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Deliciously Decadent Red Velvet Brownies

Rich, moist red velvet brownies topped with luscious cream cheese frosting—an easy and elegant twist on a classic treat perfect for any occasion.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 15 minutes
Servings: 16 servings
Course: Dessert, Snack
Cuisine: American
Calories: 280
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Red Velvet Brownies
  • 1/2 cup butter melted, regular or dairy-free
  • 1/2 cup light brown sugar
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1 tbsp red liquid food coloring
  • 1 tbsp white vinegar
  • 2 tbsp cocoa powder
  • 1/4 tsp salt
  • 3/4 cup all-purpose flour
For the Cream Cheese Frosting
  • 4 oz cream cheese softened
  • 1/4 cup butter softened
  • 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1/8 tsp salt a pinch
  • 1 3/4 cups powdered sugar
  • 1 tbsp cornstarch optional, especially for dairy-free version

Equipment

  • 8×8-inch square baking pan
  • Parchment paper
  • Medium bowl
  • Whisk or spatula
  • Mixing bowl

Method
 

  1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8-inch square baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides.
  2. Step 2: Melt the butter and pour it into a medium bowl. Whisk in light brown sugar and granulated sugar until it forms a thick paste that pulls cleanly from the sides.
  3. Step 3: Add eggs, white vinegar, vanilla extract, and red food coloring to the bowl. Whisk until fully combined and smooth with a bright red hue.
  4. Step 4: Sift together cocoa powder, salt, and all-purpose flour. Gradually add to the wet ingredients and gently fold until just combined; avoid overmixing.
  5. Step 5: Pour batter into the prepared pan and spread evenly with a spatula.
  6. Step 6: Bake for 30 to 40 minutes. Check at 30 minutes with a toothpick; it should come out with a few moist crumbs but no wet batter. The top will be slightly crinkly and shiny.
  7. Step 7: Remove brownies from oven and cool completely in the pan, about 1 hour, to prevent frosting from melting.
  8. Step 8: In a mixing bowl, beat together cream cheese, softened butter, vanilla extract, and salt until smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar, adjusting sweetness and thickness. Stir in cornstarch if using for dairy-free frosting.
  9. Step 9: Refrigerate frosting until firm enough to spread. Gently spread over cooled brownies. Optionally, sprinkle red velvet crumbs or mini chocolate chips on top.
  10. Step 10: Cut into squares using parchment paper overhang for easy lifting. Serve and enjoy.

Notes

Use dairy-free butter and cream cheese with cornstarch for a vegan version. Substitute beet juice or powder for natural red coloring. Add white chocolate chips or nuts for extra texture. Store frosted brownies in an airtight container in the fridge for 4-5 days or freeze unfrosted for up to 3 months.