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Ultimate Fudgy Red Velvet Brownies with Tangy Cream Cheese Frosting

Close-up of a fudgy red velvet brownies square topped with thick cream cheese frosting.
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Find the simple harmony in baking with these rich, fudgy red velvet brownies. This recipe delivers a vibrant red color and dense texture, topped with a classic cream cheese frosting for a truly decadent dessert.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, melted
  • 2 cups granulated sugar
  • 4 large eggs
  • 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
  • 1 teaspoon white vinegar
  • 2 tablespoons red food coloring (gel preferred for vibrancy)
  • 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/2 cup buttermilk
  • 4 ounces cream cheese, softened (for swirl/frosting)
  • 1/4 cup powdered sugar (for swirl/frosting)
  • 1 tablespoon milk (for frosting)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×9 inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang for easy removal.
  2. In a large bowl, whisk together the melted butter and granulated sugar until combined.
  3. Whisk in the eggs one at a time until fully incorporated. Stir in the vanilla extract and white vinegar.
  4. Add the red food coloring and mix until you achieve a uniform, vibrant red color.
  5. In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, salt, and baking soda.
  6. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined. Do not overmix.
  7. Gently stir in the buttermilk until the batter is smooth.
  8. Pour half of the brownie batter into the prepared pan.
  9. Prepare the cream cheese element: In a small bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth. Beat in the powdered sugar and milk until you have a smooth, spreadable frosting consistency.
  10. Drop spoonfuls of the cream cheese mixture over the batter in the pan. Pour the remaining brownie batter over the top.
  11. Use a knife or skewer to gently swirl the cream cheese mixture into the batter to create a marbled effect.
  12. Bake for 30 to 35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted near the center comes out with moist crumbs attached, indicating a fudgy texture.
  13. Let the brownies cool completely in the pan on a wire rack.
  14. Once cool, you may spread the remaining cream cheese mixture (if you reserved some) or a simple glaze over the top before cutting into squares.

Notes

  • For the fudgiest texture, avoid overbaking. Moist crumbs on the toothpick mean they are done.
  • Use gel food coloring for the most intense, vibrant red color without thinning the batter.
  • If you prefer a cream cheese swirl instead of a full frosting layer, reduce the cream cheese mixture ingredients by half and only swirl it into the batter before baking.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://delishsymphony.com/red-velvet-brownies/