Get ready for a decadent treat that combines the best of two dessert worlds. Red velvet brownies with fluffy cream cheese frosting are as rich and indulgent as they sound. These brownies have the irresistible appeal of red velvet cake, but in a chewy brownie form. Topped with a smooth and creamy frosting, they're the perfect dessert for any occasion.
Most ingredients for this recipe should be readily available in your pantry. The key ingredients you may need to purchase include bittersweet chocolate and liquid red food coloring. Bittersweet chocolate has less sugar than semisweet chocolate, resulting in a rich, deep chocolate flavor that balances perfectly with the sweetness of the brownie. The liquid red food coloring is what gives these brownies their iconic red velvet color.
Ingredients for Red Velvet Brownies with Fluffy Cream Cheese Frosting
All purpose flour: This is the base for your brownies, providing structure and texture.
Baking powder: A leavening agent that helps your brownies rise.
Salt: Enhances the flavors of the other ingredients.
Bittersweet chocolate: Gives the brownies their rich, chocolatey flavor.
Unsalted butter: Adds richness and moisture to your brownies.
Granulated sugar: Sweetens the brownies.
Liquid red food coloring: Gives the brownies their signature red velvet color.
Vanilla extract: Adds a hint of vanilla flavor.
Apple cider vinegar: Reacts with the baking powder to help the brownies rise.
Eggs: Bind the ingredients together and add moisture.
Butter: Used in the frosting for richness and creaminess.
Cream cheese: The main ingredient in the frosting, providing tanginess and creaminess.
Powdered sugar: Sweetens the frosting and helps it set.
One reader, Gearalt Lebron says:
These red velvet brownies are a game-changer! The rich, chocolatey flavor combined with the creamy, tangy frosting is a match made in dessert heaven. The brownies are moist and decadent, and the frosting is the perfect finishing touch. I highly recommend trying this recipe for a delightful treat!
Baking Techniques for Perfect Red Velvet Brownies
How to prepare the brownie batter: Combine the dry ingredients in a mixing bowl and set aside. Melt the chocolate and butter, then stir in the sugar, food coloring, vanilla, and apple cider vinegar. Mix in the eggs and then add the flour mixture, stirring until just combined.
How to bake the brownies: Pour the brownie batter into the prepared baking dish and spread it into an even layer. Bake in a preheated oven at 350 degrees F for 35 to 40 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out with a few moist crumbs.
How to make the cream cheese frosting: In the bowl of an electric stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, whip together the butter and cream cheese on medium-high speed for about 4 to 5 minutes until pale and fluffy. Add the vanilla and powdered sugar, and continue to whip until pale and fluffy.
How to frost the brownies: Once the brownies have cooled completely, spread the cream cheese frosting over the top, then cut into squares and serve.
How To Make Red Velvet Brownies with Fluffy Cream Cheese Frosting
Have a treat with these red velvet brownies that come with bright red chocolate-flavored base topped with a simple cream cheese frosting.
Serves:
Ingredients
- 1cupall purpose flour
- ½tspbaking powder
- ¼tspsalt
- 2ozbittersweet chocolate,(60 %), chopped
- ½cupunsalted butter,diced into 6 pieces
- 1¼cupsgranulated sugar
- 1½tbspliquid red food coloring
- 1½tspvanilla extract
- 1tspapple cider vinegar
- 2large eggs
For Cream Cheese Frosting:
- ½cupbutter,softened
- 4ozcream cheese,softened
- ½tspvanilla extract
- 2½cupspowdered sugar
Instructions
-
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Butter an 8×8-inch baking dish. Line with buttered parchment paper to remove easily after baking, if desired.
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In a mixing bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
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To a large microwave-safe bowl, add chopped chocolate and butter and heat mixture in microwave on 50% power, in 30-second intervals, stirring after each interval until melted and smooth.
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Alternately, melt it in a double boiler over the stovetop.
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Once melted, remove from heat and proceed to the next step. Add sugar to melted chocolate mixture, and using a rubber spatula, stir to combine.
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Mix in red food coloring, vanilla, and apple cider vinegar. Stir in eggs. Add flour mixture and mix just until combined.
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Pour into the prepared baking dish, spread into an even layer. Bake in preheated oven for 35 to 40 minutes until a toothpick comes out with a few moist crumbs.
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Place on a wire rack to cool completely then frost with cream cheese frosting once cool and cut into squares.
Cream Cheese Frosting:
-
In the bowl of an electric stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, whip together butter and cream cheese on medium-high speed for about 4 to 5 minutes until pale and fluffy.
-
Add vanilla and powdered sugar and continue to whip until pale and fluffy.
Nutrition
- Calories: 420.54kcal
- Fat: 20.89g
- Saturated Fat: 12.66g
- Trans Fat: 0.62g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 5.58g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.96g
- Carbohydrates: 57.33g
- Fiber: 0.56g
- Sugar: 48.28g
- Protein: 3.04g
- Cholesterol: 82.07mg
- Sodium: 113.58mg
- Calcium: 36.31mg
- Potassium: 59.75mg
- Iron: 0.87mg
- Vitamin A: 177.31µg
Crucial Technique for Achieving Fudgy Red Velvet Brownies
When making the cream cheese frosting, ensure that both the butter and cream cheese are at room temperature before you begin. This will help them blend together more smoothly, resulting in a fluffier and creamier frosting. If they're too cold, they won't mix properly and your frosting could end up lumpy. Additionally, when adding the powdered sugar, do so gradually to avoid a cloud of sugar dust and to better control the frosting's consistency.
Time-Saving Tips for Making Red Velvet Brownies
Prep ahead: Measure and prepare all your ingredients before you start. This will help you work more efficiently and avoid any last-minute scrambling.
Use quality tools: Invest in good quality kitchen tools and equipment to make the cooking process smoother and more enjoyable.
Follow the recipe: Read through the entire recipe before you start cooking to understand the steps and avoid any surprises along the way.
Organize your workspace: Keep your kitchen organized and clean as you cook to save time and minimize distractions.
Multi-task: Look for opportunities to multi-task, such as chopping vegetables while something is simmering on the stove.
Clean as you go: Wash dishes and clean up spills as you cook to minimize the mess and make the post-cooking cleanup easier.
Plan your menu: Consider planning a menu for the week to streamline your grocery shopping and meal preparation process.
Batch cooking: Prepare larger quantities of certain ingredients or dishes that can be used for multiple meals throughout the week.
Leftovers: Embrace leftovers and repurpose them into new dishes to save time on cooking fresh meals every day.
Time-saving appliances: Utilize time-saving appliances like a pressure cooker, slow cooker, or food processor to expedite the cooking process.
Substitute Ingredients For Red Velvet Brownies with Fluffy Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe
all purpose flour - Substitute with gluten-free all purpose flour: This substitution can be used for those who are gluten intolerant or have celiac disease. It will provide a similar texture and structure to the brownies.
baking powder - Substitute with baking soda: Baking soda can be used as a substitute for baking powder, but you will need to include an acidic ingredient such as buttermilk or yogurt to activate it.
unsalted butter - Substitute with coconut oil: Coconut oil can be used as a dairy-free alternative to butter, and it adds a subtle coconut flavor to the brownies.
granulated sugar - Substitute with coconut sugar: Coconut sugar can be used as a lower glycemic index alternative to granulated sugar, and it adds a hint of caramel flavor to the brownies.
liquid red food coloring - Substitute with beetroot powder: Beetroot powder can be used as a natural alternative to food coloring, providing a vibrant red color to the brownies without artificial additives.
apple cider vinegar - Substitute with white vinegar: White vinegar can be used as a substitute for apple cider vinegar in this recipe, providing the necessary acidity for the chemical reaction with the leavening agents.
bittersweet chocolate - Substitute with semisweet chocolate: Semisweet chocolate can be used as a substitute for bittersweet chocolate, providing a slightly sweeter flavor while still maintaining the rich chocolatey taste.
cream cheese - Substitute with vegan cream cheese: Vegan cream cheese can be used as a dairy-free alternative to traditional cream cheese, providing a similar creamy texture and tangy flavor to the frosting.
powdered sugar - Substitute with maple sugar: Maple sugar can be used as a natural alternative to powdered sugar, providing a subtle maple flavor to the cream cheese frosting.
Presentation Ideas for Red Velvet Brownies with Cream Cheese Frosting
Elevate the plating: When presenting the red velvet brownies, focus on creating an elegant and visually appealing arrangement on the plate. Consider using a combination of fresh berries and edible flowers to add a pop of color and sophistication to the dish.
Incorporate artistic drizzling: Enhance the visual appeal of the dish by incorporating a delicate drizzle of chocolate ganache on the plate. This not only adds a touch of artistry but also complements the rich flavors of the brownies.
Utilize geometric shapes: Experiment with incorporating geometric shapes into the presentation. Consider using a square or rectangular plate to showcase the brownies, and use the negative space to add a touch of elegance to the overall presentation.
Garnish with gold leaf: For a luxurious touch, consider delicately placing edible gold leaf on the brownies. This adds a touch of opulence and elevates the dessert to a fine dining level.
Create a contrast with white: Use a minimalist approach by incorporating white elements, such as a dusting of powdered sugar or a dollop of whipped cream, to create a striking contrast against the rich red velvet brownies.
Add a touch of sophistication with a chocolate shard: Introduce a sophisticated element by incorporating a delicate chocolate shard into the presentation. This adds texture and visual interest to the dish, elevating its overall appeal.
Consider the use of edible gold dust: For a touch of glamour, consider dusting the plate with edible gold dust to add a subtle shimmer and elevate the presentation to a luxurious standard.
Essential Kitchen Tools for Making Brownies
- Mixing bowl: A large, round bowl used for mixing ingredients, often made of stainless steel, glass, or plastic.
- Whisk: A kitchen utensil used for whipping and mixing ingredients such as eggs, sauces, and batters.
- Baking dish: A rectangular or square dish used for baking, typically made of glass, ceramic, or metal.
- Rubber spatula: A flexible kitchen tool with a broad, flat, and usually rubber blade, used for scraping food from mixing bowls and spreading icing or batter.
- Electric stand mixer: A kitchen appliance used for mixing, beating, and whipping ingredients, featuring a stand with a mixing bowl and a motorized mixer.
- Paddle attachment: A specific attachment for an electric stand mixer, used for mixing and creaming ingredients.
- Wire rack: A metal rack used for cooling baked goods, allowing air to circulate around the food.
- Microwave-safe bowl: A bowl designed to be used in a microwave for heating or cooking food.
- Double boiler: A set of two nested pans, where the bottom pan holds simmering water, and the top pan is used for cooking delicate foods such as chocolate or custards.
- 8x8-inch baking dish: A square baking dish with an 8x8-inch dimension, used for baking brownies, bars, and other desserts.
- Food processor: A kitchen appliance used for chopping, slicing, shredding, and pureeing food.
Storing and Freezing Red Velvet Brownies
- Once the brownies have cooled completely, cover the pan tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil. They can be stored at room temperature for up to 3 days.
- For longer storage, place the cooled and uncut brownies in an airtight container or wrap them tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer bag. Freeze for up to 2 months.
- To thaw, remove the brownies from the freezer and let them come to room temperature before cutting and serving.
- If you have already cut the brownies into squares, you can still freeze them. Place the squares in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid, about 1 hour. Then, transfer the frozen squares to an airtight container or freezer bag. This method prevents the squares from sticking together.
- Note: It's best to freeze the brownies without the cream cheese frosting. Frost them after thawing for the best texture and appearance.
- If you have leftover cream cheese frosting, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. Let it come to room temperature and give it a quick stir before using.
How To Reheat Leftover Red Velvet Brownies
The best way to reheat leftover red velvet brownies is to warm them up gently in the oven. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and place the brownies on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Heat for about 5-10 minutes, or until they're warmed through and the cream cheese frosting is soft and gooey again.
If you're in a hurry, you can also reheat the brownies in the microwave. Place a single brownie on a microwave-safe plate and heat it on high for about 15-20 seconds, or until it's warm and the frosting is melted. Be careful not to overheat the brownie, as it can become tough and rubbery.
For a crispy edge and a soft, warm center, try reheating the brownies in a toaster oven. Set the toaster oven to 350°F (175°C) and place the brownies on the rack. Heat for about 3-5 minutes, or until they're warmed through and the edges are slightly crispy.
If you want to keep the cream cheese frosting intact, you can also reheat the brownies in a steamer basket over boiling water. Place the brownies in the steamer basket and cover with a lid. Steam for about 5 minutes, or until they're warmed through and the frosting is soft and creamy.
For a decadent twist, try serving the reheated brownies with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of chocolate sauce. The combination of warm, gooey brownies and cool, creamy ice cream is sure to satisfy any sweet tooth.
Interesting Fact About Red Velvet Brownies
Red velvet brownies are a delicious twist on the classic red velvet cake, combining the rich, chocolatey flavor of brownies with the vibrant red color and tangy cream cheese frosting.
Is Making Red Velvet Brownies at Home Cost-Effective?
This red velvet brownies with fluffy cream cheese frosting recipe is moderately cost-effective for a household. The ingredients, including flour, chocolate, butter, cream cheese, and sugar, are commonly found in most kitchens. The approximate cost for a household of 4 people is around $15. The rich, decadent flavor and the creamy frosting make it a delightful treat for special occasions. On a scale of 1-10, this recipe earns an 8 for its taste, presentation, and versatility.
Are Red Velvet Brownies Healthy or Unhealthy?
The red velvet brownies with fluffy cream cheese frosting recipe is a decadent treat that, while delicious, is not particularly healthy. Here's why:
- The recipe contains a significant amount of sugar, with 1¼ cups of granulated sugar in the brownies and an additional 2½ cups of powdered sugar in the frosting. Excessive sugar consumption can lead to weight gain, tooth decay, and an increased risk of chronic diseases like diabetes and heart disease.
- The recipe also includes a substantial amount of butter, which is high in saturated fat. While some fat is essential for a balanced diet, consuming too much saturated fat can raise LDL (bad) cholesterol levels and increase the risk of heart disease.
- The use of all-purpose flour means that the brownies are made with refined grains, which have been stripped of their fiber and nutrients during processing. Whole grain flour would provide more fiber, vitamins, and minerals.
- The recipe does not include any fruits, vegetables, or other nutrient-dense ingredients that could help balance out the indulgent nature of the treat.
To make the recipe healthier, consider the following suggestions:
- Reduce the amount of sugar in both the brownies and the frosting. You can experiment with using natural sweeteners like honey, maple syrup, or dates to provide sweetness with some added nutritional benefits.
- Replace some or all of the butter with healthier alternatives like Greek yogurt, mashed avocado, or coconut oil. These substitutions can help reduce the saturated fat content while maintaining moisture and richness.
- Swap out the all-purpose flour for whole wheat pastry flour, oat flour, or almond flour. These options will increase the fiber and nutrient content of the brownies.
- Consider adding some grated zucchini, beets, or pureed fruit (like applesauce or mashed bananas) to the batter. These ingredients can help keep the brownies moist while sneaking in some extra nutrients.
Editor's Opinion on This Red Velvet Brownie Recipe
The red velvet brownies with fluffy cream cheese frosting recipe is a delightful twist on the classic red velvet cake. The combination of rich chocolate and tangy cream cheese creates a harmonious balance of flavors. The brownies are moist and fudgy, and the cream cheese frosting adds a luscious, velvety finish. The use of liquid red food coloring gives the brownies a vibrant, eye-catching hue. This recipe is a perfect choice for a special occasion or a decadent treat.
Enhance Your Red Velvet Brownies with Fluffy Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe with These Unique Side Dishes:
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Appetizer and Main Course Pairings for This Dessert
Why trust this Red Velvet Brownies with Fluffy Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe:
This recipe guarantees a decadent treat with its perfect balance of bittersweet chocolate and cream cheese frosting. The use of liquid red food coloring ensures a vibrant and visually appealing result. The inclusion of apple cider vinegar adds a subtle tanginess, elevating the overall flavor profile. The meticulous instructions and precise measurements ensure foolproof success. Trust in the expertise behind this recipe to create a delightful and indulgent dessert experience.
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