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Red Velvet Brownies with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe

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★★★★★

4.6 from 100 reviews

Deliciously rich and moist Red Velvet Brownies topped with a smooth and creamy cream cheese frosting. These brownies have a vibrant red color balanced by the subtle cocoa flavor and tangy vinegar, perfect for a special treat or dessert.

Ingredients

Scale

Red Velvet Brownies

  • 3/4 cup (158 g) butter, melted, (regular or dairy free)
  • 3/4 cup (150 g) light brown sugar
  • 1 cup (200 g) granulated sugar
  • 2 eggs
  • 1 tbsp vanilla extract
  • 1/2 teaspoon liquid red food coloring
  • 1 1/2 teaspoon white vinegar
  • 1/4 cup (22 g) cocoa powder
  • 1/4 tsp salt
  • 1 cup + 3 tbsp (148 g) all-purpose flour

Cream Cheese Frosting

  • 4 oz plain cream cheese, room temperature (see notes if dairy free)
  • 1/4 cup (53 g) butter, softened (dairy free or regular)
  • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • Pinch of salt
  • 1 1/2 – 2 cups (180 g) powdered sugar (icing sugar)
  • 2 Tablespoons cornstarch (only if dairy free, optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line an 8×8 inch square baking pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang on the sides for easy removal of brownies later.
  2. Melt Butter and Mix Sugars: Melt the butter in a microwave or small pan on the stove. Transfer to a medium bowl and whisk together with both the light brown sugar and granulated sugar until the mixture forms a paste that pulls cleanly away from the bowl’s sides.
  3. Add Wet Ingredients: Add the eggs, white vinegar, vanilla extract, and liquid red food coloring to the butter-sugar mixture. Whisk well to combine, adjusting the food coloring amount for desired red color.
  4. Incorporate Dry Ingredients: Sift together the cocoa powder, salt, and all-purpose flour. Pour into the wet mixture and gently whisk until just combined, about one minute. Avoid overmixing to keep brownies tender.
  5. Bake the Brownies: Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan, spreading evenly with a spatula. Bake for 30 to 40 minutes. Begin checking at 30 minutes by inserting a toothpick into the center; brownies are done when the toothpick comes out with a few moist crumbs but no wet batter. The top should appear crinkly.
  6. Prepare Cream Cheese Frosting: While the brownies cool, combine cream cheese, softened butter, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt in a medium bowl or stand mixer. Beat until smooth and creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar to reach desired frosting thickness. If using dairy-free cream cheese, add cornstarch to help thicken the frosting.
  7. Frost and Serve: Allow brownies to cool completely before spreading the cream cheese frosting evenly on top. Store brownies in the refrigerator to keep fresh. You may also store frosting separately in the fridge and frost right before serving.

Notes

  • Using good quality cocoa powder enhances the chocolatey flavor of the brownies.
  • Liquid red food coloring varies by brand; add gradually to achieve your preferred red tone.
  • For a dairy-free option, use dairy-free butter and cream cheese substitutes. Cornstarch in frosting helps it thicken properly when dairy-free cream cheese is used.
  • Overbaking can lead to tough, dry brownies; watch for moist crumbs on toothpick test.
  • Allowing the brownies to cool completely before frosting prevents the frosting from melting.

Keywords: red velvet brownies, cream cheese frosting, chocolate brownies, baked brownies, dessert recipes, holiday dessert, homemade brownies

Find it online: https://todayquickmeals.com/red-velvet-brownies-with-cream-cheese-frosting-recipe/