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 and dash of milk or heavy cream

If you’re anything like me, you’ll fall head over heels for this Red Velvet Brownies with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe. Imagine rich, moist brownies with that classic red velvet tang, topped with silky, dreamy cream cheese frosting—absolutely irresistible!

A stack of three square layered desserts sits on a white plate over a wood textured surface. Each dessert has two layers: the bottom layer is thick, rich red velvet cake with a moist and slightly crumbly texture, while the top layer is a thick, creamy white frosting with a smooth but fluffy texture and a few red velvet crumbs sprinkled on top. In the background, there is a blurred white bottle, and another similar dessert piece is also visible on the same wood textured surface. The 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

This recipe quickly became one of my favorites because it’s the perfect blend of fudgy, tangy, and sweet all in one bite. Once you try it, you’ll want to make it again and again—ideal for birthdays, holidays, or a simple treat when you need a pick-me-up.

Perfectly Balanced Flavor: You get that subtle cocoa kick combined with the signature red velvet tang and just the right sweetness from the frosting.
Moist and Dense Texture: These brownies are fudgy but not heavy, baking up with a moist crumb that melts in your mouth.
Easy to Make: With straightforward ingredients and simple steps, even busy bakers can whip these up quickly.
Showstopper Presentation: The vibrant red color beneath a smooth cream cheese layer makes these brownies look as amazing as they taste.

Ingredients & Why They Work

When it comes to these brownies, choosing the right ingredients sets the foundation for success. Using high-quality cocoa powder and cream cheese really makes the flavors shine, and opting for gel food coloring gives that dramatic red without affecting texture.

Flat lay of a small handful of unsweetened natural cocoa powder, a mound of all-purpose flour, a tablespoon of cornstarch, a sprinkle of salt, two whole uncracked brown eggs, one whole uncracked egg with a clean shell, a few tablespoons of granulated sugar in a small white ceramic bowl, a small white ceramic bowl of melted unsalted butter, a small white ceramic bowl of vegetable oil, a small white ceramic bowl of white vinegar, a small white ceramic bowl containing deep red gel food coloring, a block of soft cream cheese, a stick of unsalted butter, a small white ceramic bowl filled with powdered sugar, and a small white ceramic bowl with a splash of 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: Melting and cooling it helps create the perfect fudgy texture without greasiness.
All-Purpose Flour: The backbone of the batter, providing just the right structure for moist brownies.
Cornstarch: Adds tenderness and keeps the brownies from being cakey.
Salt: Balances sweetness and enhances the cocoa flavor.
Unsweetened Natural Cocoa Powder: Essential for that deep chocolate flavor and subtle bitterness.
Granulated Sugar: Sweetens and helps with the chewy, dense texture.
Eggs and Egg Yolk: Provide richness and help bind the batter for that fudgy bite.
Vegetable Oil: Keeps the brownies moist and tender—feel free to swap in light olive or canola oil for slight flavor variation.
White Vinegar: Reacts with the baking elements to enhance the classic red velvet tang and keeps the texture soft.
Vanilla Extract: Adds warmth and depth of flavor throughout the batter and frosting.
Red Gel Food Coloring: For vibrant color without thinning the batter like liquid colors might.
Cream Cheese: Softened and whipped, it makes the frosting luxuriously creamy with that signature tangy bite.
Powdered Sugar: Sweetens the frosting and helps achieve a silky smooth texture.
Optional Salt and Milk or Heavy Cream: These help balance and adjust the frosting’s consistency and flavor.

📝

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

The wonderful thing about this Red Velvet Brownies with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe is how adaptable it is. Whether you’re craving a bit more chocolate punch or want to tailor it for different dietary needs, there are simple ways to make this recipe truly your own.

Extra Chocolate Kick: I love stirring in a handful of mini chocolate chips or chunks right before baking. It gives the brownies little bursts of melty chocolate that complement the subtle cocoa and tangy frosting perfectly.
Nutty Twist: Toasted pecans or walnuts sprinkled on top of the frosting add a lovely crunch and depth. I usually add about ½ cup, and the texture contrast really elevates the experience.
Seasonal Flair: For a festive touch, mix a pinch of ground cinnamon or pumpkin pie spice into the brownie batter during fall. It pairs beautifully with the cream cheese frosting and makes these brownies feel extra cozy.
Dairy-Free Version: Swap the butter in the brownies and frosting for a vegan butter substitute, and use dairy-free cream cheese. The result is surprisingly close in flavor and creamy texture while staying plant-based.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Red Velvet Brownies with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe

A close-up of a square dessert bar held by a woman's hand shows two clear layers: the bottom layer is a rich, dark red with a dense, slightly crumbly texture, and the top layer is thick, creamy white frosting with a smooth surface and some soft peaks. The background has several more of these dessert bars placed on a white marbled surface, all showing the same two layers and a soft, inviting look. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Step 1: Prep the Pan and Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F. Line an 8×8 or 9×9-inch baking pan with parchment paper. This step is key to ensure your brownies come out cleanly and make slicing a breeze later. The parchment also prevents sticking and helps keep the edges nice and tender.

Step 2: Melt Butter and Combine Dry Ingredients

Melt ½ cup (113g) unsalted butter in a microwave-safe bowl and let it cool while you whip together the dry ingredients. In a separate bowl, whisk ¾ cup (90g) all-purpose flour, 1 tablespoon cornstarch, ½ teaspoon salt, and ⅓ cup (28g) natural unsweetened cocoa powder until well mixed. This blend creates that signature tender yet fudgy texture of red velvet brownies.

Step 3: Beat Wet Ingredients Until Fluffy

Using a stand mixer or hand mixer, beat the cooled melted butter, 1 ¼ cups (248g) granulated sugar, 2 large eggs, and 1 large egg yolk on medium-high speed for about 60 seconds. You'll know it's ready when the mixture turns pale yellow and doubles in volume—this airiness is what gives the brownies their light crumb.

Step 4: Add Oil, Vinegar, and Vanilla

Slowly stream in ¼ cup (59ml) vegetable oil, 1 tablespoon white vinegar, and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract. Continue mixing on low speed until everything is smoothly incorporated. The vinegar is a small but important ingredient—it reacts with the cocoa powder to revive that classic red velvet tang.

Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures with Food Coloring

Gently add the dry ingredient mixture and 1 teaspoon red gel food coloring to the wet batter. Mix until the batter is silky smooth and surprisingly vibrant. Using gel food coloring here is the secret to achieving that vivid red color without watering down the batter.

Step 6: Bake the Brownies

Pour the batter into your prepared pan and smooth the surface with a spatula. Bake in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes if you're using a glass pan, or 30-35 minutes for a metal pan. If you prefer chewier brownies with a little less fudginess, extend baking to 40-45 minutes. Use a toothpick to test doneness—it should come out clean or with just a few moist crumbs.

Step 7: Cool Completely Before Frosting

Patience is key here—let those brownies cool completely in the pan, which usually takes about an hour. This cooling period helps the brownies set, making it easier to spread the frosting without it melting or sliding off.

Step 8: Whip Up the Cream Cheese Frosting

In a clean bowl, beat 4 oz (114g) softened cream cheese and ¼ cup (57g) unsalted butter together on medium speed for 1-2 minutes. Aim for a fluffy and light texture that will melt in your mouth.

Step 9: Incorporate Vanilla and Powdered Sugar

Add 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, 2 to 4 cups (227-454g) powdered sugar, and an optional ⅛ teaspoon salt. Beat on low speed for 1-2 minutes while scraping the bowl sides to fully incorporate all ingredients. If your frosting feels too thick, add a splash of milk or heavy cream and continue beating until it reaches a smooth, creamy consistency.

Step 10: Frost and Chill Before Serving

Spread the luscious cream cheese frosting evenly across the cooled brownies. For the cleanest, neat slices, pop the frosted pan into the freezer for 15-20 minutes. When ready, use a sharp knife wiped clean between cuts to serve perfectly portioned brownies that look just as good as they taste.

Top Tip

These tips come from hands-on experience with making Red Velvet Brownies with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe that are moist, flavorful, and beautifully presented every time. Small tweaks make a big difference in texture and taste, so here’s what I’ve found to be game changers!

Use Gel Food Coloring: I always choose red gel food coloring over liquid. It provides a vibrant, deep red hue without thinning the batter or changing its texture.
Beat Eggs and Sugar Well: Beating the eggs, egg yolk, and sugar until pale and doubled in volume really helps develop a light texture – don’t rush this step!
Chill Frosted Brownies: Placing your frosted brownies in the freezer for 15-20 minutes before cutting ensures neat slices without frosting smudges. It’s a simple trick that makes serving easier and prettier.
Avoid Overbaking: I’ve learned to test with a toothpick and pull the brownies out while the center still has a few moist crumbs. Overbaking dries them out and loses that ideal fudgy-moist balance.

How to Serve Red Velvet Brownies with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe

A silver rectangular baking pan sits on a white marbled surface with thick, smooth, deep red batter being poured into it from a clear glass bowl positioned at the top right. The rich batter flows evenly in a wide, glossy layer inside the pan, showing a shiny texture with small air bubbles. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Garnishes

For a charming presentation, sprinkle the brownies with a light dusting of cocoa powder or finely chopped white chocolate. You can also add a few fresh raspberries or strawberries on top for a pop of color and a bright, tart contrast to the rich cream cheese frosting.

Side Dishes

Pair these luscious brownies with a scoop of classic vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream to balance the richness. A hot cup of coffee or a glass of cold milk also complements the flavors beautifully, making for a complete dessert experience.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

You can store leftover Red Velvet Brownies with Cream Cheese Frosting in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. This keeps both the brownies moist and the cream cheese frosting fresh and creamy.

Freezing

If you want to make these brownies in advance, freeze the unfrosted brownies wrapped tightly in plastic wrap or foil for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw completely at room temperature before spreading the cream cheese frosting as described in the recipe.

Reheating

To enjoy your brownies warm, pop a single slice in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds. Avoid heating frosted brownies for long, as the frosting may melt. If you prefer, enjoy the brownies chilled straight from the refrigerator—the texture and flavor hold up wonderfully either way!

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use a different type of pan for baking these brownies?

Yes, you can use either an 8×8 or 9×9-inch baking pan. Keep in mind that baking times vary slightly depending on whether the pan is glass or metal, so follow the timing guidelines carefully for perfect results.

What if I don’t have red gel food coloring? Can I use liquid instead?

While you can use liquid food coloring, gel food coloring is preferred because it delivers a more vibrant color without affecting the batter’s consistency. If using liquid, add it cautiously to avoid thinning the batter.

Why is vinegar included in the recipe?

The white vinegar brightens the red color and enhances the classic tang of red velvet flavor. It also reacts with the baking soda or cornstarch to contribute to the brownies’ tender crumb.

Can I make the cream cheese frosting ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the frosting a day ahead and keep it covered in the refrigerator. Before spreading, allow it to come to room temperature and give it a quick whip to restore its fluffy texture.

Final Thoughts

This Red Velvet Brownies with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe is truly one of those desserts that’s as joyful to make as it is to eat. The deep red color, moist crumb, and tangy-sweet frosting create a memorable treat perfect for celebrations or just indulging anytime. With a few simple tips and a little patience, you’ll have a batch of brownies that disappear quickly—so be prepared to bake again soon!