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Red Velvet Brownies with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe

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4 from 3 reviews

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.

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

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. Add Oil and Vinegar: Whisk in the vegetable oil and vinegar until the batter is smooth and glossy.
  5. 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.
  6. 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.
  7. Add White Chocolate Chips (Optional): Fold in white chocolate chips if using, or skip this step for a more traditional flavor.
  8. 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.
  9. Cool Completely: Remove the pan from the oven and allow the brownies to cool fully before frosting.
  10. Make Cream Cheese Frosting: Beat the softened butter and cream cheese together until smooth and combined.
  11. 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.
  12. 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.