These Red Velvet Brownies combine the rich, fudgy texture of traditional brownies with the classic tangy flavor and vibrant color of red velvet cake, topped with a smooth cream cheese frosting for the perfect dessert indulgence.
Author:Maria
Prep Time:15 minutes
Cook Time:25 minutes
Total Time:40 minutes
Yield:16 servings
Category:Dessert
Method:Baking
Cuisine:American
Diet:Vegetarian
Ingredients
Brownie Batter
85 g Unsalted Butter (melted)
200 g Granulated Sugar (Caster Sugar)
55 g Light Brown Sugar
3 Large Eggs (room temperature)
1 Large Egg Yolk (room temperature)
1 tsp Vanilla Extract
80 ml Vegetable Oil
25 g Cocoa Powder (Dutch-processed)
90 g All-purpose Flour (Plain Flour)
1 tbsp Vinegar
1 tbsp Cornstarch
¼ tsp Salt
½ tsp Red Food Coloring
130 g White Chocolate Chips (optional)
Cream Cheese Frosting
115 g Cream Cheese (full-fat, room temperature)
85 g Unsalted Butter (room temperature)
240-360 g Powdered Sugar (Icing Sugar) - adjust for desired thickness
1 tsp Vanilla Extract
Instructions
Prepare Pan and Oven: Line an 8-inch square cake pan with parchment paper and preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C) or 160°C fan assisted.
Mix Sugars and Butter: In a large mixing bowl, combine the granulated sugar and light brown sugar, then whisk in the melted butter until well blended.
Add Eggs and Vanilla: Mix in the 3 eggs, 1 egg yolk, and vanilla extract carefully to avoid overmixing, which could make the brownies cakey.
Add Oil and Vinegar: Whisk in the vegetable oil and vinegar until the batter is smooth and glossy.
Incorporate Red Food Coloring: Take a few tablespoons of the batter into a separate bowl, add the red gel food coloring, mix well until no lumps remain, then combine this mixture back into the main batter evenly.
Sift and Fold Dry Ingredients: Sift together cocoa powder, flour, cornstarch, and salt. Gently fold these dry ingredients into the wet batter in two batches with a rubber spatula or wooden spoon to avoid overmixing and maintain the fudgy texture.
Add White Chocolate Chips (Optional): Fold in white chocolate chips if using, or skip this step for a more traditional flavor.
Bake Brownies: Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake for about 20-25 minutes until the edges are set and lightly pulling away, but the center appears soft with moist crumbs on a tester. The brownies will firm up as they cool.
Cool Completely: Remove the pan from the oven and allow the brownies to cool fully before frosting.
Make Cream Cheese Frosting: Beat the softened butter and cream cheese together until smooth and combined.
Add Vanilla and Sugar: Mix in vanilla extract, then gradually add powdered sugar 1 cup at a time until the frosting thickens enough to spread, beating for several minutes until light and fluffy.
Frost and Slice: Spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over the cooled brownies. Slice into 16 servings and serve.
Notes
Do not overmix the batter to avoid cakey brownies; a fudgy texture is preferred.
The baking time can vary based on your oven and pan. Check early to avoid overbaking.
Adjust powdered sugar quantity as needed to reach desired frosting thickness.
Room temperature eggs and cream cheese help achieve smooth batter and frosting.
Red gel food coloring provides vibrant color without thinning the batter.
White chocolate chips are optional and can be omitted for classic red velvet flavor.