Oh my goodness, let me tell you about these *red velvet brownies with cream cheese frosting*! They’re like a love letter to dessert lovers everywhere. Rich, fudgy, and that gorgeous red hue just makes my heart skip a beat! I remember the first time I made them for a gathering; the moment I pulled them out of the oven, the whole house smelled heavenly. And when I spread that creamy, dreamy cream cheese frosting on top? Wow! It was a total showstopper! These brownies are perfect for any occasion—whether it’s a birthday party, a holiday gathering, or just a cozy night in. Trust me, they’re sure to impress everyone, and you’ll definitely want to keep the recipe close. I can’t wait for you to try them!
Ingredients for Red Velvet Brownies with Cream Cheese Frosting
Gather these simple yet essential ingredients to create the most delightful red velvet brownies topped with luscious cream cheese frosting. Each component plays a crucial role in delivering that rich flavor and stunning color we all love!
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tablespoon red food coloring
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract for frosting
Make sure to have everything measured out and ready to go—it makes the process so much smoother and more enjoyable! Happy baking!
How to Prepare Red Velvet Brownies with Cream Cheese Frosting
Get ready to dive into the deliciousness of making these red velvet brownies! It’s all about following some simple steps to create that perfect fudgy texture topped with creamy frosting. Let’s get started!
Prepping the Oven and Baking Pan
First things first, you’ll want to preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This is super important because it ensures your brownies bake evenly. While that’s happening, grab an 8×8-inch baking pan and grease it lightly with butter or non-stick spray. You can also line it with parchment paper for easy removal later—trust me, it makes life so much easier!
Mixing the Dry Ingredients
In a medium-sized bowl, let’s combine our dry ingredients. Whisk together 1 cup of all-purpose flour, 1/2 cup of unsweetened cocoa powder, 1/2 teaspoon of baking powder, and 1/4 teaspoon of salt. Make sure there are no lumps; we want that beautiful, smooth texture in our brownies!
Combining the Wet Ingredients
In another large bowl, mix 1/2 cup of melted unsalted butter with 1 cup of granulated sugar until it’s well blended. Then, add in your 2 large eggs, 1 tablespoon of red food coloring, and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. I love this part—it starts to look so vibrant and inviting! Make sure to mix until it’s nice and smooth.
Combining Wet and Dry Ingredients
Now, it’s time to bring it all together! Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring gently until just combined. You don’t want to overmix—stop as soon as you see no more flour streaks. The batter should be thick and glossy, just begging to be baked!
Baking the Brownies
Pour your luscious batter into the prepared baking pan and spread it evenly. Pop it into your preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes. You’ll know they’re ready when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with a few moist crumbs. Once they’re done, let them cool in the pan for about 10-15 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Be patient—frosting warm brownies is a no-go!
Making the Cream Cheese Frosting
While the brownies are cooling, let’s whip up that dreamy frosting! In a medium bowl, beat together 4 oz of softened cream cheese, 1/4 cup of powdered sugar, and 1/2 teaspoon of vanilla extract until it’s velvety smooth. You can use an electric mixer for this, or just a good old whisk and some elbow grease if you’re feeling adventurous!
Frosting the Brownies
Once your brownies are completely cooled, it’s time for the fun part! Spread the cream cheese frosting generously over the top with a spatula. You can go for a smooth finish or get a little creative with swirls—whatever tickles your fancy! Then, slice them up and get ready to enjoy these scrumptious red velvet brownies!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Rich, fudgy texture that melts in your mouth
- Gorgeous red color that’s a feast for the eyes
- Creamy, tangy cream cheese frosting that perfectly complements the brownies
- Simple ingredients and easy steps that anyone can follow
- Perfect for celebrations or a cozy night in
- Everyone will be asking for the recipe!
Tips for Success with Red Velvet Brownies
To ensure your red velvet brownies turn out perfectly every time, here are some handy tips! First, make sure your ingredients are at room temperature before you start mixing. This helps everything blend together smoothly, giving you that rich texture we love. When it comes to checking for doneness, remember that it’s better to underbake slightly than to overbake. The brownies will continue to set as they cool! A toothpick should come out with a few moist crumbs, not clean. For storage, keep your brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for about 3-4 days or refrigerate them to extend their freshness. If you want to save some for later, these brownies freeze beautifully—just wrap them well in plastic wrap and pop them in the freezer for up to 3 months. Enjoy every bite!
Nutritional Information
Here’s a quick look at the estimated nutritional information for these delightful red velvet brownies with cream cheese frosting. Each brownie contains approximately 250 calories, 20g of sugar, 12g of fat, and 3g of protein. Keep in mind that these values can vary based on the specific ingredients you use and portion sizes. But no matter the numbers, the joy of indulging in these brownies is absolutely worth it!
FAQ About Red Velvet Brownies with Cream Cheese Frosting
Can I use a different type of frosting? Absolutely! While the cream cheese frosting is a classic pairing, feel free to experiment with chocolate ganache or even a simple buttercream if you prefer something sweeter.
What if I don’t have red food coloring? If you’re in a pinch, you can substitute with beet juice for a natural option, though it might not give you that vibrant red. Just keep in mind it’ll alter the flavor a bit!
How do I know when my brownies are done baking? A toothpick inserted into the center should come out with a few moist crumbs. Remember, they’ll continue to firm up as they cool, so don’t overbake!
Can I make these brownies ahead of time? Definitely! You can bake them a day in advance and store them covered at room temperature. Just frost them before serving for that fresh, creamy touch.
How should I store leftover brownies? Keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3-4 days. If you need to store them longer, wrap them tightly and freeze for up to 3 months!
Print
Red velvet brownies with cream cheese frosting: 7 magical steps
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 16 brownies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delicious red velvet brownies topped with creamy frosting.
Ingredients
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tablespoon red food coloring
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract for frosting
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Grease a baking pan.
- In a bowl, mix flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt.
- In another bowl, combine melted butter and sugar.
- Add eggs, food coloring, and vanilla to the butter mixture.
- Mix the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients.
- Pour the batter into the prepared pan.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes.
- Let it cool before adding frosting.
- For frosting, beat cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla until smooth.
- Spread frosting on cooled brownies.
Notes
- Store brownies in an airtight container.
- Brownies can be frozen for up to 3 months.
- Use gel food coloring for a brighter color.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 brownie
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 20g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
Keywords: red velvet brownies, cream cheese frosting, dessert, baking
