Description
Delight in these luscious Red Velvet Brownies, featuring a moist, rich texture with a hint of cocoa and a vibrant red hue. Topped with a smooth, creamy cream cheese frosting, these brownies offer the perfect balance of tangy sweetness and indulgent flavor, ideal for sharing at parties or as a special treat.
Ingredients
Brownie Ingredients
- 85 g Unsalted Butter
- 200 g Granulated Sugar
- 55 g Light Brown Sugar
- 3 Large Eggs
- 1 Large Egg Yolk
- 1 tsp Vanilla Extract
- 80 ml Vegetable Oil
- 25 g Cocoa Powder
- 90 g All-purpose Flour
- 1 tbsp Vinegar
- 1 tbsp Cornstarch
- ¼ tsp Salt
- ½ tsp Red Food Coloring (gel)
- 130 g White Chocolate Chips (optional)
Cream Cheese Frosting Ingredients
- 115 g Cream Cheese, room temperature
- 85 g Unsalted Butter, room temperature
- 480 g Powdered Sugar
- 1 tsp Vanilla Extract
Instructions
- Prepare Pan and Oven: Line an 8-inch square cake pan with parchment paper. Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C) or 160°C if using a fan-assisted oven.
- Melt Butter: Melt the 85 g unsalted butter in the microwave using 30-second intervals until fully melted.
- Mix Sugars and Butter: In a large mixing bowl, combine granulated sugar and light brown sugar. Add the melted butter and whisk thoroughly until combined.
- Add Eggs and Vanilla: Incorporate the 3 large eggs, 1 egg yolk, and 1 tsp vanilla extract into the sugar mixture. Mix gently without overbeating to avoid incorporating too much air, which would make the brownies cakey.
- Add Oil and Cocoa: Whisk in the vegetable oil and cocoa powder gently until the mixture is smooth and fully combined.
- Incorporate Red Food Coloring: Place a few tablespoons of batter into a separate small bowl. Add the red gel food coloring to this bowl, mixing until fully incorporated with no lumps. Pour this colored batter back into the main mixture and mix until even in color.
- Add Dry Ingredients: Switch to a rubber spatula or wooden spoon. Fold in the all-purpose flour, cornstarch, and salt until the batter is smooth without lumps.
- Mix in Vinegar: Stir in the vinegar thoroughly to complete the brownie batter.
- Add White Chocolate Chips (Optional): If desired, fold in white chocolate chips at this stage for added sweetness and texture.
- Bake Brownies: Pour the batter evenly into the prepared cake pan. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until a skewer inserted into the center comes out with moist crumbs.
- Cool Completely: Remove the brownies from the oven and allow them to cool fully in the pan before frosting.
- Make Cream Cheese Frosting: Beat the cream cheese and unsalted butter at room temperature together until smooth and combined.
- Add Powdered Sugar: Gradually mix in the powdered sugar. Once dust settles, increase mixer speed to high and beat until the frosting becomes light and fluffy.
- Flavor Frosting: Add vanilla extract and beat for a few more seconds until well incorporated.
- Frost Brownies: Spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over the cooled brownies. Slice and serve.
Notes
- Use gel food coloring to achieve vibrant red color without altering batter consistency.
- Do not overmix batter to keep brownies dense and fudgy rather than cakey.
- White chocolate chips are optional, but add a nice contrast to the cocoa flavor.
- Allow brownies to cool completely before frosting to prevent melting and sliding of the cream cheese frosting.
- The vinegar enhances the classic red velvet flavor and reacts with baking soda (if used) for leavening.
