If you’ve been craving a dessert that’s irresistibly decadent, vibrant, and just a little bit cheeky, then this Easy Red Velvet Brownies with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe is about to steal your heart. These brownies bring the deep, velvety texture and unique cocoa-mild tang of red velvet cake into a fudgy, chewy, chocolatey brownie, topped with a luscious, smooth cream cheese frosting that’s the perfect balance of sweet and tangy. It’s one of those recipes you’ll want to keep on hand for a quick treat, a special occasion, or whenever you feel like brightening your day with a pop of color and flavor that tastes like pure bliss.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting these Easy Red Velvet Brownies with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe just right starts with the perfect lineup of ingredients. Each component plays a starring role, from the rich butter that adds moisture to the tangy vinegar that enhances the red velvet flavor and the cocoa powder that gives just the right hint of chocolate depth.
- 4 oz unsalted butter: I love using Kerrygold for its rich, creamy flavor that elevates the brownies.
- 1 1/4 cup sugar: Sweetens the batter to perfectly balanced deliciousness.
- 1/4 cup brown sugar: Adds a subtle molasses note and keeps the texture wonderfully moist.
- 3 eggs (room temperature): Essential for a tender crumb and that fudgy chew everyone loves.
- 1 egg yolk: Boosts richness and helps with that silky texture.
- 1 tsp vanilla extract: A little warmth and depth that harmonizes with the cocoa and cream cheese.
- 1/3 cup vegetable oil: Keeps the brownies moist and tender without weighing them down.
- 1/3 cup cocoa powder: Hershey’s Special Dark is my go-to for a more intense chocolate flavor and beautiful color.
- 3/4 cup flour: Just enough to give structure without making the brownies cakey.
- 1 tbsp vinegar: This classic red velvet trick brightens flavors and reacts with the baking to give that true red velvet feel.
- 1 tbsp cornstarch: Adds a soft bite and helps with the fudginess.
- 1/4 tsp salt: Balances the sweetness perfectly.
- 1/2 tsp red food coloring: Brings in the signature vibrant red that makes these brownies so eye-catching.
- 3/4 cup white chocolate chips (optional): For a wonderful sweet crunch and contrast.
- 4 oz cream cheese: Philadelphia full-fat is ideal for a rich, smooth frosting.
- 3 oz unsalted butter (softened): Helps create that beautifully creamy frosting texture.
- 4 cups powdered sugar (sifted): Ensures your frosting is silky smooth—no lumps allowed!
- 1 1/2 tsp vanilla extract: Adds a hint of aromatic warmth to the frosting.
How to Make Easy Red Velvet Brownies with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lining an 8×8 inch pan with parchment paper or greasing it well. Room temperature eggs and softened butter and cream cheese will make your batter and frosting blend perfectly, so give yourself a little prep time here.
Step 2: Mix the Wet Ingredients
In a large bowl, melt the unsalted butter gently, then stir in both sugars until combined. Whisk in the eggs and egg yolk one at a time, ensuring they’re fully incorporated before adding the next. Add the vanilla and vegetable oil, mixing until smooth and glossy—it’s this luscious texture that will give your brownies such amazing mouthfeel.
Step 3: Combine the Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, sift together the cocoa powder, flour, cornstarch, salt, and red food coloring (add this carefully to avoid staining your hands!). The cornstarch is a clever touch here—it helps keep the brownies delightfully chewy rather than cakey.
Step 4: Bring It All Together
Gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture. Then stir in the vinegar, which will brighten those classic red velvet flavors. If you’re choosing to add white chocolate chips, fold them in last for that fun surprise of texture in every bite.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Pour your batter into the prepared pan, smoothing the top evenly. Bake for about 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with a few moist crumbs. Don’t overbake—you want them fudgy!
Step 6: Make the Cream Cheese Frosting
While the brownies cool completely, beat together the softened cream cheese and butter until smooth and creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar and vanilla, continuing to whip until the frosting is fluffy and luscious enough to spread without sinking into the brownies.
Step 7: Frost and Chill
Once your brownies have cooled fully, spread the cream cheese frosting generously over the top. For best results, chill the brownies for an hour so the frosting sets beautifully before cutting into squares and serving.
How to Serve Easy Red Velvet Brownies with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe
Garnishes
Want to make your brownies look as fabulous as they taste? Sprinkle with a few white chocolate curls, red velvet cake crumbs, or even a dusting of cocoa powder to enhance the presentation. Fresh raspberries or strawberries make a gorgeous, tart contrast and add a lovely pop of flavor.
Side Dishes
Pair these brownies with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream to elevate your dessert experience. A hot cup of coffee or a creamy latte also complements the rich, tangy chocolate notes perfectly for an indulgent afternoon treat.
Creative Ways to Present
For parties, cut the brownies into bite-sized squares and serve on a decorative platter with skewers for easy snacking. You could also sandwich two brownie squares together with a layer of extra cream cheese frosting in between for little brownie sliders. Gift them in pretty boxes or tins for a thoughtful homemade treat.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
These brownies store wonderfully! Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. The cream cheese frosting will stay fresh and the brownies maintain that perfect fudgy texture after a day or two.
Freezing
If you want to stash some away for later, freeze the unfrosted brownies wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and foil for up to three months. Thaw completely before frosting and serving to enjoy that just-baked flavor and texture.
Reheating
To reheat, simply let a brownie come to room temperature or warm slightly in a microwave for about 10 seconds if you prefer it a bit melty. Avoid heating too long or you’ll soften that dreamy frosting too much.
FAQs
Can I use natural cocoa powder instead of Hershey’s Special Dark?
You can absolutely use natural cocoa powder, but the flavor and color might be slightly less intense. The Special Dark really helps achieve that signature deep red velvet taste and hue.
Is it okay to substitute the vegetable oil with another oil?
Vegetable oil has a neutral flavor which is ideal here, but you could use canola or light olive oil. Avoid strong-flavored oils as they might overpower the delicate chocolate and cream cheese notes.
How do I know when the brownies are done baking?
Insert a toothpick into the center; it should come out with a few moist crumbs. Over-baking will dry out the brownies, so watch closely after 25 minutes.
Can I make the cream cheese frosting ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the frosting a day in advance. Store it covered in the refrigerator and let it soften at room temperature before spreading on the brownies.
What’s the best way to cut these brownies neatly?
Chill the frosted brownies for at least an hour before cutting. Use a sharp knife wiped clean between each cut to get nice, clean edges.
Final Thoughts
This Easy Red Velvet Brownies with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe is such a joy to make and eat—it’s perfect for when you want something a little special but still totally doable for any home baker. The combination of fudgy brownies and creamy tangy frosting is seriously addictive. I promise once you try it, you’ll be reaching for this recipe again and again. So go on, bake a batch, and share the love with the people you care about – happiness is just a brownie bite away!
Print
Delicious Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Easy Red Velvet Brownies with Cream Cheese Frosting combine the rich, tender texture of classic brownies with the signature flavors of red velvet cake. Featuring a subtle cocoa undertone, vibrant red color, and a luscious cream cheese frosting, this recipe is perfect for dessert lovers looking for a visually stunning and delicious treat. The addition of white chocolate chips adds a delightful crunch that enhances the overall experience.
Ingredients
Brownie Batter
- 4 oz unsalted butter (preferably Kerrygold for richer flavor)
- 1 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 3 large eggs, room temperature (about 70°F)
- 1 large egg yolk
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/3 cup vegetable oil
- 1/3 cup cocoa powder (Hershey’s Special Dark recommended)
- 3/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tbsp vinegar (white or apple cider)
- 1 tbsp cornstarch
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp red food coloring
- 3/4 cup white chocolate chips (optional)
Cream Cheese Frosting
- 4 oz cream cheese (Philadelphia full-fat recommended)
- 3 oz unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
- 4 cups powdered sugar, sifted
- 1 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease or line a square baking pan (8×8 inches recommended) with parchment paper for easy removal.
- Melt Butter and Mix Sugars: In a microwave-safe bowl or on the stovetop, melt the unsalted butter. Stir in the granulated sugar and brown sugar until combined and slightly dissolved.
- Add Eggs and Flavorings: Beat in the three eggs and one egg yolk one at a time, ensuring each is fully incorporated before adding the next. Mix in the vanilla extract and vegetable oil until smooth.
- Sift Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, sift together the cocoa powder, flour, cornstarch, and salt. Gradually add this to the wet ingredients, folding gently to combine without overmixing.
- Add Vinegar and Food Coloring: Stir in the vinegar and red food coloring until the batter has a consistent vibrant red hue.
- Fold in White Chocolate Chips: If using, gently fold in the white chocolate chips to distribute evenly throughout the batter.
- Bake the Brownies: Pour the batter into the prepared pan, smoothing the top with a spatula. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with a few moist crumbs but no raw batter.
- Cool the Brownies: Remove from the oven and allow the brownies to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack before frosting.
- Prepare the Cream Cheese Frosting: In a mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and unsalted butter together until light and fluffy. Gradually add the sifted powdered sugar and continue to beat until smooth and creamy. Mix in the vanilla extract for flavor.
- Frost the Brownies: Once the brownies are fully cooled, spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over the top. For best results, refrigerate for 30 minutes to set the frosting before slicing.
- Serve and Enjoy: Cut into 4 large squares or smaller pieces if preferred. Serve chilled or at room temperature and enjoy your delicious red velvet brownies with cream cheese frosting.
Notes
- Ensure eggs are at room temperature to allow smooth blending into the batter.
- Sifting the powdered sugar for the frosting prevents lumps and results in a silky texture.
- Use full-fat cream cheese for the best frosting texture and flavor balance.
- If you prefer a more intense red color, a few extra drops of food coloring can be added cautiously.
- Store leftover brownies in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
- For a festive touch, sprinkle additional white chocolate chips or red velvet crumbs on the frosting before chilling.
