Print

Red Velvet Brownies with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe

4.9 from 72 reviews

These decadent Red Velvet Brownies combine the rich flavor of classic red velvet with the fudgy texture of brownies. Topped with a smooth and creamy cream cheese frosting, they offer a delightful treat that’s perfect for any dessert occasion. The recipe uses simple ingredients and baking techniques to deliver moist, flavorful brownies with a beautiful red hue and optional bursts of white chocolate chips for extra sweetness.

Ingredients

Scale

Red Velvet Brownies

  • ¾ stick Unsalted Butter (about 6 tablespoons)
  • 1 cup Granulated Sugar
  • ¼ cup Light Brown Sugar
  • 3 Large Eggs
  • 1 Large Egg Yolk
  • 1 tsp Vanilla Extract
  • ⅓ cup Vegetable Oil
  • ¼ cup Cocoa Powder
  • ¾ cup All-purpose Flour
  • 1 tbsp Vinegar
  • 1 tbsp Cornstarch
  • ¼ tsp Salt
  • ½ tsp Red Food Coloring (gel recommended)
  • ¾ cup White Chocolate Chips (optional)

Cream Cheese Frosting

  • 4 oz Cream Cheese, softened
  • ¾ stick Unsalted Butter (about 6 tablespoons), room temperature
  • 4 cups Powdered Sugar
  • 1 tsp Vanilla Extract

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Pan and Oven: Line an 8-inch square cake pan with parchment paper. Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C), or 160°C if using a fan-assisted oven.
  2. Melt Butter: Melt the ¾ stick of unsalted butter in the microwave in 30-second increments until fully melted.
  3. Combine Sugars and Butter: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the granulated sugar, light brown sugar, and melted butter until smooth and combined.
  4. Add Eggs and Vanilla: Whisk in the 3 large eggs, 1 egg yolk, and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract carefully. Avoid overmixing to keep the batter dense and fudgy rather than cakey.
  5. Incorporate Oil and Cocoa Powder: Gently mix in the vegetable oil and cocoa powder with a whisk, ensuring the batter is evenly combined without introducing air.
  6. Mix in Red Food Coloring: Transfer a couple of tablespoons of batter to a small bowl, mix in the red gel food coloring thoroughly, then add this colored mixture back into the main batter bowl and fold together until uniform.
  7. Add Dry Ingredients: Switch to a rubber spatula or wooden spoon and fold in the all-purpose flour, cornstarch, and salt until no lumps remain.
  8. Add Vinegar: Stir in the tablespoon of vinegar until fully incorporated to enhance the characteristic tang and red velvet color.
  9. Add Optional White Chocolate Chips: If desired, gently fold in the white chocolate chips evenly throughout the batter.
  10. Pour and Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan, spreading it evenly. Bake in the preheated oven for 20 to 25 minutes, or until a skewer inserted comes out with moist crumbs attached but not wet batter.
  11. Cool Before Frosting: Remove brownies from the oven and allow them to cool completely in the pan before frosting.
  12. Make Cream Cheese Frosting: Beat the softened butter and cream cheese together in a bowl until smooth and creamy.
  13. Add Powdered Sugar: Gradually add the powdered sugar, mixing slowly at first to avoid a sugar cloud. Once combined, increase speed and beat for several minutes until the frosting is light and fluffy.
  14. Flavor the Frosting: Mix in the vanilla extract and beat for a few more seconds to blend well.
  15. Frost the Brownies: Spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over the cooled red velvet brownies.
  16. Slice and Serve: Once frosted, slice the brownies into squares for serving. Enjoy the rich, moist texture and creamy topping!

Notes

  • Do not overmix the batter to avoid cakey brownies; the texture should be fudgy and dense.
  • Gel food coloring is preferred for brighter color without thinning the batter.
  • The vinegar helps enhance the red color and adds a subtle tang true to red velvet flavor.
  • White chocolate chips are optional and can be omitted if you prefer a more traditional brownie.
  • Ensure the brownies are completely cooled before frosting to prevent melting the cream cheese frosting.
  • Use room temperature cream cheese and butter for smooth frosting without lumps.

Keywords: red velvet brownies, cream cheese frosting, chocolate brownies, dessert, baking recipe, red food coloring, white chocolate chips