Introduction:
These Red Velvet Brownies are a delightful twist on the classic red velvet cake, blending the rich, buttery flavors of brownies with the signature tangy notes of red velvet. Topped with a luscious cream cheese frosting, these brownies are perfect for any occasion, from holiday gatherings to birthday celebrations.
Inspiration Behind the Recipe:
Inspired by the timeless appeal of red velvet cake, this brownie recipe combines the best of both worlds—rich, fudgy brownies infused with cocoa and a hint of vanilla, along with that iconic red color, making it a visually stunning treat.
Ingredients Breakdown:
- For the Brownies:
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tablespoon red food coloring
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- For the Cream Cheese Frosting:
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup (1/2 stick) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1-2 tablespoons milk (as needed for consistency)
Step-by-Step Recipe:
- Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×9-inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
- Melt the Butter:
- In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over low heat. Remove from heat and stir in the sugar until combined.
- Add Eggs and Color:
- Let the mixture cool slightly, then whisk in the eggs, red food coloring, and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Mix Dry Ingredients:
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring until just combined.
- Bake the Brownies:
- Pour the brownie batter into the prepared baking pan and spread evenly. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with a few moist crumbs. Allow to cool in the pan.
- Make the Cream Cheese Frosting:
- In a mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and butter together until smooth. Gradually add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract, mixing until well combined. Add milk, one tablespoon at a time, until the desired frosting consistency is reached.
- Frost the Brownies:
- Once the brownies have cooled completely, spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over the top. Cut into squares and serve.
Tips for the Perfect Red Velvet Brownies:
- Don’t Overmix: Be careful not to overmix the batter; mix until just combined for fudgier brownies.
- Use Good Quality Cocoa: The cocoa powder will significantly impact the flavor, so choose a high-quality unsweetened cocoa.
- Frosting Variations: Feel free to add a splash of lemon juice or zest to the frosting for a tangy twist.
Variations and Customizations:
- Chocolate Chips: Stir in semi-sweet chocolate chips or white chocolate chips into the batter for added sweetness and texture.
- Nuts: Add chopped walnuts or pecans to the brownie batter for a crunchy contrast.
- Swirls: Create a marbled effect by swirling some additional cream cheese frosting into the brownie batter before baking.
Health Considerations and Nutritional Value:
- Lower Sugar Option: Reduce the sugar in both the brownie and frosting for a slightly healthier treat.
- Gluten-Free: Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend for a gluten-free version.
FAQ:
- Can I use a different type of food coloring?
Yes, you can use natural food coloring or beet juice for a healthier alternative, but it may affect the color intensity. - How do I store leftovers?
Store the brownies in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Allow them to come to room temperature before serving for the best flavor. - Can I freeze these brownies?
Absolutely! Wrap individual brownies tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw before serving.
Red Velvet Brownies
Enjoy the rich, fudgy delight of Red Velvet Brownies, infused with classic red velvet flavors and topped with luscious cream cheese frosting. Perfect for any occasion, these brownies will impress with their taste and stunning color!
Ingredients
For the Red Velvet Brownies:
- 150 g unsalted butter
- 275 g caster sugar
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tsp red food coloring
- 4 medium eggs
- 30 g cocoa powder
- 125 g plain flour
For the Cheesecake Swirl:
- 250 g full-fat cream cheese
- 75 g caster sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 egg yolk
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 180°C (160°C fan) and line a 9×9″ square tin with parchment paper.
- Make the Brownie Batter:
- Beat together the butter and sugar until well combined.
- Add the vanilla extract and red food coloring. It’s easier to mix these two together first into a thinner paste before adding them to the butter and sugar mixture.
- Add the eggs one at a time, beating after each addition.
- Mix in the cocoa powder and plain flour, then beat until fully incorporated.
- Prepare the Cheesecake Swirl:
- In a separate bowl, beat the cream cheese, sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Add the egg yolk and mix again until well combined.
- Assemble the Brownies:
- Pour about 90% of the brownie mixture into the prepared tin.
- Dollop the cream cheese mixture over the brownie batter, then add the remaining brownie mixture on top.
- Use a spatula or knife to swirl the mixtures together.
- Bake:
- Bake in the preheated oven for 28-35 minutes, or until a skewer inserted into the center comes out clean. (Mine baked for 30 minutes.)
- Cool:
- Leave the brownies to cool in the tin for 20-30 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
- Red Food Coloring: I recommend using a high-quality red food coloring for the best results.
- Tin Size: I suggest using a 9×9″ square tin for this recipe to ensure the correct texture and baking time.
- Storage: These brownies will last for 3-4 days, either at room temperature (on a cooler day) or in the fridge.
