Red Velvet Brownies with Cream Cheese Frosting

These red velvet brownies are rich, chewy, and topped with a smooth cream cheese frosting. Made with cocoa powder, vibrant red coloring, and simple pantry ingredients, this easy dessert is perfect for Valentine’s Day, holidays, bake sales, or birthdays. Get bakery-style results at home with a soft texture and bold red velvet flavor.

Fudgy, rich, and topped with smooth cream cheese frosting, these red velvet brownies combine the classic flavor of red velvet cake with the dense, chewy texture of brownies. Perfect for holidays, birthdays, or anytime you need a vibrant and crowd-pleasing dessert.

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Ingredients

Red Velvet Brownies

• ¾ stick (85g) unsalted butter
• 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
• ¼ cup (55g) light brown sugar
• 3 large eggs
• 1 egg yolk
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• ⅓ cup (72g) vegetable oil
• ¼ cup (25g) unsweetened cocoa powder
• ½ tsp red gel food coloring
• ¾ cup (90g) all-purpose flour
• 1 tbsp cornstarch
• ¼ tsp salt
• 1 tbsp vinegar
• ¾ cup white chocolate chips (optional)

Cream Cheese Frosting

• 4 oz (114g) cream cheese, softened
• ¾ stick (85g) unsalted butter, softened
• 4 cups (480g) powdered sugar
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

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Instructions

Make the Brownies

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F / 180°C (160°C fan) and line a 9-inch square pan with parchment paper.
2. Melt the butter in a microwave-safe bowl in 30-second intervals until fully melted.
3. In a large mixing bowl, combine the melted butter with the granulated and brown sugars. Whisk until well blended.
4. Add the eggs, egg yolk, and vanilla extract. Stir gently until combined—avoid overmixing to keep the brownies fudgy.
5. Mix in the vegetable oil and cocoa powder until the batter is smooth.
6. In a small separate bowl, mix a few tablespoons of the batter with the red food coloring until fully incorporated, then stir this mixture back into the main batter.
7. Switch to a spatula and fold in the flour, cornstarch, and salt until no dry streaks remain.
8. Add the vinegar and stir until fully incorporated.
9. If using, fold in white chocolate chips.
10. Pour the batter into the prepared pan, spreading evenly. Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted comes out with moist crumbs.
11. Allow brownies to cool completely in the pan before frosting.

Make the Cream Cheese Frosting

1. In a mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and butter until smooth.
2. Gradually add the powdered sugar, starting on low speed. Once combined, beat on high until fluffy.
3. Mix in the vanilla extract until fully incorporated.
4. Spread frosting over cooled brownies, then slice and serve.

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Tips

• Use gel food coloring for vibrant red color without thinning the batter.
• Don’t overbake—the center should be slightly soft for a fudgy texture.
• Make sure both butter and cream cheese are fully softened before making the frosting for a smooth consistency.
• Let brownies cool completely before adding frosting to prevent melting.

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Variations and Substitutions

• White chocolate chips can be swapped for dark or semi-sweet chips, or omitted entirely.
• Replace vinegar with lemon juice if needed—it helps activate the cocoa and gives red velvet its subtle tang.
• Add chopped nuts for crunch, or swirl in a bit of cream cheese before baking for a marbled effect.

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FAQs

Can I double this recipe?
Yes. Double the ingredients and bake in a 9×13-inch pan. Adjust the bake time to 30–35 minutes.

Can I use natural food coloring?
Yes, but results may vary. Beet powder or natural red coloring can be used, though the final shade might not be as vibrant.

How should I store these brownies?
Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. Let come to room temperature before serving.

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Serving Suggestions

• Serve chilled or at room temperature for the best texture.
• Add festive sprinkles or crushed freeze-dried raspberries on top for color and crunch.
• Pair with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a rich dessert.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Fudgy brownie texture meets the flavor of classic red velvet
• Simple, pantry-friendly ingredients
• Eye-catching red color perfect for Valentine’s Day or special occasions
• Crowd-pleasing cream cheese frosting adds a tangy, creamy finish