Oh, let me tell you about one of my absolute favorite treats: red velvet brownies with cream cheese frosting! There’s just something so magical about the combination of that rich, velvety texture and the luscious cream cheese topping. Every time I whip up a batch, I can’t help but get excited. The vibrant color just sings happiness, and the aroma that fills my kitchen? Wow! These brownies are perfect for any occasion, whether you’re celebrating something special or just indulging yourself on a cozy afternoon. Trust me, once you try them, you’ll want to make them again and again!
Ingredients for Red Velvet Brownies with Cream Cheese Frosting
Alright, let’s gather all the delicious ingredients you’ll need for these mouthwatering red velvet brownies with cream cheese frosting. You won’t believe how simple it is! Here’s what you’ll need:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tsp red food coloring
- 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract (for frosting)
Now, make sure your cream cheese is nice and soft so it mixes perfectly into that dreamy frosting—nobody likes lumps! And don’t forget to measure everything out with love. Trust me, using the right amounts really makes a difference in how these beauties turn out!
How to Prepare Red Velvet Brownies with Cream Cheese Frosting
Now that we have all our ingredients ready, let’s dive into the fun part—making these irresistible red velvet brownies with cream cheese frosting! Just follow these simple steps, and you’ll be enjoying your homemade treats in no time.
Preheat Your Oven
First things first, you’ll want to preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This is super important because starting with a hot oven helps the brownies bake evenly and gives them that perfect fudgy texture. Trust me, you don’t want to skip this step!
Combine Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, mix together your flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt. I like to whisk them together really well to make sure everything’s evenly distributed. This makes sure your brownies have that consistent rich chocolate flavor throughout! You want to see a lovely, dark mixture before moving on.
Mix Wet Ingredients
In another bowl, combine your melted butter, granulated sugar, eggs, vanilla extract, and red food coloring. Take a moment to really whisk everything together until it’s smooth and well combined. The red food coloring is what gives these brownies their signature color, so make sure it’s mixed in thoroughly! You should have a vibrant red mixture that looks so inviting.
Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures
Now, it’s time to bring the two mixtures together! Pour the dry ingredients into the bowl with the wet ingredients and gently fold them together until just combined. Be careful not to overmix—just blend until you don’t see any more flour. The batter should be thick and glossy, and oh-so-tempting!
Bake the Brownies
Pour the luscious batter into a greased baking pan (I usually use an 8×8 inch pan). Spread it out evenly and pop it into your preheated oven. Bake for about 25-30 minutes, but here’s the trick: start checking for doneness at the 25-minute mark by inserting a toothpick in the center. If it comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs, they’re ready to come out!
Prepare the Cream Cheese Frosting
While the brownies are cooling (let’s be real, the aroma will be tantalizing!), let’s whip up that dreamy cream cheese frosting. In a bowl, mix the softened cream cheese with powdered sugar and vanilla extract. Beat it until it’s smooth and creamy. You want it to be luscious and spreadable—this frosting is the icing on the cake, quite literally!
Frost the Brownies
Once your brownies are completely cool (don’t rush this part; nobody likes melted frosting!), spread that gorgeous cream cheese frosting generously over the top. I like to go a bit wild with it! You can even sprinkle a little cocoa powder or some cute sprinkles on top for a pop of color. Just look at that beautiful contrast of red and white—it’s simply irresistible!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy preparation—perfect for baking enthusiasts of all levels!
- Decadent flavor that perfectly combines rich chocolate and tangy cream cheese.
- Stunning visual appeal with that vibrant red color topped with creamy white frosting.
- Perfect for any occasion, from birthday parties to cozy nights in.
- Super fudgy texture that melts in your mouth—seriously, it’s a game changer!
- Can be made ahead of time, making it a fantastic treat for busy schedules.
- Customizable with add-ins like chocolate chips or nuts if you’re feeling adventurous!
- Each bite is a sweet experience that leaves you wanting more.
Tips for Success
Alright, friends, let’s make sure your red velvet brownies with cream cheese frosting turn out absolutely perfect! Here are some of my favorite tips to keep in mind while you’re baking:
- Don’t Overmix: When combining the wet and dry ingredients, be gentle! Overmixing can lead to dense brownies instead of that lovely fudgy texture we all crave. Just mix until you see no more flour, and you’re good to go!
- Check Your Oven Temperature: Oven temperatures can vary, so if you find your brownies are baking too fast or too slow, consider using an oven thermometer for accuracy. This little gadget can save you from baking disasters!
- Use Quality Ingredients: The flavor of your brownies will shine through the quality of your ingredients. Use good cocoa powder and fresh eggs for the best results. You’ll taste the difference, trust me!
- Let Them Cool: I know it’s tough to wait, but let your brownies cool completely before frosting. This way, you’ll avoid a gooey mess and get that beautiful frosting layer you’re dreaming of!
- Experiment with Add-Ins: Feeling adventurous? Try adding chocolate chips, nuts, or even a swirl of peanut butter to the batter! It’s a fun way to give your brownies a personal twist.
- Store Properly: Keep your brownies fresh by storing them in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay delicious for several days—if they last that long!
With these handy tips, you’ll be a red velvet brownie pro in no time. Happy baking!
Nutritional Information
Now, let’s talk about the nutritional information for these delicious red velvet brownies with cream cheese frosting. While they’re undeniably indulgent, knowing what’s in them can help you enjoy them even more! Here’s a typical breakdown per serving (1 brownie):
- Calories: 200
- Total Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 45mg
- Sodium: 120mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 27g
- Dietary Fiber: 1g
- Sugars: 18g
- Protein: 2g
Please note, these values are estimates and can vary based on the specific ingredients you use. Enjoy these brownies in moderation, and remember, they’re all about that delicious balance of flavors!
FAQ Section
Can I use a different frosting?
Absolutely! While the cream cheese frosting is a classic pairing with red velvet brownies, you can definitely mix it up. Try a simple chocolate ganache for a rich, fudgy twist, or go for a vanilla buttercream if you want something sweeter. Even a dusting of powdered sugar can be delightful for a lighter touch. Get creative and find what makes your taste buds dance!
How should I store the brownies?
To keep those delicious red velvet brownies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay moist and tasty for up to five days—if they even last that long! If you want to keep them longer, you can refrigerate them for about a week, just remember to bring them back to room temperature before diving in for the best flavor!
Can I make these brownies ahead of time?
Yes, you can totally make these brownies ahead of time! They’re perfect for prepping in advance, especially for parties or gatherings. Just bake them, let them cool completely, and store them in an airtight container. You can frost them just before serving to keep that cream cheese frosting nice and fresh. They also freeze well, so if you want to make a big batch, just wrap them tightly and pop them in the freezer. Thaw them in the fridge overnight, and you’re all set!
Serving Suggestions
Now that you’ve whipped up these irresistible red velvet brownies with cream cheese frosting, let’s talk about how to elevate your serving game! These treats are fantastic on their own, but pairing them with the right accompaniments can really take your dessert experience to the next level.
- Vanilla Ice Cream: There’s nothing quite like a warm brownie paired with a scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream. The contrast of warm and cold is simply divine, and it adds an extra layer of indulgence!
- Fresh Berries: A handful of fresh raspberries or strawberries adds a delightful tartness that balances the sweetness of the brownies. Plus, the pop of color makes your dessert plate look fantastic!
- Coffee or Espresso: Enjoy these brownies with a rich cup of coffee or a shot of espresso. The bitterness of the coffee perfectly complements the chocolatey sweetness, making for a cozy pairing!
- Whipped Cream: A dollop of freshly whipped cream on top can turn an already delicious brownie into a showstopper. It’s light, fluffy, and oh-so-satisfying!
- Chocolate Sauce: Drizzling some warm chocolate sauce over the top right before serving adds an extra touch of decadence. Don’t be shy—go for it!
- Nuts: Sprinkle some chopped walnuts or pecans on top of the frosting for a delightful crunch. It adds texture and a nutty flavor that pairs beautifully with the cream cheese.
These serving suggestions will not only enhance the flavor but will also make your red velvet brownies a centerpiece at any gathering. So go ahead, get creative, and enjoy every luscious bite!
Drucken
Red Velvet Brownies with Cream Cheese Frosting Delight
- Gesamtzeit: 45 minutes
- Ertrag: 16 brownies 1x
- Ernährung: Vegetarisch
Beschreibung
Delicious red velvet brownies topped with creamy frosting.
Zutaten
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tsp red food coloring
- 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract (for frosting)
Anweisungen
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a bowl, mix flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt.
- In another bowl, combine melted butter, sugar, eggs, vanilla, and red food coloring.
- Add dry ingredients to the wet mixture and stir until combined.
- Pour the batter into a greased baking pan.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
- While brownies cool, mix cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla for the frosting.
- Spread the frosting over the cooled brownies.
- Cut into squares and serve.
Notes
- Store brownies in an airtight container.
- Frosting can be made ahead of time.
- For a richer flavor, add chocolate chips to the batter.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Kochen Zeit: 30 minutes
- Kategorie: Dessert
- Methode: Baking
- Küche: American
Ernährung
- Portionsgröße: 1 brownie
- Kalorien: 200
- Zucker: 18g
- Natrium: 120mg
- Fett: 9g
- Gesättigte Fettsäuren: 5g
- Ungesättigte Fette: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Kohlenhydrate: 27g
- Faser: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterin: 45mg
Keywords: red velvet brownies, cream cheese frosting, dessert
