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functional image red velvet brownies with cream cheese frosting and purple roses three slices cut one on its side so you can see the red crumb styled with forks and fresh flowers on a pick background
Heather Wolf

Red Velvet Brownies

5 from 8 votes
Red Velvet Brownies are the prettiest dessert this side of Valentine's Day. Crafted from an authentic red velvet cake recipe, these buttermilk brownies with cream cheese frosting will melt in your mouth.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 33 minutes
Cool 1 hour
Total Time 1 hour 53 minutes
Servings: 9
Course: Brownies and Blondies
Cuisine: American
Ingredients Equipment Method

Ingredients
  

Red Velvet Brownies
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter melted and cooled
  • 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
  • 2 tsp vanilla extract pure
  • 2 large eggs room temperature
  • 1/4 cup buttermilk
  • 1 tbsp red gel food coloring
  • 3/4 tsp white vinegar
  • 3 tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder 100% cacao
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour unbleached
  • 1/4 tsp sea salt fine
Cream Cheese Frosting
  • 8 ounces cream cheese room temperature
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter room temperature
  • 2 cups powdered sugar
  • 1 tbsp vanilla extract pure

Equipment

  • 8 x 8 metal baking pan

Method
 

Red Velvet Brownies
  1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Line an 8 x 8 metal baking pan with aluminum foil then set aside.
  2. In a large bowl, whisk together butter and sugar until combined.
  3. Add vanilla and eggs, whisking until smooth.
  4. Add buttermilk and vinegar and continue whisking until incorporated.
  5. Whisk in food coloring. Be sure to whisk all the way to the bottom of the bowl to ensure color is evenly distributed.
  6. Stir in cocoa powder with a spoon.
  7. Finally, add flour and salt, stirring with a spoon until just combined. Be careful to avoid overmixing or your brownies will crack as they bake.
  8. Pour brownie batter into baking pan then smooth with a spatula until even.
  9. Bake for 30 to 35 minutes or until a tester inserted into the center comes out with a few moist crumbs. Avoid overbaking.
  10. Remove brownies from oven and place pan on a baking rack to cool completely at room temperature before frosting, approximately 1 hour.
Cream Cheese Frosting
  1. Beat cream cheese with an electric mixer until smooth and creamy – approximately 2 minutes.
  2. Add butter and continue beating until combined, scraping down the sides of the bowl with a spatula as needed.
  3. Reduce mixer speed to low then add vanilla and powdered sugar. Beat on low until combined then beat on high until light and fluffy.
  4. Slather frosting on cooled brownies then slice and serve. For pristine slices, wipe the knife blade clean with hot water after each cut.
  5. Cover and store frosted brownies in the refrigerator up to 5 days.