Red Velvet Brownies Recipe
These Red Velvet Brownies combine the rich, fudgy texture of classic brownies with the vibrant color and subtle tang of red velvet cake, topped with a smooth and creamy cream cheese frosting. Perfect for holidays or special occasions, this recipe delivers a moist, chewy treat with a beautiful red hue and a luscious finish.
- Author: Joe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 16 brownies (8x8 pan, cut into 4x4 squares) 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Red Velvet Brownies
- ¾ cup butter, melted (regular or dairy free)
- ¾ cup light brown sugar
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 eggs
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon liquid red food coloring
- 1½ teaspoon white vinegar
- ¼ cup cocoa powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup + 3 tbsp all-purpose flour
Cream Cheese Frosting
- 4 oz plain cream cheese, room temperature (use dairy free if preferred)
- ¼ cup butter, softened (dairy free or regular)
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- pinch of salt
- 1½ – 2 cups powdered sugar (icing sugar)
- 2 Tablespoons cornstarch (only if dairy free)
- Prepare baking pan: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line an 8×8 inch square baking pan with parchment paper, leaving overhang on the sides for easy removal.
- Melt butter and mix sugars: Melt the butter using the microwave or stovetop, then transfer it to a medium bowl. Add both the light brown sugar and granulated sugar and whisk vigorously until the mixture forms a smooth paste that pulls away cleanly from the sides of the bowl.
- Add wet ingredients: Beat in the eggs, white vinegar, vanilla extract, and red food coloring. Mix until the color is evenly distributed; adjust food coloring for a deeper red if desired.
- Add dry ingredients: Sift or measure the cocoa powder, salt, and all-purpose flour, then add them to the bowl. Whisk gently and just until combined to avoid overmixing.
- Transfer batter and bake: Pour the batter into the prepared pan, using a spatula to scrape down the bowl. Bake for 30-40 minutes, starting to check at 30 minutes by inserting a toothpick into the center. The brownies should have a crinkly top and the toothpick should come out with moist crumbs, not wet batter.
- Make cream cheese frosting: While brownies cool, in a medium bowl or mixer, beat the cream cheese, softened butter, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt until smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar until you reach the desired consistency. If using dairy free cream cheese, add cornstarch to help thicken.
- Cool and frost: Allow brownies to cool completely. Use the parchment overhang to lift them from the pan, then spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over the top.
- Store properly: Refrigerate frosted brownies. Unfrosted brownies can be stored covered at room temperature for 3-4 days, or refrigerated if preferred. The frosting should always be refrigerated when not in use.
Notes
- Use a kitchen scale for best accuracy when measuring dry ingredients.
- Measure flour and cocoa powder accurately using the scoop and level method or by weight to ensure proper texture.
- Baking time can vary by oven and pan type; glass pans may require additional baking time.
- Red food coloring brands vary; adjust the amount to achieve your preferred shade of red.
- If using dairy free cream cheese, you can use it straight from the fridge without warming.
- Cornstarch in frosting is optional but recommended when using dairy free cream cheese to thicken the frosting.
- To double the recipe, use a 9×13 inch pan and bake for 20-35 minutes.
- Store frosted brownies refrigerated; unfrosted brownies stored covered can last 3-4 days at room temperature.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 brownie (approx. 60g)
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 25g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 55mg
Keywords: red velvet brownies, cream cheese frosting, chocolate brownies, dessert, baked treats, holiday dessert