Red Velvet Brownies with Dreamy Cream Cheese Icing: Easy Recipe

Red Velvet Brownies with Cream Cheese Icing! Oh, friends, are you in for a treat! This recipe comes straight from Sundays at Nonna’s kitchen, and it’s one that’s become an absolute favorite. Imagine the rich, slightly tangy flavor of red velvet meeting the fudgy goodness of a brownie, all topped with a swirl of sweet cream cheese icing. These Red Velvet Brownies with Cream Cheese Icing are pure heaven, each bite is a little taste of homemade happiness. 

We love this recipe because it's a beautiful blend of two classic desserts. Red velvet always makes us think of special occasions, and brownies, well, brownies are just the ultimate comfort food. This recipe truly makes the very best moist red velvet brownies. It's a decadent dessert that will impress everyone, and the best part? It's easier to make than you might think!

Why You Will Love This Red Velvet Brownies with Cream Cheese Icing Recipe

Imagine taking a bite of a warm, fudgy brownie with that signature red velvet tang, perfectly balanced by a creamy, sweet cream cheese swirl. Mamma mia, it's delightful! These brownies are not only delicious, but also incredibly easy to make. We especially love them because they remind us of our childhoods, when our mothers and grandmothers would bake red velvet cakes for every special occasion.

Sometimes Lucia would make her incredibly sweet cream cheese swirl brownies, and everyone would fight over getting the slice with the most swirl!

These Red Velvet Cream Cheese Brownies are perfect for potlucks, bake sales, or just a cozy night in. The best part is that they're much faster than making a full cake. Who doesn’t love a moist red velvet brownie? Plus, they're always a crowd-pleaser. What's not to love?

Ingredients Needed for This Red Velvet Brownies with Cream Cheese Icing Recipe

Here’s what you’ll need to whip up these decadent dessert brownies:

For the Brownies:

• 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup all purpose flour
• 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1 teaspoon red food coloring
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup semi sweet chocolate chips (optional)

For the Cream Cheese Icing:

• 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1 large egg yolk
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

How to Make This Red Velvet Brownies with Cream Cheese Icing Recipe

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour an 8×8 inch baking pan.

2. In a large bowl, whisk together the melted butter and sugar until well combined.

3. Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract.

4. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, red food coloring, baking powder, and salt.

5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix! Stir in the chocolate chips, if using.

6. In a separate small bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese and sugar until smooth. Beat in the egg yolk and vanilla extract.

7. Pour the brownie batter into the prepared baking pan.

8. Drop spoonfuls of the cream cheese mixture over the brownie batter. Use a knife or toothpick to swirl the cream cheese into the brownie batter.

9. Bake for 25 30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with moist crumbs.

10. Let the brownies cool completely in the pan before cutting and serving. This is important for the frosting to set properly.

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

These red velvet brownies with cream cheese icing recipe are wonderful on their own, but they also pair well with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. A dusting of cocoa powder or a sprinkle of chocolate shavings can add an extra touch of elegance. For a simple presentation, just cut them into squares and arrange on a plate. You can also try serving them warm with a drizzle of chocolate sauce (yum!). A glass of cold milk or a cup of coffee are also perfect accompaniments. If you're feeling fancy, try serving a slice of our amazing Red Velvet Cheesecake Swirl Cake. It will surely impress!

How to Store This Red Velvet Brownies with Cream Cheese Icing Recipe

To keep your moist red velvet brownies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, refrigerate them for up to a week. If you want to freeze them (and they freeze beautifully!), wrap each brownie individually in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer safe bag or container. They can be frozen for up to 2 months. To thaw, simply place them in the refrigerator overnight or at room temperature for a few hours.

Tips to Make This Red Velvet Brownies with Cream Cheese Icing Recipe

• Don't overmix the brownie batter! Overmixing can lead to tough brownies.
• Use good quality red food coloring for the best red velvet color. Gel food coloring works best.
• Make sure your cream cheese is softened for a smooth and creamy icing.
• Don't overbake the brownies. They should be slightly fudgy in the center.
• For a slightly different twist, try swapping the chocolate swirl for our favorite recipe – the Red Velvet Cheesecake!

Helpful Notes for This Red Velvet Brownies with Cream Cheese Icing Recipe

The red food coloring is what gives red velvet its signature color. You can adjust the amount to your preference. Cocoa powder adds that distinct red velvet flavor. We recommend using Dutch processed cocoa powder for a richer flavor. Be sure to use a good quality vanilla extract for the best taste. We always use pure vanilla extract in our baking.

Variation of This Red Velvet Brownies with Cream Cheese Icing Recipe

For a seasonal twist, try adding peppermint extract to the cream cheese icing during the holidays. You can also add chopped nuts (like pecans or walnuts) to the brownie batter for added texture. For a chocolate lover's dream, add extra chocolate chips or chunks to the batter. You can also use different types of chocolate, such as dark chocolate or white chocolate. If you love cream cheese, you must try our Best Red Velvet Cake.

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