Hi, I’m Clarice, a wife and home cook living with my mom, and my Grandma. Every sweet treat in our home carries a memory. Because of that, brownies were never just dessert. Instead, they were something we shared at the table, usually with coffee, stories, and laughter. Over time, I began adapting classic desserts with Mexican-inspired warmth. So today, I’m sharing these red velvet brownies, inspired by tradition, comfort, and a cozy kitchen where simple ingredients always bring us together.
Why You’ll Love This Red Velvet Brownies Recipe
First, these red velvet brownies bake up soft and fudgy every time.
Second, they feel familiar yet special, thanks to subtle Mexican-inspired flavors.
Most importantly, they work beautifully for gatherings, holidays, or quiet afternoons.
Because the cream cheese frosting adds balance, every bite tastes rich but not heavy.
And finally, these red velvet brownies stay moist, slice cleanly, and store well.
Ingredients for Red Velvet Brownies
Red Velvet Brownies:
3/4 cup butter, melted
3/4 cup light brown sugar
1 cup granulated sugar
2 large eggs
1 tablespoon vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon liquid red food coloring
1 1/2 teaspoons white vinegar
1/4 cup cocoa powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 cup plus 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
Cream Cheese Frosting:
4 oz plain cream cheese, room temperature
1/4 cup butter, softened
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Pinch of salt
1 1/2 to 2 cups powdered sugar
Key Mexican Ingredients Explained
Although red velvet brownies are classic, I add Mexican-inspired warmth.
For example, Mexican vanilla brings deeper aroma than standard vanilla.
Additionally, cocoa powder echoes traditional Mexican chocolate flavors.
Sometimes, I add a tiny pinch of cinnamon for warmth, especially in winter.
Because these touches feel subtle, they never overpower the brownies.
Ingredient Substitutions and Tips
If needed, you can use dairy-free butter and cream cheese.
Also, you may swap white vinegar with apple cider vinegar.
If liquid food coloring feels too mild, gel coloring works well.
Always measure flour carefully, because too much makes brownies dense.
How to Make Red Velvet Brownies
Step 1
Preheat your oven to 350°F. Line an 8×8 pan with parchment paper.
Step 2
Melt the butter. Then whisk in both sugars until thick and paste-like.
Step 3
Add eggs, vanilla, vinegar, and red food coloring. Mix until smooth.
Step 4
Whisk in cocoa powder, salt, and flour just until combined.
Step 5
Spread batter evenly into the prepared pan.
Step 6
Bake for 30–40 minutes. Check at 30 minutes for moist crumbs.
Step 7
Cool completely before frosting.
Step-by-Step Cooking Tips
Always whisk sugars thoroughly for a shiny brownie top.
Also, stop mixing as soon as flour disappears.
Let brownies cool fully, because warm brownies melt frosting.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Do not overbake, because brownies dry quickly.
Avoid packing flour into the measuring cup.
Never frost while brownies are warm.
Tips for Success
Use room temperature eggs for smoother batter.
Line the pan well so brownies lift out easily.
Chill frosted brownies briefly for cleaner slices.
Variations
Mexican Chocolate Red Velvet Brownies: Add cinnamon and a pinch of cayenne.
Dulce de Leche Swirl: Swirl dulce de leche into batter before baking.
Mocha Style: Add instant coffee to enhance cocoa flavor.
Serving and Suggestions
Serve these red velvet brownies with café de olla or hot chocolate.
They pair beautifully with fresh berries or sliced strawberries.
For parties, cut into small squares for easy sharing.
FAQs
Can I make red velvet brownies ahead of time?
Yes, because they store well refrigerated for up to four days.
Do red velvet brownies need frosting?
Not necessarily, but frosting adds classic richness.
Can I freeze red velvet brownies?
Yes, freeze unfrosted brownies tightly wrapped.
Why use vinegar in red velvet brownies?
Because vinegar enhances color and balances sweetness.
Final Thoughts
These red velvet brownies remind me why I cook. Because food connects us. Because simple desserts still feel special. And because sharing something homemade always brings comfort. I hope these brownies bring warmth to your kitchen, just like they do to mine.
Print
Red Velvet Brownies with Cream Cheese Frosting
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 16 brownies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mexican-Inspired
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Rich red velvet brownies with creamy frosting and Mexican-inspired warmth.
Ingredients
3/4 cup (158 g) butter, melted
3/4 cup (150 g) light brown sugar
1 cup (200 g) granulated sugar
2 eggs
1 tbsp vanilla extract
1/2 tsp liquid red food coloring
1 1/2 tsp white vinegar
1/4 cup (22 g) cocoa powder
1/4 tsp salt
1 cup + 3 tbsp (148 g) all-purpose flour
4 oz cream cheese, room temp
1/4 cup (53 g) butter, softened
1/2 tsp vanilla extract
pinch of salt
1 1/2–2 cups (180 g) powdered sugar
Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 350°F. Line an 8×8 pan with parchment paper.
2. Whisk melted butter with both sugars until thick and paste-like.
3. Mix in eggs, vanilla, vinegar, and red food coloring.
4. Whisk in cocoa powder, salt, and flour until just combined.
5. Spread batter in pan. Bake 30–40 minutes, checking at 30 for moist crumbs.
6. Cool completely.
7. Beat cream cheese, butter, vanilla, and salt until smooth. Add powdered sugar to taste.
8. Frost cooled brownies. Chill briefly for clean slices.
Notes
Use Mexican vanilla for deeper flavor.
Do not overbake; pull when a toothpick shows moist crumbs.
Cool fully before frosting.
Store frosted brownies in the fridge up to 4 days.