If you’re searching for a treat that blends rich chocolate flavor with the iconic tang of red velvet and a silky smooth cream cheese frosting, look no further than this Decadent Red Velvet Brownies with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe. Each bite offers fudgy, vibrant brownie layers crowned with a dreamy cream cheese topping—perfect for impressing guests or simply making an ordinary day extraordinary.
Ingredients You’ll Need
With just a handful of staple pantry ingredients and a splash of food coloring magic, you can create something absolutely spectacular. Every component in this recipe plays a starring role in building the signature flavor, moist texture, and gorgeous appearance of these brownies.
- Unsalted butter (1/2 cup, melted): Gives these brownies their richness and fudgy texture—go for real butter for the best flavor.
- Granulated sugar (1 cup): Provides sweetness and that delightfully tender crumb.
- Large eggs (2): Bind everything together and contribute to the brownies’ structure and chewiness.
- Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon for brownies, 1/2 teaspoon for frosting): Enhances flavor and brings warmth to both the brownie base and frosting.
- Red food coloring (1 tablespoon): Delivers the iconic, bold red that sets red velvet desserts apart—gel food coloring yields the most vivid hue.
- White vinegar (1 teaspoon): Activates the cocoa and helps develop that signature tang of red velvet.
- Unsweetened cocoa powder (1/3 cup): Brings in deep cocoa flavor without overpowering the red velvet essence.
- All-purpose flour (3/4 cup): Lends body and structure, ensuring a fudgy but sliceable brownie.
- Salt (1/4 teaspoon): Balances and lifts all the other flavors with a subtle savory note.
- Cream cheese (4 oz, softened): The star of the frosting—use full-fat, block-style cream cheese for best results.
- Powdered sugar (1 cup): Blends flawlessly into the frosting for a silky, sweet finish.
- Butter for frosting (2 tablespoons, softened): Adds extra richness to the cream cheese layer and helps with a fluffy consistency.
How to Make Decadent Red Velvet Brownies with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Baking Pan
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease or line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper, making sure there’s a slight overhang for easy removal. This little step ensures your brownies lift out easily, keeping all those gorgeous layers perfectly intact.
Step 2: Mix the Brownie Batter
In a large bowl, whisk together the melted butter and granulated sugar until beautifully combined and glossy. Add the eggs, vanilla extract, red food coloring, and vinegar. Whisk again until the mixture is smooth and strikingly red—this is where the fun starts! The vinegar and food coloring are what truly set this recipe apart from your typical brownie.
Step 3: Sift and Combine Dry Ingredients
Sift the cocoa powder, flour, and salt right over the wet mixture. This extra step helps prevent lumps and results in a smoother batter. Fold everything together gently until just combined. You want to avoid overmixing to keep your Decadent Red Velvet Brownies with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe extra fudgy and soft.
Step 4: Bake to Perfection
Pour the vibrant batter into your prepared pan, smoothing the top with a spatula. Bake for 25 to 28 minutes, or until a toothpick poked into the center comes out with just a few moist crumbs. Every oven is different, so start checking at the 25-minute mark. Remember, gooey is good—overbaking leads to dry brownies.
Step 5: Cool Completely
Allow the brownies to cool fully in the pan on a wire rack. Warm brownies are tempting, but patience pays off! Cooling is key for that clean cut and helps the cream cheese frosting go on smoothly without melting.
Step 6: Make the Dreamy Cream Cheese Frosting
In a clean bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese and butter until creamy and lump-free. Add the powdered sugar and vanilla, then beat until the frosting is light, fluffy, and irresistible. You’re looking for a spreadable, cloud-like consistency that will glide effortlessly across your brownies.
Step 7: Frost and Chill
Spread the cream cheese frosting generously over the fully cooled brownies. Chill in the fridge for 20 to 30 minutes before slicing—this little trick makes for ultra-clean edges (and an even more satisfying bite) for your Decadent Red Velvet Brownies with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe.
How to Serve Decadent Red Velvet Brownies with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe
Garnishes
Elevate your brownies with a flourish of white chocolate shavings, a dusting of cocoa powder, or even fresh berries on top. Each adds a burst of flavor and a touch of elegance, making these brownies unforgettably special.
Side Dishes
Pair your brownies with a tall glass of cold milk or a hot cup of coffee. For celebrations, a scoop of vanilla ice cream or fresh fruit alongside amps up the indulgence factor without overpowering the star flavors.
Creative Ways to Present
Cut brownies into perfect squares or use a heart-shaped cookie cutter for a whimsical twist. Arrange them on a tiered dessert tray for parties or wrap individual pieces in parchment for gift-giving. However you serve them, the visual impact of the Decadent Red Velvet Brownies with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe is undeniable!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place any uneaten brownies in an airtight container and store them in the refrigerator. Thanks to the cream cheese frosting, these brownies stay moist and flavorful for up to five days, making them perfect for preparing ahead and enjoying throughout the week.
Freezing
You can freeze these brownies, either frosted or unfrosted. Wrap individual squares tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll keep beautifully for up to two months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving for best results.
Reheating
While these brownies are incredible straight from the fridge, you can bring them to room temperature for a softer texture or very briefly warm in the microwave (10-15 seconds max). Just keep in mind the frosting will soften, so don’t overdo it. Enjoy the melt-in-your-mouth magic!
FAQs
What makes this Decadent Red Velvet Brownies with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe different from regular brownies?
It’s all about the unique combination of cocoa, tangy vinegar, vibrant red color, and that dreamy cream cheese frosting. The end result is a fudgy treat with the classic flavors of red velvet cake in brownie form—totally irresistible!
Can I use natural cocoa powder instead of Dutch-processed?
Absolutely! Both types work well here, but natural cocoa powder will give a bolder, slightly fruitier flavor, while Dutch-processed yields a smoother, deeper chocolate taste. Choose whichever you prefer or have on hand.
How do I get clean brownie slices?
For the neatest slices, chill your Decadent Red Velvet Brownies with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe in the fridge for 20-30 minutes after frosting. Use a sharp, clean knife and wipe it between cuts for those picture-perfect squares.
Is it necessary to use the vinegar?
The vinegar enhances the cocoa flavor and helps create the classic red velvet tang. It also reacts with the baking soda in some recipes to give lift, but in these brownies, it’s all about flavor—even a small amount makes a big difference!
Can I double the recipe for a crowd?
Yes! Simply double all the ingredients and bake in a 9×13-inch pan. Keep an eye on the bake time—larger pans may need a few extra minutes, but the results will be every bit as luscious and crowd-pleasing.
Final Thoughts
This Decadent Red Velvet Brownies with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe is a true showstopper—heartwarming to make, stunning to serve, and absolutely delicious to devour. Trust me, whether you’re baking for friends, family, or just yourself, these brownies are about to become your new go-to treat. Happy baking!
Print
Decadent Red Velvet Brownies with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 28 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 16 brownies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the rich and decadent flavors of these Red Velvet Brownies topped with a luscious Cream Cheese Frosting. Perfect for any dessert lover!
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
- 1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 3/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon white vinegar
For the cream cheese frosting:
- 4 oz cream cheese (softened)
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter (softened)
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Grease or line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
- Mix brownie batter: Whisk melted butter and sugar. Add eggs, vanilla, food coloring, and vinegar. Sift in cocoa, flour, and salt. Mix until just combined.
- Bake: Pour batter into pan, bake for 25–28 minutes. Let cool.
- Make frosting: Beat cream cheese and butter until smooth. Add powdered sugar and vanilla, beat until fluffy.
- Finish: Spread frosting over brownies. Chill before slicing.
Notes
- For extra indulgence, top with white chocolate shavings or cocoa powder.
- Ensure not to overbake for fudgy brownies.
- Store in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 brownie
- Calories: 240
- Sugar: 21g
- Sodium: 100mg
- Fat: 13g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 55mg
