Description of this recipe
These Red Velvet Brownies are a delightful twist on the classic brownie, offering a moist, chewy texture with the signature red velvet flavor. Enhanced with a luscious cream cheese frosting, these brownies are perfect for satisfying your sweet cravings or impressing guests at any gathering. The combination of cocoa, a hint of tanginess, and rich white chocolate chips creates an irresistible treat that is both visually stunning and incredibly delicious.
Why you will love this recipe
You will absolutely adore these Red Velvet Brownies because they offer the perfect balance of flavors and textures. The moist, chewy brownie base, infused with a subtle cocoa taste and vibrant red hue, is already a treat in itself. Adding the tangy cream cheese frosting elevates these brownies to a whole new level of indulgence. They are incredibly easy to make, require minimal ingredients, and deliver a show-stopping dessert that everyone will rave about. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or simply want a comforting homemade treat, these brownies are guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser.
Ingredients:
Red Velvet Brownies
- 1 1/4 cup all-purpose flour (156 grams)
- 3 tablespoons cocoa powder (17 grams)
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch, AKA cornflour
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 3/4 cup unsalted butter (168 grams), melted and cooled slightly
- 1 1/4 cup granulated sugar (250 grams)
- 2 large eggs, room temperature
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (5 ml)
- 1 tablespoon red food coloring (15 ml), gel or liquid, feel free to use more or less
- 1 teaspoon white vinegar (5 ml)
- 1 cup white chocolate chips (180 grams), optional
Cream Cheese Frosting
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter (56 grams), softened to room temperature
- 4 ounces full-fat cream cheese (112 grams), cut into cubes
- 1 1/2 – 2 cups powdered sugar (165 – 220 grams), sifted, if needed
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon whipping cream, if needed
Preparation:
Step 1: Preheat and Prep
Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C). This ensures that the brownies bake evenly and achieve the perfect texture. Line an 8×8 inch (20×20 cm) pan with parchment paper, allowing the paper to overhang around the edges. This makes it easy to lift the brownies out of the pan once they’re cooled. Alternatively, lightly grease the pan to prevent sticking.
Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, cocoa powder, cornstarch, and salt. Whisking ensures that the dry ingredients are evenly distributed, which is crucial for the brownie’s texture and flavor. Set this mixture aside for later use.
Step 3: Mix Wet Ingredients
In a separate large bowl, whisk together the melted butter and granulated sugar until you no longer see the butter sitting on top of the sugar. This step is essential for creating a smooth base for the brownies.
Step 4: Incorporate Eggs and Color
Whisk in the eggs, red food coloring, vanilla extract, and white vinegar until the mixture is smooth, and you no longer see pieces of egg. The red food coloring gives the brownies their signature red velvet hue, while the vanilla extract enhances the overall flavor. The white vinegar reacts with the cocoa powder to create a unique tangy flavor, which is a hallmark of red velvet treats.
Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Gently whisk the flour mixture into the wet ingredients by hand. Stop mixing when you no longer see streaks or lumps of dry ingredients. Overmixing can lead to tough brownies, so be careful not to overdo it.
Step 6: Add Chocolate Chips (Optional)
If desired, stir in the white chocolate chips. These add a delightful sweetness and texture to the brownies.
Step 7: Bake
Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake for 28-32 minutes, or until an inserted toothpick comes out clean or with a few damp crumbs. For frosted brownies, baking them closer to 30-32 minutes is recommended to prevent them from being too gooey.
Step 8: Cool
Cool the brownies in the pan until the pan is no longer warm to the touch. This allows the brownies to set properly before frosting.
Step 9: Prepare Frosting
In a medium bowl, beat the softened butter until smooth. Add the chopped cream cheese and beat until smooth. Gradually add in the powdered sugar, vanilla, and salt. Mix together starting with the mixer on a low speed to prevent the sugar from flying everywhere.
Step 10: Adjust Frosting Consistency
Beat in the rest of the powdered sugar about 1/4 cup at a time until the desired sweetness is reached. If you’d like the frosting to be a little thinner or less sweet, beat in 1 tablespoon of whipping cream (you may not need any cream).
Step 11: Frost and Slice
If you lined the pan with parchment, lift the cooled brownies out of the pan using the overhang and place them on a cutting board. Frost the cooled brownies using a flat-edged knife (either in the pan if you just greased the pan or on the cutting board). Optionally, decorate with sprinkles. Slice using a sharp knife.
COOKING Rating:
- Difficulty: Easy
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
Serving Suggestions:
Serve these Red Velvet Brownies chilled or at room temperature. They pair perfectly with a glass of cold milk, a scoop of vanilla ice cream, or a warm cup of coffee. For an extra touch, dust the brownies with powdered sugar or drizzle with melted chocolate.
Tips:
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Using room temperature eggs and softened butter helps create a smoother batter and ensures even baking.
- Don’t Overmix: Be careful not to overmix the batter, as this can result in tough brownies. Mix until just combined.
- Cool Completely: Allow the brownies to cool completely before frosting to prevent the frosting from melting.
- Parchment Paper: Lining the pan with parchment paper makes it easy to lift the brownies out and ensures they don’t stick to the pan.
- Food Coloring: Adjust the amount of red food coloring to achieve your desired shade of red velvet.
Prep Time:
15 minutes
Cook Time:
28-32 minutes
Total Time:
Approximately 1 hour (including cooling time)
Nutritional Information:
(Note: Nutritional information is an estimate and can vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes.)
- Calories: Approximately 350-400 per brownie
- Protein: Approximately 4-5 grams per brownie
- Sodium: Approximately 150-200 mg per brownie
Conclusion
These Red Velvet Brownies are a delightful treat that combines the best of both worlds: the rich, decadent flavor of brownies with the unique, tangy twist of red velvet. The creamy, smooth frosting adds the perfect finishing touch, making these brownies a surefire hit. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or simply want to indulge in a homemade dessert, this recipe is easy to follow and guarantees a delicious outcome.
Questions and Answers about this recipe:
Q1: Can I make these brownies ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can definitely make these brownies ahead of time. Once baked and cooled, you can store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the refrigerator for up to a week. If you plan to frost them, it’s best to wait until just before serving to maintain the frosting’s texture and appearance.
Q2: Can I use a different type of frosting?
A: Absolutely! While the cream cheese frosting complements the red velvet flavor perfectly, you can certainly experiment with other types of frosting. A simple vanilla buttercream, chocolate ganache, or even a sprinkle of powdered sugar would also be delicious alternatives.
Q3: What can I do if I don’t have parchment paper?
A: If you don’t have parchment paper, you can grease the baking pan thoroughly with butter or cooking spray. Make sure to coat the bottom and sides of the pan to prevent the brownies from sticking. You can also dust the greased pan with cocoa powder to further ensure easy removal.
Q4: Can I add nuts to the brownie batter?
A: Yes, you can add nuts to the brownie batter for extra flavor and texture. Chopped walnuts, pecans, or almonds would all be great additions. Simply stir them into the batter along with the white chocolate chips (if using) before pouring it into the baking pan.
Q5: How do I prevent the brownies from becoming too dry?
A: To prevent the brownies from becoming too dry, be sure not to overbake them. Check for doneness using a toothpick, and remove them from the oven when the toothpick comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs attached. Additionally, using room temperature ingredients and avoiding overmixing the batter will help ensure a moist and chewy texture.
