Oh my goodness, let me tell you about these red velvet brownies with cream cheese frosting! They’re like a little piece of heaven in a square. The rich, velvety texture combined with that luscious cream cheese frosting is just to die for! I remember the first time I made these for a friend’s birthday party. The moment I pulled them out of the oven, my kitchen filled with this incredible aroma—like a warm hug! And when I served them, everyone went wild. Trust me, the way the fudgy brownies melt in your mouth, paired with the tangy frosting, is pure bliss. You’ll want to bake these all the time, I promise!
Ingredients for Red Velvet Brownies with Cream Cheese Frosting
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon red food coloring
- 1/2 cup cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
- 1 tablespoon milk
How to Prepare Red Velvet Brownies with Cream Cheese Frosting
Preheat and Prepare
First things first—let’s get that oven ready! Preheat it to 350°F (175°C). While that’s warming up, grab a 9×9 inch baking pan and grease it nicely. You want those brownies to slide right out when they’re done, so don’t skip this step!
Mix Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, combine 1 cup of all-purpose flour, 1/4 cup of unsweetened cocoa powder, 1/2 teaspoon of baking powder, and 1/4 teaspoon of salt. Give it a good whisk to make sure everything is evenly mixed. This creates a lovely base for your brownies!
Combine Wet Ingredients
Now, in another bowl, whisk together 1/2 cup of melted unsalted butter and 1 cup of sugar until it’s nice and smooth. Next, add in 1 large egg, 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract, and 1 tablespoon of red food coloring. Mix it all together until it’s beautifully combined—this is where the magic starts to happen!
Combine Mixtures
Time to bring it all together! Gradually combine the dry mixture with the wet mixture, stirring gently until everything is smooth and well-blended. You don’t want to overmix; just a few folds will do the trick!
Bake the Brownies
Pour your luscious batter into the prepared pan, spreading it out evenly. Pop it in the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes. You’ll know they’re ready when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Ooh, just wait until you smell that deliciousness filling your kitchen!
Prepare the Cream Cheese Frosting
While those brownies are cooling, let’s whip up the cream cheese frosting! In a bowl, mix together 1/2 cup of softened cream cheese, 1/4 cup of powdered sugar, and 1 tablespoon of milk until it’s smooth and creamy. This frosting is going to be the cherry on top—literally!
Frost the Brownies
Once the brownies are fully cooled, generously spread your dreamy cream cheese frosting over the top. Don’t hold back—this frosting is all about indulgence! Cut them into squares, and get ready to enjoy every rich, velvety bite!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick prep time—ready to bake in just 15 minutes!
- Deliciously rich chocolate flavor with the perfect hint of red velvet.
- Indulgent cream cheese frosting that takes these brownies to the next level.
- Visually stunning—these brownies are perfect for special occasions!
- Fudgy texture that melts in your mouth, leaving you wanting more.
- Easy to customize—add nuts or sprinkles for a fun twist!
- Perfect for sharing or keeping all to yourself (no judgment here!).
Tips for Success
Alright, let’s chat about how to make sure your red velvet brownies with cream cheese frosting turn out absolutely perfect! First off, make sure all your ingredients are at room temperature. This little tip helps everything blend together beautifully, giving you that dreamy texture we all crave.
Now, when it comes to mixing, be gentle! Overmixing can lead to tough brownies, and nobody wants that. Just mix until you see no more flour—simple as that! Oh, and don’t forget to keep an eye on your baking time. Every oven is a bit different, so check those brownies a minute or two early to avoid overbaking. You want them fudgy, not dry!
Lastly, let them cool completely before frosting. This ensures that your cream cheese frosting stays nice and fluffy instead of melting into a gooey puddle. Trust me, taking that extra step will make all the difference in presentation and taste!
Nutritional Information
Alright, let’s talk numbers! Each delicious serving of these red velvet brownies with cream cheese frosting is approximately:
- Calories: 200
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
- Sodium: 150mg
- Carbohydrates: 26g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 18g
- Protein: 2g
Keep in mind, these values can vary based on the specific ingredients you use. For instance, if you opt for low-fat cream cheese or a different type of sugar, it might change things up a bit. But no matter how you slice it, these brownies are worth every bite!
FAQ About Red Velvet Brownies with Cream Cheese Frosting
Can I use a different type of food coloring?
Absolutely! While I love using red food coloring for that classic look, you can experiment with other colors if you’re feeling adventurous. Just keep in mind that the flavor might change slightly with different shades!
What if I don’t have cream cheese?
No worries! If you’re in a pinch, you can use mascarpone cheese or even a whipped topping as a substitute for the cream cheese frosting. It’ll give you a different flavor but still be delicious!
Can I make these brownies ahead of time?
Yes, you can! These brownies actually taste even better the next day as the flavors meld together. Just store them in an airtight container in the fridge after they’ve cooled completely, and frost them right before serving.
How do I know when my brownies are done baking?
Great question! You’ll want to check them around the 20-minute mark. Insert a toothpick in the center, and if it comes out with just a few moist crumbs (not wet batter), they’re good to go! Remember, they’ll continue to cook slightly as they cool.
Can I freeze the brownies?
Yes, you can freeze them! Just make sure they’re fully cooled and then wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or store them in an airtight container. They’ll keep well in the freezer for up to 2 months. Thaw them in the fridge overnight before enjoying!
What should I do if my frosting is too runny?
If your cream cheese frosting seems too runny, try adding a bit more powdered sugar until you get that perfect spreadable consistency. It should be thick and creamy, ready to hold its shape on those brownies!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
So, you’ve got some delicious red velvet brownies with cream cheese frosting left over? Lucky you! To keep them fresh and tasty, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll stay good for about 4-5 days, but trust me, they probably won’t last that long—everyone will be sneaking in for seconds!
If you want to keep them for a little longer, you can freeze them! Just make sure they’re completely cooled, then wrap each brownie tightly in plastic wrap or place them in a freezer-safe container. They can hang out in the freezer for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, simply thaw them overnight in the fridge. No need to reheat; they’re perfect served chilled, but if you’d like to warm them up a bit, pop them in the microwave for about 10 seconds. Just be careful not to overdo it—nobody wants a molten brownie!
Print
Red velvet brownies with cream cheese frosting blissful treat
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 16 brownies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delicious red velvet brownies topped with cream cheese frosting.
Ingredients
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon red food coloring
- 1/2 cup cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
- 1 tablespoon milk
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Grease a 9×9 inch baking pan.
- In a bowl, mix flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt.
- In another bowl, whisk melted butter and sugar together.
- Add egg, vanilla extract, and red food coloring to the butter mixture.
- Combine the dry ingredients with the wet mixture until smooth.
- Pour the batter into the prepared pan.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
- While brownies cool, mix cream cheese, powdered sugar, and milk until smooth.
- Spread the cream cheese frosting over the cooled brownies.
Notes
- Store brownies in an airtight container.
- Can be served with additional cream cheese frosting.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 brownie
- Calories: 200
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 26g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
Keywords: red velvet brownies, cream cheese frosting, dessert
