Red Velvet Brownies

These chewy Red Velvet Brownies are a delightful twist on the classic dessert, offering a perfect blend of rich chocolate flavor and a vibrant red hue. Topped with the best cream cheese frosting, these brownies are ideal for birthdays, holidays, or any special occasion. Their versatility makes them suitable for both traditional and dairy-free diets, ensuring everyone can enjoy this treat!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Irresistibly Chewy: These brownies offer a perfect balance of chewy and fudgy textures that melt in your mouth.
• Simple Ingredients: Made with common pantry staples, you can whip up these brownies without any hassle.
• Dairy-Free Option: Easily modify the recipe to create delicious dairy-free brownies, perfect for those with allergies.
• Versatile Flavor: The addition of cocoa powder enriches the flavor, making them irresistible to chocolate lovers.
• Perfect for Sharing: With 16 servings, these brownies are great for gatherings or as thoughtful gifts.

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Tools and Preparation

To make these delicious Red Velvet Brownies, having the right tools is essential. Gather your equipment before you start baking to ensure a smooth process.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• 8×8 square baking pan
• Parchment paper
• Medium-sized bowl
• Whisk
• Spatula
• Toothpick

Importance of Each Tool

• Baking Pan: A sturdy pan ensures even baking and helps achieve the ideal brownie texture.
• Parchment Paper: Lining the pan makes it easy to remove the brownies without sticking.
• Whisk: This tool helps combine ingredients smoothly for a consistent batter.

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 your oven to 350°F. Line an 8×8 square baking pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang on the sides for easy removal later.

Step 2: Melt the Butter

Melt the butter in the microwave or on the stove. Pour it into a medium-sized bowl.

Step 3: Mix Sugars and Butter

Add both sugars to the melted butter. Whisk together until you achieve a paste-like consistency that pulls away from the bowl’s sides.

Step 4: Add Eggs and Flavoring

Incorporate the eggs, vinegar, vanilla extract, and red food coloring into the mixture. Mix well until combined. Adjust food coloring for desired vibrancy.

Step 5: Combine Dry Ingredients

Pour in your dry ingredients—cocoa powder, salt, and flour—into the wet mixture. Stir gently with a whisk until just combined; this should take about one minute.

Step 6: Transfer Batter to Pan

Use a spatula to pour all of your brownie batter into the lined baking pan. Ensure an even spread across the pan.

Step 7: Bake

Bake in your preheated oven for 30–40 minutes. Start checking at 30 minutes by inserting a toothpick in the center; it should come out with some wet crumbs but not wet batter.

Step 8: Cool While Making Frosting

Let your brownies cool completely before preparing cream cheese frosting.

How to Serve Red Velvet Brownies

Red velvet brownies are not just a treat; they can be served in various delightful ways that enhance their rich flavor. Here are some serving suggestions to elevate your dessert experience.

A La Mode

• Serve warm red velvet brownies with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top for a delicious contrast of temperatures and creamy texture.

With Fresh Berries

• Add a side of fresh strawberries or raspberries to complement the sweetness of the brownies and introduce a tart flavor that balances the richness.

Drizzled with Chocolate Sauce

• For chocolate lovers, drizzling warm chocolate sauce over the brownies adds extra indulgence and makes for an eye-catching presentation.

Topped with Whipped Cream

• Light, fluffy whipped cream adds an airy touch to the dense brownies. It’s perfect for those who enjoy a lighter finish.

As Brownie Sundaes

• Layer cut pieces of red velvet brownies in a bowl with ice cream, chocolate syrup, and nuts for an extravagant brownie sundae.

With Cream Cheese Frosting

• Spread additional cream cheese frosting on top or serve it on the side for guests to add as they please, enhancing the overall flavor profile.

How to Perfect Red Velvet Brownies

Achieving the perfect red velvet brownies requires attention to detail during preparation. Here are some tips to ensure your brownies turn out just right.

• Use Quality Ingredients: High-quality butter and fresh eggs make a noticeable difference in taste and texture.
• Don’t Overmix: Mix just until combined when adding dry ingredients. Overmixing can lead to tough brownies.
• Check Doneness Carefully: Use a toothpick to check if they are done. Aim for moist crumbs rather than clean, dry ones.
• Cool Completely Before Frosting: Let the brownies cool completely before applying cream cheese frosting to avoid melting.
• Adjust Food Coloring: Depending on your desired shade, feel free to adjust the amount of red food coloring used for a brighter appearance.
• Store Properly: Keep leftover brownies in an airtight container at room temperature or refrigerate if frosted, ensuring they stay fresh longer.

Best Side Dishes for Red Velvet Brownies

Pairing side dishes with red velvet brownies can enhance your dessert table. Here are some excellent options that complement this rich treat.

1. Vanilla Ice Cream: A classic pairing that offers a creamy contrast.
2. Chocolate Mousse: Rich and airy, it layers well with the brownie’s dense texture.
3. Fruit Salad: A refreshing mix of seasonal fruits provides a bright, zesty balance.
4. Caramel Sauce: Drizzling caramel adds sweetness and depth that works beautifully with chocolate flavors.
5. Espresso or Coffee: Serving these desserts with coffee enhances their chocolatey notes while providing a caffeine boost.
6. Mini Cheesecakes: These desserts can be served alongside for an elegant touch and diverse flavors.
7. Pecan Pie: The crunchy texture contrasts nicely with soft brownies, creating an enjoyable experience.
8. Milkshakes: Thick milkshakes offer a fun twist and pair perfectly with sweet treats like red velvet brownies.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Avoiding common mistakes can make your red velvet brownies even better. Here are some tips:

• Ignoring the oven temperature: Always preheat your oven to 350°F. An unheated oven can lead to uneven baking and a less than perfect texture.

• Overmixing the batter: Mix only until the dry ingredients are combined. Overmixing can lead to tough brownies instead of chewy ones.

• Not checking for doneness: Begin checking at 30 minutes by inserting a toothpick. If it comes out with wet crumbs, the brownies are ready. Waiting too long could result in dry brownies.

• Skipping the cream cheese frosting: This recipe shines with its creamy frosting! Don’t skip it; it adds an irresistible flavor and texture that complements the brownies perfectly.

• Using cold ingredients: Ensure all ingredients, especially cream cheese and butter, are at room temperature. Cold ingredients can affect how well they blend together.

• Not preparing the pan properly: Line your baking pan with parchment paper for easy removal. Failing to do so may cause sticking, making it hard to cut into perfect squares.

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Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store brownies in an airtight container.
• They can last up to 5 days in the refrigerator.
• Make sure they are cool before sealing to avoid moisture buildup.

Freezing Red Velvet Brownies

• Wrap individual brownies in plastic wrap or foil.
• Place them in a freezer-safe container.
• They can be frozen for up to 3 months for optimal freshness.

Reheating Red Velvet Brownies

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F and warm for about 10-15 minutes. Cover with foil to prevent drying out.
• Microwave: Heat on medium power for about 15-20 seconds per brownie. Be cautious not to overheat.
• Stovetop: Place in a skillet on low heat, cover with a lid, and warm for about 5 minutes until heated through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some answers to common questions regarding red velvet brownies:

Can I make Red Velvet Brownies dairy-free?

Yes! Use dairy-free butter and cream cheese alternatives. Follow the notes in the recipe for best results.

What if I don’t have liquid red food coloring?

You can use gel food coloring as an alternative. Just start with a small amount and adjust until you reach your desired color.

How do I know when my Red Velvet Brownies are done?

Check them at 30 minutes by inserting a toothpick into the center. It should come out with a few moist crumbs but not wet batter.

Can I add nuts or chocolate chips?

Definitely! Feel free to fold in walnuts or chocolate chips before baking for added texture and flavor.

How should I store leftover brownies?

Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator, or freeze them individually for longer storage options.

Final Thoughts

These red velvet brownies are a delightful treat that combines rich cocoa flavor with vibrant color and creamy frosting. They also offer versatility; you can easily customize them by adding nuts or making them dairy-free. Give this recipe a try and enjoy every bite!