Red Velvet Brownies with Cream Cheese Frosting are the perfect dessert when you want something a little decadent but super easy to make. These fudgy brownies come together in just one bowl, and are topped with a rich, sweet cream cheese frosting that adds the perfect tangy finish. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion like Valentine’s Day, a potluck, or just a random Tuesday, this recipe is a crowd-pleaser every time.
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A pan of brownies never lasts long in my house! They’re the perfect little something sweet after dinner—or to satisfy those afternoon chocolate cravings. We like slightly chewy brownies around here. Lee goes for the edge pieces with that extra chew and a hint of crispiness, while I’m all about those soft and fudgy center squares.
Looking for more bars to make? Check out my Chocolate Chip Pumpkin Bars, super easy Cake Mix Cookie Bars or these decadent Peanut Butter Chocolate Banana Brownies.
Ingredient Photo
See recipe card for exact amounts.
Ingredient Notes
These delicious brownies are made with simple ingredients you most likely have on-hand.
For the homemade brownies
- Cocoa Powder: I use unsweetened cocoa powder—any brand works fine, even the store brand.
- Butter: I use real unsalted butter, not margarine.
- Flour: All-purpose flour is perfect for this recipe.
- Eggs: I use large eggs. Smaller eggs may slightly change the texture.
- Sugar: Regular white granulated sugar is used in the batter. You can use brown sugar, but it’ll make the brownies a bit moister and likely won’t give you that signature crinkly top.
- Chocolate Chips: I use white chocolate chips, but milk chocolate chips or semi-sweet chocolate chips work just as well.
- Vanilla: I use pure vanilla extract, but vanilla flavoring works too.
- Baking Powder: Helps the brownies rise just right.
- Salt: Enhances the flavor and ties everything together.
- Food Coloring: I use inexpensive red gel food coloring, usually found on the baking aisle at the grocery store.
For the homemade cream cheese frosting
- Cream Cheese: I go with full-fat cream cheese for the best flavor and texture.
- Butter: I use unsalted butter. If you’re using salted, just skip the pinch of salt listed in the recipe.
- Powdered Sugar: A classic for most frostings—it gives that smooth, sweet finish.
- Vanilla: Adds delicious flavor.
- Salt: Just a pinch to help cut the sweetness a little.
Process Photos
Frequently Asked Questions
Because the cream cheese has dairy these brownies should be stored in the refrigerator. Let the brownies sit at room temperature for 15–20 minutes before serving so the frosting softens up a bit.
Yes! Flash freeze frosted brownies by placing them on a parchment or wax paper lined baking sheet in a single layer and freeze until frozen solid, a couple of hours. Then wrap individual brownies in plastic wrap and place in a zip top freezer-safe bag or other airtight container and freeze for several months. Unwrap them before thawing in the refrigerator overnight or at room temperature for a couple of hours.
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Brownies with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe
Ingredients
For the brownies
- 3/4 cup butter
- 1 1/2 cups sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla
- 3 eggs
- 1 tsp red gel food coloring
- 3/4 cup flour
- 1/2 cup cocoa
- 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 3/4 cup white chocolate chips
For the cream cheese frosting
- 4 oz cream cheese room temperature
- 6 tbsp butter room temperature
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla
- pinch of salt
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Instructions
Make the brownies
- Preheat the oven to 350°F and line a 9X9 square baking pan with parchment paper or spray with nonstick cooking spray.
- Melt the butter in a large microwave-safe bowl, add sugar and vanilla and mix well. Stir in eggs and red food coloring.3/4 cup butter, 1 1/2 cups sugar, 1 tsp vanilla, 3 eggs, 1 tsp red gel food coloring
- Pour the flour, cocoa powder, baking soda and salt into a mesh strainer and sift into the bowl with the wet ingredients.3/4 cup flour, 1/2 cup cocoa, 1/2 tsp baking powder, 1/4 tsp salt
- Fold in the chocolate chips.3/4 cup white chocolate chips
- Pour brownie batter into prepared pan and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until desired doneness.
- Cool completely before frosting, this will take about an hour.
Make the frosting
- Cream the butter and cream cheese together with a hand mixer, add sifted powdered sugar, vanilla and pinch of salt to the cream cheese mixture and beat until smooth.4 oz cream cheese, 6 tbsp butter, 2 cups powdered sugar, 1 tsp vanilla, pinch of salt
- Frost cooled brownies.
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