Red Velvet Brownies with Cream Cheese Frosting Bliss

Name: Red Velvet Brownies with Cream Cheese Frosting Bliss
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup all-purpose flour; 1/2 cup cocoa powder; 1 cup granulated sugar; 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted; 2 large eggs; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1 tablespoon red food coloring; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/2 cup cream cheese, softened; 1/4 cup powdered sugar; 1 tablespoon milk

October 13, 2025

By:

Julia marin

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Oh my goodness, let me tell you about the joy of baking these red velvet brownies with cream cheese frosting! There’s something so satisfying about the rich, velvety texture of the brownies combined with that creamy, tangy frosting. It’s like a little bite of happiness! The vibrant red color makes them perfect for any celebration, but honestly, they’re also fabulous just for a cozy night in. Trust me, once you take that first bite, you’ll be hooked! The combination of chocolatey goodness and that luscious frosting is simply irresistible. This recipe is a must-try for anyone who loves desserts that are both decadent and delightful!

Ingredients for Red Velvet Brownies with Cream Cheese Frosting

Here’s what you’ll need to whip up these scrumptious red velvet brownies! Make sure to gather everything before you start so the process flows smoothly. Trust me, having all your ingredients ready makes baking so much more fun!

1 cup all-purpose flour: This is the base of your brownies, giving them structure and chewiness.
1/2 cup cocoa powder: This adds that rich chocolatey flavor we all crave! Go for a good quality cocoa for the best results.
1 cup granulated sugar: Sweetness is key! This will balance the cocoa and enhance the overall flavor.
1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted: Butter makes everything better! It adds moisture and richness to the brownies.
2 large eggs: The eggs help bind everything together and create that lovely fudgy texture.
1 teaspoon vanilla extract: This enhances the flavors beautifully. Don’t skip it!
1 tablespoon red food coloring: This gives those brownies that iconic red velvet color. It’s a little magic in a bottle!
1/2 teaspoon salt: Just a pinch to elevate all the flavors—trust me, it makes a difference.
1/2 cup cream cheese, softened: This is for your luscious frosting. Make sure it’s softened for easy mixing!
1/4 cup powdered sugar: For that sweet, creamy frosting. It adds a delightful touch to the cream cheese.
1 tablespoon milk: This will help to achieve that perfect frosting consistency.

With these ingredients on hand, you’re all set to create something truly special! Let’s get baking!

How to Prepare Red Velvet Brownies with Cream Cheese Frosting

Alright, let’s get into the nitty-gritty of making these fabulous red velvet brownies! Follow these steps, and you’ll have a batch of deliciousness ready in no time. Just remember to take your time and enjoy the process!

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepping the Oven and Pan

First things first, you’ll want to preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures your brownies bake evenly. While that’s heating up, grab a 9×9 inch baking pan and grease it up with some butter or cooking spray. This will help your brownies slide right out when they’re done—nobody likes a stuck brownie!

Mixing the Dry Ingredients

In a mixing bowl, combine 1 cup of all-purpose flour, 1/2 cup of cocoa powder, and 1/2 teaspoon of salt. Whisk them together until they’re nicely blended. This step is crucial because it helps distribute the cocoa and salt evenly throughout the brownies. Set this bowl aside for now.

Combining Wet Ingredients

Now, in another bowl, mix together 1/2 cup of melted unsalted butter, 1 cup of granulated sugar, 2 large eggs, 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract, and 1 tablespoon of red food coloring. Whisk until everything’s well combined and smooth. This is where the magic starts to happen—just look at that vibrant red color!

Combining Mixtures

Slowly add the dry mixture into the wet mixture, stirring gently until just combined. Don’t overmix! You want to keep that fudgy texture. Once combined, pour the batter into your greased pan and spread it evenly. It should look glossy and rich—yum!

Baking and Cooling

Pop the pan in your preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes. To check for doneness, stick a toothpick in the center; it should come out clean or with just a few moist crumbs. When they’re done, take them out and let them cool in the pan for about 10-15 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Preparing and Spreading the Frosting

While those brownies are cooling, let’s make the frosting! In a medium bowl, beat together 1/2 cup of softened cream cheese, 1/4 cup of powdered sugar, and 1 tablespoon of milk until smooth and creamy. Once your brownies are completely cool, spread that luscious frosting all over the top. Don’t be shy—go ahead and make it thick and delicious! Cut them into squares, and you’re ready to serve this delightful treat!

Tips for Success

Here are my top tips to ensure your red velvet brownies turn out absolutely perfect every time! Trust me, these little nuggets of wisdom can make all the difference.

Don’t overmix! When combining your wet and dry ingredients, mix just until they’re combined. Overmixing can lead to tough brownies instead of that dreamy fudginess we all love.
Use room temperature ingredients. Make sure your eggs and cream cheese are at room temperature before mixing. This helps everything blend more smoothly and creates a better texture.
Check for doneness wisely. Remember that ovens can vary, so start checking your brownies at the 25-minute mark. You want that toothpick to come out with a few moist crumbs, not completely clean!
Let them cool completely. I know it’s tempting to dive right in, but letting your brownies cool completely before adding the frosting ensures it doesn’t melt and slide off. Patience pays off!
Experiment with the frosting. If you’re feeling adventurous, try adding a splash of vanilla or even a bit of lemon juice to the frosting for a delightful twist!

With these tips in your back pocket, you’ll be a red velvet brownie pro in no time. Happy baking!

Variations on Red Velvet Brownies

Now, if you’re feeling a little adventurous and want to switch things up, I’ve got some fun variations for these red velvet brownies that will make them even more exciting! These ideas will keep your taste buds dancing and make every batch unique.

Add Nuts: For some extra crunch, consider folding in 1/2 cup of chopped walnuts or pecans into the batter. It adds a delightful texture that pairs beautifully with the fudgy brownies.
Different Frosting: While cream cheese frosting is a classic, you can try chocolate ganache or a simple vanilla buttercream for a different flavor twist. Just melt some chocolate with cream for a rich ganache that will take your brownies to the next level!
Red Velvet Swirl: For a fun presentation, reserve some of the brownie batter and swirl it with a cream cheese mixture before baking. Just mix 4 oz of cream cheese with a bit of sugar and swirl it into the batter in the pan for a beautiful marbled effect.
Mint Chocolate: If you love mint, add 1/2 teaspoon of peppermint extract to the batter for a refreshing flavor. Top it with a mint frosting for a festive touch!
Spice it Up: For a bit of warmth, incorporate 1/2 teaspoon of cinnamon or nutmeg into the dry ingredients. It’s a cozy twist that adds depth to the flavor!

Feel free to mix and match these variations to create your perfect brownie creation. The beauty of baking is that you can always tailor it to your taste! Enjoy experimenting!

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Alright, let’s talk about how to keep those delicious red velvet brownies fresh and ready to enjoy! After you’ve baked and frosted your brownies, let them cool completely. This is super important; we don’t want any melting frosting disasters!

Once cooled, store the brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want to keep them longer, you can pop them in the fridge, where they’ll last about a week. Just make sure to separate layers with parchment paper to avoid any sticking.

If you find yourself with leftovers (which, let’s be honest, is a rare occurrence), you can also freeze them! Wrap each brownie tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe container. They’ll keep well for up to 2 months. Just remember to label them, so you don’t forget about them in the back of the freezer!

When you’re ready to enjoy a brownie from the freezer, simply take it out and let it thaw in the fridge overnight. If you prefer them warm, you can pop them in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds to bring back that fudgy goodness. Just be careful not to overdo it—nobody likes a rubbery brownie!

With these storage tips, you’ll be able to enjoy your red velvet brownies anytime you crave that sweet, creamy indulgence. Happy snacking!

Estimated Nutritional Information

Now, I know you’re probably curious about what’s in these delightful red velvet brownies, so let’s break down the estimated nutritional information! Keep in mind that these values are approximate and can vary based on specific ingredients and brands you use. But here’s a general idea for one brownie:

Calories: 180
Fat: 8g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Unsaturated Fat: 2g
Trans Fat: 0g
Cholesterol: 30mg
Sodium: 150mg
Carbohydrates: 24g
Fiber: 1g
Sugar: 15g
Protein: 2g

This nutritional breakdown gives you an idea of what to expect with each indulgent bite. Don’t worry too much about the numbers—just enjoy every delicious moment of these brownies! Happy baking and snacking!

FAQ About Red Velvet Brownies with Cream Cheese Frosting

Got questions? Don’t worry, I’ve got you covered! Here are some common queries I often hear about these red velvet brownies with cream cheese frosting, along with my answers to help you out.

Can I use a different type of frosting?

Absolutely! While cream cheese frosting is a classic pairing, you can totally switch it up. Try a vanilla buttercream or even chocolate ganache for a different flavor experience. Just remember to adjust the sweetness according to your taste!

What if I don’t have red food coloring?

If you’re out of red food coloring, you can use beet juice for a natural alternative! It won’t be as vibrant, but it’ll still give you that lovely reddish hue. Just be mindful that the flavor might slightly change, so keep that in mind!

Can I make these brownies gluten-free?

You sure can! Just substitute the all-purpose flour with a good quality gluten-free flour blend. Make sure it contains xanthan gum or another binding agent to help maintain that fudgy texture we love!

How do I know when my brownies are done baking?

The best way to check is by inserting a toothpick into the center. If it comes out with a few moist crumbs, they’re perfect! Remember, they’ll continue to cook a bit as they cool, so don’t wait for a completely clean toothpick.

Can I add mix-ins to the batter?

Of course! Feel free to fold in some chocolate chips, nuts, or even sprinkles for a fun twist. Just be careful not to add too much, as it might affect the texture of your brownies. Enjoy experimenting!

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About me

Hi, my name is Julia, I am the heart of Vihaad Recipes and a passionate lover of good food. My love for cooking began in childhood, inspired by my grandmother's delicious meals. Today, I share tasty recipes that bring people together through the shared enjoyment of food.