Dessert

Red Velvet Brownies with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe

ByLily Cross February 13, 2026February 13, 2026

Introduction

These Red Velvet Brownies with Cream Cheese Frosting offer a delightful twist on classic brownies. Rich, tender, and vibrantly red, they’re topped with a smooth, tangy frosting that perfectly balances sweetness. Ideal for any occasion, these brownies are as beautiful as they are delicious.

The image shows a close-up of a square piece of red velvet cake with two distinct layers. The bottom layer is a thick, rich, dark red cake with a soft and moist texture, while the top layer is a smooth, creamy white frosting that is evenly spread and slightly thick. Small crumbs of red cake are scattered on the frosting and around the piece on a white marbled surface. The lighting highlights the cake’s moist texture and the contrast between the deep red and bright white layers. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1 ¼ cups (155g) all-purpose flour
¼ cup (25g) unsweetened cocoa powder
1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
½ cup (115g) unsalted butter, melted
2 large eggs
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 tbsp red food coloring (liquid or gel)
¼ tsp salt
4 oz (115g) cream cheese, softened
2 tbsp unsalted butter, softened
1 cup (120g) powdered sugar, sifted
½ tsp vanilla extract

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang for easy removal later.
Step 2: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, unsweetened cocoa powder, and salt. Set aside.
Step 3: In a large mixing bowl, combine the melted butter and granulated sugar, stirring until fully incorporated. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing thoroughly after each. Stir in the vanilla extract and red food coloring until the color is even.
Step 4: Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture using a spatula. Mix just until combined to keep the brownies tender.
Step 5: Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the surface. Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with a few moist crumbs. Allow the brownies to cool completely in the pan.
Step 6: While the brownies cool, beat together the softened cream cheese and softened butter until smooth. Gradually add the sifted powdered sugar, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
Step 7: Once the brownies are at room temperature, spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over the top. Use the parchment overhang to lift the brownies out of the pan, slice into squares, and serve.

Tips & Variations

For extra moist brownies, avoid overbaking; start checking at 20 minutes.
If you don’t have red food coloring, beet juice or powder can be a natural alternative.
Use full-fat cream cheese for the creamiest frosting.
Add a pinch of cinnamon or espresso powder to enhance the chocolate flavor.

Storage

Store the brownies in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days due to the cream cheese frosting. Let them come to room temperature before serving for the best texture. You can also freeze unfrosted brownies for up to 2 months; thaw completely before frosting.

How to Serve

A close-up image of a small square piece of red velvet cake with two visible layers, the bottom layer is rich, moist, deep red cake with a soft, crumbly texture, and the top layer is a smooth, creamy white frosting that appears thick and evenly spread. Tiny red cake crumbs are sprinkled on top of the frosting, adding a slight texture contrast. The cake piece is placed on a white marbled surface with other similar squares blurred softly in the background. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make these brownies gluten-free?

Yes, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend that measures cup-for-cup. Ensure the blend contains xanthan gum for best results.

Can I prepare the frosting in advance?

Absolutely. The cream cheese frosting can be made a day ahead and stored covered in the refrigerator. Bring it to room temperature and give it a quick stir before spreading on the brownies.