Red velvet brownies are more than just a sweet treatโtheyโre a symbol of celebration, love, and warmth. In this post, Iโll walk you through how to make the best red velvet brownies with cream cheese frosting that stay soft, chewy, and full of flavor. Youโll get my step-by-step process, ingredient tips, storage tips, and answers to the most common questions people ask about this recipe. These aren’t just any browniesโtheyโre made with family, tradition, and heart.
Ingredients Youโll Need for Red Velvet Brownies
Pantry and Fridge Staples Come Together
What I love most about red velvet brownies is how they use simple ingredients you likely already have at home. With a few tweaks, you get something truly bakery-worthy. Hereโs what youโll need for both the brownie base and the cream cheese frosting:
For the Red Velvet Brownies:
- ยพ stick (85 g) unsalted butter
- 1 cup (200 g) granulated sugar
- ยผ cup (55 g) light brown sugar
- 3 large eggs
- 1 large egg yolk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- โ cup (80 ml) vegetable oil
- ยผ cup (25 g) cocoa powder
- ยพ cup (90 g) all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon vinegar
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- ยผ teaspoon salt
- ยฝ teaspoon red food coloring (gel preferred)
- ยพ cup (130 g) white chocolate chips (optional)
For the Cream Cheese Frosting:
- 4 oz (115 g) cream cheese, room temperature
- ยพ stick (85 g) unsalted butter, room temperature
- 4 cups (480 g) powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Equipment Needed:
- 8-inch square cake pan
- Parchment paper
- Mixing bowls
- Whisk
- Rubber spatula
Tips to Nail the Texture and Flavor
Use gel food coloringโnot liquidโif you want that iconic bold red hue without throwing off the batter’s consistency. And don’t skip the vinegar! It reacts with the cocoa to deepen the red color and enhance the chocolate notes.
The cornstarch is another secret weaponโit keeps these red velvet brownies soft and chewy, which is perfect if you’re aiming for a slightly fudgy texture.
You can also make these brownies gluten-free by swapping in a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend and dairy-free by using vegan butter and cream cheese.
How to Make Red Velvet Brownies from Scratch
Step-by-Step for Fudgy, Vibrant Brownies
If youโre used to box mixes, donโt worryโthese homemade red velvet brownies are just as easy, but so much more flavorful. Youโll be using one bowl, no fancy mixer, and just a few key steps to get rich, chocolatey, red-tinged brownies with a smooth cream cheese frosting.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1:
Preheat your oven to 350ยฐF (180ยฐC or 160ยฐC fan). Line an 8-inch square cake pan with parchment paper, leaving a bit of overhang on the sides so you can lift the brownies out easily after baking.
Step 2:
Melt ยพ stick (85 g) of unsalted butter in the microwave in 30-second intervals until fully melted. Let it cool slightly.
Step 3:
In a large mixing bowl, combine 1 cup (200 g) granulated sugar, ยผ cup (55 g) light brown sugar, and the melted butter. Whisk until smooth and shiny.
Step 4:
Add 3 large eggs, 1 egg yolk, and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. Whisk gentlyโjust until the mixture is blended. Avoid overmixing; this keeps your brownies fudgy instead of cakey.
Step 5:
Pour in โ
cup (80 ml) vegetable oil and ยผ cup (25 g) cocoa powder. Whisk again until fully incorporated.
Step 6:
Take 2 tablespoons of this brownie batter and transfer it to a small bowl. Stir in ยฝ teaspoon red gel food coloring until smooth, then add it back into the main bowl and stir until evenly colored.
Step 7:
Switch to a rubber spatula. Gently fold in ยพ cup (90 g) all-purpose flour, 1 tablespoon cornstarch, and ยผ teaspoon salt. Mix just until no streaks remain.
Step 8:
Add 1 tablespoon vinegar and mix until just combined. If using, fold in ยพ cup (130 g) white chocolate chips for an extra creamy bite.
Step 9:
Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top. Bake for 20โ25 minutes. A toothpick inserted should come out with a few moist crumbsโnot wet batter.
Step 10:
Let the brownies cool completely in the pan before frosting. This step is crucial or the frosting will melt and slide off.
Make the Cream Cheese Frosting
Step 1:
Beat together 4 oz (115 g) cream cheese and ยพ stick (85 g) butter until smooth and fluffy.
Step 2:
Gradually add 4 cups (480 g) powdered sugar, mixing slowly at first to avoid clouds of sugar. Once incorporated, beat on high for 2โ3 minutes until fluffy.
Step 3:
Mix in 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract and beat for another 15 seconds. Your frosting should be creamy and spreadable.
Step 4:
Spread the frosting over your cooled red velvet brownies in a thick, even layer. Slice into squares and serve
How to Serve, Customize, and Store Red Velvet Brownies
Serving Suggestions That Make It Special
These red velvet brownies shine just as they areโwith thick cream cheese frosting and a rich red colorโbut you can elevate them for different occasions.
For a holiday tray, dust them with white chocolate shavings or red sprinkles. Cut them into hearts for Valentineโs Day, or serve them chilled for summer potlucks. When weโre hosting Sunday dinners (like we do every other weekend with Grandma), Iโll sometimes serve these warm, unfrosted, with a scoop of vanilla ice cream and a drizzle of warm ganache.
If you like balancing sweetness with texture, try topping your frosted brownies with chopped toasted pecans.
Flavor Variations to Try
While these brownies stick to a classic red velvet profile, here are some easy ways to make them your own:
- Add espresso powder: A half teaspoon of espresso powder deepens the cocoa flavor.
- Stuff them: Press a few cheesecake bites or dollops of Nutella into the batter before baking.
- Gluten-free: Use a cup-for-cup gluten-free flour blend and double-check your cocoa powder brand.
- Dairy-free: Substitute plant-based butter and dairy-free cream cheese for a fully vegan frosting option.
How to Store and Freeze
To store, place cooled and frosted brownies in an airtight container. Theyโll stay fresh at room temperature for up to 2 days or in the fridge for up to 5 days.
Want to freeze them? Freeze unfrosted brownies in a zip-top freezer bag for up to 2 months. Let them thaw at room temperature and frost fresh before serving.
If already frosted, freeze in single layers separated by parchment, and thaw overnight in the fridge. The texture holds up surprisingly wellโperfect for make-ahead dessert trays.
Frequently Asked Questions :
1. What makes red velvet brownies different from regular brownies?
Red velvet brownies include cocoa powder for a mild chocolate flavor, but theyโre distinct because of the vinegar and red food coloring. These ingredients give the brownies their signature tang and vibrant red hue, creating a lighter, more cake-like texture than classic chocolate brownies.
2. Can I make red velvet brownies without food coloring?
Yes, you can leave out the red food coloring. The flavor will stay the same, but the color will be more like a traditional light chocolate brownie. For a natural option, try using beet powder, though it may alter the flavor slightly.
3. How do I know when red velvet brownies are done baking?
Insert a toothpick into the centerโif it comes out with moist crumbs (not raw batter), theyโre done. Overbaking will dry them out, so aim for 20โ25 minutes. The center should look set but still soft.
4. Should red velvet brownies be refrigerated?
If your brownies are frosted with cream cheese icing, yesโstore them in the fridge in an airtight container. Theyโll stay fresh for up to 5 days. Unfrosted brownies can be kept at room temperature for 2 days
Red Velvet Brownies with Cream Cheese Frosting
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 16 brownies 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Fudgy, vibrant red velvet brownies with a hint of cocoa and tangy cream cheese frosting. A quick, one-bowl treat made with pantry staples and perfect for any celebration.
Ingredients
ยพ stick (85 g) Unsalted Butter
1 cup (200 g) Granulated Sugar
ยผ cup (55 g) Light Brown Sugar
3 Large Eggs
1 Large Egg Yolk
1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract
โ cup (80 ml) Vegetable Oil
ยผ cup (25 g) Cocoa Powder
ยพ cup (90 g) All-purpose Flour
1 tablespoon Vinegar
1 tablespoon Cornstarch
ยผ teaspoon Salt
ยฝ teaspoon Red Food Coloring
ยพ cup (130 g) White Chocolate Chips (optional)
Cream Cheese Frosting:
4 oz (115 g) Cream Cheese
ยพ stick (85 g) Unsalted Butter
4 cups (480 g) Powdered Sugar
1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract
Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 350ยฐF. Line an 8-inch square pan with parchment.
2. Melt butter and combine with sugars in a bowl.
3. Add eggs, yolk, and vanilla. Whisk gently.
4. Mix in oil and cocoa powder until smooth.
5. Add food coloring to a bit of batter, then combine.
6. Fold in flour, cornstarch, and salt with a spatula.
7. Add vinegar and optional white chocolate chips.
8. Pour batter into pan and bake 20โ25 mins.
9. Cool completely before frosting.
10.
11. Make frosting by beating cream cheese and butter until smooth.
12. Add powdered sugar gradually, then beat until fluffy.
13. Mix in vanilla, spread on brownies, and slice to serve.
Notes
Avoid overmixing to keep texture fudgy.
Use gel food coloring for intense color.
Refrigerate if frosted with cream cheese.
Freeze unfrosted brownies up to 2 months.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 brownie
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 28g
- Sodium: 95mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 34g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 65mg