Make rich, fudgy red velvet brownies with a vibrant red color and top them with a tangy cream cheese frosting for a decadent sweet treat.
Author:sarah_hearthbite
Prep Time:20 min
Cook Time:30 min
Total Time:50 min
Yield:16 servings 1x
Category:Dessert
Method:Baking
Cuisine:American
Diet:Vegetarian
Ingredients
Scale
1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, melted
2 cups granulated sugar
4 large eggs
1 tablespoon vanilla extract
1 teaspoon white vinegar
1 teaspoon red food coloring (gel preferred for vibrant color)
1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
For the Cream Cheese Frosting:
8 ounces cream cheese, softened
1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
3 cups powdered sugar, sifted
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13 inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides for easy removal.
In a large bowl, whisk together the melted butter and granulated sugar until combined.
Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract, white vinegar, and red food coloring until the mixture is uniformly red.
In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, and salt.
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing only until just combined. Do not overmix to keep the brownies fudgy.
Spread the batter evenly into the prepared baking pan. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes. A toothpick inserted near the center should come out with moist crumbs attached, not wet batter.
While the brownies cool, prepare the frosting. Beat the softened cream cheese and butter together in a bowl until smooth.
Gradually add the sifted powdered sugar, mixing on low speed until incorporated, then increase speed and beat until fluffy. Stir in the vanilla extract.
Once the brownies are completely cool, spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over the top.
Cut into squares and serve. Store leftovers covered at room temperature or refrigerated.
Notes
For the fudgiest texture, avoid overbaking. Check for doneness early.
Use gel food coloring for the most intense, vibrant red color without thinning the batter.
If you prefer a cream cheese swirl instead of a full layer of frosting, reserve half the brownie batter, mix 4 oz softened cream cheese with 1/2 cup powdered sugar, swirl it over the first layer of batter before baking, then top with the remaining batter.