Get ready to fall in love with baking all over again with this irresistible Red Velvet Brownies with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe! Imagine the luscious taste of classic red velvet cake, but transformed into decadent, fudgy brownies—topped with a thick layer of tangy, creamy frosting. Each bite delivers that signature chocolatey-red velvet flavor paired with a dreamy swirl of cream cheese on top. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion, to impress friends, or just treating yourself on a cozy night in, this recipe brings together everything there is to adore about dessert: color, flavor, and pure indulgence.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Pulling off the perfect Red Velvet Brownies with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe is all about balancing easy-to-find ingredients in just the right way. Every component plays its part: from the rich cocoa to the creamy dairy and festive splash of red—each addition guarantees your brownies turn out fabulously both in taste and appearance.
- Unsalted butter (1/2 cup, melted): Gives these brownies their luxe, fudgy texture and rich mouthfeel—use high-quality for the best flavor.
- Granulated sugar (1 cup): Brings just the right amount of balanced sweetness to highlight both the cocoa and cream cheese flavors.
- Large eggs (2): Add structure and richness, helping to create the signature chewy brownie crumb.
- Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon for brownies, 1 teaspoon for frosting): Enhances the cocoa’s warmth and softens the tang of the cream cheese.
- Red food coloring (1 tablespoon): A must for that classic vibrant hue—gel coloring gives the boldest shade without thinning the batter.
- White vinegar (1 teaspoon): Balances the sweetness and deepens the red velvet flavor—don’t skip it!
- All-purpose flour (3/4 cup): Keeps the brownies tender yet sturdy enough to hold plenty of frosting on top.
- Unsweetened cocoa powder (1/4 cup): Just enough for a subtle cocoa flavor without overpowering the red velvet experience.
- Baking powder (1/4 teaspoon): Gives these brownies just a touch of lift while keeping them dense and fudgy.
- Salt (1/4 teaspoon): Makes all the sweet and tangy flavors pop.
- Cream cheese, softened (225g/8 oz): The hero of the frosting—room temperature cream cheese ensures the silkiest texture.
- Unsalted butter, softened (1/4 cup): Whips up with the cream cheese for a frosting that’s creamy and effortlessly spreadable.
- Powdered sugar (2 cups): Sweetens and thickens the frosting so it sits perfectly atop the brownies.
How to Make Red Velvet Brownies with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Pan and Oven
Set yourself up for success by preheating the oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepping an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment or a good layer of nonstick spray. This makes removing your finished brownies a breeze and keeps the edges perfectly tender.
Step 2: Mix the Wet Ingredients
Whisk together the melted unsalted butter and granulated sugar until smooth—this is your secret to brownies with glossy tops. Then add the eggs, vanilla extract, that all-important red food coloring, and white vinegar. Blend until everything’s beautifully combined and gleaming with gorgeous color.
Step 3: Sift and Fold the Dry Ingredients
In another bowl, sift the all-purpose flour, unsweetened cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt. This step ensures no lumps and the cocoa disperses evenly. Gently fold the dry mixture into your wet ingredients. Mix just until you no longer see dry streaks for the most tender brownies.
Step 4: Bake to Fudgy Perfection
Spread your red velvet batter evenly into the pan—an offset spatula works wonders here. Slide the tray into the oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes. You’re aiming for moist crumbs on a toothpick test, not a totally clean pick; this locks in that irresistible fudgy quality.
Step 5: Whip Up the Cream Cheese Frosting
Once the brownies are completely cool, beat softened cream cheese with butter until it’s impossibly smooth. Gradually add the powdered sugar, then mix in the vanilla extract. Keep beating until light, fluffy, and irresistibly creamy—your perfect topping for this Red Velvet Brownies with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe.
Step 6: Frost, Cut, and Serve
Generously spread the cream cheese frosting over the cooled brownies, taking the time to swirl it into thick, tempting waves. Carefully cut into squares—16 is the magic number for just-right portions. Now comes the best part: enjoy!
How to Serve Red Velvet Brownies with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe
Garnishes
Amp up the wow factor by sprinkling red velvet cake crumbs, chocolate shavings, or even a dusting of edible glitter atop your brownies. These sweet extras create a stunning contrast against the cream cheese frosting and give your Red Velvet Brownies with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe a true bakery-style finish.
Side Dishes
Pair these brownies with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream or a handful of fresh berries for a bright, fruity contrast. A hot mug of coffee or a glass of cold milk also brings out the rich, cocoa notes for an indulgent dessert experience you’ll want to savor.
Creative Ways to Present
For parties, try cutting the brownies into bite-sized cubes and serving them on skewers, or stack them on a tiered dessert platter with a drizzle of chocolate sauce. For Valentine’s Day, use a heart-shaped cutter for a festive twist on your Red Velvet Brownies with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
To keep your brownies ultra-fresh, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The cream cheese frosting stays luscious and safe to eat, and the brownie base remains moist and rich for up to 5 days.
Freezing
You can absolutely freeze these brownies—just be sure to wrap individual portions tightly in plastic wrap and then place them in an airtight container. Thaw them overnight in the refrigerator for a ready-to-enjoy treat anytime the craving strikes.
Reheating
If you love your brownies just slightly warm, pop a square in the microwave for 5–10 seconds. This softens the brownie just enough without melting the frosting too much, making each bite taste like it’s fresh from the oven.
FAQs
Can I make this Red Velvet Brownies with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe ahead of time?
Definitely! You can bake the brownies, let them cool, and store them unfrosted for a day or two. Just frost right before serving to keep the topping super fresh and creamy.
What type Dessert
Unsweetened natural cocoa powder delivers the classic red velvet flavor, but Dutch-processed will work in a pinch if that’s all you have. Just expect a slightly different color and flavor profile.
My brownies seem underbaked—how can I tell when they’re done?
Look for edges that have set and a toothpick that comes out with a few moist crumbs (not wet batter). Overbaking dries them out, so err on the side of fudgy rather than cakey for this Red Velvet Brownies with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe.
Can I use reduced-fat cream cheese for the frosting?
Yes, you can, but full-fat cream cheese gives the richest, silkiest texture and flavor. If using reduced-fat, be careful not to overbeat the frosting as it can become too loose.
Is it possible to double the Red Velvet Brownies with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe?
Absolutely! Just double the ingredients and bake in a 9×13-inch pan. Keep a close eye on the baking time, as thicker brownies may need a few extra minutes in the oven.
Final Thoughts
If you’re craving that perfect mix of velvety chocolate and tangy cream cheese, the Red Velvet Brownies with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe is a must-try. It’s the kind of bake that turns ordinary days into something special, and I promise your friends and family will be asking for seconds (and the recipe). Dive in—you might just find yourself a new favorite.
Print
Red Velvet Brownies with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe
- Total Time: 40 minutes (plus cooling)
- Yield: 16 brownies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the rich, fudgy goodness of these Red Velvet Brownies topped with a luscious Cream Cheese Frosting. Perfect for special occasions or a sweet treat any day.
Ingredients
For the brownies:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon red food coloring
- 1 teaspoon white vinegar
- 3/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
For the cream cheese frosting:
- 225g (8 oz) cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
- Mix wet ingredients: In a bowl, whisk melted butter and sugar. Add eggs, vanilla, food coloring, and vinegar; mix well.
- Combine dry ingredients: In another bowl, sift flour, cocoa, baking powder, and salt. Fold into wet mixture.
- Bake: Spread batter in pan and bake for 20-25 minutes. Cool before frosting.
- Make frosting: Beat cream cheese and butter, add sugar and vanilla. Spread over brownies.
- Serve: Cut into squares and enjoy!
Notes
- For added flair, top with red velvet crumbs or chocolate shavings.
- Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 5 days.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 brownie
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 26g
- Sodium: 160mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 55mg
