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Red Velvet Brownies Recipe

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★★★★★

5 from 107 reviews

Rich and luscious Red Velvet Brownies with a creamy cream cheese frosting. These brownies combine the classic deep red color and subtle cocoa flavor of red velvet with a moist, fudgy texture. Finished with a smooth, sweet cream cheese frosting, they make a perfect dessert for any occasion.

Ingredients

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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 (adjust amount for desired color)
  • 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 alternative 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 (only if using dairy free cream cheese)

Instructions

  1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8 inch square baking pan with parchment paper, allowing the paper to hang over the sides for easy removal of the brownies later.
  2. Melt Butter and Mix Sugars: Melt the butter either in the microwave or over the stove in a small pan. Transfer the melted butter into a medium bowl and whisk in the light brown sugar and granulated sugar until the mixture forms a paste that pulls away cleanly from the sides of the bowl.
  3. Add Wet Ingredients: Add the eggs, white vinegar, vanilla extract, and liquid red food coloring to the sugar-butter mixture. Mix well until evenly combined. The red color may vary; add more food coloring if a deeper red shade is desired.
  4. Add Dry Ingredients: Sift together the cocoa powder, salt, and all-purpose flour. Add these dry ingredients to the wet mixture and whisk gently until just combined. Do not overmix to keep the brownies tender.
  5. Prepare to Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan, using a spatula to scrape all batter from the bowl. Smooth the top evenly.
  6. Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 30-40 minutes. Start checking at 30 minutes by inserting a toothpick into the center; the brownies are done when the toothpick has a few moist crumbs but no wet batter. Avoid overbaking to keep them fudgy.
  7. Cooling: Once baked, allow the brownies to cool completely in the pan before frosting.
  8. Make Cream Cheese Frosting: In a medium bowl or mixer bowl, beat together the cream cheese, softened butter, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt until smooth and creamy.
  9. Add Powdered Sugar: Gradually add the powdered sugar to the cream cheese mixture, beating until the frosting reaches your desired sweetness and consistency. If using dairy-free cream cheese, mix in 2 tablespoons cornstarch to help thicken the frosting.
  10. Chill Frosting: Store the frosting in the refrigerator until ready to use to maintain firmness.
  11. Frost Brownies: Once the brownies have fully cooled, spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over the top.
  12. Storage: Keep the frosted brownies refrigerated, or alternatively store the frosting in the fridge and leave brownies unfrosted until serving.

Notes

  • Liquid red food coloring intensity can vary by brand; adjust the amount to achieve your preferred red shade.
  • All-purpose flour measurement includes 1 cup plus 3 tablespoons for proper texture.
  • If using dairy-free cream cheese, add 2 tablespoons cornstarch to the frosting to help it thicken.
  • Do not over-bake the brownies to maintain a moist, fudgy texture; toothpick should come out with moist crumbs.
  • Using parchment paper with overhang helps in lifting the brownies out of the pan easily.
  • For dairy-free version, use dairy-free butter and cream cheese alternatives accordingly.

Keywords: red velvet brownies, cream cheese frosting, baked brownies, red velvet dessert

Find it online: https://cookwithlea.com/red-velvet-brownies-recipe/