Chewy Red Velvet Brownies with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe

Introduction

Indulge in these chewy red velvet brownies topped with a luscious cream cheese frosting. Combining rich cocoa with a hint of red food coloring, these treats are perfect for any occasion that calls for a sweet, colorful dessert.

Ingredients

• 2/3 cup unsalted butter
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 tablespoons cocoa powder
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon fine sea salt
• 2 large eggs (room temperature)
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon white vinegar (optional)
• 1 tablespoon red food coloring (or 1 teaspoon red food gel coloring)
• 1/3 cup unsalted butter (room temperature)
• 1 8-ounce package cream cheese (room temperature)
• 1/2 cup powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• Pinch fine sea salt

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat the oven to 350°F and grease an 8″x8″ square baking dish.
2. Step 2: Melt 2/3 cup unsalted butter in a microwave-safe bowl and set aside to cool.
3. Step 3: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
4. Step 4: In a large bowl, whisk the eggs, then add the granulated sugar, vanilla extract, white vinegar (if using), and red food coloring. Mix with a handheld mixer on medium speed or stir vigorously with a wooden spoon until combined.
5. Step 5: Slowly pour in the cooled melted butter while mixing continuously.
6. Step 6: Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and mix on low speed just until combined—avoid overmixing.
7. Step 7: Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly. Bake for about 28 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted near the center comes out with a few moist crumbs.
8. Step 8: Remove from the oven and let the brownies cool completely on a wire rack before frosting.
9. Step 9: For the frosting, combine the cream cheese, 1/3 cup room temperature butter, and powdered sugar in a mixer bowl. Beat on low speed to combine, then increase to medium-high until smooth and fluffy.
10. Step 10: Add the vanilla extract, a pinch of salt, and optional extra food coloring. Mix briefly to incorporate.
11. Step 11: Spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over the cooled brownies.
12. Step 12: Cut into squares, serve, and enjoy your chewy red velvet brownies with cream cheese frosting.

Tips & Variations

• For deeper red color, use gel food coloring instead of liquid to avoid altering the batter’s consistency.
• Allow the brownies to cool completely before frosting to prevent the frosting from melting.
• Try adding a teaspoon of espresso powder to the batter to enhance the chocolate flavor.
• Swap the cream cheese frosting for a simple dusting of powdered sugar for a lighter finish.

Storage

Store leftover brownies in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Because of the cream cheese frosting, refrigeration is necessary. Bring to room temperature before serving, or warm slightly in the microwave for about 10 seconds for a soft, chewy texture.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make these brownies gluten-free?

Yes, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend of equal measure. Ensure your cocoa powder is gluten-free as well.

Is white vinegar necessary in the recipe?

The white vinegar is optional but helps enhance the red color and tenderize the brownies. You can omit it if you prefer, and the brownies will still be delicious.

Chewy Red Velvet Brownies with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe

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4.9 from 94 reviews

These Chewy Red Velvet Brownies with Cream Cheese Frosting combine the rich, velvety chocolate flavor of classic red velvet with the dense, fudgy texture of brownies. Topped with a smooth and tangy cream cheese frosting, this dessert is perfect for any occasion that calls for a decadent treat.

• Author: Mila
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 28 minutes
• Total Time: 43 minutes
• Yield: 16 brownies (cut into 16 squares) 1x
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Brownie Ingredients

• 2/3 cup unsalted butter
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 tablespoons cocoa powder
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon fine sea salt
• 2 large eggs (room temperature)
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon white vinegar (optional)
• 1 tablespoon red food coloring (or 1 teaspoon red food gel coloring)

Cream Cheese Frosting Ingredients

• 1/3 cup unsalted butter (room temperature)
• 1 8-ounce package cream cheese (room temperature)
• 1/2 cup powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• Pinch fine sea salt

Instructions

1. Prepare to bake: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease an 8×8 inch square baking dish to ensure the brownies don’t stick.
2. Melt the butter: Melt 2/3 cup unsalted butter in a microwave-safe bowl or pitcher, then set it aside to cool slightly so it doesn’t cook the eggs when mixed.
3. Mix dry ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together 1 cup flour, 2 tablespoons cocoa powder, 1 teaspoon baking powder, and 1/2 teaspoon fine sea salt until evenly combined and set aside.
4. Combine wet ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk 2 large eggs until smooth. Add 1 cup granulated sugar, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, 1 teaspoon white vinegar (optional), and 1 tablespoon red food coloring. Using a handheld mixer on medium speed or a wooden spoon, mix the ingredients thoroughly.
5. Add melted butter: Slowly stream the cooled melted butter into the wet mixture while continuing to mix, ensuring incorporation without cooking the eggs.
6. Incorporate dry ingredients: Add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients. Using a mixer on low speed, gently mix until just combined—avoid overmixing to keep the brownies tender.
7. Bake the brownies: Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish and spread evenly to the edges. Bake for approximately 28 minutes or until a toothpick inserted near the center comes out mostly clean with a few moist crumbs. Remove from the oven and allow the brownies to cool completely on a wire rack.
8. Prepare cream cheese frosting: Once the brownies have cooled fully, prepare the frosting by combining 1/3 cup unsalted butter, 8 ounces cream cheese, and 1/2 cup powdered sugar in the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment. If no stand mixer is available, use a handheld mixer in a large bowl.
9. Mix frosting: Start mixing on low speed until the powdered sugar is mostly incorporated, then increase to medium-high speed and whip the frosting until it is smooth and well-combined. Add a pinch of fine sea salt and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, mix briefly to incorporate. Optionally, add a small amount of red food coloring if desired, and mix again.
10. Frost the brownies: Spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over the cooled brownies using a spatula or knife.
11. Serve and enjoy: Cut the frosted brownies into squares and serve. Enjoy these rich, chewy red velvet brownies with a luscious cream cheese topping!

Notes

• For the best texture, ensure all your room temperature ingredients are truly at room temperature.
• The white vinegar is optional but helps to enhance the tanginess and balance of flavors in the red velvet.
• Use gel food coloring if possible, as it provides a more vibrant color without altering batter consistency.
• Do not overbake — check brownies at the 25-minute mark to avoid dry edges.
• Allow the brownies to cool completely before frosting to prevent the cream cheese frosting from melting.
• Store leftover brownies in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

Keywords: Red Velvet Brownies, Cream Cheese Frosting, Chewy Brownies, Dessert, Chocolate, Valentine’s Day Dessert