Best Homemade Red Velvet Brownies with Cream Cheese Frosting
When it comes to indulgent desserts, few things can compare to the rich decadence of red velvet brownies. With their deep red hue, moist texture, and creamy cream cheese frosting, they’re the perfect treat for Valentine’s Day or any special occasion. This recipe combines the classic allure of red velvet with the dense, fudgy goodness of brownies, topped with a smooth frosting to create a dessert that’s irresistible.
These Best Homemade Red Velvet Brownies are made with simple ingredients and are surprisingly easy to prepare. Whether you’re baking for a loved one, a party, or just to satisfy your sweet tooth, these brownies are sure to impress.
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Why You’ll Love These Red Velvet Brownies
- Rich and Fudgy Texture: The combination of Ghirardelli milk chocolate chips and unsweetened cocoa powder ensures a moist, chocolatey base.
- Vibrant Red Color: Red food coloring gives these brownies their signature red velvet appearance, making them perfect for holidays or romantic celebrations.
- Cream Cheese Frosting: The sweet and tangy frosting complements the brownies beautifully, adding an extra layer of flavor and elegance.
Ingredients for Success
Red Velvet Brownies
- 2 ¼ sticks unsalted butter, cut into chunks
- 3 ½ cups Ghirardelli milk chocolate chips
- 5 large eggs, room temperature
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 1 ¼ cups packed brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 ¼ 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
- ⅛ teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2–3 cups confectioners’ sugar
- 1–2 tablespoons heavy cream or milk
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare the Oven and Pan
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with foil or parchment paper, ensuring some overhang for easy removal. Lightly grease the lining to prevent sticking.
2. Melt the Chocolate and Butter
In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the milk chocolate chips and butter in 30-second intervals, stirring in between until smooth. Alternatively, melt them over low heat in a saucepan, stirring constantly. Set aside to cool slightly.
3. Mix the Wet Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, granulated sugar, brown sugar, and vanilla extract. Add the red food coloring and whisk until evenly combined.
4. Combine with Melted Chocolate
Gradually whisk the cooled chocolate mixture into the egg and sugar mixture until smooth and well incorporated. Ensure the chocolate is not too hot to avoid cooking the eggs.
5. Incorporate the Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, mix the flour, baking powder, salt, and unsweetened cocoa powder. Fold this dry mixture into the wet ingredients using a silicone spatula until just combined.
6. Bake the Brownies
Pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread it evenly. Bake for 35–40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Remove from the oven and cool on a wire rack for 15 minutes. For the best texture, refrigerate the brownies until completely cool before frosting.
Make the Cream Cheese Frosting
- In a mixing bowl, combine the cream cheese, butter, vanilla extract, and salt. Beat on medium-high speed until creamy.
- Gradually add the confectioners’ sugar, mixing well after each addition. Adjust the consistency with heavy cream or milk, adding 1 tablespoon at a time until smooth and spreadable.
Assemble and Serve
- Once the brownies are fully cooled, spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over the top.
- Cut into squares or rectangles and serve. For a festive touch, decorate with red or heart-shaped sprinkles.
Tips for Perfect Red Velvet Brownies
- Use High-Quality Chocolate: Ghirardelli milk chocolate and unsweetened cocoa powder provide a rich flavor that elevates these brownies.
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure your eggs, butter, and cream cheese are at room temperature for smoother mixing and even baking.
- Don’t Overmix: Overmixing the batter can lead to dense brownies. Mix just until the ingredients are combined.
- Chill Before Frosting: Refrigerating the brownies before frosting makes them easier to handle and gives the frosting a neat finish.
- Adjust Sweetness: If you prefer less sweetness, use only 2 cups of confectioners’ sugar in the frosting.
Why These Brownies are Perfect for Valentine’s Day
The vibrant red color and luxurious cream cheese frosting make these brownies ideal for Valentine’s Day. They’re rich, indulgent, and have a hint of elegance that’s perfect for celebrating love. Serve them at a romantic dinner, share them with friends, or package them as a sweet gift.
Storage Instructions
- Refrigerator: Store the frosted brownies in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days.
- Freezer: You can freeze unfrosted brownies for up to 3 months. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and store in a freezer-safe bag. Thaw before frosting and serving.
Final Thoughts
These Best Homemade Red Velvet Brownies are more than just a dessert—they’re a statement of love and care. Their rich flavor, vibrant appearance, and creamy frosting make them a standout treat for any occasion, especially Valentine’s Day.
So, gather your ingredients and get baking. With this recipe, you’ll create a dessert that’s sure to be remembered—and requested again and again! ❤️