Red Velvet Brownies

These indulgent Red Velvet Brownies combine fudgy brownie texture with classic red velvet flavor, topped with tangy cream cheese frosting.

Essential Ingredients

• Butter and oil combination for perfect texture
• Dutch-process cocoa powder
• Red gel food coloring (not liquid)
• Cream cheese for frosting
• White vinegar for tang
• Cornstarch for chewiness

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Detailed Instructions

Preheat oven to 335°F. Line 9-inch square pan with parchment

Melt butter, mix with both sugars. Add eggs, yolk, vanilla - don't overmix

Mix cocoa and oil separately. Add red gel color to small portion, then combine all

Fold in dry ingredients gently. Add vinegar last

Bake 20-25 minutes until set but still fudgy

Key Tips:

• Use scale for precise measurements
• Room temperature ingredients
• Don't overbake
• Cool completely before frosting
• Store in refrigerator

Cream Cheese Frosting Instructions:

Beat room temperature butter and cream cheese until smooth

Add powdered sugar gradually on low speed

Increase to high speed until fluffy

Add vanilla, beat briefly

Check consistency - add more sugar if needed

Perfect Texture Tips:

• Measure accurately with scale
• Don't overmix batter
• Test at minimum bake time
• Let cool completely
• Chill for clean cuts

Storage and Make-Ahead:

• Refrigerate frosted brownies 5 days
• Store unfrosted at room temp 3 days
• Wrap individual pieces
• Bring to room temp before serving
• Can freeze unfrosted up to 2 months

Troubleshooting:

• Too cakey: Reduce flour slightly
• Too gooey: Add 1-2 minutes bake time
• Pale color: Use gel food coloring
• Frosting too soft: Add powdered sugar
• Cracking: Lower oven temperature

Pro Tips:

• Reserve crumbs for decoration
• Cut with hot knife for clean edges
• Let frosting set before cutting
• Check for doneness with toothpick
• Don't substitute liquid food coloring
• Bloom cocoa in hot butter (optional)
• Sift dry ingredients (optional)
• Use aluminum-free baking powder (optional)
• Check oven temperature accuracy
• Let ingredients reach room temp

Variations for Red Velvet Brownies:

• Add cream cheese swirl
• White chocolate chunks
• Dark chocolate drizzle
• Espresso powder for depth
• Cheesecake layer

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Decorating Ideas:

• Red velvet crumbs on top
• White chocolate shavings
• Gold leaf for special occasions
• Chocolate curls
• Fresh berries

Special Occasion Tips:

• Heart shapes for Valentine's
• Holiday sprinkles
• Gift packaging ideas
• Make mini sizes
• Layer with cheesecake

These brownies combine rich chocolate flavor, striking color, and perfect fudgy texture topped with tangy cream cheese frosting.

Recipe Tips & Questions

→ Why did my brownies turn out cakey?

Don't overmix the batter - this adds air and makes them cakey. Also, measure ingredients precisely, preferably with a scale.

→ Can I skip the food coloring?

Yes, they'll still taste delicious but won't have the classic red velvet look.

→ Why use vinegar in the recipe?

Vinegar helps create the signature red velvet taste and reacts with cocoa for a tender texture.

→ How should I store these brownies?

Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days due to the cream cheese frosting.

→ Can I freeze these brownies?

Yes, freeze unfrosted brownies for up to 3 months. Add frosting after thawing.