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Red Velvet Brownies with Cream Cheese Frosting

Red Velvet Brownies with Cream Cheese Frosting
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Rich, moist Red Velvet Brownies with a fudgy texture, topped with a tangy and creamy cream cheese frosting. This recipe balances subtle cocoa and classic red velvet flavors for a visually stunning and delicious dessert perfect for any occasion.

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 vegetable oil
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1/2 cup buttermilk
  • 2 tablespoons red food coloring
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Cream Cheese Frosting

  • 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
  • 1/4 cup (4 tablespoons) butter, softened
  • 2 cups powdered sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Optional Add-ins and Variations

  • 1/2 cup chopped pecans or walnuts (for nutty twist)
  • 1/2 cup mini chocolate chips or chocolate chunks
  • Pinch of cinnamon or cayenne pepper (for spicy kick)
  • Use flax eggs, dairy-free cream cheese, and plant-based butter for vegan version
  • Substitute all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour blend for gluten-free option

Instructions

  1. Prepare Your Pan and Ingredients: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease or line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper for easy removal. Measure and gather all ingredients for efficient preparation.
  2. Mix the Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt until well combined and clump-free.
  3. Combine Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the vegetable oil, granulated sugar, eggs, buttermilk, red food coloring, and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and homogenous with a vibrant red color.
  4. Incorporate Dry Ingredients: Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture gently until just combined, avoiding overmixing to maintain a tender, moist texture.
  5. Bake the Brownies: Pour the batter evenly into the prepared pan. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out mostly clean with a few moist crumbs. Remove and let cool completely in the pan.
  6. Prepare the Cream Cheese Frosting: While the brownies cool, beat the softened cream cheese and butter together until smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar and vanilla extract, continuing to beat until the frosting is fluffy and spreadable.
  7. Frost the Brownies: Once cooled, generously spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over the brownies. Chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to allow the frosting to set before slicing and serving.

Notes

  • Use room temperature ingredients like softened butter, cream cheese, and eggs for smooth blending.
  • Do not overmix the batter to prevent tough brownies; mix just until combined.
  • Start checking doneness at 25 minutes to avoid drying out; slightly underbaked brownies are fudgier.
  • Chill frosted brownies to make slicing clean and easy.
  • Use high-quality unsweetened cocoa powder for richer flavor without bitterness.
  • Leftover brownies can be stored at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 3 days, or refrigerated if warm.
  • Freeze unfrosted brownies wrapped tightly; thaw completely before frosting.
  • Reheat brownies gently in the microwave about 10 seconds to soften, avoiding overheating to preserve frosting texture.

Nutrition

Keywords: red velvet brownies, cream cheese frosting, fudgy brownies, chocolate dessert, gluten-free brownies, holiday dessert, homemade brownies

Find it online: https://emillycooks.com/red-velvet-brownies-with-cream-cheese-frosting/