Frosted Velvet Brownies

When fudgy chocolate brownies meet classic red velvet cake, you get these mouthwatering Red Velvet Brownies. The rich crimson mixture bakes into decadent squares, topped with smooth cream cheese frosting that cuts through each chocolatey, sweet bite. They capture red velvet's magic in a handy, grab-and-go treat that fits perfectly at fancy events or as an upgraded everyday sweet.

I've baked these brownies so many times for family get-togethers, and they always bring smiles around the table. My niece loves helping me mix the red food coloring into the batter and watching it change color right in front of us.

Complete Ingredients Breakdown

• Unsalted butter: Builds a buttery base and lets you control how salty your treats turn out
• Light brown sugar: Adds hints of caramel flavor and keeps everything moist
• Dutch process cocoa powder: Gives a richer chocolate taste and makes the red pop more
• Cornstarch: The secret to getting that chewy bite everyone loves
• White vinegar: Brings out the bright red color and adds that classic red velvet zip
• Red gel food coloring: Creates bold color without making the batter runny
• Cream cheese: Go for full-fat for the creamiest, most stable topping

When I was little, my grandma always told me to leave ingredients out to reach room temperature, especially for the cream cheese topping. Every batch I make proves she was totally right.

Crafting Your Red Velvet Delight

Batter Setup:

Put your oven rack in the middle and heat to 350°F.

Pan Setup:

Line your baking pan with parchment paper, leaving extra on the sides to lift out later.

Mix Base:

Stir melted butter with both sugars until they look shiny and blend well.

Add Eggs:

Mix in eggs and yolk one by one, making sure they're fully mixed before adding the next.

Make It Silky:

Stir in vanilla and oil until everything looks smooth as silk.

Mix In Cocoa:

Sift cocoa straight into your bowl and mix it all up.

Add Color:

Make a bright red mix with food coloring and some of your batter.

Combine Dry Stuff:

Gently fold in the rest of your dry ingredients with careful strokes.

Final Touch:

Add vinegar and stir just enough to mix it in.

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Mastering Baking Time and Temp

When you're cooking these brownies, getting them just right needs a careful eye. Look for a little wobble in the middle while the edges start pulling back from the pan sides. This gives you that awesome fudgy texture that makes these brownies so special. Spotting these signs takes some practice, but you'll be so happy with the results once you get it down.

Tasty Serving Suggestions

Make a fancy dessert platter with these brownies alongside fresh berries and mint leaves. The fruit's brightness works so well with the rich chocolate flavors. For special times, warm up individual squares and add a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream on top. During the holidays, I like to arrange them on a tiered plate with other red velvet goodies for a themed display.

Ways to Switch It Up

• Drop white chocolate pieces into the batter before baking for a sweet surprise
• Mix in some toasted pecans or walnuts if you want a crunchy element
• Make a cool swirled pattern by keeping some cream cheese mixture aside to drag through the batter
• My family really likes them with a pinch of sea salt sprinkled on the frosting for a fancy sweet-salty combo

Keeping Them Fresh

Keep these tasty squares in a sealed container with parchment paper between layers so the frosting stays pretty. They'll stay fresh in the fridge for up to five days. Let them sit out for about 15 minutes before eating to get the best texture. If you want to make them ahead, you can freeze the unfrosted brownies for up to three months if you wrap them right.

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These brownies have become what I'm known for at family parties and celebrations. The recipe hits that sweet spot between homey comfort and fancy presentation, so it works for any occasion. Whether I bring them to a casual afternoon coffee or a fancy dinner party, they always get smiles and people asking how I made them. The mix of rich chocolate, slight tanginess, and creamy topping creates something folks remember long after they've eaten the last bite.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Is food coloring necessary for these velvet brownies?

Nope, you can leave it out. The taste won’t change, but they won’t have that red hue.

→ When should I pull the brownies from the oven?

Poke the center with a skewer—it should have a few damp crumbs. If it’s spotless, they’re overdone.

→ Can I store these brownies in the freezer?

Yup, they freeze fine for up to three months. Wrap them without frosting and add it after thawing.

→ Why is my cream cheese layer too soft?

If the butter or cream cheese was too warm, this might happen. Let them cool to room temp first.

→ What’s the best way to store frosted brownies?

Keep them in a sealed container in the fridge for up to 5 days. Let them sit out slightly before biting in.