Red Velvet Brownies with Cream Cheese Frosting are a delectable dessert. They combine rich chocolate flavor with creamy, tangy frosting.
Red Velvet Brownies with Cream Cheese Frosting offer a delightful twist on traditional brownies. These brownies have a rich, velvety texture and a hint of cocoa. The vibrant red color makes them visually appealing, perfect for special occasions or holidays.
The cream cheese frosting adds a tangy sweetness that perfectly complements the chocolatey base. Easy to make and incredibly satisfying, this dessert is sure to impress friends and family. Whether you’re an experienced baker or a novice, you’ll find this recipe straightforward and rewarding. Enjoy these mouthwatering brownies with a cup of coffee or a glass of milk.
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Ingredients
Red velvet brownies need flour, sugar, cocoa powder, and buttermilk. Butter and eggs make them rich and moist. Red food coloring gives that classic look. Vanilla extract adds a nice flavor. The cream cheese frosting needs cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract.
Chocolate chips make the brownies extra special. Nuts add a nice crunch. White chocolate drizzle can be a fancy touch. Sprinkles make them fun and festive. Coconut flakes add a tropical twist.
Preparation
Gather all ingredients for Red Velvet Brownies and preheat the oven. Mix the batter, bake, and cool completely. Prepare the cream cheese frosting, spread over cooled brownies, and enjoy a delectable treat.
Preparing The Batter
Gather all the ingredients first. Melt the butter and let it cool. In a large bowl, mix sugar and eggs until fluffy. Add the cooled butter and vanilla extract. Mix well.
In another bowl, combine flour, cocoa powder, and a pinch of salt. Slowly add this to the wet mixture. Stir gently. Add red food coloring to get that vibrant color. Mix until the color is even.
Mixing The Red Velvet
Pour the batter into a greased baking dish. Spread it evenly. Bake in the oven at 350°F for 25-30 minutes. Let it cool completely before frosting.
For the cream cheese frosting, beat cream cheese and butter until smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar and vanilla extract. Spread the frosting over the cooled brownies. Enjoy your delicious red velvet brownies!
Baking
Set your oven to 350°F. This is the best temperature for baking. Make sure your oven is preheated. A hot oven ensures even baking. If the temperature is too high, brownies might burn. Too low and they may not bake properly. Use an oven thermometer for accuracy.
Bake the brownies for 25-30 minutes. Check for doneness at 25 minutes. Insert a toothpick in the center. If it comes out clean, they are done. If not, bake for another 5 minutes. Do not overbake or the brownies will be dry. Always keep an eye on the baking time.
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Cream Cheese Frosting
Use 8 ounces of cream cheese at room temperature. Add 1/4 cup of unsalted butter, also at room temperature. Mix in 2 cups of powdered sugar and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract.
Beat the cream cheese and butter together until smooth. Slowly add the powdered sugar, one cup at a time. Mix well after each addition. Finally, stir in the vanilla extract. Keep mixing until the frosting is fluffy.
Assembly
Let the brownies cool in the pan for 10 minutes. Use a spatula to gently lift the brownies out. Place them on a wire rack to cool completely. This will take about 30 minutes. Make sure the brownies are completely cool before adding the frosting.
Spread the cream cheese frosting over the cooled brownies evenly. Use a knife or spatula to smooth it out. Make sure to cover every corner. For an extra touch, sprinkle some red velvet crumbs on top. Slice the brownies into squares and enjoy!
Serving Suggestions
Slice the brownies into neat squares. Use a sharp knife for clean edges. Arrange them on a white platter. The red color will pop beautifully. Dust with powdered sugar for a snowy effect. Add fresh berries on the side. Strawberries and raspberries work best.
Serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. The cold ice cream complements the warm brownies. A glass of cold milk is also a great choice. Hot cocoa or coffee pairs well too. Fresh fruit slices can add a refreshing touch. Try apples or oranges.
Troubleshooting
Overmixing the batter can make brownies dense. Measure ingredients correctly to avoid this. Baking too long can make them dry. Check with a toothpick; it should come out with moist crumbs.
Using cold ingredients can affect texture. Use room temperature eggs and butter. Skipping the vinegar can alter color and taste. Make sure to include it.
Reduce baking time if brownies are too dry. Add a bit of oil to improve moisture. Chill the batter for 10 minutes before baking for a fudgier texture.
Use a serrated knife for clean cuts. Store brownies in an airtight container to keep them fresh. Frost only when brownies are completely cool to avoid melting.
Variations
Discover delightful variations of red velvet brownies with cream cheese frosting. Experiment with swirls of raspberry or a sprinkle of crushed pecans for added texture and flavor.
Gluten-free Option
Use gluten-free flour instead of regular flour. The texture will be the same. Add xanthan gum to help the brownies hold together. Most gluten-free flours do not have xanthan gum. Check the packaging to be sure. Also, ensure all other ingredients are gluten-free. Some baking powders and extracts may have gluten. Always read the labels carefully.
Vegan Substitutes
Replace eggs with flaxseed or chia seeds. Mix one tablespoon of seeds with three tablespoons of water. Let it sit for a few minutes. This mixture acts like an egg. Use vegan butter instead of regular butter. Choose dairy-free cream cheese for the frosting. Ensure all other ingredients are vegan. This includes sugar and food coloring. Some sugars are processed with bone char. Some red food colorings come from insects. Always check the labels.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What Makes Red Velvet Brownies Unique?
Red velvet brownies have a rich, chocolatey flavor with a hint of tanginess from the buttermilk and vinegar.
How To Achieve The Perfect Red Color?
Use high-quality red food coloring and mix it well into the batter for a vibrant hue.
Can I Use Natural Food Coloring?
Yes, beet juice or pomegranate powder can be used for a natural red color in your brownies.
What’s The Key To Creamy Frosting?
Ensure the cream cheese and butter are at room temperature for a smooth and creamy frosting.
How To Store Red Velvet Brownies?
Store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week to keep them fresh.
Conclusion
These red velvet brownies with cream cheese frosting are a must-try. They combine rich flavors with a creamy topping. Perfect for any occasion, they’re easy to make and sure to impress. Don’t miss out on this delicious treat. Give them a try and delight your taste buds today!
