
- Add dry ingredients: Sift in the unsweetened cocoa powder, all-purpose flour, and salt into the wet mixture. Gently fold with a spatula until just combined, being careful not to overmix to keep the brownies tender.
- Bake the batter: Pour the batter evenly into the prepared pan and smooth the surface with a spatula. Bake in the preheated oven for 25–28 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with a few moist crumbs attached.
- Cool the brownies: Remove the pan from the oven and allow the brownies to cool completely before frosting. This ensures the frosting won’t melt or slide off.
- Make the frosting: In a bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese and butter until smooth and creamy. Gradually add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract, continuing to beat until the frosting is light and fluffy.
- Frost the brownies: Spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over the cooled brownies using a spatula. For best results, chill the frosted brownies in the refrigerator for 20–30 minutes to set the frosting and make slicing easier.
- Serve: Slice the brownies into 16 equal pieces and enjoy your decadent red velvet treat.
Notes
- For extra decadence, top the frosted brownies with white chocolate shavings or a light dusting of cocoa powder.
- These brownies are rich and fudgy—avoid overbaking to maintain their soft texture.
- Store leftover brownies in the refrigerator for up to 5 days to keep the frosting fresh.
