Red Velvet Brownies with Cream Cheese Frosting
Red Velvet Brownies with Cream Cheese Frosting are a decadent and vibrant dessert combining the moist, fudgy texture of classic brownies with a rich, tangy cream cheese swirl. Perfect for any occasion, these brownies offer a deep red color and luscious cream cheese frosting that create an irresistible treat both visually and in flavor.
- Author: Lucas
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30-35 minutes
- Total Time: 45-50 minutes
- Yield: 16 brownies 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free (if using gluten-free flour blend)
Brownie Batter Ingredients
- 1/2 cup (115g) unsalted butter
- 1/4 cup (25g) unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 cup (200g) sugar
- 2 large eggs, room temperature
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 tablespoons red food coloring
- 3/4 cup (95g) all-purpose flour (or gluten-free flour blend for gluten-free option)
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Cream Cheese Frosting Ingredients
- 4 oz (115g) cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup (60g) powdered sugar
- 1–2 tablespoons heavy cream or milk
- Prepare Your Baking Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line an 8×8 inch baking pan with parchment paper to ensure easy removal of the brownies once baked.
- Make the Brownie Batter: Melt the unsalted butter and stir in the cocoa powder and sugar until smooth. Beat the eggs and vanilla extract into the mixture, then add in the red food coloring to achieve the vibrant red color. Finally, fold in the flour and salt until just combined, being careful not to overmix to keep the brownies dense and fudgy.
- Prepare the Cream Cheese Frosting: In a separate bowl, mix the softened cream cheese with powdered sugar and a splash of heavy cream or milk until you achieve a creamy, spreadable consistency.
- Assemble the Brownies: Pour half of the brownie batter into the prepared pan. Spoon dollops of the cream cheese frosting over the batter, then cover with the remaining brownie batter. Use a knife or skewer to gently swirl the frosting and batter together, creating a marbled effect.
- Bake to Perfection: Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with a few moist crumbs. Avoid overbaking to ensure a fudgy texture.
- Cool and Serve: Let the brownies cool completely in the pan before slicing to preserve their rich texture and marbled layers. Serve chilled or at room temperature for the best experience.
Notes
- Use room temperature eggs and cream cheese for smoother batter and frosting.
- Fold in flour gently to keep brownies dense and fudgy, not cakey.
- Swirl frosting carefully to create beautiful marbling without fully mixing.
- Use good-quality unsweetened cocoa powder for authentic flavor.
- Start checking for doneness at 30 minutes to avoid dry brownies.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 brownie (1/16 of recipe)
- Calories: 220 kcal
- Sugar: 20 g
- Sodium: 110 mg
- Fat: 14 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 22 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 3 g
- Cholesterol: 45 mg
Keywords: red velvet brownies, cream cheese frosting, fudgy brownies, dessert, gluten-free brownies, homemade brownies, red velvet dessert