Make the best homemade red velvet brownies that combine rich, fudgy texture with the classic tang of red velvet cake, topped with a simple cream cheese frosting.
Author:katereilly
Prep Time:20 min
Cook Time:30 min
Total Time:50 min
Yield:16 brownies 1x
Category:Dessert
Method:Baking
Cuisine:American
Diet:Vegetarian
Ingredients
Scale
1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, melted
1 3/4 cups granulated sugar
1 cup packed light brown sugar
4 large eggs
1 tablespoon vanilla extract
1 teaspoon white vinegar
1 tablespoon unsweetened cocoa powder
2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon baking powder
2 tablespoons red food coloring (gel preferred)
1/2 cup buttermilk
1/2 cup cream cheese, softened (for frosting)
1/4 cup (1/2 stick) unsalted butter, softened (for frosting)
2 cups powdered sugar (for frosting)
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract (for frosting)
1 tablespoon milk or heavy cream (for frosting)
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13 inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides for easy removal. Lightly grease the paper.
In a large bowl, whisk together the melted butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until combined.
Whisk in the eggs one at a time until fully incorporated. Add the vanilla extract and white vinegar.
In a separate small bowl, whisk together the cocoa powder, flour, salt, and baking powder.
In a small bowl, mix the buttermilk and red food coloring until you achieve a deep, vibrant red color.
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined. Do not overmix.
Slowly pour in the red buttermilk mixture, mixing until the batter is uniform in color and smooth.
Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and spread evenly.
Bake for 25 to 30 minutes. A toothpick inserted near the center should come out with moist crumbs attached, not wet batter, for a fudgy result.
While the brownies cool completely, prepare the frosting: Beat the softened cream cheese and butter together until smooth. Gradually add the powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and milk until the frosting is creamy and spreadable.
Once the brownies are completely cool, spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over the top.
Cut into squares and serve.
Notes
For the fudgiest texture, avoid overbaking. Check the brownies a few minutes before the suggested time.
Use gel food coloring for the most intense, vibrant red color without thinning the batter too much.
If you prefer a cream cheese swirl instead of a full frosting layer, reserve half the batter, swirl the cream cheese mixture into the bottom layer, then top with the remaining batter before baking.