If you have a craving for something irresistibly rich and vibrant, then you absolutely need to dive into this Decadent Red Velvet Brownies with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe. Picture fudgy, velvety brownies with that signature red hue, perfectly balanced by a luscious, tangy cream cheese frosting that melts in your mouth. Every bite delivers that classic red velvet experience but with a decadent twist that feels both indulgent and comforting. Whether you’re baking for a celebration or a cozy night in, these brownies bring an unforgettable combination of flavors and textures you’ll find hard to resist.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe uses simple pantry staples and fresh ingredients that come together beautifully to create the perfect harmony of flavor and texture. Each ingredient plays an essential role, from adding moisture to giving that vibrant red color and that unmistakably smooth and tangy frosting.
- Unsalted Butter: Melted butter brings richness and helps create that fudgy brownie texture you love.
- Granulated Sugar: Sweetens the batter and helps with the signature brownie chewiness.
- Light Brown Sugar: Adds a subtle caramel note for depth and moistness.
- Eggs and Egg Yolk: Eggs provide structure while the yolk adds richness.
- Vanilla Extract: Enhances all the flavors with a fragrant warmth.
- Vegetable Oil: Keeps brownies moist and tender.
- Cocoa Powder: Provides a hint of chocolate that balances the sweetness.
- All-Purpose Flour: Gives the brownies structure without making them cakey.
- Vinegar: Reacts with baking ingredients to intensify the red velvet flavor and add slight tang.
- Cornstarch: Ensures a smooth, soft brownie crumb.
- Salt: Heightens flavors and balances sweetness.
- Red Food Coloring: The signature splash of red that makes these brownies truly pop.
- White Chocolate Chips (optional): Add a creamy bite if you want a little extra indulgence.
- Cream Cheese: The star of the frosting, providing that rich and tangy contrast.
- Powdered Sugar: Sweetens the frosting to silky perfection.
How to Make Decadent Red Velvet Brownies with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Pan and Preheat
Start by lining a 9-inch square cake pan with parchment paper to ensure your brownies release easily after baking. Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C), or 160°C if you’re using a fan-assisted oven. Getting this ready first sets you up for smooth baking without any last-minute rush.
Step 2: Melt and Mix Butter with Sugars
Melt ¾ stick of unsalted butter in short bursts in the microwave until fully liquefied. In a large bowl, whisk together granulated sugar and light brown sugar, then slowly incorporate the melted butter. This combination creates a base that brings sweetness and moistness to your brownies.
Step 3: Add Eggs and Vanilla Carefully
Whisk in the eggs, egg yolk, and vanilla extract gently. It’s important not to overmix here because we want to avoid adding air that might make the brownies cakey — we’re all about fudgy and dense.
Step 4: Blend in Oil and Cocoa Powder
Next, stir in the vegetable oil and cocoa powder. This step deepens the brownie’s flavor with a rich chocolate note and keeps the crumb tender and moist.
Step 5: Incorporate the Red Food Coloring
Mix a few tablespoons of batter with the red gel food coloring in a separate small bowl until smooth with no lumps. Then fold this vibrant mixture back into your main batter, folding gently to create that stunning red velvet shade perfectly blended throughout.
Step 6: Fold in Dry Ingredients and Vinegar
Switch to a spatula or wooden spoon to fold in flour, cornstarch, and salt carefully, making sure no flour lumps remain. Finally, mix in the vinegar which adds a subtle tang and helps make the color pop just right. Optional white chocolate chips can be stirred in here if you love a creamy touch.
Step 7: Bake to Perfection
Pour your batter into the lined pan and bake for 20 to 25 minutes. You’ll know they’re done when a skewer inserted comes out with just a few moist crumbs clinging to it — soft, fudgy, and ready to cool before frosting.
Step 8: Make the Cream Cheese Frosting
Beat room temperature butter and cream cheese together until completely smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar, beating slowly at first to prevent a sugar dust cloud, then crank up the speed to get a fluffy, light texture. Finish by mixing in vanilla extract to round out the flavor. Spread this dreamy frosting over your cooled brownies.
How to Serve Decadent Red Velvet Brownies with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe
Garnishes
A simple sprinkle of red velvet crumbs or a few white chocolate curls on top adds an elegant finish. Fresh raspberries or a light dusting of cocoa powder can also enhance the presentation while complementing the flavors perfectly.
Side Dishes
Serve your brownies alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for an extra indulgent treat. A cup of strong coffee or hot chocolate pairs wonderfully, cutting through the sweet richness for a balanced dessert experience.
Creative Ways to Present
Try cutting these brownies into bite-sized squares for a party platter or stacking them into a layered dessert with extra cream cheese frosting between layers. You can also use cookie cutters to create fun shapes for celebrations — the vibrant red velvet always impresses a crowd!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days, or refrigerate for up to a week. Keep the frosting covered well so it stays soft and creamy.
Freezing
To freeze, wrap individual brownie slices tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe container or bag. They can be frozen for up to three months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before serving for best texture.
Reheating
For a freshly baked feel, warm the brownies in the microwave for about 15 seconds or in a low oven (about 300°F / 150°C) for 5-7 minutes. Avoid overheating to keep the cream cheese frosting from melting too much.
FAQs
Can I use natural cocoa powder instead of Dutch-processed?
Yes, you can, but natural cocoa powder has a more acidic and slightly different flavor. It may also affect the brownie’s color and texture slightly, but the Decadent Red Velvet Brownies with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe will still be delicious.
What if I don’t have red food coloring?
Red food coloring is key to the traditional look of red velvet. If you don’t have it on hand, you can try using beet juice for a natural alternative, but the color will be less vibrant and the flavor may subtly change.
Can I make these brownies gluten-free?
Absolutely! Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking blend that includes xanthan gum. The texture might be a bit different but still delightful with this Decadent Red Velvet Brownies with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe.
Is it possible to make the cream cheese frosting dairy-free?
Yes, you can use dairy-free cream cheese and vegan butter alternatives. Just ensure these products are at room temperature before whipping to achieve the best creamy texture.
How do I prevent the brownies from turning cakey?
Avoid overmixing once you add the eggs and wet ingredients. Mixing just until combined helps maintain a fudgy texture, which is essential for the Decadent Red Velvet Brownies with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe’s signature richness.
Final Thoughts
This Decadent Red Velvet Brownies with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe is truly a showstopper that effortlessly blends indulgence with classic flavors. It’s the kind of recipe you’ll want to keep coming back to whether for special occasions or simply to brighten an ordinary day. Treat yourself and your loved ones to these rich, tender delights — you won’t regret it!
Print
Decadent Red Velvet Brownies with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Decadent Red Velvet Brownies combine the rich, moist texture of classic brownies with the signature tangy sweetness of red velvet flavor. Topped with a smooth and creamy cream cheese frosting, they make a perfect treat for any occasion. This recipe features a soft, fudgy brownie base enhanced with cocoa powder, a touch of vinegar for the classic red velvet tang, and optional white chocolate chips for extra indulgence.
Ingredients
Brownie Batter
- ¾ stick Unsalted Butter (85g)
- 1 cup Granulated Sugar (200g)
- ¼ cup Light Brown Sugar (55g)
- 3 large Eggs
- 1 large Egg Yolk
- 1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract
- â…“ cup Vegetable Oil (72g)
- ¼ cup Cocoa Powder (25g)
- ¾ cup All-purpose Flour (90g)
- 1 tablespoon Vinegar
- 1 tablespoon Cornstarch
- ¼ teaspoon Salt
- ½ teaspoon Red Food Coloring (gel)
- ¾ cup White Chocolate Chips (optional)
Cream Cheese Frosting
- 4 oz Cream Cheese (114g), room temperature
- ¾ stick Unsalted Butter (85g), room temperature
- 4 cups Powdered Sugar (480g)
- 1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract
Instructions
- Prepare Pan and Preheat Oven: Line a 9-inch square cake pan with parchment paper and preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C) or 160°C if using a fan-assisted oven.
- Melt Butter: Melt ¾ stick (85g) of unsalted butter in the microwave using 30-second increments until fully melted.
- Mix Sugars and Butter: Combine granulated sugar and light brown sugar in a large bowl, then whisk in the melted butter until well combined.
- Add Eggs and Vanilla: Beat in the 3 large eggs, 1 egg yolk, and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract gently. Avoid overmixing to prevent incorporating air, which can make the brownies cakey.
- Incorporate Oil and Cocoa: Add the vegetable oil and cocoa powder, whisking gently until the mixture is smooth and combined without overbeating.
- Mix in Red Food Coloring: Transfer a couple of tablespoons of batter to a small bowl, mix in the red gel food coloring until fully incorporated and lump-free, then combine this mixture back into the main batter and mix evenly.
- Fold in Dry Ingredients: Using a rubber spatula or wooden spoon, fold in the flour, cornstarch, and salt until no lumps remain.
- Add Vinegar: Mix in the tablespoon of vinegar thoroughly to help develop the distinctive red velvet flavor.
- Add Optional White Chocolate Chips: If desired, gently fold in white chocolate chips at this stage for added sweetness and texture.
- Bake the Brownies: Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until a skewer inserted into the center comes out with just moist crumbs.
- Cool Completely: Remove brownies from the oven and allow them to cool fully in the pan before frosting.
- Prepare Frosting: Beat together the room temperature butter and cream cheese until smooth and fully combined.
- Add Powdered Sugar: Gradually mix in the powdered sugar, starting slowly to avoid dust clouds, then beat at high speed for several minutes until the frosting is light and fluffy.
- Mix in Vanilla: Add vanilla extract and beat for a few more seconds to incorporate.
- Frost Brownies: Spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over the cooled red velvet brownies before slicing and serving.
Notes
- Do not overmix the batter at any stage to keep the brownies fudgy rather than cakey.
- Using gel food coloring is preferred for vibrant color without thinning the batter.
- Let the brownies cool completely before frosting to prevent melting the frosting.
- White chocolate chips are optional; they add extra sweetness and texture but are not necessary.
- Line the pan with parchment paper for easy removal and neat edges.
- Room temperature cream cheese and butter ensure a smooth frosting without lumps.
