Description
Delight in these rich and moist Red Velvet Brownies topped with a luscious cream cheese frosting. Perfectly fudgy with a beautiful red hue, these brownies combine classic cocoa flavor with a subtle tang from vinegar and a creamy frosting that enhances every bite. Ideal for parties, special occasions, or anytime you crave a decadent treat.
Ingredients
Scale
Brownie Batter
- 3/4 cup butter, melted (regular or dairy free)
- 3/4 cup light brown sugar
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 eggs
- 1 tbsp vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon liquid red food coloring
- 1½ teaspoon white vinegar
- ¼ cup cocoa powder
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1 cup + 3 tbsp all-purpose flour
Cream Cheese Frosting
- 4 oz plain cream cheese, room temperature (dairy free option available)
- 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 (optional, use only if dairy free)
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8 inch square baking pan with parchment paper, leaving excess hanging over the sides to easily lift the brownies out later.
- Melt Butter: Melt the butter using a microwave or on the stovetop, then transfer to a medium mixing bowl.
- Combine Sugars and Butter: Add light brown sugar and granulated sugar to the melted butter. Whisk thoroughly until the mixture forms a paste that pulls away cleanly from the sides of the bowl.
- Add Wet Ingredients: Incorporate the eggs, white vinegar, vanilla extract, and red food coloring. Mix well until evenly combined and the batter has a vibrant red color.
- Add Dry Ingredients: Sift together cocoa powder, salt, and flour, then pour into the wet mixture. Using the whisk, gently mix until just combined, about one minute—do not overmix to ensure fudgy brownies.
- Transfer to Pan: Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan. Use a spatula to scrape all batter into the pan, smoothing the surface evenly.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 30 to 40 minutes. Begin checking at 30 minutes by inserting a toothpick into the center; the brownies are done when the toothpick comes out with a few moist crumbs but no wet batter. The top should be crinkly.
- Cool: Remove brownies from the oven and allow them to cool completely in the pan to room temperature before frosting.
- Prepare Cream Cheese Frosting: In a medium bowl or a stand mixer bowl, beat together the cream cheese, softened butter, salt, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy.
- Add Powdered Sugar: Gradually add powdered sugar and beat until the frosting reaches your desired consistency. If using dairy-free cream cheese, optionally add cornstarch to help thicken the frosting.
- Chill Frosting: Store the frosting in the refrigerator until ready to use to maintain firmness.
- Frost Brownies: Once the brownies are completely cooled, spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over the top. Refrigerate the frosted brownies or store frosting separately in the fridge with unfrosted brownies until serving.
Notes
- Use liquid red food coloring for the best vibrant color, adjusting the amount for dye strength.
- For dairy-free options, choose dairy-free butter and cream cheese alternatives; add cornstarch to frosting to help with thickness.
- Do not overbake brownies to maintain fudgy texture; test with a toothpick starting at 30 minutes.
- Let brownies cool completely before frosting to prevent melting and sliding of frosting.
- Storing brownies in the fridge will help preserve freshness and keep the frosting firm.
