Name: Red Velvet Brownies with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe
Prep time: 1 h 10 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 1 h 50 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: ½ cup (113g) unsalted butter, melted and cooled; ¾ cup (90g) all-purpose flour; 1 Tbsp cornstarch; ½ tsp salt; ⅓ cup (28g) unsweetened natural cocoa powder; 1 ¼ cups (248g) granulated sugar; 2 large eggs; 1 large egg yolk; ¼ cup (59ml) vegetable oil; 1 Tbsp white vinegar; 1 tsp vanilla extract; 1 tsp red gel food coloring; 4 oz (114g) cream cheese, softened; ¼ cup (57g) unsalted butter, softened; 1 tsp vanilla extract; 2-4 cups (227-454g) powdered sugar; optional: 1/8 tsp salt; optional: dash of milk or heavy cream

If you adore that classic red velvet charm but crave a fudgy, brownie-like texture, this Red Velvet Brownies with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe is absolutely for you. Imagine rich chocolate notes with that signature tangy, velvety finish, all topped off with smooth cream cheese frosting—pure bliss in every bite!

Three square red velvet cake pieces are stacked on top of each other on a white plate. Each piece has two clear layers: a rich, dark red bottom layer with a soft, moist texture and a thick, creamy white top layer that looks smooth and fluffy, with some small red crumbs on it. The plate sits on a white marbled surface, and there are red crumbs sprinkled around the plate. The background is soft and blurry cream-colored. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Red Velvet Brownies with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Red Velvet Brownies with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Red Velvet Brownies with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

Whenever I whip up these red velvet brownies, I can’t help but share them. They’re my go-to dessert for celebrations or just a cozy night in, blending the best of both brownies and red velvet cake in such an addictive way.

Rich and Moist: The perfect fudgy texture meets that unmistakable red velvet flavor you love.
Easy to Make: Simple steps with common pantry ingredients make this recipe approachable for any baker.
Decadent Frosting: Cream cheese frosting that’s silky smooth and just the right sweetness to balance the cocoa.
Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a holiday treat or a casual snack, these brownies impress every time.

Ingredients & Why They Work

Shopping for the ingredients? You’ll find most of these basics right in your pantry or fridge. I always suggest using unsweetened natural cocoa powder for that deep chocolate note and softened cream cheese and butter for the smoothest frosting texture.

Flat lay of a small pile of fresh all-purpose flour, a few tablespoons of fine cornstarch on a tiny white ceramic dish, a small mound of rich unsweetened natural cocoa powder on a white plate, a neat heap of granulated sugar in a small white ceramic bowl, two whole uncracked large brown eggs and one large uncracked egg yolk resting in a simple white bowl, a small white bowl filled with golden vegetable oil, a small white bowl containing clear white vinegar, a small white bowl with smooth red gel food coloring, a small chunk of creamy cream cheese on a white plate, a slab of unsalted butter with a soft texture placed on a white ceramic dish, a small white bowl of powdered sugar, and a few whole vanilla beans arranged symmetrically, all ingredients fresh and natural, perfectly balanced across the frame placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Unsalted Butter: Melting it adds richness and moisture, plus using unsalted helps you control flavor precisely.
All-Purpose Flour: Provides structure to the brownies without making them cakey.
Cornstarch: Helps keep the brownies tender and gives a delicate crumb.
Salt: Enhances all the flavors and balances the sweetness.
Unsweetened Natural Cocoa Powder: Brings that essential chocolate depth without overpowering the red velvet taste.
Granulated Sugar: Sweetens and contributes to the beautiful fudgy texture.
Eggs and Egg Yolk: They’re the binding agents and add richness for that dense, moist bite.
Vegetable Oil: Keeps brownies moist and tender – a must for that fudgy feel.
White Vinegar: Gives the classic tang and helps intensify the red velvet redness.
Vanilla Extract: Adds warmth and rounds out the flavor perfectly.
Red Gel Food Coloring: Ensures a vibrant color without altering the texture.
Cream Cheese: Essential for that luscious frosting with just a slight tang.
Powdered Sugar: Sweetens the frosting and makes it luxuriously smooth.
Optional Salt and Milk/Heavy Cream: Balance sweetness and adjust frosting texture if needed.

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Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

One of the best parts about this Red Velvet Brownies with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe is how easily you can personalize it to fit your taste or occasion. Whether you want to tweak the texture, adjust sweetness, or make it fit special diets, there’s a fun way to make it truly yours.

Chewier Texture: I love baking these brownies for a full 40-45 minutes when I want a chewier bite rather than fudgy. It’s a subtle shift but makes the texture extra satisfying, especially if you enjoy a bit more chew in your brownies.
Adjusting Red Color: If you want a more vivid red velvet look, feel free to increase the red gel food coloring slightly. I usually nudge it up a little for holidays or celebrations to make that striking color pop even more.
Dairy-Free Version: For friends or family who avoid dairy, swapping in vegan cream cheese and plant-based butter works wonderfully. The frosting remains creamy and luscious without sacrificing flavor.
Lower Sweetness Frosting: Since everyone’s sweetness preference differs, I sometimes start with 2 cups of powdered sugar in the frosting and slowly add more until it’s just right. This way, the frosting isn’t overwhelmingly sweet but still silky and smooth.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Red Velvet Brownies with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe

A close-up of a square dessert held by a woman's hand, showing two layers: the bottom layer is thick, dark red with a moist and slightly crumbly texture, while the top layer is a smooth, creamy white frosting that is thick and evenly spread. In the background, there are more pieces of the same dessert, resting on a white marbled surface. The lighting is bright and natural, highlighting the contrast between the red base and white topping. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Step 1: Prep Your Pan and Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F. This ensures it’s at the perfect heat when you’re ready to bake. I line an 8×8 or 9×9-inch pan with parchment paper—this little trick makes lifting out the brownies so much easier and keeps their edges intact. Plus, no scraping with a spatula required!

Step 2: Melt Butter and Mix Dry Ingredients

Melt ½ cup (113g) unsalted butter in a microwave-safe bowl and set it aside to cool. Meanwhile, whisk together your dry ingredients — ¾ cup (90g) all-purpose flour, 1 tablespoon cornstarch, ½ teaspoon salt, and ⅓ cup (28g) unsweetened natural cocoa powder — until evenly combined. This ensures every bite has a balanced flavor and smooth crumb.

Step 3: Beat Wet Ingredients Until Fluffy

Next, using a stand mixer or hand mixer, beat the cooled melted butter with 1¼ cups (248g) granulated sugar, 2 large eggs, and 1 large egg yolk on medium speed for about 60 seconds. You want the mixture to become pale yellow and nearly double in volume. This step adds air, giving the brownies a tender crumb.

Step 4: Add the Rest of the Wet Ingredients

To your batter, slowly add ¼ cup (59ml) vegetable oil, 1 tablespoon white vinegar, and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, mixing on low to combine well. The vinegar complements the cocoa flavor and helps the brownies rise just right.

Step 5: Incorporate Dry Ingredients and Add the Red Color

Slowly fold in the dry ingredients along with 1 teaspoon red gel food coloring. Mix until there are no streaks of flour or color left—the batter should be bright red and smooth. This step is key for that classic red velvet look and flavor.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Pour your batter into the prepared pan and spread it evenly. Bake in a glass pan for 35-40 minutes or in a metal pan for 30-35 minutes. You’ll know they’re done when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. If you prefer chewier brownies, bake for 40-45 minutes. Once baked, let the brownies cool completely—about 1 hour—before frosting. This patience pays off, ensuring your frosting stays perfectly smooth.

Step 7: Whip Up the Cream Cheese Frosting

In a mixing bowl, beat together 4 oz (114g) softened cream cheese and ¼ cup (57g) unsalted butter on medium speed for 1-2 minutes until fluffy and light. Then add 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, 2-4 cups (227-454g) powdered sugar, and optional ⅛ teaspoon salt. Beat on low for another 1-2 minutes, scraping down the bowl to ensure everything is evenly combined. If the frosting feels too thick, add a dash of milk or heavy cream and beat again until smooth and creamy.

Step 8: Frost and Chill Before Serving

Spread the luscious cream cheese frosting evenly over the cooled brownies. For the neatest slices, pop the frosted brownies in the freezer for 15-20 minutes before cutting. Use a sharp knife and wipe the blade after each cut to keep those edges clean and sharp. Now you’re ready to enjoy or share these delightful Red Velvet Brownies with Cream Cheese Frosting!

Top Tip

These Red Velvet Brownies with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe might seem straightforward, but a few insider tricks can truly elevate your results.

Use Parchment Paper: Lining your baking pan with parchment paper is a game changer. It makes removing brownies a breeze and keeps edges intact every time.
Perfect Mixing Speed: When beating the wet ingredients, mixing on medium speed for a full 60 seconds lets the batter get beautifully pale and airy, which adds to the fudgy texture.
Chilling for Clean Cuts: Don’t skip the freezer step! Chilling the frosted brownies for 15-20 minutes before slicing gives you clean, Instagram-worthy squares without the frosting smudging.
Watch Baking Time Closely: Every oven is different, so stick to the toothpick test. Pull them out right when it comes out clean for that moist, fudgy bite. Overbaking dries them out.

How to Serve Red Velvet Brownies with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe

A thick, smooth bright red batter is being poured from a clear glass bowl into a rectangular metal baking pan. The batter has a shiny, moist texture and spreads evenly as it fills the pan. The pan is placed on a white marbled surface, and a woman's hand is holding the bowl at the edge of the frame. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Garnishes

To add an extra touch of charm and flavor, consider sprinkling a few white chocolate shavings or mini chocolate chips over the cream cheese frosting. Fresh raspberries or a dusting of cocoa powder also make delightful garnishes that complement the rich red velvet color and add a pop of freshness.

Side Dishes

These indulgent brownies pair wonderfully with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for an extra creamy finish. On the beverage front, a hot cup of coffee or a chilled glass of milk balances the sweetness perfectly. For festive occasions, serve alongside fresh berries or a light fruit salad to add a refreshing contrast.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store your leftover Red Velvet Brownies with Cream Cheese Frosting in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will stay fresh and moist for up to 4 days. Keeping them chilled helps preserve the creamy frosting and flavor.

Freezing

You can freeze these brownies either frosted or unfrosted. For best results, cut them into individual squares, wrap each piece tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container or bag. Frozen brownies keep well for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before serving.

Reheating

While these brownies are delicious cold, if you prefer a warm treat, gently microwave a brownie square for 10-15 seconds. Avoid overheating to prevent melting the frosting too much. Alternatively, warming them briefly in a low oven (around 300°F for 5 minutes) works nicely, but keep them unfrosted if using this method.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use regular food coloring instead of gel?

While you can use regular liquid food coloring, gel food coloring is preferable for this recipe. It provides more vibrant color without thinning the batter, preserving the perfect fudgy texture.

What is the role of vinegar in the recipe?

The white vinegar reacts with the baking soda (if used) and cocoa powder to enhance the signature red velvet tang and helps maintain the bright red color. It also tenderizes the brownies slightly for a softer crumb.

How do I know when the brownies are done?

Use the toothpick test! Insert a toothpick in the center of the brownies—if it comes out mostly clean or with a few moist crumbs, they’re perfectly baked. Avoid letting it come out wet with raw batter to prevent undercooking.

Can I make these brownies dairy-free?

Yes! Use vegan cream cheese and dairy-free butter alternatives to create a delicious dairy-free version without sacrificing flavor or texture.

Final Thoughts

Making Red Velvet Brownies with Cream Cheese Frosting from scratch is such a joyful experience. The rich, deep chocolate base perfectly complements the tangy cream cheese topping, creating a dessert that’s both indulgent and comforting. Whether it’s a special occasion or just a sweet treat to brighten your day, these brownies deliver every time. I hope these tips and serving ideas inspire you to bake with confidence and share a little sweetness with those you love.