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To make the perfect red velvet brownies, you need the following main ingredients: - 1 cup all-purpose flour - 1 cup granulated sugar - 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder - 1/2 teaspoon baking powder - 1/4 teaspoon salt - 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted - 2 large eggs - 1 tablespoon red food coloring - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract These ingredients blend together to create a rich and flavorful brownie. The cocoa powder adds depth, while the red food coloring gives it that classic red velvet look. The cream cheese frosting makes these brownies special. Here are the frosting ingredients: - 4 oz cream cheese, softened - 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened - 1 cup powdered sugar - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract - 1 tablespoon milk (if needed) This frosting is creamy and sweet. It pairs perfectly with the brownies. You can adjust the milk for a smoother texture. You can add a fun twist with these optional ingredients: - 1/2 cup chocolate chips Adding chocolate chips gives an extra burst of flavor. You can also experiment with other mix-ins if you like. Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grab an 8x8 inch baking dish and line it with parchment paper. Leave some paper hanging over the sides. This helps when you take the brownies out later. In a medium bowl, whisk together these dry ingredients: - 1 cup all-purpose flour - 1 cup granulated sugar - 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder - 1/2 teaspoon baking powder - 1/4 teaspoon salt In a large bowl, mix these wet ingredients: - 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted - 2 large eggs - 1 tablespoon red food coloring - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract Stir the wet mix until it is smooth. Now, slowly add the dry mix into the wet mix. Gently fold it together. You want to mix just until you can’t see any flour. If you like chocolate, fold in 1/2 cup chocolate chips now. Pour the brownie batter into the baking dish. Make sure to spread it evenly across the bottom. Bake it for 25 to 30 minutes. Check if it’s done by inserting a toothpick into the center. If it comes out with a few moist crumbs, your brownies are ready. Let them cool in the pan on a wire rack. Once cool, lift them out using the parchment paper. While your brownies bake, prepare the frosting. In a medium bowl, beat together these ingredients until creamy: - 4 oz cream cheese, softened - 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened Gradually add in 1 cup of powdered sugar. Mix well until everything is combined. Stir in 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. If your frosting feels too thick, add 1 tablespoon of milk. This will help you reach the right consistency. Once the brownies are cool, spread the frosting evenly over the top. Cut them into squares or rectangles to serve. For the best texture in your brownies, mix the wet and dry ingredients gently. Overmixing makes brownies tough. You want a fudgy, moist bite. Using melted butter adds richness to the batter. The red food coloring brings that classic look. If you add chocolate chips, they melt slightly, adding extra gooeyness. Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) for perfect baking. Bake the brownies for 25 to 30 minutes. Check doneness by inserting a toothpick in the center. If it comes out with a few moist crumbs, your brownies are ready. Baking too long makes them dry. Remember, they continue to cook after you take them out. One common mistake is not lining the baking dish. Parchment paper makes it easy to lift the brownies out. Another mistake is skipping the cooling time. Let them cool completely before frosting. This prevents the frosting from melting. Lastly, avoid overbaking. Keep an eye on the time and check often! {{image_2}} You can switch up the frosting for fun. Try using chocolate ganache. Just melt chocolate with cream for a rich taste. You can also use whipped cream for a light, airy option. A simple vanilla buttercream works well too. Each choice adds its own twist to the brownies. You can even mix in a bit of espresso powder for a mocha flavor. Want to spice things up? Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg. These spices bring warmth and depth to your brownies. You can also add nuts, like walnuts or pecans, for texture. If you love fruit, try mixing in dried cherries or raspberries. These add a sweet and tart note that pairs nicely with the chocolate. These brownies shine when served warm. Pair them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. The cold ice cream melts into the warm brownie, creating a delicious contrast. Drizzle some chocolate sauce on top for extra sweetness. You can also serve them with fresh berries for a fruity touch. Enjoying these brownies with friends makes them even better! To keep your red velvet brownies fresh, store them in an airtight container. Place a piece of parchment paper between layers to avoid sticking. This keeps the cream cheese frosting intact. Store the container in the fridge for up to five days. The cool air helps maintain their moisture. If you have extra brownies, freezing is a great option. First, let the brownies cool completely. Cut them into squares and wrap each piece tightly in plastic wrap. Place the wrapped brownies in a freezer-safe bag or container. They will stay fresh for up to three months. When you're ready to enjoy them, simply thaw them in the fridge. To reheat your brownies, take them out of the fridge or freezer. If they are frozen, let them thaw in the fridge overnight. You can warm them up in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds. This will make them soft and gooey, just like when they were fresh. Enjoy your delicious treat! Yes, you can use unsweetened cocoa powder. It works well in the recipe. Unsweetened cocoa gives the brownies a rich chocolate taste. It also helps balance the sweetness from the sugar. Just remember that it still needs sugar to taste good. To make these brownies vegan, you can replace the eggs with flaxseed meal. For each egg, mix one tablespoon of flaxseed meal with three tablespoons of water. Let it sit for a few minutes until it thickens. Also, use a dairy-free butter substitute in place of unsalted butter. Choose a vegan cream cheese for the frosting. You can use dairy-free cream cheese as a substitute. There are many brands available that taste great. Another option is to mix silken tofu with a bit of lemon juice. This gives a creamy texture and tangy flavor like cream cheese. You can also use Greek yogurt for a healthier option, but it will change the taste slightly. We explored how to make delicious red velvet brownies with rich cream cheese frosting. You learned about key ingredients, step-by-step preparation, and tips for the best texture. We also discussed fun variations and proper storage methods. Remember, following these steps helps you avoid common mistakes. Enjoying these treats can spark joy for you and your loved ones. Dive in and share your treats. Happy baking!

Red Velvet Brownies with Cream Cheese Frosting

Indulge in the rich and decadent flavor of Red Velvet Brownies with Cream Cheese Frosting! This easy recipe combines the classic red velvet taste with gooey chocolate goodness, topped off with a creamy frosting that's simply irresistible. Perfect for gatherings or a delightful treat at home. Click to explore the full recipe and impress your guests with these delicious brownies that are as stunning as they are tasty!
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Ingredients
  

1 cup all-purpose flour

1 cup granulated sugar

1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder

1/2 teaspoon baking powder

1/4 teaspoon salt

1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted

2 large eggs

1 tablespoon red food coloring

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1/2 cup chocolate chips (optional)

For the Cream Cheese Frosting:

4 oz cream cheese, softened

1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened

1 cup powdered sugar

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1 tablespoon milk (if needed, to adjust consistency)

Instructions
 

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line an 8x8 inch baking dish with parchment paper, leaving some overhang for easy removal.

    In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt until well combined.

      In a separate large bowl, mix the melted butter, eggs, red food coloring, and vanilla extract until smooth and well blended.

        Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients, stirring until just combined. If using, gently fold in the chocolate chips.

          Pour the brownie batter into the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with a few moist crumbs.

            While the brownies are baking, prepare the cream cheese frosting. In a medium bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese and butter until creamy and smooth.

              Gradually add in the powdered sugar, mixing well until fully incorporated. Stir in the vanilla extract. If the frosting is too thick, adjust with a tablespoon of milk until desired consistency is reached.

                Once the brownies are done, allow them to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack. Once cooled, use the parchment overhang to lift the brownies out of the pan.

                  Spread an even layer of cream cheese frosting over the brownies using a spatula. Cut into squares or rectangles.

                    Prep Time: 15 mins | Total Time: 1 hr | Servings: 16 pieces