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Decadent Red Velvet Brownies Recipe with Easy Cream Cheese Frosting

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These decadent red velvet brownies feature a fudgy texture with a subtle red velvet tang, topped with a smooth and tangy cream cheese frosting. Perfect for celebrations or a cozy treat, they are quick and easy to make with simple pantry ingredients.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 1 cup (120g) all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
  • ½ cup (115g) unsalted butter, melted
  • 2 large eggs, room temperature
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 2 tablespoons gel red food coloring
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon baking powder
  • 8 ounces (225g) cream cheese, softened
  • 4 tablespoons (57g) unsalted butter, softened
  • 2 cups (240g) powdered sugar, sifted
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (for frosting)
  • Pinch of salt (for frosting)

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×9-inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper.
  2. In a medium bowl, sift together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
  3. In a large bowl, whisk together the melted butter and granulated sugar until smooth.
  4. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
  5. Stir in the vanilla extract and gel red food coloring until the batter is glossy and uniform in color.
  6. Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients using a rubber spatula until just combined. Do not overmix.
  7. Pour the batter evenly into the prepared pan and smooth the top.
  8. Bake for 25-30 minutes, checking at 25 minutes with a toothpick. It should come out with a few moist crumbs but no wet batter.
  9. Allow the brownies to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack for at least 45 minutes.
  10. To make the frosting, beat the softened cream cheese and softened butter together until fluffy (about 3 minutes).
  11. Gradually add the sifted powdered sugar on low speed to avoid a sugar cloud.
  12. Add vanilla extract and a pinch of salt, then beat on medium-high until smooth and spreadable.
  13. Spread the frosting evenly over the cooled brownies using an offset spatula or butter knife.
  14. Chill the frosted brownies for 15 minutes if a firmer frosting texture is desired before slicing into 16 squares.
  15. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

Notes

Use gel-based red food coloring for vibrant color without thinning the batter. Ensure eggs and cream cheese are at room temperature for smooth mixing. Do not frost warm brownies to prevent frosting from melting. If frosting is too soft, chill briefly in the fridge. For gluten-free, substitute almond flour for all-purpose flour. For dairy-free, use dairy-free cream cheese and butter alternatives.

Nutrition

Keywords: red velvet brownies, cream cheese frosting, easy brownies, chocolate dessert, fudgy brownies, quick dessert, holiday dessert

Find it online: https://nadinetable.com/decadent-red-velvet-brownies-recipe-with-easy-cream-cheese-frosting/