Red Velvet Brownies

These chewy Red Velvet Brownies are a delightful treat topped with luscious cream cheese frosting! Perfect for birthdays, celebrations, or simply as a sweet indulgence, these brownies are not only visually stunning but also incredibly delicious. You can even make them dairy-free to accommodate various dietary needs without compromising on flavor.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make: With simple steps and common ingredients, you can whip up a batch in no time!
• Rich Flavor: The combination of cocoa powder and cream cheese frosting creates a decadent taste that melts in your mouth.
• Versatile: Ideal for any occasion—whether it’s a casual get-together or a festive celebration.
• Dairy-Free Option: Easily adapt the recipe to be dairy-free, making it accessible for those with allergies.
• Perfect Texture: These brownies are chewy and fudgy, offering a satisfying bite every time.

Tools and Preparation

Having the right tools makes baking easier and more enjoyable. Here’s what you’ll need to create your delicious Red Velvet Brownies.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Mixing bowls
• Whisk
• Measuring cups
• Baking pan
• Spatula

Importance of Each Tool

• Mixing bowls: Essential for combining ingredients smoothly without spills.
• Whisk: Helps in achieving a fluffy batter by efficiently incorporating air into the mixture.
• Baking pan: A good quality pan ensures even baking and prevents sticking.
• Spatula: Perfect for spreading frosting evenly on top of your brownies.

Ingredients

These chewy red velvet brownies are topped with the best cream cheese frosting! Plus, you can easily make these red velvet brownies dairy-free so they’re perfect if you have food allergies!

For the Brownies:

• 3/4 cup butter, melted (regular or dairy free)
• 3/4 cup light brown sugar
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 2 eggs
• 1 tbsp vanilla extract
• ½ teaspoon liquid red food coloring (SEE NOTES)
• 1½ teaspoon white vinegar
• ¼ cup cocoa powder
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1 cup + 3 tbsp all-purpose flour (SEE NOTES)

For the Frosting:

• 4 oz plain cream cheese, room temperature (SEE NOTES IF DAIRY FREE)
• ¼ cup butter, softened (dairy free or regular)
• ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
• pinch of salt
• 1½-2 cups powdered sugar (icing sugar)
• 2 Tablespoons cornstarch (ONLY IF DAIRY FREE, SEE NOTES)

How to Make Red Velvet Brownies

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease your baking pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.

Step 2: Mix the Wet Ingredients

In a mixing bowl, combine:
1. Melted butter
2. Light brown sugar
3. Granulated sugar
4. Eggs
5. Vanilla extract
6. Liquid red food coloring
7. White vinegar

Whisk everything together until smooth and well combined.

Step 3: Add Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, sift together:
1. Cocoa powder
2. Salt
3. All-purpose flour

Gradually add this dry mixture to your wet ingredients, stirring gently until fully incorporated.

Step 4: Bake the Brownies

Pour the brownie batter into your prepared baking pan, smoothing out the top with a spatula. Bake for about 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

Step 5: Prepare the Frosting

While the brownies cool, prepare your cream cheese frosting by beating together:
1. Cream cheese
2. Softened butter
3. Vanilla extract
4. Pinch of salt

Gradually mix in powdered sugar until you reach your desired sweetness and consistency.

Step 6: Frost and Serve

Once cooled, spread an even layer of frosting over the brownies using your spatula. Cut into squares and enjoy your delicious Red Velvet Brownies!

How to Serve Red Velvet Brownies

Red velvet brownies are a delightful treat that can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or simply indulging on your own, here are some serving suggestions to enhance your experience.

With a Scoop of Ice Cream

• Pair your brownies with a scoop of vanilla or dairy-free ice cream for a delicious contrast of temperatures and textures.

Drizzled with Chocolate Sauce

• A warm drizzle of chocolate sauce adds an extra layer of sweetness and richness, making each bite even more decadent.

Topped with Fresh Berries

• Fresh strawberries or raspberries add a burst of flavor and a pop of color that complements the rich red velvet nicely.

As Brownie Sundaes

• Create brownie sundaes by layering brownies with whipped cream, nuts, and your favorite toppings for an indulgent dessert.

Served Warm

• Enjoying your red velvet brownies warm intensifies their fudgy texture and flavor. Just microwave for a few seconds if they’ve been stored in the fridge.

With Coffee or Tea

• A cup of coffee or herbal tea pairs well with these brownies, balancing their sweetness with a pleasant bitterness.

How to Perfect Red Velvet Brownies

Perfecting red velvet brownies is all about attention to detail. Here are some tips to ensure they turn out amazing every time.

• Use Room Temperature Ingredients – This ensures better mixing and helps create a smooth batter for even baking.
• Don’t Overmix – Mix until just combined to keep the brownies chewy; overmixing can lead to dense, tough brownies.
• Check Your Oven Temperature – Use an oven thermometer to ensure accurate baking temperatures for perfect results.
• Cool Before Frosting – Allow the brownies to cool completely before adding cream cheese frosting; this prevents it from melting off.
• Experiment with Food Coloring – Adjust the amount of food coloring based on your desired hue, but remember that too much can affect texture.
• Store Properly – Keep leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days for optimal freshness.

Best Side Dishes for Red Velvet Brownies

Red velvet brownies can shine even brighter when paired with complementary side dishes. Here are some great options to consider:

1. Vanilla Ice Cream
   Creamy vanilla ice cream balances the rich flavors of the brownies beautifully.
2. Fresh Fruit Salad
   A light fruit salad adds freshness and acidity, which contrasts well with the sweetness of the brownies.
3. Chocolate Mousse
   Indulge in chocolate mousse as a luxurious accompaniment that enhances the chocolatey flavor profile.
4. Whipped Coconut Cream
   For a dairy-free option, whipped coconut cream provides a delightful lightness that pairs wonderfully with these brownies.
5. Coffee Cake
   A slice of moist coffee cake offers different textures while complementing the sweet flavors in the brownies.
6. Nutty Granola
   Crunchy granola can add an interesting texture contrast and makes for a simple side that’s easy to prepare.
7. Mint Tea
   The refreshing taste of mint tea cleanses the palate and balances out the richness of the dessert.
8. Caramel Sauce
   Drizzling caramel sauce over both desserts creates a decadent combination that will satisfy any sweet tooth.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Avoiding common mistakes is key to making perfect red velvet brownies. Here are some pitfalls to watch out for:

• Using the wrong type of cocoa powder: Always opt for unsweetened cocoa powder for a rich chocolate flavor. Sweetened cocoa can alter the balance of sugars in your batter.
• Overmixing the batter: Mixing too much can lead to dense brownies. Stir just until ingredients are combined for that chewy texture.
• Not measuring ingredients accurately: Baking is a science; improper measurements can ruin your brownies. Use a kitchen scale or measuring cups for precision.
• Skipping the vinegar: The vinegar not only adds flavor but also activates baking soda, helping the brownies rise. Don’t skip it!
• Ignoring cooling time: Cutting into warm brownies can lead to a messy result. Allow them to cool completely before slicing.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
• Layer parchment paper between brownies if stacking, to prevent sticking.

Freezing Red Velvet Brownies

• Wrap individual brownies in plastic wrap and then place in a freezer bag for up to 3 months.
• Label the bag with the date for easy tracking.

Reheating Red Velvet Brownies

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and warm for about 10 minutes for soft brownies.
• Microwave: Heat one brownie at a time for 20-30 seconds; check and adjust as needed.
• Stovetop: Place in a covered skillet over low heat for about 5 minutes, checking frequently.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about red velvet brownies:

What makes red velvet brownies different?

Red velvet brownies have a unique cocoa flavor with added color from red food coloring, giving them a distinct look and taste compared to regular brownies.

Can I make these red velvet brownies dairy-free?

Yes! Simply use dairy-free butter and cream cheese alternatives, ensuring all ingredients are free from animal products.

How do I know when my red velvet brownies are done?

Insert a toothpick into the center; if it comes out with moist crumbs (not wet batter), they are ready!

Can I customize my red velvet brownie recipe?

Absolutely! You can add nuts, chocolate chips, or even swirl in some fruit puree before baking for added flavor and texture.

Final Thoughts

These red velvet brownies are not only visually stunning but also deliciously rich and chewy. With options for customization, they fit various tastes and dietary needs. Don’t hesitate to try this recipe; your friends and family will love them!