Irresistible Red Velvet Brownies with Cream Cheese Frosting

If you’re craving a dessert that perfectly balances rich chocolate, vibrant red hues, and creamy sweetness, you’ve just found your new favorite: Red Velvet Brownies with Cream Cheese Frosting. This luscious treat combines the fudgy, dense texture of brownies with the iconic flavor and color of red velvet, topped off by a smooth and tangy cream cheese frosting that melts in your mouth. Whether it’s for a special occasion or a cozy night in, this recipe promises to satisfy your sweet tooth and impress anyone lucky enough to get a bite.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Unforgettable Flavor Fusion: Blends classic red velvet taste with rich, fudgy brownies for a unique twist.
• Perfectly Moist Texture: Each bite offers a tender but dense crumb, striking the ideal brownie balance.
• Creamy Frosting Contrast: The tangy cream cheese frosting cuts through sweetness for a well-rounded experience.
• Eye-Catching Presentation: The vibrant red color paired with white frosting is stunning on any dessert table.
• Simple Ingredients: Uses common pantry staples that come together effortlessly for incredible results.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The secret to fabulous Red Velvet Brownies with Cream Cheese Frosting lies in simple, well-chosen ingredients. Each one plays its part perfectly to create mouthwatering texture, flavor, and that signature red color you want to see.

• Unsweetened cocoa powder: Adds chocolate depth without overpowering the red velvet flavor.
• Red food coloring: Gives the brownies their iconic vibrant red hue, essential for classic appeal.
• Buttermilk: Keeps brownies moist while contributing to the tangy taste of red velvet.
• Butter: Creates the fudgy richness that defines a brownie’s texture perfectly.
• Granulated sugar: Sweetens the batter evenly and enhances moisture retention.
• All-purpose flour: Provides structure without making the brownies too cakey.
• Eggs: Bind everything together and add richness for a luscious crumb.
• Vanilla extract: Elevates flavor and balances the cocoa with subtle floral notes.
• Cream cheese: The star of the frosting, bringing creamy tang and richness.
• Powdered sugar: Sweetens and smooths the frosting to the perfect consistency.

Variations for Red Velvet Brownies with Cream Cheese Frosting

This recipe is wonderfully adaptable, making it easy to tweak or upgrade based on dietary preferences or what’s in your kitchen. Here are some fun ways to personalize your batch of Red Velvet Brownies with Cream Cheese Frosting.

• Nutty Delight: Fold in chopped pecans or walnuts to add crunch and a toasty flavor dimension.
• Vegan Version: Replace eggs with flax eggs and use vegan cream cheese for a cruelty-free treat.
• Chocolate Chips: Sprinkle semi-sweet or white chocolate chips into the batter for extra pockets of gooeyness.
• Spiced Twist: Add a pinch of cinnamon or cayenne for a subtle warming or spicy kick.
• Gluten-Free Option: Use a gluten-free flour blend to make these brownies safe for gluten-sensitive friends.

How to Make Red Velvet Brownies with Cream Cheese Frosting

Step 1: Prepare the Batter

Begin by melting the butter and whisking it with granulated sugar until smooth and glossy. Add eggs one at a time, mixing well between additions to fully incorporate them. Stir in the vanilla extract and buttermilk, then sift together the cocoa powder, flour, and a pinch of salt before blending gently into the wet ingredients. Finally, add red food coloring to achieve that signature deep red shade.

Step 2: Bake the Brownies

Pour the batter into a greased or parchment-lined baking pan to ensure easy removal later. Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted near the center comes out with just a few moist crumbs. Allow the brownies to cool completely in the pan before frosting.

Step 3: Make the Cream Cheese Frosting

While the brownies cool, whip together softened cream cheese and unsalted butter until fluffy. Gradually add powdered sugar and continue mixing until the frosting is smooth and spreadable. A splash of vanilla extract adds extra depth. Adjust consistency with a teaspoon of milk if needed.

Step 4: Frost and Serve

Spread the luscious cream cheese frosting evenly over the cooled brownies, smoothing the top with a spatula or knife. For an extra touch, sprinkle with red velvet crumbs, chocolate shavings, or chopped nuts. Cut into squares and serve with a big smile!

Pro Tips for Making Red Velvet Brownies with Cream Cheese Frosting

• Room Temperature Ingredients: Use room temperature eggs, butter, and cream cheese for easy mixing and better texture.
• Don’t Overmix: Combine wet and dry ingredients gently to keep brownies tender, not tough.
• Bake Just Right: Check your brownies a few minutes before the timer ends to avoid overbaking and drying out.
• Cool Completely: Frost only after the brownies are fully cooled to prevent melting or runny frosting.
• Customize Sweetness: Taste your frosting as you go and adjust powdered sugar for your perfect balance.

How to Serve Red Velvet Brownies with Cream Cheese Frosting

Garnishes

Top your frosted brownies with festive garnishes such as fresh raspberries, a dusting of cocoa powder, or crushed peppermint for a delightful flair. Even a simple sprinkle of red velvet crumbs or mini chocolate chips can elevate their look.

Side Dishes

Pair these rich brownies with a scoop of vanilla or strawberry ice cream for a decadent dessert duo. Fresh berries or a dollop of whipped cream also complement the creamy frosting and balanced sweetness beautifully.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve the brownies in elegant glass jars layered with additional frosting for a pretty parfait or cut into bite-sized pieces on a colorful dessert platter for sharing at parties. Wrapping individual squares in parchment paper tied with twine makes a lovely homemade gift as well.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store leftover Red Velvet Brownies with Cream Cheese Frosting in an airtight container in the refrigerator to keep the frosting fresh and prevent the brownies from drying out. They’ll stay delicious for up to 4 days.

Freezing

You can freeze the unfrosted brownies wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and foil for up to 3 months. Frost after thawing to maintain the cream cheese frosting’s texture and taste.

Reheating

Gently warm brownies at room temperature or in the microwave for a few seconds to bring back their soft, fudgy feel; avoid heating with frosting on to keep it from melting.

FAQs

Can I make these brownies without food coloring?

Yes, you can skip the red food coloring for a chocolate-flavored brownie, but you’ll lose the classic red velvet look and subtle tang that color represents.

Is it possible to use a store-bought frosting?

Absolutely! While homemade cream cheese frosting offers the best flavor and freshness, store-bought options can save time and still taste great.

How do I know when the brownies are fully baked?

A toothpick inserted near the center should come out with a few moist crumbs but no wet batter; this ensures a fudgy yet fully cooked texture.

Can I double the recipe for a larger batch?

Definitely! Just use a larger pan and increase baking time slightly, checking frequently to avoid overbaking.

What’s the best way to cut frosted brownies neatly?

Chill the brownies in the fridge for about 30 minutes before cutting; use a sharp knife wiped clean between cuts for tidy squares.

Final Thoughts

Whipping up a batch of Red Velvet Brownies with Cream Cheese Frosting is like creating a little slice of happiness that’s rich, colorful, and utterly addictive. This recipe is straightforward, packed with flavor, and adaptable to your taste, making it the perfect go-to dessert for any occasion. Don’t wait to treat yourself and your loved ones—once you try these brownies, they’ll quickly become a treasured classic in your baking repertoire.

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