If you’re craving a dessert that captures the perfect blend of rich chocolate and velvety sweetness, this Decadent Red Velvet Brownies with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe is your next best friend in the kitchen. These brownies are an irresistible twist on classic red velvet cake, delivering a moist, fudgy texture enhanced by a luscious cream cheese frosting that hits just the right note of tangy sweetness. Whether you’re baking for a celebration or simply treating yourself, this recipe promises a slice of joy with every bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
All you need for this Decadent Red Velvet Brownies with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe are simple, pantry-friendly ingredients that work together beautifully to create layers of flavor and that iconic red hue. Each element plays a crucial role, from the tangy vinegar brightening the cocoa to the smooth butter making the brownies moist and tender.
- Unsalted Butter (¾ stick / 85g): Adds a rich, creamy base that keeps the brownies tender and moist.
- Granulated Sugar (1 cup / 200g): Provides balanced sweetness and helps create the perfect texture.
- Light Brown Sugar (¼ cup / 55g): Adds subtle molasses notes that deepen the flavor complexity.
- Large Eggs (3) and Egg Yolk (1): Bind the batter together and contribute to a fudgy, chewy bite.
- Vanilla Extract (1 teaspoon): Enhances all the other flavors with a warm, aromatic touch.
- Vegetable Oil (⅓ cup / 72g): Keeps the brownies extra moist without making them greasy.
- Cocoa Powder (¼ cup / 25g): Gives a subtle chocolate kick essential to red velvet’s classic flavor.
- All-purpose Flour (¾ cup / 90g): Creates the structure for these rich brownies without weighing them down.
- Vinegar (1 tablespoon): Reacts with the cocoa for vibrant red color and enhances tenderness.
- Cornstarch (1 tablespoon): Adds softness and a delicate crumb to the brownies.
- Salt (¼ teaspoon): Balances the sweetness and deepens flavor.
- Red Food Coloring (½ teaspoon): Gives those unmistakable bright red velvet tones that make these brownies pop.
- White Chocolate Chips (¾ cup, optional): For an extra layer of creamy sweetness if you love a bit of surprise in each bite.
- Cream Cheese (4 oz / 114g): The star ingredient in the frosting, delivering that signature tangy smoothness.
- Powdered Sugar (4 cups / 480g): Sweetens and thickens the frosting to the perfect spreadable consistency.
How to Make Decadent Red Velvet Brownies with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Pan and Melt Butter
Start by lining a 9-inch square cake pan with parchment paper so your brownies pop out effortlessly once baked. Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C), or 160°C if using a fan oven. Melt the butter in short 30-second bursts in the microwave until fully liquid and smooth—this buttery base is crucial for that melt-in-your-mouth texture.
Step 2: Blend Sugars and Butter
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together granulated sugar, light brown sugar, and the melted butter until everything is combined. This blend creates a sweet, rich foundation for your brownie batter and ensures it stays moist but irresistible.
Step 3: Add Eggs and Vanilla Without Overmixing
Gently incorporate the eggs, egg yolk, and vanilla extract into the sugar mixture. Be mindful to stir just until combined; overmixing can add air, leading to cakey brownies instead of the delightfully fudgy texture we want.
Step 4: Mix in Oil and Cocoa Powder
Next, whisk in the vegetable oil and cocoa powder carefully. The oil guarantees moisture, and the cocoa powder offers that classic red velvet depth without overpowering sweetness.
Step 5: Create the Signature Red Velvet Hue
Set aside a couple of tablespoons of batter in a small bowl and stir in your red gel food coloring until it’s lump-free and vibrant. Then add this back into your main bowl and mix gently to spread the color evenly without adding fluff.
Step 6: Fold in Dry Ingredients
Time to switch things up by using a rubber spatula or wooden spoon to fold in the all-purpose flour, cornstarch, and salt. This gentle folding guarantees no flour lumps remain and keeps the batter thick and velvety.
Step 7: Add Vinegar and Optional White Chocolate Chips
Pour in the vinegar and mix well—this acid brightens the red color and softens the crumb. If you want a hint of creamy sweetness, fold in white chocolate chips now, though they’re optional.
Step 8: Bake to Perfection
Transfer the batter to your prepared pan and smooth the surface. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes—or until a skewer inserted into the middle comes out with just a few moist crumbs. Let the brownies cool thoroughly before frosting.
Step 9: Whip Up the Cream Cheese Frosting
Beat room temperature butter and cream cheese together until silky and smooth. Slowly add powdered sugar, beating until fluffy and light. Stir in vanilla extract at the end for a perfect balance of sweetness and tang.
Step 10: Frost and Slice
Spread the luscious cream cheese frosting generously across the cooled brownies. Once covered, slice into squares and get ready to delight in every decadent bite.
How to Serve Decadent Red Velvet Brownies with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe
Garnishes
A simple dusting of powdered sugar or a few white chocolate shavings makes these brownies look as stunning as they taste. For a festive touch, add a few fresh raspberries or a sprinkle of crushed walnuts for a lovely contrast in texture.
Side Dishes
Pair these rich brownies with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for a classic combo. A cup of strong coffee or a glass of cold milk also wonderfully complements the cream cheese frosting’s tang and the brownies’ smooth cocoa notes.
Creative Ways to Present
For a party, serve these brownies as bite-sized squares on a decorative platter with colorful toothpicks. Or, layer pieces between small dollops of frosting to create mini brownie sandwiches — guaranteed to disappear quickly!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep your leftover Decadent Red Velvet Brownies with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe fresh by covering them tightly with plastic wrap or placing in an airtight container. Stored at room temperature, they stay moist and delicious for up to 3 days.
Freezing
You can freeze these brownies before frosting by wrapping tightly in plastic and then foil, freezing up to 2 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw fully then spread the cream cheese frosting for a just-baked feel.
Reheating
Warm brownies gently in the microwave for 10 to 15 seconds to bring out their fudgy richness without melting the frosting. This brief warmth makes each bite feel freshly made, perfect when you want a cozy treat.
FAQs
Can I use regular food coloring instead of gel?
Yes, but gel food coloring is recommended for this Decadent Red Velvet Brownies with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe because it gives a more vibrant color without thinning the batter.
What if I don’t have cornstarch?
You can substitute with an equal amount of additional flour, but cornstarch helps keep the brownies especially soft and tender, so try to include it if possible.
Can I make these brownies gluten-free?
Absolutely! Use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend that measures cup-for-cup to replace the regular flour while keeping the same texture and flavor.
How important is the vinegar in this recipe?
The vinegar reacts with the cocoa and baking powder to enhance the red color and produces that tender crumb characteristic of red velvet treats—don’t skip it!
Can I omit the white chocolate chips?
Yes! The white chocolate chips are completely optional and add a bit of sweetness and texture but the brownies are delicious on their own just as intended in this Decadent Red Velvet Brownies with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe.
Final Thoughts
Trust me when I say once you try this Decadent Red Velvet Brownies with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe, it will quickly become a favorite go-to treat. Rich, luxurious, and bursting with flavor and that unmistakable red velvet charm, these brownies make every occasion brighter. So grab your ingredients, follow the simple steps, and get ready to indulge in some seriously scrumptious homemade magic.
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 with Cream Cheese Frosting are a luscious twist on classic brownies, combining the rich chocolate flavor with a vibrant red hue and a smooth, tangy cream cheese topping. Perfectly fudgy with a tender crumb, these brownies are ideal for celebrations or indulgent everyday treats.
Ingredients
Brownies
- 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
- ⅓ 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 preferred)
- ¾ cup White Chocolate Chips (optional)
Cream Cheese Frosting
- 4 oz Cream Cheese, softened (114g)
- ¾ stick Unsalted Butter, softened (85g)
- 4 cups Powdered Sugar (480g)
- 1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract
Instructions
- Prepare the brownie pan and preheat oven: Line a 9-inch square cake pan with parchment paper and preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C); if using a fan-assisted oven, set it to 160°C.
- Melt butter: Melt ¾ stick of unsalted butter in the microwave in 30-second intervals until fully melted.
- Combine sugars and butter: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together granulated sugar, light brown sugar, and melted butter until well combined.
- Add eggs and vanilla: Add 3 large eggs, 1 egg yolk, and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract to the sugar mixture; mix gently to combine without overwhisking to avoid adding air.
- Incorporate oil and cocoa powder: Add ⅓ cup vegetable oil and ¼ cup cocoa powder; whisk gently until fully combined, maintaining a dense batter.
- Color the batter: Take a few tablespoons of the batter into a small bowl, mix in ½ teaspoon red gel food coloring until smooth with no lumps, then incorporate this colored mixture back into the main batter and mix until blended.
- Add dry ingredients: Using a rubber spatula or wooden spoon, fold in ¾ cup all-purpose flour, 1 tablespoon cornstarch, and ¼ teaspoon salt until no flour lumps remain.
- Add vinegar: Stir in 1 tablespoon vinegar thoroughly to enhance the red velvet flavor and texture.
- Add white chocolate chips (optional): Fold in ¾ cup white chocolate chips if desired for extra sweetness and texture.
- Bake the brownies: Pour batter into the prepared pan and bake for 20–25 minutes, or until a skewer inserted comes out with moist crumbs, not wet batter.
- Cool the brownies: Remove the pan from the oven and allow the brownies to cool completely before frosting and slicing to prevent frosting melt.
- Make the cream cheese frosting: Beat ¾ stick softened butter and 4 oz softened cream cheese together until smooth and creamy.
- Add powdered sugar: Gradually add 4 cups powdered sugar; start mixing slowly to avoid sugar dust clouds, then beat on high speed for several minutes until light and fluffy.
- Add vanilla: Mix in 1 teaspoon vanilla extract for added flavor, beating briefly to combine.
- Frost the brownies: Spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over the cooled red velvet brownies before slicing and serving.
Notes
- Do not overmix the batter to keep brownies fudgy rather than cakey.
- Red gel food coloring gives the best vibrant color without adding extra liquid.
- Allow brownies to cool fully before frosting to prevent the frosting from melting.
- White chocolate chips are optional but add a nice contrast in flavor and texture.
- Use room temperature cream cheese and butter for a smooth frosting.
- Store brownies in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
