Ingredients
For the Brownies:
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon red food coloring (or to taste)
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
For the Cream Cheese Frosting:
- 4 oz cream cheese (softened)
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1-2 tablespoons milk (to reach desired consistency)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease or line an 8×8-inch baking dish with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the melted butter and granulated sugar until well combined. Then add the egg, vanilla extract, and red food coloring, mixing until smooth and evenly colored.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, unsweetened cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt to ensure an even distribution of ingredients and prevent lumps.
- Combine Mixtures: Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring gently until just combined. Avoid overmixing to maintain a tender texture.
- Pour into Pan: Spread the brownie batter evenly into the prepared baking dish, smoothing the top with a spatula for even baking.
- Bake the Brownies: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes. Check doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center; it should come out with a few moist crumbs but no wet batter.
- Cool: Remove the brownies from the oven and allow them to cool in the pan on a wire rack for 10-15 minutes before frosting.
- Prepare Cream Cheese Frosting: In a medium bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and butter together until smooth and creamy. Gradually add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract, mixing well. Add milk one tablespoon at a time until you reach your desired frosting consistency.
- Frost the Brownies: Once the brownies are completely cool, spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over the top using a spatula.
- Cut and Serve: Slice the brownies into 16 squares and serve. Enjoy the rich, moist, and flavorful red velvet brownies topped with creamy frosting.
Notes
- Ensure brownies are completely cool before frosting to prevent the frosting from melting.
- You can adjust the amount of red food coloring to achieve your preferred shade of red.
- If desired, use gluten-free flour as a substitute to make this recipe gluten free.
- Store brownies in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- The frosting can be made a day ahead and refrigerated to save time.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American