Name: Red Velvet Brownies with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 3/4 stick Unsalted Butter (85g); 1 cup Granulated Sugar (200g); 1/4 cup Light Brown Sugar (55g); 3 Large Eggs; 1 large Egg Yolk; 1 tsp Vanilla Extract; 1/3 cup Vegetable Oil (72g / 80ml); 1/4 cup Cocoa Powder (25g); 3/4 cup All-purpose Flour (90g); 1 tbsp Vinegar; 1 tbsp Cornstarch; 1/4 tsp Salt; 1/2 tsp Red Food Coloring; 3/4 cup White Chocolate Chips (optional); 4 oz Cream Cheese (114g); 3/4 stick Unsalted Butter (85g); 4 cups Powdered Sugar (480g); 1 tsp Vanilla Extract

Jump to Recipe· 4.3 from 58 reviews

If you’re craving a dessert that perfectly balances rich chocolate with a hint of tangy sweetness, this Red Velvet Brownies with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe is an absolute must-try. Imagine fudgy, vibrant red brownies with a luscious, velvety cream cheese frosting that’s just the right amount of sweet and creamy. These brownies bring together the best of both worlds: the deep cocoa flavor you love and the eye-catching color and smooth frosting that make every bite feel like a celebration. Trust me, once you make these, they’ll quickly become a favorite in your dessert lineup.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows nine baking ingredients placed neatly on a white marbled surface. Starting from the top left, there is a white bowl filled with powdered sugar, and next to it on the top right is a clear bowl with white flour. Below the powdered sugar, slightly to the right, is a small dark gray cup containing vanilla extract. To the right of that, a small white bowl filled with brown cocoa powder. Below these, a metal measuring cup filled with white granulated sugar is placed near the center. On the left side at the middle, there is a small clear bowl holding two white eggs. Slightly below and to the left is a white container of cream cheese with a smooth, whipped texture on top. At the bottom right, a clear glass butter dish contains a stick of pale yellow butter. Near the center bottom is a tiny clear bowl holding a small amount of salt. A small white tube with a red and white label lies horizontally near the eggs. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

These ingredients are refreshingly simple yet essential to creating that perfect texture, color, and flavor. Each one plays a vital role—whether it’s the cocoa powder for depth, the vinegar to enhance that red velvet tang, or the cream cheese offering a smooth, creamy frosting to top it all off.

Unsalted Butter (85g x2): Using unsalted butter lets you control the saltiness while adding creamy richness to both the brownie and frosting.
Granulated Sugar (200g): Sweetens the brownies evenly, helping create a tender crumb.
Light Brown Sugar (55g): Adds moisture and a subtle caramel depth to the brownies.
Large Eggs (3) plus 1 Egg Yolk: Eggs bind the batter and contribute to that fudgy brownie texture.
Vanilla Extract (2 tsp total): Enhances the flavors in both the brownie and frosting with a warm, aromatic note.
Vegetable Oil (80ml): Keeps the brownies moist and gives them a tender bite.
Cocoa Powder (25g): Infuses the brownies with rich chocolate flavor and complements the red velvet theme perfectly.
All-purpose Flour (90g): Forms the structure that holds everything together without drying out the brownies.
Vinegar (1 tbsp): Reacts with the cocoa and baking components to give the brownies their classic tangy lift and vibrant color.
Cornstarch (1 tbsp): Delivers a delicate, soft texture to the brownies.
Salt (1/4 tsp): Balances the sweetness and enhances all the flavors.
Red Food Coloring (1/2 tsp): The star ingredient for that signature red velvet look.
White Chocolate Chips (optional, 3/4 cup): If you want a little surprise of creamy sweetness melted inside.
Cream Cheese (114g): Essential for the frosting’s creamy tang and smooth finish.
Powdered Sugar (480g): Sweetens and thickens the cream cheese frosting perfectly.

How to Make Red Velvet Brownies with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Baking Pan and Preheat

Start by lining a 9-inch square cake pan with parchment paper—it helps the brownies come out cleanly, every time. Then preheat your oven to 350°F / 180°C. This warm-up is crucial to get your brownies baking evenly and beautifully.

Step 2: Melt Butter and Mix Sugars

Melt the butter gently in the microwave, stirring every 30 seconds until smooth. Then whisk it together with both granulated and light brown sugars. This combination not only sweetens the batter but also gives those irresistible hints of caramel and depth.

Step 3: Combine Eggs and Vanilla

Next, add the eggs, egg yolk, and vanilla extract. Be careful not to overmix here—whisk just enough to combine so your brownies stay dense and fudgy, not cakey.

Step 4: Add Oil and Cocoa Powder

Stir in the vegetable oil and cocoa powder gently. This step layers in the chocolate flavor and helps maintain the moist, tender texture that sets these brownies apart.

Step 5: Incorporate Red Food Coloring

Mix a couple of tablespoons of batter with your red gel food coloring in a small separate bowl. Once it’s a smooth, vibrant red, fold it back into the main batter. This ensures an evenly stunning red velvet color without streaks.

Step 6: Fold in Dry Ingredients and Vinegar

Switch to a rubber spatula and carefully fold in the flour, cornstarch, and salt until no lumps remain. Then add the vinegar, which brightens the red hue and adds that signature velvet tang.

Step 7: Add White Chocolate Chips (Optional)

If you love extra bursts of sweetness, fold in white chocolate chips here. They melt beautifully in the oven, creating delightful pockets of creamy sweetness.

Step 8: Bake the Brownies

Pour the batter into your prepared pan and bake for 20 to 25 minutes. You’re looking for a skewer to come out with just a few moist crumbs—that’s the perfect fudgy doneness. Then, remove and cool completely before frosting.

Step 9: Make the Cream Cheese Frosting

Beat together room temperature butter and cream cheese until super smooth. Slowly mix in the powdered sugar, then whip on high speed for a few minutes until the frosting is light, fluffy, and dreamy. Finish with vanilla extract for that extra flavor boost.

Step 10: Frost and Serve

Spread the luscious cream cheese frosting evenly over the cooled brownies. Slice into generous squares and get ready for some serious compliments!

How to Serve Red Velvet Brownies with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe

This image shows a square piece of cake with two layers. The bottom layer is thick, dark red, and soft textured, while the top layer is a thinner, creamy white frosting with a smooth texture, spread evenly. The frosting is decorated with small chunks of dark red cake crumbs scattered on top and around the cake. The cake sits on a white marbled surface with soft lighting and a blurred background where more similar pieces of cake are visible. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Sprinkle some mini white chocolate chips, red velvet crumbs, or even a light dusting of cocoa powder to add visual appeal and a hint of extra flavor. Fresh berries, like raspberries or strawberries, can also add a refreshing twist alongside the rich brownies.

Side Dishes

Serve these brownies with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of freshly whipped cream for an indulgent dessert experience. A cup of strong coffee or creamy hot chocolate makes a perfect pairing, enhancing the chocolaty and tangy notes.

Creative Ways to Present

Try stacking small brownie squares on a wooden board or arrange them in a decorative box for gifting. You can also cut the brownies into festive shapes using cookie cutters for special parties or add edible gold leaf for an upscale touch that wows guests.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep leftover brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. If your kitchen is warm, storing them in the fridge helps maintain the cream cheese frosting’s freshness.

Freezing

You can freeze unfrosted brownies wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and foil for up to three months. When ready to enjoy, thaw completely before frosting. Leftover frosted brownies freeze best in single layers, separated with parchment paper to maintain that frosting texture.

Reheating

For a warm treat, briefly microwave a brownie square for about 10 seconds. Avoid overheating, or the cream cheese frosting may soften too much. This gives you a lovely experience of melty texture with that classic red velvet flavor.

FAQs

Can I use regular butter instead of unsalted?

You can substitute salted butter if that’s what you have, but be sure to reduce added salt in the recipe accordingly to avoid overwhelming the flavors.

Is there a substitute for red food coloring?

If you prefer natural options, beet juice or powdered freeze-dried raspberries can give a gentle red tint, though it won’t be as vibrant as gel food coloring.

Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

For a dairy-free version, try using vegan butter and cream cheese alternatives. Keep in mind this will slightly alter the texture and flavor of the brownies and frosting.

How do I know when brownies are done?

Insert a skewer into the center; it should come out with moist crumbs but not wet batter. This ensures fudgy brownies with perfect chewiness.

Can I prepare the frosting a day ahead?

Yes, you can make the cream cheese frosting a day in advance and keep it covered in the fridge. Let it come to room temperature and re-whip briefly before spreading on the brownies.

Final Thoughts

There’s nothing quite like biting into a batch of rich, fudgy Red Velvet Brownies with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe to brighten your day. Whether you’re making them for a special occasion, sharing with friends, or just treating yourself to something spectacular, these brownies deliver flavor and comfort all in one vibrant, delicious package. I truly hope you give this recipe a try and enjoy every luscious bite as much as I do!