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There’s nothing quite like the rich, velvety texture and vibrant color of red velvet brownies to brighten your day and satisfy your sweet cravings. These brownies blend the decadent chocolate flavor with a hint of tangy cream cheese frosting, making them the perfect treat for any occasion, whether you’re celebrating a special moment or simply indulging in some self-love.
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Quick & Easy Red Velvet Brownies for Any Occasion
- Total Time: PT40M
- Yield: 9 servings
Description
Deliciously moist and rich red velvet brownies with optional white chocolate chips and a creamy cream cheese frosting.
Ingredients
- ¾ stick Unsalted Butter (85g)
- 1 cup Granulated Sugar (200g)
- ¼ cup Light Brown Sugar (55g)
- 3 Large Eggs
- 1 large Egg Yolk
- 1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract
- ⅓ cup Vegetable Oil (72g / 80 ml)
- ¼ cup Cocoa Powder (25g)
- ¾ cup All-purpose Flour (90g)
- 1 tablespoon Vinegar
- 1 tablespoon Cornstarch
- ¼ teaspoon Salt
- ½ teaspoon Red Food Coloring
- ¾ cup White Chocolate Chips (optional)
- 4 oz Cream Cheese (114g)
- ¾ stick Unsalted Butter (85g)
- 4 cups Powdered Sugar (480g)
- 1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract
Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 350°F / 180°C and line a 9-inch square pan with parchment paper.
2. Melt butter and mix with sugars until combined.
3. Add eggs, egg yolk, and vanilla. Mix gently.
4. Add vegetable oil and cocoa powder. Mix gently.
5. Mix a portion of batter with red food coloring and add back to the main batter.
6. Fold in flour, cornstarch, and salt.
7. Add vinegar and mix well.
8. Optional: Fold in white chocolate chips.
9. Bake for 20-25 minutes. Cool completely.
10. Beat cream cheese and butter until smooth.
11. Add powdered sugar and beat until fluffy.
12. Add vanilla and mix.
13. Frost brownies and slice.
Notes
Avoid overmixing the batter for a fudgy texture.
Use gel food coloring for vibrant color without adding too much liquid.
Vinegar enhances the traditional red velvet tang and helps brownies rise.
Let brownies cool completely before frosting.
Store in an airtight container to keep moist.
- Prep Time: PT15M
- Cook Time: PT25M
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients for Red Velvet Brownies
To craft the perfect red velvet brownies, you will need the following ingredients:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Unsalted Butter | ¾ stick (85g) |
| Granulated Sugar | 1 cup (200g) |
| Light Brown Sugar | ¼ cup (55g) |
| Large Eggs | 3 |
| Large Egg Yolk | 1 |
| Vanilla Extract | 1 teaspoon |
| Vegetable Oil | ⅓ cup (72g / 80ml) |
| Cocoa Powder | ¼ cup (25g) |
| All-purpose Flour | ¾ cup (90g) |
| Vinegar | 1 tablespoon |
| Cornstarch | 1 tablespoon |
| Salt | ¼ teaspoon |
| Red Food Coloring | ½ teaspoon |
| White Chocolate Chips* | ¾ cup (optional) |
*Optional for added sweetness.
Ingredients for Cream Cheese Frosting
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Cream Cheese | 4 oz (114g) |
| Unsalted Butter | ¾ stick (85g) |
| Powdered Sugar | 4 cups (480g) |
| Vanilla Extract | 1 teaspoon |
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
Making the Brownies
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C), line a 9-inch square pan with parchment paper.
- Melt the butter in 30-second intervals in the microwave until fully melted.
- Whisk together melted butter, granulated sugar, and light brown sugar in a bowl.
- Add eggs, egg yolk, and vanilla extract; mix gently without overmixing.
- Stir in vegetable oil and cocoa powder until combined.
- Mix a few tablespoons of batter with red food coloring until smooth; add back to the batter.
- Switch to a spatula and fold in flour, cornstarch, and salt until no lumps remain.
- Add vinegar and mix well.
- Optionally, fold in white chocolate chips.
- Pour batter into the pan and bake for 20–25 minutes until a skewer comes out with moist crumbs.
- Cool completely before frosting.
Making the Cream Cheese Frosting
- Beat softened cream cheese and butter until smooth.
- Gradually add powdered sugar, mixing on high until fluffy.
- Blend in vanilla extract.
- Spread the frosting evenly over cooled brownies before slicing.
Helpful Tips for Perfect Red Velvet Brownies
- Avoid overmixing the batter for a fudgy texture.
- Use gel food coloring for vibrant color without adding too much liquid.
- Vinegar enhances the traditional red velvet tang and reacts with baking soda to help rise.
- Let brownies cool completely before frosting to avoid melting.
- Store brownies in an airtight container to keep them moist for days.
Conclusion
These red velvet brownies combine the best of both worlds: the dense richness of brownies with the classic tang of red velvet. Their luscious cream cheese frosting elevates every bite into a heavenly treat. Bake a batch to enjoy with family, friends, or simply as a delightful reward for yourself.