Description
These chewy, crinkly-topped red velvet brownies are the ultimate indulgence—rich in cocoa, perfectly tinted, and frosted with the creamiest whipped cream cheese frosting. Best part? They’re easy to make dairy-free too! Whether for a party, Valentine’s Day, or just because… they’re absolutely irresistible!
Ingredients
Red Velvet Brownies:
• ¾ cup butter, melted (regular or dairy-free)
• ¾ cup light brown sugar
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 tbsp vanilla extract
• ½ tsp red liquid food coloring
• 1½ tsp white vinegar
• ¼ cup cocoa powder
• ¼ tsp salt
• 1 cup + 3 tbsp all-purpose flour
Cream Cheese Frosting:
• 4 oz cream cheese, room temp (dairy-free or regular)
• ¼ cup unsalted butter, softened
• ½ tsp vanilla extract
• Pinch of salt
• 1½–2 cups powdered sugar
• 2 tbsp cornstarch (only if using dairy-free cream cheese)
Instructions
1️⃣ Make the Brownie Batter:
• Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
• Line an 8×8 baking pan with parchment paper, leaving overhang for lifting.
• Melt butter, then whisk in both sugars until mixture pulls away from bowl.
• Add eggs, vanilla, vinegar, and food coloring. Whisk well.
• Add cocoa, salt, and flour. Whisk just until combined.
2️⃣ Bake the Brownies:
• Pour batter into lined pan and spread evenly.
• Bake for 30–40 minutes. Begin checking at 30 mins.
• They’re ready when the top is set and a toothpick comes out with moist crumbs (not wet batter).
• Let brownies cool completely before frosting.
3️⃣ Make the Frosting:
• In a bowl, beat cream cheese, butter, vanilla, and salt until smooth.
• Gradually add powdered sugar until frosting is thick and spreadable.
• (Add cornstarch if using dairy-free cream cheese to thicken.)
• Chill until ready to frost.
4️⃣ Frost & Serve:
• Spread frosting evenly over cooled brownies.
• Chill briefly for clean slicing.
• Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
Notes
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Cool Completely Before Frosting: Be sure your brownies are fully cooled before spreading the cream cheese frosting. Frosting too soon will cause it to melt or slide.
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Dairy-Free Option: Substitute with dairy-free butter and cream cheese. Add 2 tablespoons of cornstarch to stabilize the frosting when using dairy-free alternatives.
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Storage Tip: Store brownies in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Let them sit at room temperature for 10–15 minutes before serving for the best texture.
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Freezing Instructions: These brownies freeze well! Wrap each square tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight.
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Color Intensity: You can adjust the red hue by increasing or decreasing the red food coloring. Gel food coloring provides a more vibrant result than liquid.
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Baking Time: Ovens vary, so check for doneness starting at 30 minutes. Look for moist crumbs on the toothpick—not wet batter.
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Texture Preference: For cakier brownies, add an extra tablespoon of flour. For extra fudgy ones, reduce flour by 1 tablespoon and slightly underbake.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 brownie (1/9 of 8×8 pan)
- Calories: 370 kcal
- Sugar: 31 g
- Sodium: 135 mg
- Fat: 20 g
- Saturated Fat: 12 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 44 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 3 g
- Cholesterol: 75 mg
Keywords: Brownie Recipes, Red Velvet Desserts, Cream Cheese Frosting Ideas, Dairy-Free Baking, Valentine’s Day Treats, Holiday Dessert Bars, Easy Homemade Brownies, Rich Cocoa Bakes, Colorful Dessert Squares, Classic Southern Treats