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I first made these Red Velvet Brownies for a Valentine's Day dinner and they've become one of my most requested desserts. The combination of fudgy brownie and classic red velvet topped with that creamy cream cheese frosting creates pure magic. Every time I bake them my kitchen fills with the most amazing aroma and their vibrant red color never fails to make people smile.
What Makes These Brownies Special
The beauty of these brownies is how they bring together two beloved desserts in one perfect bite. That rich brownie base with its subtle chocolate flavor pairs beautifully with the tangy cream cheese frosting. They're stunning to look at making them perfect for special occasions but simple enough to make any day feel special.
Let's Gather Our Ingredients
Here's everything you need to create these beautiful brownies:
- Unsalted butter for richness
- White and light brown sugar for perfect sweetness
- Dutch processed cocoa powder
- All purpose flour measured carefully
- A touch of vinegar for that classic tang
- Gel food coloring for that gorgeous red
- Cream cheese for our frosting
- Pure vanilla extract
The quality of your cocoa powder and cream cheese really makes a difference here.
Creating The Magic
Start by melting your butter and mixing it with the sugars until well combined. Add your eggs, vanilla and oil then mix in the cocoa powder, food coloring and that important touch of vinegar that gives red velvet its signature flavor. Carefully fold in your flour mixture; we want to keep these nice and fudgy.
Spread the batter in your prepared pan and bake at 335°F just until set, about 20 to 25 minutes. The hardest part is waiting for them to cool completely before adding that heavenly cream cheese frosting.
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Perfect Frosting
While the brownies cool let's make that amazing frosting. Beat your softened cream cheese and butter until they're perfectly smooth then gradually add the powdered sugar and vanilla. Keep beating until it's light and fluffy. Once the brownies are completely cool spread that frosting on top; I love adding some crumbled red velvet for decoration.
Tips For Success
After making these countless times I've learned some important tricks. Using a kitchen scale ensures perfect measurements every time. Don't overmix the batter; we want them dense and fudgy. And watch your baking time carefully; they should still be slightly soft in the middle when you take them out.
Making Them Your Own
Sometimes I'll add a cheesecake swirl to the batter before baking; it's absolutely divine. White chocolate chips add lovely texture or try drizzling melted chocolate over the top instead of frosting. My daughter loves when I add extra chocolate chips to the batter.
Keeping Them Fresh
These brownies keep beautifully in the fridge for about five days though they rarely last that long in my house. If you haven't frosted them yet they'll stay fresh at room temperature for three days just keep them tightly wrapped.
Kitchen Essentials
A good 9 inch square pan lined with parchment paper makes removing these brownies so much easier. I use my kitchen scale for perfect measurements every time. And don't forget your mixer for that cream cheese frosting; it needs to be perfectly smooth.
A Special Treat
These Red Velvet Brownies have brought so much joy to our celebrations. Whether I'm making them for a special occasion or just because, they never fail to make people happy. That perfect combination of fudgy brownie, tangy frosting, and beautiful red color makes them truly special.
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Frequently Asked Questions
- → Why use a scale for measurements?
Precise measurements are crucial for achieving the right brownie texture. Even small variations in flour can make them cakey instead of fudgy.
- → Why avoid overmixing?
Overmixing incorporates air which creates a cake-like texture. For fudgy brownies, mix just until ingredients are combined.
- → What's the purpose of vinegar?
Vinegar reacts with cocoa powder and food coloring to enhance the red color. It also helps create a tender texture in the brownies.
- → How do I know when they're done?
A skewer should come out with moist crumbs, not completely clean. This ensures fudgy brownies rather than overcooked dry ones.
- → Why let them cool completely?
Complete cooling allows the brownies to set properly and makes them easier to frost and slice without falling apart.