Description
These Red Velvet Brownies with Frosting combine the rich, fudgy texture of classic brownies with the vibrant color and subtle cocoa flavor of red velvet, topped with a smooth, creamy cream cheese frosting. Perfect for any occasion, this dessert uses simple pantry ingredients to create an indulgent treat that’s both visually stunning and irresistibly delicious.
Ingredients
Scale
Brownie Batter
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons cocoa powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1/4 cup buttermilk
- 2 tablespoons red food coloring
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Cream Cheese Frosting
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
- 2–3 tablespoons heavy cream or milk
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a square baking pan with parchment paper or grease it well to ensure easy release of the brownies after baking.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt to evenly distribute the leavening agents and prevent lumps.
- Melt Butter and Combine Wet Ingredients: Gently melt the butter and pour it into a large bowl. Add the granulated sugar and whisk until smooth. Beat in the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the buttermilk, red food coloring, and vanilla extract until fully combined.
- Incorporate Dry Ingredients into Wet: Gradually fold the dry mixture into the wet ingredients using a spatula. Be careful not to overmix; combine just until no flour streaks remain to maintain a tender, fudgy texture.
- Bake the Brownies: Pour the batter evenly into the prepared pan. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with a few moist crumbs. Avoid overbaking to keep them fudgy.
- Prepare the Cream Cheese Frosting: While the brownies cool, beat softened cream cheese and butter together until smooth and creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar, continuing to beat until fluffy. Add heavy cream or milk a tablespoon at a time until the frosting reaches a spreadable consistency.
- Frost and Serve: Once the brownies have completely cooled, evenly spread the cream cheese frosting on top. Slice into squares and enjoy.
Notes
- Use room temperature ingredients for better mixing and smooth batter and frosting.
- Do not overmix the batter to avoid tough brownies.
- Use an oven thermometer to ensure accurate baking temperature.
- Allow brownies to cool completely before frosting to prevent melting.
- Adjust powdered sugar in the frosting to achieve your preferred sweetness.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 brownie (approximate)
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 25g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 50mg