Name: Red Velvet Brownies with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: American
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; 1/2 teaspoon liquid red food coloring; 1 1/2 teaspoons white vinegar; 1/4 cup cocoa powder; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 1 cup + 3 tbsp all-purpose flour; 4 oz plain cream cheese, room temperature (or cold if dairy free); 1/4 cup butter, softened (dairy free or regular); 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract; Pinch of salt; 1 1/2 – 2 cups powdered sugar (icing sugar); 2 tablespoons cornstarch (only if using dairy free cream cheese, optional)

Jump to Recipe· 4.4 from 14 reviews

I absolutely adore this Red Velvet Brownies with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe — it’s become my go-to whenever I want a dessert that feels both special and comforting. I love how these brownies combine the deep, rich cocoa flavor with that classic red velvet tang, all topped with a smooth, luscious cream cheese frosting that makes every bite feel heavenly. It’s a dessert that’s just as perfect for a cozy night in as it is for impressing friends at a dinner party.

Why You’ll Love This Red Velvet Brownies with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe

What really makes this Red Velvet Brownies with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe stand out to me is the flavor balance. The brownies themselves are chewy and slightly fudgy with just a hint of cocoa, delivering that subtle chocolate taste without overwhelming the signature red velvet notes. The vinegar and red food coloring in the batter create that beautiful color and a just-tangy-enough undertone, which the cream cheese frosting then perfectly complements with its smooth, sweet richness.

Beyond the delicious taste, I appreciate how accessible this recipe is. The ingredients are simple pantry staples, and the steps are straightforward—no complex techniques or special equipment needed, which makes it fantastic for both beginners and busy bakers like me. I’m always excited to whip these up for family gatherings, holiday celebrations, or even just a weekend treat because they impress every time without requiring a fuss. The cream cheese frosting adds that final touch that makes it feel truly festive and indulgent.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows several square pieces of red velvet cake with smooth white frosting on top. Each piece has two layers: a thick, moist red cake layer at the bottom and a thick creamy white frosting layer on top. The frosting has soft, smooth swirls creating a gentle texture across each square. One piece is positioned at the center, slightly angled to show both the red cake and white frosting clearly. The cake pieces are arranged neatly on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

I’ve found that the magic in this recipe comes from using basic, high-quality ingredients that each play an essential role in crafting the perfect texture, flavor, and iconic scarlet color. Here’s what you need to gather before you get started:

Butter (3/4 cup, melted): Adds richness and tenderness to the brownies; can be dairy-free if needed.
Light brown sugar (3/4 cup): Contributes moisture and a subtle caramel flavor.
Granulated sugar (1 cup): Balances sweetness and helps with structure.
Eggs (2): Bind everything together and give the brownies their chewy texture.
Vanilla extract (1 tbsp): Enhances all the flavors with a warm, aromatic note.
Liquid red food coloring (1/2 teaspoon): Gives those signature red velvet brownies their vibrant color.
White vinegar (1 1/2 teaspoons): Reacts with cocoa for tender crumb and classic tang.
Cocoa powder (1/4 cup): Provides depth without overpowering the red velvet flavor.
Salt (1/4 teaspoon): Balances sweetness and enhances flavor.
All-purpose flour (1 cup plus 3 tablespoons): Gives structure and the perfect brownie chewiness.
Cream cheese (4 oz, room temperature): The star of the frosting, creating that creamy, dreamy topping.
Butter (1/4 cup, softened): Used in the frosting for smoothness and richness.
Powdered sugar (1 1/2 to 2 cups): Sweetens and thickens the frosting to perfection.
Cornstarch (2 tablespoons, optional): Helps thicken dairy-free frosting if needed.

Directions

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F and line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang on the sides to easily lift the brownies out later.

Step 2: Melt the butter either in the microwave or on the stove, and transfer it to a medium mixing bowl.

Step 3: Add both brown sugar and granulated sugar to the melted butter and whisk vigorously until the mix forms a thick paste that pulls cleanly from the sides of the bowl.

Step 4: Mix in the eggs, vanilla extract, vinegar, and red food coloring. The exact hue will depend on your food coloring brand, so feel free to adjust by adding a drop or two if you want a brighter red.

Step 5: Sift in the cocoa powder, salt, and flour, then mix everything gently with your whisk just until combined—avoid overmixing to keep the brownies tender.

Step 6: Pour the batter evenly into the prepared pan, scraping down the bowl with a spatula to get every last bit in there.

Step 7: Bake for 30 to 40 minutes. Start checking at 30 minutes by inserting a toothpick in the center—it’s done when the toothpick comes out with a few moist crumbs but no wet batter, and the surface has a slight crinkle.

Step 8: While the brownies cool completely, prepare the cream cheese frosting by beating the cream cheese, softened butter, salt, and vanilla until totally smooth.

Step 9: Gradually whisk in powdered sugar until you reach a fluffy, spreadable consistency. For dairy-free frosting, stir in the optional cornstarch to help thicken it.

Step 10: Spread the frosting generously over the cooled brownies. Refrigerate the frosted brownies if you’re not serving immediately to keep the frosting firm.

Servings and Timing

This recipe yields about 16 delightful brownies, perfect for sharing with family or friends. Prep time is swift—about 10 minutes—to get everything mixed and ready. Baking takes roughly 35 minutes, plus at least 15 minutes of cooling time before frosting to ensure the cream cheese topping sets beautifully. Altogether, you’re looking at around 45 minutes from start to finish, making this an achievable treat even on busier days.

How to Serve This Red Velvet Brownies with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe

The image shows nine square pieces of red velvet cake arranged in three rows on a white rectangular plate. Each cake piece has two layers: a thick, deep red bottom layer with a soft texture, and a thick, smooth white cream cheese frosting layer on top. The frosting on each piece is evenly spread with a slight creamy shine. One piece shows a woman’s hand reaching for it from the side. The background is a white marbled surface and a bright pink cloth is partly visible on the left side of the image. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

When it comes to serving these Red Velvet Brownies with Cream Cheese Frosting, I love presenting them at room temperature so you get that soft, chewy bite with a smooth frosting layer that melts perfectly on your tongue. If I’m serving a crowd, I like to sprinkle a light dusting of cocoa powder or finely grated white chocolate on top to add some visual flair and a little texture contrast.

These brownies pair beautifully with a simple cup of coffee or a rich hot chocolate for a cozy afternoon treat. For something a little more adult, a glass of dessert wine like a Ruby Port or a fruity red Zinfandel complements the cocoa and tang in the brownies wonderfully without overpowering them. If you’re planning these for a party, I recommend slicing the brownies into small squares—people love nibbling several pieces—and arranging them on a pretty platter with fresh berries or delicate mint leaves as garnish.

I also find they make a fantastic holiday dessert or a sweet finish to a family dinner. For something extra special, try warming individual brownie slices slightly before frosting and serving with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. The contrast of warm and cold, soft and creamy, is pure bliss every time.

Variations

I love experimenting with this Red Velvet Brownies with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe to suit different tastes and dietary needs. If you need to make it gluten free, swapping the all-purpose flour for a well-balanced gluten-free blend works beautifully, just be sure to measure carefully for the best texture. For a vegan twist, I’ve had great luck using dairy-free butter and cream cheese alternatives, plus a flax egg substitution to keep it moist and tender.

If you want to change up the flavor, try swirling in some chocolate chips or white chocolate chunks into the batter before baking for an extra layer of sweetness. Or, for a slightly spiced variation, add a pinch of cinnamon or espresso powder to deepen the cocoa notes further.

For a different cooking method, you can even bake these as cupcakes—just adjust the baking time to about 20-25 minutes and frost them once cooled. This makes them perfect for individual servings at parties or lunchbox treats. No matter how you tweak it, this recipe is forgiving and flexible, which I really appreciate when I want to get creative.

Storage and Reheating

Storing Leftovers

After you’ve enjoyed your brownies, I recommend storing any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. This keeps the cream cheese frosting fresh and prevents the brownies from drying out. They’ll keep well for about 3 to 4 days, and having them chilled means the frosting stays firm and luscious. You can also leave unfrosted brownies wrapped tightly at room temperature for 2-3 days if you want to frost them just before serving.

Freezing

These brownies freeze beautifully, which is perfect for planning ahead. I slice them first, then wrap each piece individually in plastic wrap and place the wrapped pieces in a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be kept frozen for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, just thaw them in the fridge overnight. I don’t recommend freezing them already frosted because the cream cheese frosting can become grainy and lose its smooth texture after thawing.

Reheating

To bring your brownies back to life, I like to warm individual squares gently in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds if they’ve been refrigerated. If you prefer them warm, pop them in a preheated oven at 300°F for 5-7 minutes, but cover loosely with foil to prevent drying out. Avoid reheating too long as this can toughen the brownies and melt the frosting unpleasantly. If you thaw frozen brownies, letting them come to room temperature before enjoying is best for texture and taste.

FAQs

Can I use gel food coloring instead of liquid for this recipe?

Absolutely! Gel food coloring works great and often provides a more intense color with less product. Just start with a small amount—about half the liquid food coloring quantity—and add more if needed until you achieve the desired red hue. Keep in mind that different brands have different shades, so adjust accordingly.

Is it possible to make these brownies nut-free?

Yes, this recipe is naturally nut-free as written, but always double-check your ingredients’ labels if you’re baking for someone with allergies. Avoid any cross-contamination by using nut-free baking areas and tools. These brownies are a safe, delicious choice for those avoiding nuts.

How do I know when the brownies are perfectly baked?

The best way is to use the toothpick test: when inserted in the center, the toothpick should come out with a few moist crumbs but not wet batter. The surface should be crinkly with a little springiness. Overbaking will make them dry and tough, so start checking at 30 minutes and watch closely.

Can I prepare the frosting ahead of time?

Definitely! Cream cheese frosting can be made a day ahead and stored in the fridge in an airtight container. Just be sure to bring it back to room temperature and lightly re-whip before spreading to restore its creamy texture. This can save you time on the day you’re serving the brownies.

How can I make these brownies dairy-free?

I’ve had great results swapping regular butter with dairy-free margarine or coconut oil, and using a dairy-free cream cheese alternative for the frosting. Adding cornstarch to the frosting helps thicken it nicely when you’re dairy-free. This way, everyone can enjoy these delightful Red Velvet Brownies with Cream Cheese Frosting without any compromise on taste.

Conclusion

I truly hope you give this Red Velvet Brownies with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe a try because it’s one of those desserts that feels like a warm hug in every bite. Whether you’re baking for a crowd or just treating yourself, the combination of chewy, rich brownies and that silky cream cheese frosting always brings a smile to my face. Trust me, once you make these, they’ll become a beloved recipe in your collection too!