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Red Velvet Brownies Recipe

Red Velvet Brownies Recipe

5 from 8 reviews

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.

Ingredients

Scale

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
  • 2 cups powdered sugar (icing sugar)
  • 2 Tablespoons cornstarch (only if dairy free)

Instructions

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. 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.
  6. 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.
  7. 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.
  8. 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

Keywords: red velvet brownies, cream cheese frosting, chocolate brownies, dessert, baked treats, holiday dessert