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’re craving a dessert that blends the rich, chocolaty goodness of brownies with the classic charm of red velvet, then you’re in for a treat with this Red Velvet Brownies with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe. These brownies are fudgy, vibrant, and topped with a smooth, tangy frosting that I just can’t get enough of.

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

Honestly, these red velvet brownies have quickly become one of my go-to desserts. They’re easy enough for a weeknight bake but special enough to impress guests or bring to holiday parties. Once you try them, you’ll see why I keep coming back to this recipe!

Perfectly Fudgy Texture: Enjoy the moist, rich brownie base that’s never dry or crumbly.
Vibrant Red Color: The red gel food coloring gives these brownies that iconic, eye-catching hue without affecting the texture.
Easy Cream Cheese Frosting: The frosting is quick to whip up and balances the cocoa flavor with creamy, tangy sweetness.
Great for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a casual family dessert or a festive party treat, these brownies fit right in.

Ingredients & Why They Work

Before you dive into baking, it’s helpful to know a bit about the ingredients that make these brownies so special. Using a quality unsweetened cocoa powder and gel food coloring can really elevate the final look and flavor. Also, softened cream cheese and butter make the frosting luxuriously smooth.

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: I use melted butter for richness and moisture that create a fudgy texture.
All-Purpose Flour: Provides structure without weighing the brownies down.
Cornstarch: A little secret to give you tender brownies that aren’t cakey.
Salt: Enhances all the flavors and balances the sweetness.
Unsweetened Natural Cocoa Powder: Adds deep chocolate flavor and pairs beautifully with the red velvet taste.
Granulated Sugar: Sweetens the batter and helps with that perfect crumb.
Eggs and Egg Yolk: These provide richness and help bind the brownies for a dense but tender texture.
Vegetable Oil: Keeps the brownies moist and adds a subtle richness.
White Vinegar: Reacts with the baking ingredients to keep the red velvet bright and tangy.
Vanilla Extract: Adds warmth and depth to the flavor.
Red Gel Food Coloring: For that signature vivid red color without changing texture.
Cream Cheese (Softened): Creates a creamy, slightly tangy frosting that pairs perfectly with chocolate.
Unsalted Butter (Softened): Helps make the frosting light and fluffy.
Powdered Sugar: Sweetens and thickens the frosting to just the right consistency.
Optional Salt and Milk/Heavy Cream: A pinch of salt balances sweetness, and a splash of milk or cream adjusts the frosting texture.

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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 wonderfully adaptable it is. Whether you want to tweak flavors, textures, or even make it suit specific dietary needs, you can easily make it your own and still end up with a crowd-pleaser.

Nutty Twist: I love adding a handful of chopped pecans or walnuts right into the batter before baking. It adds a subtle crunch and a warm nuttiness that complements the tangy cream cheese frosting beautifully.
Chocolate Lovers’ Dream: For an extra chocolate boost, sprinkle mini chocolate chips over the batter just before baking. The little pockets of melted chocolate create delightful surprise bites throughout the brownies.
Seasonal Spice: During colder months, I like to mix a pinch of cinnamon and a dash of ground cardamom into the dry ingredients. It adds cozy warmth without overpowering the classic red velvet flavor.
Vegan Variation: You can swap the butter for plant-based alternatives, use flax eggs instead of regular eggs, and try a non-dairy cream cheese for frosting. The texture will be just as moist and luscious!
Less Sweet Option: If you prefer your desserts less sweet, reduce the powdered sugar in the frosting slightly, or add a pinch of salt for a nice balance without sacrificing that signature cream cheese tang.

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: Get Your Oven and Pan Ready

First things first—preheat your oven to a steady 350°F. While it warms up, line an 8×8 or 9×9-inch baking pan with parchment paper. This little prep trick not only helps with easy removal of the brownies once baked but also guarantees those clean, sharp edges we all love.

Step 2: Melt Your Butter and Whisk Dry Ingredients

Gently melt ½ cup of unsalted butter in the microwave, then let it cool as you whisk together the flour, cornstarch, salt, and cocoa powder in a medium bowl. Mixing the dry ingredients completely now will ensure your batter is smooth and consistent later on.

Step 3: Whip Up the Wet Ingredients ’Til Fluffy

Using a mixer, beat the cooled melted butter with 1 ¼ cups granulated sugar, 2 large eggs, and 1 large egg yolk on medium-high for about 60 seconds. You’ll notice the mixture turn pale yellow and nearly double in volume—that’s a great sign you’re on the right track for light yet fudgy brownies.

Step 4: Fold in Oil, Vinegar, and Vanilla

Slowly add ¼ cup vegetable oil, 1 tablespoon white vinegar, and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract while mixing on low speed. These ingredients add moisture and balance the tangy flavor, creating that classic red velvet depth.

Step 5: Combine Dry Mix and Add Vibrant Red Color

Gradually mix in your dry ingredients along with 1 teaspoon of red gel food coloring. This step is crucial for getting that unmistakable deep red hue. Mix until fully smooth with no streaks of flour or cocoa visible.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Pour your batter into the parchment-lined pan and slide it into your preheated oven. Bake for 35-40 minutes if you’re using a glass pan, or 30-35 minutes for a metal pan. If you prefer chewier, less fudgy brownies, stretch the baking time to 40-45 minutes. To check doneness, insert a toothpick into the center — it should come out clean.

Step 7: Cool Completely Before Frosting

This is key! Let your brownies cool fully in the pan—usually about an hour—as frosting warm brownies will cause it to melt and lose that lovely smooth finish you’re aiming for.

Step 8: Make the Cream Cheese Frosting

Beat together 4 oz softened cream cheese and ¼ cup softened unsalted butter on medium speed until the mixture is light and fluffy, about 1-2 minutes. Then add 1 teaspoon vanilla extract and 2 to 4 cups powdered sugar (start low—you can add more for sweetness or thickness). Optional: a pinch of salt enhances flavor, and a dash of milk or heavy cream thins the frosting to your desired consistency.

Step 9: Frost and Chill for Clean Slices

Spread your luscious cream cheese frosting evenly over the cooled brownies. For those perfectly neat squares, pop the frosted pan into the freezer for 15-20 minutes to firm up the frosting. When slicing, use a sharp knife and wipe it clean between cuts for those picture-perfect brownie slices.

Top Tip

These tips will help you get the absolute best results when making the Red Velvet Brownies with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe. From texture to appearance, a few personal tricks can make a big difference in your baking experience.

Use Parchment Paper: Lining your pan with parchment paper is a game-changer for easy removal and keeps your brownies’ edges clean and shiny.
Don’t Overmix the Batter: I’ve found that mixing just until the ingredients come together keeps the brownies tender and moist rather than tough.
Chill Before Slicing: Freezing the frosted brownies for 15-20 minutes really helps get neat, clean slices without frosting smudging everywhere.
Use Gel Food Coloring: Choosing a high-quality red gel food coloring ensures that bold, vibrant red without watering down the batter or affecting texture.

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 add an extra touch of elegance and flavor, sprinkle a few festive red and white sprinkles or edible glitter on top of the cream cheese frosting. A light dusting of cocoa powder or finely chopped white or dark chocolate curls also complements the red velvet beautifully. Fresh raspberries or a few mint leaves can provide a lovely contrast in color and a fresh bite alongside the rich brownies.

Side Dishes

Serve these brownies alongside a scoop of vanilla bean or cream cheese ice cream for a deliciously decadent dessert. For a lighter pairing, a refreshing cup of brewed coffee or hot cocoa complements the cocoa flavor in the brownies. If you're hosting a party, fresh fruit salad or a citrus sorbet can brighten the palate beautifully after enjoying these rich treats.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store your Red Velvet Brownies with Cream Cheese Frosting covered at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer freshness, keep them refrigerated, tightly covered or in an airtight container, for up to 5 days. This prevents the cream cheese frosting from spoiling while keeping the brownies moist and flavorful.

Freezing

If you want to keep these brownies even longer, you can freeze them. Wrap individual slices or the whole pan tightly in plastic wrap and then foil. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before serving and if desired, refresh the frosting with a quick spread of cream cheese frosting or a dollop of whipped cream.

Reheating

While these brownies are perfect served cold or at room temperature, you can gently warm a slice in the microwave for about 10 seconds to enjoy a softer texture. Just be careful not to melt the frosting — a quick zap is enough to warm the brownie without making a mess.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use regular liquid food coloring instead of gel?

You can use liquid food coloring, but gel food coloring is preferred because it provides a more vivid red without adding extra liquid that might alter the batter’s texture.

How do I know when the brownies are done baking?

Insert a toothpick into the center of the brownies. It should come out clean or with just a few moist crumbs. Baking times vary slightly depending on your pan type—glass pans require a bit longer than metal ones.

Can I make these brownies vegan or dairy-free?

This recipe as written contains eggs and dairy. However, you can substitute dairy-free cream cheese and butter alternatives and use flax eggs or other egg substitutes to make a vegan-friendly version. Keep in mind texture and flavor may vary.

Why does the recipe call for vinegar?

The white vinegar reacts with the baking soda or baking powder (if included) and enhances the classic red velvet tang while helping to keep the brownies moist and tender.

Final Thoughts

Making these Red Velvet Brownies with Cream Cheese Frosting is such a joyful experience — from the rich, fudgy batter to spreading that luscious frosting and slicing beautiful, vibrant squares. Whether you're baking for a holiday, a special occasion, or just a treat to enjoy at home, this recipe is sure to bring smiles and satisfy sweet cravings. Happy baking!