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Red Velvet Brownies with Cream Cheese Frosting

Red Velvet Brownies with Cream Cheese Frosting
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Red Velvet Brownies with Cream Cheese Frosting combine the rich, fudgy texture of classic brownies with the vibrant color and subtle cocoa flavor of red velvet cake, topped with a luscious, tangy cream cheese frosting. Perfect for special occasions or cozy nights in, these brownies offer an irresistible balance of chocolate and tangy sweetness with simple ingredients and an accessible baking process.

Ingredients

Scale

Brownie Ingredients

  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 2 tablespoons cocoa powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1/4 cup buttermilk
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 tablespoon red food coloring (gel recommended)

Cream Cheese Frosting Ingredients

  • 8 ounces cream cheese, softened (full-fat recommended)
  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 2 cups powdered sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • Optional: 1 teaspoon lemon juice or additional vanilla extract for extra zing

Instructions

  1. Prepare Your Pan and Ingredients: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×9 inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal. Measure out all the ingredients to ensure smooth preparation.
  2. Mix the Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt to ensure even distribution and balanced flavor throughout the brownies.
  3. Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, beat the softened unsalted butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy, incorporating air for a tender texture.
  4. Add Eggs and Flavorings: Beat in eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract and red food coloring until the mixture turns a vibrant red color.
  5. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Alternately add the dry ingredient mixture and buttermilk to the butter mixture, starting and ending with dry ingredients. Mix gently until just combined to avoid overmixing and tough brownies.
  6. Bake the Brownies: Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top with a spatula. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted near the center comes out with a few moist crumbs.
  7. Make the Cream Cheese Frosting: While brownies cool completely, beat the softened cream cheese and butter together until smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar and vanilla extract, then beat until the frosting is fluffy and creamy. Add lemon juice or extra vanilla if desired.
  8. Frost and Serve: Spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over cooled brownies. Chill briefly in the fridge if you want the frosting to firm up before slicing. Cut into squares and enjoy!

Notes

  • Use full-fat cream cheese for a smooth, thick frosting that doesn’t turn runny or grainy.
  • Do not overbake the brownies; a toothpick should come out with moist crumbs to keep them fudgy.
  • Using room temperature ingredients helps achieve better mixing and improved texture.
  • Gel food coloring provides a more vivid red without thinning the batter.
  • Chill brownies after frosting to enable neat, clean slices.

Nutrition

Keywords: red velvet brownies, cream cheese frosting, red velvet dessert, fudgy brownies, chocolate brownies, easy dessert

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