Name: Red Velvet Brownies with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe
Prep time: 1 h 15 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 1 h 55 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 love a dessert that’s both eye-catching and irresistibly delicious, you’re going to adore this Red Velvet Brownies with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe. These rich, fudgy brownies bring that classic red velvet flavor with a vibrant twist, topped with the creamiest homemade frosting – trust me, they’re a total crowd-pleaser!

A stack of three square dessert bars sits on a simple white plate against a white marbled surface. Each bar has two thick layers—the bottom is a dense, rich red layer with a moist texture, while the top layer is a creamy off-white layer with a light, slightly crumbly texture. Small red crumbs are scattered on the plate and a few are lightly sprinkled on the top layer of the bars. The background is softly blurred, adding focus to the dessert stack. 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

I’ve made these red velvet brownies more times than I can count, and each batch comes out perfectly moist and loaded with flavor. Pairing them with the luscious cream cheese frosting turns an already special treat into an absolute showstopper.

Rich flavor and texture: These brownies balance fudginess with a subtle cocoa punch and velvety softness.
Vibrant appearance: The red gel food coloring gives the brownies that classic red velvet hue that’s just stunning.
Homemade frosting: The cream cheese frosting is creamy, tangy, and whipped to fluffy perfection, complementing the brownies beautifully.
Simple to make: With straightforward ingredients and easy steps, these are perfect for both seasoned bakers and beginners.

Ingredients & Why They Work

The magic behind these brownies lies in carefully chosen ingredients. I always recommend using high-quality basics like unsalted butter and pure vanilla extract to get the best flavor. Also, using red gel food coloring rather than liquid ensures that brilliant, eye-popping red without affecting the batter’s texture.

Flat lay of a small mound of smooth unsalted butter, a small bowl of fine all-purpose flour, a small bowl of white cornstarch, a small bowl of rich unsweetened cocoa powder, a small pile of granulated white sugar crystals, two whole large brown eggs with clean shells, one whole large egg yolk in a simple white ceramic bowl, a small white bowl filled with golden vegetable oil, a small white bowl containing clear white vinegar, a small white bowl with translucent vanilla extract, a small white bowl of bright red gel food coloring, a block of soft cream cheese, a small mound of softened unsalted butter, a small white bowl of powdered sugar, and a tiny white bowl with fresh milk—all arranged symmetrically and balanced 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, while controlling salt levels.
All-purpose flour: Provides structure while keeping the brownies tender.
Cornstarch: Helps achieve that soft, delicate crumb by lightening the flour.
Salt: Enhances the sweet and chocolate flavors for balance.
Unsweetened natural cocoa powder: Adds deep, chocolatey complexity without overpowering the red velvet profile.
Granulated sugar: Sweetens and contributes to the fudgy texture when creamed.
Eggs and egg yolk: Provide structure, richness, and that luscious fudginess.
Vegetable oil: Keeps the brownies moist and tender with a silky crumb.
White vinegar: Reacts with baking ingredients to tenderize and brighten the red velvet flavor.
Vanilla extract: Adds warmth and depth to both the batter and frosting.
Red gel food coloring: Gives the signature bold red color without watering down the batter.
Cream cheese: The star of the frosting, softened to whip into a smooth, tangy topping.
Powdered sugar: Sweetens the frosting and creates that creamy, pipeable texture.
Unsalted butter (for frosting): Adds richness and helps achieve a fluffy, spreadable consistency.
Optional salt and milk or heavy cream: These help balance sweetness and adjust frosting texture perfectly.

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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 things about this Red Velvet Brownies with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe is how easy it is to personalize. Whether you want to play with flavors or adapt it for special diets, these brownies are a fantastic base to get creative with!

Extra Red Velvet Punch: I love adding an extra ½ teaspoon of red gel food coloring when I want those brownies to boast an even more vibrant, eye-catching red. It turns an already gorgeous dessert into pure showstopper territory!
Fudgy or Chewy: If you like your brownies fudgier, bake them a little less—around 30-35 minutes in a metal pan—and watch them stay delightfully gooey. For a chewier texture, I’ve let them go for a full 40-45 minutes, which adds a nice bite without drying them out.
Dairy-Free Option: Swap out the cream cheese and butter in the frosting for dairy-free alternatives like vegan cream cheese and margarine. The frosting stays creamy and luscious without missing a beat—perfect if you’re catering to lactose intolerance or dairy allergies.
Seasonal Twists: Add a teaspoon of espresso powder to deepen the cocoa flavor, or sprinkle some chopped pecans or walnuts on top before baking for a lovely crunch and nutty contrast.

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

A close-up of a hand holding a square red velvet brownie with two layers: the bottom layer is dense and dark red with a slightly crumbly texture, and the top layer is thick, creamy, and white with a smooth and fluffy appearance, with tiny red crumbs scattered where the layers meet. In the background, there are more brownies with the same two layers, placed on a white marbled surface. The lighting is soft, highlighting the rich colors and textures of the brownies. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Step 1: Preheat Oven and Prepare Your Pan

First things first, get your oven set to 350°F so it’s nice and ready to go once your batter is mixed. I like to line an 8×8 or 9×9-inch pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang on the sides. This simple trick makes it easy to lift your brownies out later, helping you slice them up perfectly without sticking to the pan.

Step 2: Melt Butter and Whisk Dry Ingredients

Melt ½ cup (113g) of unsalted butter in the microwave, then set it aside to cool slightly—that way it won’t cook your eggs when you mix everything. While the butter is cooling, whisk together your dry ingredients: ¾ cup (90g) all-purpose flour, 1 tablespoon cornstarch, ½ teaspoon salt, and ⅓ cup (28g) unsweetened cocoa powder. This blend helps give your brownies that perfect structure and subtle chocolate undertone.

Step 3: Beat Butter, Sugar, and Eggs

In a stand mixer or with a hand mixer, combine the melted butter, 1¼ cups (248g) granulated sugar, 2 large eggs, and 1 large egg yolk. Beat these together for 60 seconds until the mixture looks pale yellow and has doubled in volume—that’s your cue that it’s light and airy enough to hold the other ingredients.

Step 4: Add Oil, Vinegar, and Vanilla

Next, add ¼ cup (59ml) vegetable oil, 1 tablespoon white vinegar, and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract to the wet ingredients. Mix on low speed until everything is fully incorporated. The vinegar helps bring out the classic red velvet tang, while the oil keeps your brownies moist.

Step 5: Incorporate Dry Ingredients and Red Gel Food Coloring

Slowly add your dry ingredients along with 1 teaspoon of that rich red gel food coloring to the wet mixture. Mix just until combined and smooth—overmixing can make the brownies tough, so take it easy here to keep them tender and fudgy.

Step 6: Bake Your Brownies

Pour the batter into your prepared pan and slide it into the oven. For glass pans, bake for 35-40 minutes; for metal pans, aim for 30-35 minutes. The key test is the toothpick in the center—when it comes out clean, your brownies are done. Prefer chewier brownies? Just push the bake time to 40-45 minutes. Once baked, let the brownies cool completely in the pan. Patience here means cleaner frosting and easier slices.

Step 7: Whip Up the Cream Cheese Frosting

Place 4 oz (114g) softened cream cheese and ¼ cup (57g) softened unsalted butter in a bowl. Beat on medium speed for 1-2 minutes until fluffy and whipped—this step is what makes your frosting irresistibly creamy. Then add 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, 2 to 4 cups (227-454g) powdered sugar, and optionally ⅛ teaspoon salt. Beat again on low for 1-2 minutes, scraping down the bowl’s sides to mix evenly. If your frosting feels too thick, add a splash of milk or heavy cream and beat until it’s smooth and creamy.

Step 8: Frost and Slice Your Brownies

Spread your luscious cream cheese frosting evenly over the completely cooled brownies. For clean, neat slices, place the frosted pan in the freezer for 15-20 minutes. When it’s time to slice, use a sharp knife, wiping the blade clean after each cut to maintain those perfect edges. Your beautiful, vibrant red velvet brownies with creamy frosting are ready to enjoy!

Top Tip

Mastering the perfect Red Velvet Brownies with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe is all about balancing texture, flavor, and that vibrant red color. These tips come from hands-on baking experience and will help you get the best results every time.

Use Parchment Paper with Overhang: This makes removing the brownies a breeze and helps keep their edges sharp without sticking or breaking apart.
Beat Wet Ingredients Well: Whipping the butter, sugar, and eggs until pale and doubled in volume ensures a light, tender crumb in the brownies.
Set Frosting Before Slicing: Pop the frosted brownies into the freezer for 15-20 minutes. This firms up the cream cheese frosting, allowing clean and neat slices without smudging.
Don’t Overbake: For luscious fudginess, watch the timer closely. Baking 35-40 minutes for glass pans or 30-35 minutes for metal pans prevents drying out the brownies.

How to Serve Red Velvet Brownies with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe

A thick, smooth, dark red batter is being poured from a clear glass bowl into a square metal baking pan. The batter has a shiny, rich texture with small air bubbles throughout. The pan sits on a white marbled surface. The image captures the moment the batter flows down in a thick, glossy layer inside the pan, filling it evenly. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Garnishes

To elevate the presentation and add a little extra flavor, consider garnishing your red velvet brownies with a dusting of cocoa powder or a sprinkle of finely chopped pecans or walnuts for crunch. Fresh berries like raspberries or strawberries also pair beautifully, adding a bright, fruity contrast to the rich cream cheese frosting.

Side Dishes

Serve these moist, fudgy brownies alongside a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream or a dollop of lightly whipped cream for an indulgent dessert. A hot cup of coffee, chai latte, or even a cold glass of milk complements the complex cocoa and tangy frosting flavors perfectly.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once frosted, store your Red Velvet Brownies with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will stay fresh for up to 5 days. To enjoy, simply let them sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes to soften the frosting and bring out the best flavor and texture.

Freezing

If you want to keep your brownies longer, freezing is a great option! Wrap individual uncut brownies tightly in plastic wrap and place them in an airtight freezer-safe container or bag. They can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight, then bring to room temperature before serving.

Reheating

For a freshly baked feel, warm a brownie in the microwave for 10-15 seconds — just enough to soften it without melting the frosting completely. This quick reheat enhances the fudgy texture and revives that luscious cream cheese frosting.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use regular liquid food coloring instead of gel for these brownies?

While you can substitute liquid food coloring, gel food coloring is preferred as it offers more vibrant color without thinning the batter. Using gels helps maintain the perfect red velvet hue without affecting the batter’s consistency.

How do I achieve fudgier brownies?

To get fudgier brownies, bake them on the lower end of the time range—35 minutes for glass pans or 30 minutes for metal pans—and avoid overbaking. You might also reduce baking time slightly to retain a moist and chewy texture.

Can I make the cream cheese frosting ahead of time?

Absolutely! The cream cheese frosting can be made a day ahead and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Before spreading, bring it to room temperature and re-whip briefly to return its creamy texture.

What pan size works best for these brownies?

An 8×8 or 9×9-inch pan is ideal for these brownies. Lining the pan with parchment paper having an overhang helps remove the brownies easily once baked and cooled.

Final Thoughts

Making Red Velvet Brownies with Cream Cheese Frosting is such a rewarding experience — not only do you get to enjoy a stunning dessert, but the combination of rich cocoa, tangy frosting, and that vibrant red color makes it genuinely special. Whether for a festive occasion or just a cozy treat at home, these brownies never disappoint. So grab your mixing bowl, and dive into this luscious recipe—you'll love every bite!