Red Velvet Brownies

These chewy Red Velvet Brownies are a delightful combination of rich cocoa flavor and vibrant red color, topped with creamy frosting. Perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a birthday party, holiday gathering, or just a sweet treat at home, these brownies will impress everyone. Plus, they can easily be made dairy-free to accommodate various dietary needs!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Irresistible Flavor: The mix of cocoa powder and red food coloring creates a unique and delicious taste that stands out from regular brownies.
• Creamy Frosting: Topped with velvety cream cheese frosting, every bite is an indulgent experience.
• Versatile: Great for celebrations or just a cozy night in; these brownies fit any occasion.
• Dairy-Free Option: Easily modify the recipe to make it dairy-free without sacrificing flavor or texture.
• Simple Ingredients: Made with common pantry staples, these brownies are quick to whip up.

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Tools and Preparation

To prepare your Red Velvet Brownies, gather the essential tools listed below. Having the right equipment makes baking easier and ensures your brownies turn out perfectly.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• 8×8 square baking pan
• Parchment paper
• Medium mixing bowl
• Whisk
• Spatula
• Toothpick (for testing doneness)
• Mixer (handheld or stand)

Importance of Each Tool

• 8×8 Square Baking Pan: This size is perfect for even baking and achieving that ideal brownie texture.
• Whisk: A whisk allows you to mix ingredients thoroughly, ensuring a smooth batter without lumps.
• Spatula: Use a spatula to scrape every bit of batter from the bowl, maximizing your yield.

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!

Ingredients:
– 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)
– 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 the oven to 350°F. Line an 8×8 square baking pan with parchment paper. Make sure the parchment paper hangs over the sides; this will help you remove the brownies easily later.

Step 2: Melt the Butter

Melt the butter in the microwave or on the stove. Transfer it to a medium-sized bowl.

Step 3: Mix Sugars and Butter

Add both sugars to the melted butter. Whisk until combined until it resembles a thick paste that pulls away from the bowl’s sides.

Step 4: Add Wet Ingredients

Mix in the eggs, vinegar, vanilla extract, and red food coloring. Adjust color intensity if needed based on your food coloring brand.

Step 5: Combine Dry Ingredients

Pour in cocoa powder, salt, and flour. Stir gently until just mixed — over-mixing can lead to tough brownies.

Step 6: Prepare for Baking

Use a spatula to pour the batter into your lined baking pan. Make sure to scrape every bit out of the bowl!

Step 7: Bake Your Brownies

Bake for 30-40 minutes. Start checking at 30 minutes by inserting a toothpick into the center; it should come out with some moist crumbs but not wet batter.

Step 8: Cool and Frost

Let your brownies cool completely before preparing your cream cheese frosting according to the next steps!

How to Serve Red Velvet Brownies

Serving red velvet brownies can elevate any dessert occasion. Whether you’re hosting a party or enjoying a cozy night in, these delicious treats can be paired with various accompaniments for an unforgettable experience.

A La Mode

• Add a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top of warm brownies for a classic dessert combination. The creamy texture complements the rich flavors.

With Fresh Berries

• Serve your red velvet brownies with fresh raspberries or strawberries. The tartness of the berries balances the sweetness of the brownies.

Drizzled with Chocolate Sauce

• Enhance your brownies by drizzling them with warm chocolate sauce. This adds an extra layer of indulgence and richness.

Topped with Whipped Cream

• A dollop of freshly whipped cream can lighten up the dessert while adding a beautiful presentation. It’s perfect for those who love creamy textures.

With Coffee or Espresso

• Pair your brownies with a cup of coffee or espresso. The bitterness from the coffee contrasts nicely with the sweetness of the red velvet brownies.

How to Perfect Red Velvet Brownies

To make sure your red velvet brownies turn out perfectly every time, follow these tips to ensure they are chewy and flavorful.

• Use room temperature ingredients: Ensure that eggs and cream cheese are at room temperature before mixing. This helps achieve better consistency and texture.
• Don’t overmix: Once you add the dry ingredients, mix just until combined. Overmixing can lead to tough brownies.
• Check baking time carefully: Start checking for doneness at 30 minutes. Remove from the oven when a toothpick comes out with a few moist crumbs.
• Let them cool completely: Allow your brownies to cool before adding frosting. This prevents melting and ensures neat slices.
• Experiment with food coloring: If you want more vibrancy, adjust the amount of red food coloring to suit your preference.

Best Side Dishes for Red Velvet Brownies

Pairing side dishes with red velvet brownies can enhance their flavors and create a more complete dessert experience. Here are some excellent options to consider:

1. Vanilla Ice Cream: Creamy and smooth, it balances the rich brownie flavor perfectly.
2. Fresh Fruit Salad: A mix of seasonal fruits adds freshness and acidity that complements sweet brownies.
3. Chocolate Mousse: Light and airy, chocolate mousse offers a delightful contrast in texture while enhancing chocolate flavors.
4. Caramel Sauce: Drizzling warm caramel adds richness and depth, creating an indulgent treat.
5. Chantilly Cream: Lightly sweetened whipped cream adds fluffiness without overpowering the brownie’s flavor.
6. Nutty Granola: Sprinkle granola on top for added crunch and texture; it pairs well with soft desserts like these brownies.
7. Homemade Marshmallow Fluff: Spread this sweet topping on warm brownies for an extra layer of sweetness and lightness.
8. Coffee Granita: A refreshing coffee granita serves as a palate cleanser while enhancing the overall coffee experience when enjoyed alongside brownies.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Baking red velvet brownies can be fun, but small mistakes can lead to disappointing results. Here are some common pitfalls to avoid:

• Using too much flour: Accurately measure your flour. Too much can make brownies dry and crumbly.
• Overmixing the batter: Mix until just combined. Overmixing can result in tough brownies due to excess gluten development.
• Skipping the cooling time: Allowing brownies to cool completely helps achieve the perfect texture for frosting and serving.
• Not testing for doneness: Use a toothpick to check if they are done. Remove them from the oven when wet crumbs stick to the toothpick but no wet batter.
• Ignoring ingredient temperature: Ensure ingredients like eggs and cream cheese are at room temperature for better mixing and consistency.

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Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
• Keep frosted brownies separate from unfrosted ones to maintain texture.

Freezing Red Velvet Brownies

• Wrap brownies tightly in plastic wrap or foil for up to 3 months.
• For best quality, freeze before adding cream cheese frosting.

Reheating Red Velvet Brownies

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F, place brownies on a baking sheet, and warm for about 10 minutes.
• Microwave: Heat individual brownies on a microwave-safe plate for 10-15 seconds or until warm.
• Stovetop: Place a brownie in a skillet over low heat for a few minutes, flipping once, until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making red velvet brownies:

What makes red velvet brownies different from regular brownies?

Red velvet brownies have a unique flavor profile due to cocoa powder and red food coloring, giving them a rich taste and vibrant color.

Can I make these Red Velvet Brownies dairy-free?

Yes! Substitute regular butter and cream cheese with dairy-free alternatives without losing flavor or texture.

How do I achieve the perfect texture?

Make sure not to overbake them. The right doneness is key—remove when a toothpick comes out with a few wet crumbs.

Can I customize these red velvet brownies?

Absolutely! You can add nuts, chocolate chips, or even swirl in additional cream cheese frosting for extra flavor.

How should I serve red velvet brownies?

These brownies pair beautifully with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for a delightful dessert experience.

Final Thoughts

These chewy red velvet brownies topped with creamy frosting are truly irresistible. They are perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a cozy night in or a festive gathering. Feel free to customize them with your favorite mix-ins or toppings. Enjoy baking and savoring these delicious treats!