Introduction
Get ready to delight your taste buds with these luscious Red Velvet Brownies! They boast a beautiful deep red hue that’s simply irresistible and are perfectly dense with a rich, fudgy texture. Topped with a generous layer of creamy cream cheese frosting, each bite is an explosion of flavor that captures the essence of a classic red velvet cake but in a delightful brownie form. Perfect for any occasion, these brownies are sure to impress friends and family alike!
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon red food coloring
- 1/2 cup white chocolate chips (optional)
- 1/2 cup cream cheese frosting (for topping)
Prep Time, Cook Time, Total Time, Yield
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: 16 brownies
Directions and Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and generously grease a 9×9 inch baking pan to ensure nothing sticks.
- In a medium mixing bowl, combine the melted butter with granulated sugar. Stir them together until the mixture is smooth and well blended.
- Add the large egg and vanilla extract, whisking until everything is fully incorporated and you have a nice glossy mixture.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt until evenly mixed.
- Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix to keep those brownies nice and tender!
- Now for the fun part! Mix in the red food coloring until your batter reaches that stunning ruby red shade that makes red velvet so special.
- If you’re adding white chocolate chips, gently fold them into the batter, distributing them evenly for melty pockets of sweetness in every bite.
- Pour the luscious batter into your prepared baking pan, spreading it out evenly with a spatula.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes. They’re ready when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with just a few moist crumbs, ensuring that fudgy texture.
- Once done, allow the brownies to cool completely in the pan. After they’ve cooled, lather on a generous layer of cream cheese frosting for that delectable finish!
Notes or Tips
If you want to elevate your brownies even further, consider adding a sprinkle of chopped nuts or drizzling some chocolate sauce over the frosting. These brownies can also be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days or in the refrigerator for about a week — though I doubt they’ll last that long!
Cooking Techniques
When baking brownies, it’s crucial to pay close attention to the baking time. Overbaking can lead to dry brownies, which is the last thing you want! Aim for that perfect balance where the center remains soft and fudgy.
Additionally, don’t skip on letting the brownies cool before frosting. This ensures that the frosting won’t melt into the brownies and will instead sit beautifully on top, creating that appealing layer you’re looking for.
FAQ
Can I use other types of food coloring?
No, while you can experiment with different colors, red food coloring is traditional for red velvet recipes and helps achieve the classic taste.
What can I use instead of white chocolate chips?
You can easily substitute dark or milk chocolate chips based on your flavor preference! They add a delicious contrast to the cocoa notes in the brownies.
Conclusion
These Red Velvet Brownies are a wonderfully decadent treat that combines the best of both worlds — the flavor of red velvet cake and the lusciousness of brownies. Whether for a special occasion or a cozy afternoon delight, these brownies are bound to be a hit. So, gather your ingredients and let’s whip up a batch of these beauties! You’ll be thanking yourself with every bite.