Description
Deliciously rich and moist, these Best Homemade Red Velvet Brownies combine the classic flavors of red velvet cake with the fudgy texture of brownies. Topped with a creamy homemade cream cheese frosting, they make a perfect dessert for any occasion.
Ingredients
Scale
Brownie Base
- 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
Cream Cheese Frosting
- 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
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit to ensure it reaches the proper temperature for baking the brownies.
- Prepare Pan: Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with foil or parchment paper and lightly grease it to prevent the brownies from sticking.
- Melt Chocolate and Butter: Melt the milk chocolate chips and butter together either in the microwave or on the stovetop using a small saucepan over the lowest heat setting. Stir constantly until smooth. Allow the mixture to cool slightly before using.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk the eggs, granulated sugar, brown sugar, vanilla extract, salt, and red food coloring together until fully combined.
- Combine Chocolate Mixture: Slowly whisk the cooled melted chocolate and butter mixture into the egg and sugar mixture until smooth and uniform, being careful not to add while the chocolate is too hot to prevent curdling.
- Add Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, salt, and unsweetened cocoa powder. Gradually fold these dry ingredients into the wet mixture using a silicone spatula until fully incorporated.
- Bake Brownies: Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and bake for 35 to 40 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Remove from the oven and place on a cooling rack for 15 minutes.
- Cool Before Frosting: Allow the brownies to cool completely, either by refrigerating covered or letting them come to room temperature before adding the frosting.
- Prepare Frosting: In a mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese, room temperature butter, vanilla extract, salt, confectioners sugar, and heavy cream (or milk) on medium-high speed until smooth, creamy, and light.
- Frost Brownies: Spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over the cooled brownies. Slice and serve.
Notes
- Be sure not to add hot melted chocolate to eggs to prevent curdling; allow it to cool slightly first.
- You can adjust the amount of red food coloring for a deeper or lighter red velvet color.
- For a gluten-free option, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.
- Brownies can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
- Allow frosted brownies to rest for about 30 minutes before serving for the frosting to set.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: Red Velvet Brownies, Cream Cheese Frosting, Homemade Brownies, Chocolate Dessert, Fudgy Brownies, Red Food Coloring, Ghirardelli Chocolate
