Best Homemade Red Velvet Brownies Recipe
Delight in these rich and moist homemade Red Velvet Brownies featuring a lush cream cheese frosting. Combining the classic flavors of red velvet with the fudgy texture of brownies, this recipe yields a decadent treat perfect for any occasion. Made with melted milk chocolate, cocoa powder, and vibrant red food coloring, these brownies are sure to impress with every bite.
- Author: Mick
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 12 to 16 brownies 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Brownies
- 2 1/4 sticks unsalted butter (cut into chunks)
- 3 1/2 cups Ghirardelli Milk Chocolate Chips
- 5 large eggs (room temperature)
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 1/4 cups packed brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 1/4 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 tablespoons red food coloring
- 2 cups all purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 3 tablespoons Ghirardelli unsweetened cocoa powder
Cream Cheese Frosting
- 4 ounces cream cheese (softened)
- 5 tablespoons unsalted butter (room temperature)
- 1/8 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 to 3 cups confectioners sugar
- 1–2 tablespoons heavy cream or milk of choice
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for baking the brownies.
- Prepare Baking Pan: Line a 9×13 inch baking pan with foil or parchment paper and lightly grease it to prevent sticking.
- Melt Chocolate and Butter: Melt the milk chocolate chips and butter together. You can do this either in the microwave by heating in short bursts until smooth, or slowly melt butter in a small saucepan over the lowest heat, then add chocolate chips and whisk constantly until fully melted and smooth. Let the mixture cool to avoid curdling eggs later.
- Mix Eggs and Sugars: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, granulated sugar, brown sugar, vanilla extract, and salt until well combined. Then whisk in the red food coloring thoroughly.
- Combine Chocolate Mixture: Slowly whisk the cooled melted chocolate and butter into the egg and sugar mixture until the batter is smooth and even.
- Add Dry Ingredients: Sift together the flour, baking powder, salt, and unsweetened cocoa powder. Fold these into the wet mixture using a silicone spatula until no streaks remain and the batter is fully combined.
- Bake the Brownies: Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and bake for 35 to 40 minutes. Insert a toothpick into the center—if it comes out clean, the brownies are done.
- Cool the Brownies: Remove the pan from the oven and transfer it to a cooling rack. Let cool for about 15 minutes. After that, either refrigerate covered until ready to frost or allow to come to room temperature.
- Prepare the Cream Cheese Frosting: In a mixing bowl, combine softened cream cheese, unsalted butter, vanilla extract, salt, confectioners sugar, and heavy cream or milk. Using a mixer, beat on medium-high speed until the frosting becomes smooth, creamy, and spreadable.
- Frost the Brownies: Once the brownies are fully cool, evenly spread the cream cheese frosting over the top. Cut into squares and serve.
Notes
- Ensure the melted chocolate and butter mixture has cooled to avoid cooking the eggs when mixing.
- Room temperature eggs help achieve a smoother batter.
- For more intense red color, additional red food coloring can be added cautiously.
- If you prefer a thicker frosting, add more confectioners sugar; for a thinner consistency, add more cream or milk.
- Brownies can be stored covered at room temperature for 2 days or refrigerated for up to 5 days.
- For easier slicing, chill the brownies after frosting before cutting.
Keywords: red velvet brownies, homemade brownies, cream cheese frosting, chocolate brownies, dessert recipe