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Deliciously Decadent Red Velvet Brownies

Rich, fudgy red velvet brownies topped with a silky cream cheese frosting—perfect for cozy gatherings, celebrations, or gifting.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes
Servings: 16 servings
Course: Dessert, Snack
Cuisine: American
Calories: 280
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Brownies
  • 3/4 cup butter melted, regular or dairy-free
  • 3/4 cup light brown sugar
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 eggs room temperature
  • 1 tbsp vanilla extract
  • 1/2 tsp liquid red food coloring
  • 1 1/2 tsp white vinegar
  • 1/4 cup cocoa powder natural unsweetened
  • 1/4 tsp salt
  • 1 cup + 3 tbsp all-purpose flour
For the Cream Cheese Frosting
  • 4 oz cream cheese room temperature
  • 1/4 cup butter softened
  • 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
  • pinch salt for frosting
  • 1 1/2 - 2 cups powdered sugar adjust to desired consistency
  • 2 tbsp cornstarch optional, for dairy-free frosting thickening

Equipment

  • 8x8-inch square baking pan
  • Medium mixing bowl
  • Whisk
  • Spatula
  • Mixer or stand mixer

Method
 

  1. Step 1: Preheat 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 into a medium mixing bowl. Add light brown sugar and granulated sugar. Whisk until smooth and the mixture pulls cleanly from the bowl sides.
  3. Step 3: Add eggs, white vinegar, vanilla extract, and red food coloring. Mix gently but thoroughly until combined into a red batter.
  4. Step 4: Sift together cocoa powder, salt, and all-purpose flour. Add to wet mixture and whisk gently until just combined. Avoid overmixing.
  5. Step 5: Pour batter into prepared pan and smooth the top with a spatula.
  6. Step 6: Bake for 30–40 minutes. Check at 30 minutes with a toothpick; it should come out with moist crumbs but no wet batter. Look for a slightly crinkly top.
  7. Step 7: Let brownies cool completely in the pan before frosting.
  8. Step 8: Prepare frosting by beating cream cheese, softened butter, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt until smooth and creamy.
  9. Step 9: Gradually add powdered sugar and beat until desired consistency is reached. Stir in cornstarch if using dairy-free cream cheese for thickening.
  10. Step 10: Refrigerate frosting until firm enough to spread easily.
  11. Step 11: Spread frosting evenly over cooled brownies. Refrigerate frosted brownies or store frosting separately and frost just before serving.

Notes

Use dairy-free butter and cream cheese to make this recipe vegan-friendly. Add chocolate chips or nuts for extra texture. Swirl extra cream cheese frosting on top before baking for a marbled effect. Store unfrosted brownies at room temperature up to 3 days, frosted in the fridge up to 5 days, or freeze unfrosted for up to 3 months.