Oh my goodness, if you haven’t tried red velvet brownies with cream cheese frosting yet, you’re seriously missing out! These brownies are like a hug in dessert form, combining the rich, chocolatey goodness of red velvet with that dreamy, tangy cream cheese frosting on top. I first stumbled upon this delightful recipe during a cozy family gathering, where the vibrant color and luscious taste stole the show. Every bite is a perfect balance of sweetness and a hint of cocoa, making them a fantastic treat for any occasion. Trust me, once you bake these beauties, your friends and family will be begging for the recipe! So, let’s dive into this scrumptious adventure together!
Ingredients List
Gather these simple yet essential ingredients to whip up the most fabulous red velvet brownies with cream cheese frosting:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs, at room temperature
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon red food coloring (or adjust for desired shade)
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened to room temperature
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1/4 cup heavy cream
Make sure to have everything prepped and ready to go, as it makes the baking process so much smoother!
How to Prepare Red Velvet Brownies with Cream Cheese Frosting
Now, let’s get down to the delicious business of making these gorgeous red velvet brownies with cream cheese frosting! Follow these steps, and you’ll have a batch that’s sure to impress.
- First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This step is crucial because it ensures your brownies bake evenly.
- While the oven warms up, grab a bowl and melt the unsalted butter in the microwave or on the stovetop. Once melted, stir in the granulated sugar until combined—this is where the magic starts!
- Next, add the eggs, one at a time, and beat well after each addition. Don’t forget to toss in the vanilla extract for that lovely aroma.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, unsweetened cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt. This helps to ensure that your dry ingredients are evenly distributed.
- Now, gradually mix the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined. Be careful not to overmix—lumps are perfectly fine!
- Here comes the fun part: stir in the red food coloring until the batter is a vibrant, luscious red. Just be sure it’s evenly mixed, as this will make your brownies stunning!
- Pour the batter into a greased baking pan (a 9×13 inch pan works great) and spread it out evenly. Pop it in the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes. You’ll know they’re done when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with a few moist crumbs.
- Once baked, let the brownies cool in the pan on a wire rack for about 15-20 minutes. This cooling period is important before frosting!
- While the brownies cool, prepare the cream cheese frosting. In a mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and heavy cream until smooth and creamy. This frosting is the perfect complement to the brownies!
- Finally, once the brownies have cooled completely, spread that luscious cream cheese frosting generously over the top. Slice into squares, and get ready to indulge!
And there you have it! You’ve just made the most delightful red velvet brownies with cream cheese frosting, ready to be devoured.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Decadent flavor that combines rich chocolate and a hint of vanilla.
- Beautifully vibrant color that makes for an impressive dessert presentation.
- Easy-to-follow steps, perfect for both novice and experienced bakers.
- Soft, fudgy texture that melts in your mouth.
- Cream cheese frosting adds a tangy sweetness that perfectly complements the brownies.
- Great for any occasion, from casual get-togethers to special celebrations.
Tips for Success
To make sure your red velvet brownies with cream cheese frosting turn out absolutely perfect, here are my go-to tips! First, always measure your ingredients accurately—baking is a science, after all! Use a kitchen scale if you have one for the most precise results.
Next, don’t skip the cooling step. Let those brownies cool completely before you frost them; otherwise, the frosting might melt right off (oops!). When mixing your batter, be careful not to overmix—stir just until combined to keep that fudgy texture.
For the cream cheese frosting, make sure your cream cheese is at room temperature so it blends smoothly. If it’s too cold, you’ll end up with lumps. And lastly, feel free to adjust the amount of red food coloring to achieve your desired shade—after all, it’s all about that show-stopping color!
Variations
If you’re feeling a bit adventurous, there are plenty of ways to mix things up with these red velvet brownies with cream cheese frosting! For a fun twist, try adding chocolate chips or white chocolate chunks to the batter before baking. They’ll melt into gooey pockets of deliciousness!
Another option is to sprinkle some crushed walnuts or pecans on top of the cream cheese frosting for a delightful crunch. If you’re a fan of fruity flavors, consider swirling in some raspberry or strawberry puree into the frosting for an extra pop of flavor and color.
And for those who love a little zing, a splash of almond extract can elevate the flavor profile beautifully. Get creative and make this recipe your own!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
To store your delicious red velvet brownies with cream cheese frosting, simply place them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll stay fresh for up to a week—if they last that long! If you find yourself with leftovers (which is rare, but hey, it happens), just make sure they’re completely cooled before sealing them up.
When you’re ready to enjoy them again, there’s no need to reheat—these brownies are scrumptious chilled, but if you prefer them warm, pop them in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds. Enjoy the gooey goodness!
Nutritional Information Disclaimer
Please note that the nutritional information provided for these red velvet brownies with cream cheese frosting is an estimate and can vary based on the specific ingredients and brands you use. It’s always a good idea to check the labels for the most accurate nutritional content. Enjoy these treats in moderation as part of a balanced diet!
FAQ Section
Can I make these brownies ahead of time?
Absolutely! These red velvet brownies with cream cheese frosting can be made a day in advance. Just keep them stored in the refrigerator to keep that frosting nice and fresh. They actually taste even better after sitting for a bit as the flavors meld together!
What can I use instead of red food coloring?
If you’re looking for alternatives, you can use beet juice or a natural red dye, but keep in mind that the shade may vary. You can also skip the coloring altogether for a chocolate brownie if you prefer!
How do I know when my brownies are done?
The best way to check is to insert a toothpick in the center. If it comes out with a few moist crumbs, they’re ready! Just be careful not to overbake; you want them fudgy, not dry!
Can I freeze the brownies?
Yes, you can! Just make sure they’re completely cooled and wrapped tightly in plastic wrap or stored in an airtight container. They’ll stay delicious in the freezer for up to two months. Just thaw them in the fridge before enjoying!
Why is my cream cheese frosting lumpy?
Lumpy cream cheese frosting usually means the cream cheese was too cold. Make sure it’s at room temperature before mixing, and beat it well until smooth to ensure a creamy texture!
Red Velvet Brownies with Cream Cheese Frosting: 5 Reasons to Indulge
- Całkowity Czas: 50 minutes
- Ustępować: 16 brownies 1x
- Dieta: Wegańskie
Opis
Delicious red velvet brownies topped with cream cheese frosting.
Składniki
- 1 cup unsalted butter
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon red food coloring
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1/4 cup heavy cream
Instrukcje
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a bowl, melt the butter and mix in sugar.
- Add eggs and vanilla extract, stirring well.
- In another bowl, combine flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt.
- Gradually mix dry ingredients into the wet mixture.
- Stir in red food coloring until well incorporated.
- Pour batter into a greased baking pan.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes.
- Let cool before frosting.
- For the frosting, beat cream cheese, powdered sugar, and heavy cream until smooth.
- Spread frosting over cooled brownies.
Uwagi
- Store in the refrigerator for up to a week.
- Allow brownies to cool completely before adding frosting.
- Adjust the amount of food coloring for desired shade.
- Czas Przygotowania: 20 minutes
- Czas gotowania: 30 minutes
- Kategoria: Dessert
- Sposób: Baking
- Kuchnia: American
Zasilanie
- Wielkość porcji: 1 brownie
- Kalorie: 250
- Cukier: 20g
- Sód: 150mg
- Kwasy: 12g
- Nasycony tłuszcz: 7g
- Tłuszcze Nienasycone: 3g
- Tłuszcze trans: 0g
- Węglowodany: 35g
- Włókno: 1g
- Białko: 3g
- Cholesterol: 45mg
Słowa kluczowe: red velvet brownies, cream cheese frosting, dessert, baking
