Red Velvet Brownies with Cream Cheese Frosting is a decadent dessert that beautifully combines the rich, velvety taste of red velvet cake with the chewy delight of brownies. This treat isn’t just a feast for the eyes with its stunning crimson hue; it’s a comforting slice of nostalgia that brings warmth to gatherings and smiles to every family member. It’s easy to prepare and yields a result so satisfying that you’ll find yourself reaching for a second piece before you know it. In this step-by-step recipe, we’ll guide you through crafting these irresistibly rich brownies layered with the most heavenly cream cheese frosting.
Ingredients
To create these luscious Red Velvet Brownies with Cream Cheese Frosting, gather the following ingredients:
- ¾ stick (85g) unsalted butter, melted – This buttery goodness provides that rich base for the brownies.
- 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar – Sweetness is essential, and this adds just the right amount of sugary delight.
- ¼ cup (55g) light brown sugar – This adds a hint of caramel flavor and a delightful chewiness.
- 3 large eggs – Eggs bring moisture and help bind the ingredients beautifully.
- 1 egg yolk – Just one egg yolk enhances richness and adds that desired fudgy texture.
- 1 tsp vanilla extract – A splash of vanilla lends a warm aroma and enhances all the flavors.
- ⅓ cup (72g) vegetable oil – This keeps the brownies moist and tender.
- ¼ cup (25g) unsweetened cocoa powder – This gives the brownies a delightful chocolatey kick.
- ½ tsp red gel food coloring – No red velvet brownie is complete without its signature ruby color.
- ¾ cup (90g) all-purpose flour – The flour provides structure to the brownies while keeping them tender.
- 1 tbsp cornstarch – Adding cornstarch gives a softer texture and helps with moisture retention.
- ¼ tsp salt – Just a pinch to balance the sweetness and enhance the flavors.
- 1 tbsp vinegar – This unique ingredient helps create a lighter texture in the brownies.
- ¾ cup white chocolate chips (optional) – For those who love a sweet surprise, adding these chips elevates the dessert even more.
For the luscious cream cheese frosting:
- 4 oz (114g) cream cheese, softened – The star of the frosting, providing rich creaminess.
- ¾ stick (85g) unsalted butter, softened – Enhances the texture and flavor.
- 4 cups (480g) powdered sugar – This gives the frosting that sweet, creamy, fluffy texture.
- 1 tsp vanilla extract (for frosting) – Again, a touch of vanilla ties all the flavors together beautifully.
Cooking Time & Tips For Red Velvet Brownies with Cream Cheese Frosting
Making Red Velvet Brownies with Cream Cheese Frosting is surprisingly quick, allowing you to enjoy a homemade dessert in less than an hour. Quick preparation, like this one, skips lengthy resting times, making it perfect for when you need a chocolate fix in a hurry. To ensure success, remember to measure your ingredients carefully; baking is a science. Use an oven thermometer to check your oven’s temperature, as even small variances can affect baking results. Allow your brownies to cool completely before frosting; this prevents the cream from melting and sliding off.
Step-by-Step Directions
Let’s make these delightful Red Velvet Brownies with Cream Cheese Frosting!
Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C) and line a 9-inch square pan with parchment paper. This will make it easier to lift the brownies out later.
Melt the unsalted butter in a microwave-safe bowl until it’s creamy and smooth. This will serve as the base for your brownie mixture.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the melted butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until the mixture is smooth and well-blended.
Add in the eggs, egg yolk, and vanilla extract, mixing well. The eggs provide the moisture and richness we desire in these brownies.
Stir in the vegetable oil and cocoa powder until combined; you’ll notice the beautiful chocolate color starting to emerge.
In a separate bowl, mix a few tablespoons of the batter with the red gel food coloring to brighten up the mix. Then, fold this colored mixture back into the main batter.
Gently fold in the all-purpose flour, cornstarch, and salt, being careful not to overmix. You want to keep the texture fudgy!
Mix in the vinegar; it will react with the cocoa powder and gives the brownies a slight lift, making them light and airy.
If using, fold in the white chocolate chips for an extra touch of sweetness and texture.
Pour the batter into the prepared pan, spreading it evenly with a spatula.
Bake for 20-25 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with a few moist crumbs.
Let the brownies cool completely in the pan before frosting them to ensure the cream cheese frosting stays firm.
For the frosting, in a bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and unsalted butter until creamy. Gradually add in the powdered sugar and vanilla extract, mixing until the frosting is light and fluffy.
Spread the cream cheese frosting generously over the cooled brownies, slice them into squares, and they’re ready to serve!
Serving Suggestions & Occasions
These Red Velvet Brownies with Cream Cheese Frosting are perfect for a multitude of occasions. Whether you’re celebrating a birthday, hosting a cozy get-together, or just treating yourself and your family on a quiet evening, these brownies are a showstopper. Pair them with a glass of cold milk or a cup of frothy coffee for an impeccable dessert experience. For an elegant touch, top with a sprinkle of cocoa powder or chocolate shavings for added visual appeal.
Common Mistakes For Red Velvet Brownies with Cream Cheese Frosting
While making these brownies, there are a few common pitfalls to avoid. Be mindful not to overmix the batter; this can result in dense brownies rather than the desired fudgy texture. Ensure you accurately measure your ingredients—using too much flour can dry out your brownies. It’s also vital to bake until just right; testing with a toothpick should yield a few moist crumbs, indicating they’re done. Make sure to let your brownies cool entirely before frosting them; this keeps the frosting intact and perfectly spreadable.
Healthier Alternatives & Variations
If you’re looking for a healthier twist on this delicious recipe, consider using applesauce instead of some of the butter or oil for moisture while reducing the fat content. Swap out the all-purpose flour for whole wheat flour for added fiber. You can also experiment with natural sweeteners, like honey or maple syrup, in place of granulated sugar. For a more decadent treat, drizzle some chocolate or caramel sauce on top of your cream cheese frosting!
FAQs
Can I use regular food coloring instead of gel?
Gel food coloring is recommended as it provides the richest color without adding excess liquid.How should I store leftovers?
Store the brownies in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to five days.Can I freeze these brownies?
Absolutely! They freeze well in an airtight container for up to three months. Just thaw before serving.What can I use if I don’t have cornstarch?
You can substitute cornstarch with an equal amount of more all-purpose flour, though the texture may vary slightly.Is there a vegan alternative for the cream cheese frosting?
Yes! You can use vegan cream cheese and a dairy-free butter substitute for a delicious vegan frosting.Why do I need to add vinegar to the batter?
The vinegar interacts with the baking soda, enhancing the structure of the brownies and contributing to their soft texture.
Conclusion
Red Velvet Brownies with Cream Cheese Frosting are a must-try recipe that brings joy to any occasion. Their rich flavor, chewy texture, and creamy frosting make for a perfect dessert guaranteed to impress your family and friends. With easy-to-follow step-by-step directions, making these scrumptious brownies is a breeze. Why wait? Gather your ingredients and get ready to indulge in this delightful treat today!
PrintRed Velvet Brownies with Cream Cheese Frosting
Decadent red velvet brownies topped with a creamy cream cheese frosting, perfect for any occasion.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 16 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- ¾ stick (85g) unsalted butter, melted
- 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
- ¼ cup (55g) light brown sugar
- 3 large eggs
- 1 egg yolk
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- â…“ cup (72g) vegetable oil
- ¼ cup (25g) unsweetened cocoa powder
- ½ tsp red gel food coloring
- ¾ cup (90g) all-purpose flour
- 1 tbsp cornstarch
- ¼ tsp salt
- 1 tbsp vinegar
- ¾ cup white chocolate chips (optional)
- 4 oz (114g) cream cheese, softened
- ¾ stick (85g) unsalted butter, softened
- 4 cups (480g) powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract (for frosting)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C) and line a 9-inch square pan with parchment paper.
- Melt the unsalted butter in a microwave-safe bowl until creamy and smooth.
- Combine the melted butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until smooth.
- Add in the eggs, egg yolk, and vanilla extract, mixing well.
- Stir in the vegetable oil and cocoa powder until combined.
- Mix a few tablespoons of the batter with the red gel food coloring, then fold back into the main batter.
- Fold in the all-purpose flour, cornstarch, and salt, being careful not to overmix.
- Mix in the vinegar.
- Fold in the white chocolate chips if using.
- Pour the batter into the prepared pan.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out with a few moist crumbs.
- Let the brownies cool completely before frosting.
- Beat the softened cream cheese and unsalted butter until creamy. Gradually add in the powdered sugar and vanilla extract, mixing until fluffy.
- Spread the cream cheese frosting over the cooled brownies, slice, and serve.
Notes
Ensure that the brownies cool completely before frosting to prevent the cream from melting.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 brownie
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 20g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
