Decadent Red Velvet Brownies with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe

Rich, fudgy, and crowned with a pillowy swirl of tangy cream cheese frosting, these Red Velvet Brownies with Cream Cheese Frosting are pure decadence in every bite. If you crave the bold color and classic flavor of red velvet cake but can’t resist the comfort of gooey brownies, this dessert bridges the best of both worlds—perfect for impressing guests or satisfying your own sweet tooth!

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

You don’t need anything fancy to make these Red Velvet Brownies with Cream Cheese Frosting—just a handful of straightforward ingredients, each of which plays a starring role. From deep cocoa notes to a swirl of tangy frosting, they all contribute to the iconic flavor, color, and mouthwatering bite!

• Unsalted Butter: Melting the butter delivers fudgy richness without aerating the batter (so your brownies stay chewy, not cakey).
• Granulated Sugar: Gives that classic brownie sweetness with a glossy, crackly top.
• Light Brown Sugar: Adds depth and moisture from its hint of molasses, making the brownies ultra tender.
• Large Eggs & Egg Yolk: The extra yolk ensures a dense, fudgy texture; eggs tie everything together.
• Vanilla Extract: For beautiful undertones and to round out the chocolate flavor.
• Vegetable Oil: Helps keep the brownies soft and gooey for days.
• Cocoa Powder: Choose a good-quality unsweetened cocoa for the most intense chocolate flavor—don’t skimp here!
• All-purpose Flour: Provides just enough structure without making your brownies dry or cakey.
• Vinegar: Traditional to red velvet, vinegar gives a subtle tang and deepens the crimson hue.
• Cornstarch: This little secret weapon ensures a perfectly soft, melt-in-your-mouth bite.
• Salt: Essential to balance the sweetness and intensify flavors.
• Red Food Coloring: Gel food coloring gives the most vibrant color without thinning the batter.
• White Chocolate Chips (optional): Fold these in for creamy pockets amidst the fudgy crumb—totally up to you!
• Cream Cheese: The foundation of a classic, tangy, and silky frosting.
• Powdered Sugar: For that sweet, cloud-like finish in the frosting.

Variations

Red Velvet Brownies with Cream Cheese Frosting are incredibly adaptable, so don’t be afraid to put your own spin on them! Whether it’s allergies, what’s in your pantry, or your personal cravings, you can tweak this recipe to fit your style perfectly.

• Swap the Chocolate Chips: Go for dark chocolate, milk chocolate, or even butterscotch chips—or skip them altogether for pure red velvet bliss.
• Gluten-Free Makeover: Substitute a 1:1 gluten-free all-purpose flour blend—these brownies are just as fudgy without the gluten.
• Nutty Crunch: Add a handful of toasted pecans or walnuts to the batter for a delightful crunch and extra flavor dimension.
• Frosting Flavors: Try orange zest or a splash of almond extract in the frosting for a fun twist.

How to Make Red Velvet Brownies with Cream Cheese Frosting

Step 1: Prep Your Pan and Preheat

Line a 9-inch square cake pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang so you can easily lift out the brownies later. Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C, or 160°C fan). This simple prep step sets you up for easy slicing and neat squares every time.

Step 2: Melt Butter and Mix Sugars

Melt the unsalted butter in short bursts in the microwave until completely liquid. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the melted butter, granulated sugar, and light brown sugar—this combo creates that iconic brownie top and a deep caramel note.

Step 3: Add Eggs, Vanilla, and Oil

Add the eggs, egg yolk, and vanilla extract to your sugar-butter mixture. Gently whisk just until combined. Drizzle in the vegetable oil, then whisk again—this keeps your brownies extra moist and fudgy without whipping in air (which would make them cakey).

Step 4: Cocoa Powder and Red Coloring Magic

Now’s the time for that vibrant red! Whisk the cocoa powder into the batter, then scoop out a couple of tablespoons into a separate small bowl. Add the red gel food coloring to this small amount and blend completely until no streaks remain. Stir this colorful mixture back into the main bowl—your brownies will be brilliantly red and free from streaks!

Step 5: Fold in Dry Ingredients

Switch to a spatula and gently fold in all-purpose flour, cornstarch, and salt until just combined—be careful not to overmix, as that can make brownies dense. When that last streak of flour disappears, add the vinegar and stir in well.

Step 6: Add Chocolate Chips (Optional) & Bake

If you want an extra-creamy touch, fold in white chocolate chips now. Pour your gorgeous red velvet batter into the pan, smoothing the top. Bake 20–25 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out with just crumbs (not raw batter). Let cool completely in the pan before frosting.

Step 7: Make the Cream Cheese Frosting

Beat room temperature cream cheese and butter together until smooth and velvety. Add powdered sugar slowly, beating on high to get everything light, fluffy, and irresistibly creamy. Splash in the vanilla for extra yumminess. Once brownies are cool, swirl on a thick, generous layer!

How to Serve Red Velvet Brownies with Cream Cheese Frosting

Garnishes

For an extra pop, sprinkle your Red Velvet Brownies with Cream Cheese Frosting with a dusting of cocoa powder, white chocolate shavings, or even a few festive sprinkles. If you’re feeling fancy, a couple of fresh raspberries or a tiny mint sprig on top of each square makes them look bakery-worthy!

Side Dishes

Pair these decadent brownies with a tall glass of cold milk or a hot cup of rich coffee—the contrast in temperature and flavor is magical. For celebrations, serve alongside fresh berries and a dollop of whipped cream for an ultra-luxe, party-ready dessert plate.

Creative Ways to Present

Cut the brownies into bite-size squares and stack them high on a tiered cake stand, or slice into long bars and arrange in pretty rows for dessert buffets. For a fun twist, use cookie cutters to create hearts or other shapes—perfect for Valentine’s Day or special gatherings!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store your Red Velvet Brownies with Cream Cheese Frosting in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Let them come to room temperature before serving for the creamiest frosting and best flavor.

Freezing

To freeze, wrap unfrosted brownies tightly in plastic wrap and place in a freezer bag for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature, then frost before serving for the freshest taste and texture.

Reheating

If you like your Red Velvet Brownies with Cream Cheese Frosting slightly warm, pop them in the microwave for just 5-10 seconds (just enough to take the chill off). Be careful not to overheat or the frosting may melt too much!

FAQs

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for that irresistible combo of fudgy texture, tangy cream cheese, and the undeniable charm of red velvet, these Red Velvet Brownies with Cream Cheese Frosting are the treat for you. Give them a try—your kitchen will smell dreamy and there won’t be a crumb left behind!

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