Name: Best Homemade Red Velvet Brownies Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 1 h
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 1/4 sticks unsalted butter (cut into chunks); 3 1/2 cups Ghirardelli Milk Chocolate Chips; 5 large eggs (room temperature); 1/2 cup granulated sugar; 1 1/4 cups packed brown sugar; 1 teaspoon salt; 1 1/4 teaspoons vanilla extract; 2 tablespoons red food coloring; 2 cups all purpose flour; 1 teaspoon baking powder; 3 tablespoons Ghirardelli unsweetened cocoa powder; 4 ounces cream cheese (softened); 5 tablespoons unsalted butter (room temperature); 1/8 teaspoon salt; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 2 to 3 cups confectioners sugar; 1 to 2 tablespoons heavy cream or milk of choice

Ingredients

2 1/4 sticks unsalted butter (cut into chunks)

3 1/2 cups Ghirardelli Milk Chocolate Chips

5 large eggs (room temperature)

1/2 cup granulated sugar

1 1/4 cups packed brown sugar

1 teaspoon salt

1 1/4 teaspoons vanilla extract

2 tablespoons red food coloring

2 cups all-purpose flour

1 teaspoon baking powder

3 tablespoons Ghirardelli unsweetened cocoa powder

4 ounces cream cheese (softened)

5 tablespoons unsalted butter (room temperature)

1/8 teaspoon salt

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

2 or 3 cups confectioners sugar

1-2 tablespoons heavy cream or milk of choice

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with foil or parchment paper and lightly grease it.

Step 2: Melt the milk chocolate and butter together. You can do this by microwaving until melted or by melting butter over the lowest heat on a stove, then adding the chocolate chips and stirring constantly until smooth. Turn off the heat and allow the mixture to cool.

Step 3: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, vanilla, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until combined. Then stir in the red food coloring.

Step 4: Slowly whisk the cooled melted chocolate mixture into the egg and sugar mixture until smooth. Be sure the chocolate mixture is not hot to prevent curdling the eggs.

Step 5: In a separate bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, salt, and cocoa powder. Gradually fold these dry ingredients into the wet mixture using a silicone spatula until fully incorporated.

Step 6: Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake for 35-40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Remove from oven and place on a cooling rack for 15 minutes.

Step 7: Refrigerate the brownies covered until completely cooled and firm for frosting, or allow them to come to room temperature.

Step 8: For the cream cheese frosting, beat together cream cheese, butter, vanilla, salt, confectioners sugar, and cream or milk in a mixing bowl on medium-high speed until smooth and creamy.

Step 9: Spread the frosting evenly over the cooled brownies. Slice and serve.

Tips & Variations

Use room temperature eggs for better mixing and a smoother batter.

If you prefer a less sweet frosting, reduce the amount of confectioners sugar.

Swap red food coloring for natural alternatives like beet juice powder for a more natural approach.

For extra texture, fold in chopped nuts or white chocolate chips into the batter before baking.

FAQs

Can I make these brownies gluten-free?

Yes, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking flour blend, keeping the same quantity. Ensure the blend includes xanthan gum or a similar binder for best results.

Can I freeze the brownies with frosting?

It’s best to freeze the brownies without frosting to maintain texture and flavor. Freeze the unfrosted brownies tightly wrapped for up to 3 months, then thaw and frost before serving.