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Decadent Red Velvet Brownies with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.3 from 76 reviews
  • Author: Kimberly
  • 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

  1. 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.
  2. Melt butter: Melt ¾ stick of unsalted butter in the microwave in 30-second intervals until fully melted.
  3. Combine sugars and butter: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together granulated sugar, light brown sugar, and melted butter until well combined.
  4. 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.
  5. Incorporate oil and cocoa powder: Add ⅓ cup vegetable oil and ¼ cup cocoa powder; whisk gently until fully combined, maintaining a dense batter.
  6. 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.
  7. 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.
  8. Add vinegar: Stir in 1 tablespoon vinegar thoroughly to enhance the red velvet flavor and texture.
  9. Add white chocolate chips (optional): Fold in ¾ cup white chocolate chips if desired for extra sweetness and texture.
  10. 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.
  11. Cool the brownies: Remove the pan from the oven and allow the brownies to cool completely before frosting and slicing to prevent frosting melt.
  12. Make the cream cheese frosting: Beat ¾ stick softened butter and 4 oz softened cream cheese together until smooth and creamy.
  13. 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.
  14. Add vanilla: Mix in 1 teaspoon vanilla extract for added flavor, beating briefly to combine.
  15. 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.

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