Ingredients
Scale
Brownie Batter
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 1 1/4 cups granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 cup buttermilk
- 1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons red food coloring
Cream Cheese Frosting
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon milk (optional, to adjust consistency)
Instructions
- 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. Sift together the cocoa powder, flour, and salt, then gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture. Finally, add red food coloring and mix until a deep, even red shade is achieved.
- Bake the Brownies: Pour the batter into a greased or parchment-lined baking pan to ensure easy removal. Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted near the center comes out with a few moist crumbs. Allow the brownies to cool completely in the pan before frosting.
- Make the Cream Cheese Frosting: While the brownies cool, beat together softened cream cheese and unsalted butter until fluffy. Gradually add powdered sugar and continue mixing until the frosting is smooth and spreadable. Add vanilla extract for extra flavor, and a splash of milk if needed to achieve desired consistency.
- Frost and Serve: Spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over the cooled brownies, smoothing the top with a spatula or knife. Optionally, garnish with red velvet crumbs, chocolate shavings, or chopped nuts. Cut into squares and serve.
Notes
- Use room temperature eggs, butter, and cream cheese for easy mixing and optimal texture.
- Combine wet and dry ingredients gently to avoid tough brownies.
- Check brownies a few minutes before the full baking time to prevent overbaking.
- Frost brownies only when completely cooled to avoid melting or runny frosting.
- Taste frosting during preparation and adjust powdered sugar to your preferred sweetness.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 brownie (1/16th of recipe)
- Calories: 280 kcal
- Sugar: 28 g
- Sodium: 120 mg
- Fat: 15 g
- Saturated Fat: 9 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 33 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 3 g
- Cholesterol: 50 mg
Keywords: red velvet brownies, cream cheese frosting, chocolate brownies, dessert, homemade brownies, fudgy brownies, red velvet dessert