Name: Red Velvet Brownies with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe
Prep time: 1 h 10 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 1 h 50 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

There’s something irresistibly indulgent about these Red Velvet Brownies with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe. Imagine biting into soft, fudgy brownies with that classic red velvet tang, all crowned with a silky layer of cream cheese frosting. Trust me, once you try these, they’ll quickly become your go-to dessert!

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

I’ve made this recipe countless times, and honestly, it never fails to impress family and friends. Whether you're baking for a special occasion or just treating yourself, these brownies hit the sweet spot between rich and refreshing thanks to that tangy cream cheese frosting.

Moist & Fudgy Texture: The combination of melted butter and vegetable oil locks in moisture for fudgy, delicious bites every time.
Classic Red Velvet Flavor: A hint of cocoa and vinegar adds depth without overpowering the buttery sweetness.
Cream Cheese Frosting: Silky, smooth, and perfectly tangy—a match made in dessert heaven atop these brownies.
Easy to Make: Friendly for bakers of all levels, with simple steps and common ingredients.

Ingredients & Why They Work

Before we dive into baking, let’s talk ingredients. Picking the right staples helps get that true red velvet richness and a frosting that’s creamy without being too sweet. You’ll mostly find these at your local grocery store, but quality really counts here—especially with the cocoa and cream cheese.

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: I prefer unsalted so you control the saltiness; melted and cooled for perfect batter consistency.
All-Purpose Flour: The base for structure, combined with cornstarch to keep these brownies tender and soft.
Cornstarch: Helps lighten the texture so the brownies aren’t dense or cakey.
Salt: Just a touch to balance sweetness and deepen flavors.
Unsweetened Cocoa Powder: Brings the subtle chocolate undertone classic of red velvet treats.
Granulated Sugar: Sweetens and contributes to the batter's volume and tenderness.
Eggs & Egg Yolk: Give richness and help bind everything together for that fudgy texture.
Vegetable Oil: Keeps brownies moist and soft, complementing the melted butter.
White Vinegar: A key player for that distinct tang and to brighten the red color.
Vanilla Extract: Adds warmth and rounds out the overall flavor.
Red Gel Food Coloring: Delivers vibrant color without thinning the batter like liquid dyes can.
Cream Cheese: Softened for smooth, creamy frosting with a perfect tang.
Unsalted Butter (for frosting): Whipped with cream cheese to add richness and fluff.
Powdered Sugar: Sweetens and thickens the frosting; you can adjust to taste.
Optional Salt & Milk or Heavy Cream: Give you control over the frosting’s flavor balance and consistency.

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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 parts about this Red Velvet Brownies with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe is how easy it is to personalize. Whether you want to switch up the flavors or accommodate dietary preferences, there’s a variation for you to try out!

Gluten-Free Variation: I swapped the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free flour blend once, and the brownies still came out wonderfully moist and fudgy — perfect for gluten-sensitive friends.
Nutty Twist: Adding a half cup of chopped walnuts or pecans to the batter before baking gives the brownies a lovely crunch and a deeper flavor complexity that I really enjoy.
Seasonal Spice Boost: For fall vibes, I like sprinkling in a ½ teaspoon of cinnamon and a pinch of nutmeg into the dry ingredients. It complements the cocoa and cream cheese frosting beautifully.
Vegan Approach: Although this recipe uses eggs and dairy, you can experiment by using flax eggs and a dairy-free cream cheese alternative to create a vegan-friendly version.

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: Preheat and Prep the Pan

Always start by preheating your oven to 350°F. While that heats up, line an 8×8- or 9×9-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving extra overhang on the sides. This little trick makes lifting the brownies out so much easier once they’re baked and cooled — no sticking or crumbling, just perfect squares!

Step 2: Melt Butter and Mix Dry Ingredients

Gently melt ½ cup (113g) unsalted butter in the microwave and set it aside to cool slightly while you whisk your dry ingredients together. In a medium bowl, combine ¾ cup (90g) all-purpose flour, 1 tablespoon cornstarch, ½ teaspoon salt, and ⅓ cup (28g) unsweetened natural cocoa powder. Whisking these at this point helps ensure your brownies will have a smooth, even texture.

Step 3: Beat Butter, Sugar, and Eggs

Using a stand mixer or hand mixer, beat the cooled melted butter with 1¼ cups (248g) granulated sugar, 2 large eggs, and 1 large egg yolk on medium-high speed for about 60 seconds. You’re aiming for a pale yellow mixture that has visibly doubled in volume — this step ensures your brownies will be light yet fudgy.

Step 4: Add Oil, Vinegar, and Vanilla

Slowly incorporate ¼ cup (59ml) vegetable oil, 1 tablespoon white vinegar, and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract to your wet mixture, mixing on low speed. The vinegar might sound unusual, but it’s what gives red velvet that signature tang and helps activate the cocoa for a rich color and flavor.

Step 5: Combine Dry Mix and Food Coloring

Gradually add your dry ingredients along with 1 teaspoon red gel food coloring into the wet batter. Stir just until fully combined and the batter is evenly colored a vibrant red. Avoid overmixing here to keep your brownies tender and moist.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Pour your luscious batter into the prepared pan and bake. Use these timing guidelines: 35-40 minutes if you’re using a glass pan, 30-35 minutes for a metal pan, or 40-45 minutes if you prefer your brownies chewier rather than fudgy. When it’s ready, a toothpick inserted in the center should come out clean. Let your brownies cool completely in the pan—this usually takes about 1 hour—and resist the urge to frost them too soon!

Step 7: Whip Up the Cream Cheese Frosting

In a mixing bowl, beat together 4 oz (114g) softened cream cheese and ¼ cup (57g) softened unsalted butter on medium speed using an electric mixer. Whip the mixture for 1-2 minutes until it’s light and fluffy. This step is key to that creamy, dreamy frosting.

Step 8: Sweeten and Adjust the Frosting

Add 1 teaspoon vanilla extract and start mixing in powdered sugar — begin with 2 cups (227g) and add up to 4 cups (454g) depending on your preferred sweetness and consistency. If you want, add a pinch of salt to balance the flavors. Beat on low speed for 1-2 minutes, scraping down the sides to incorporate everything fully. If the frosting feels too thick, add a small splash of milk or heavy cream and beat until smooth and spreadable.

Step 9: Frost and Chill Before Serving

Spread the frosting evenly over the completely cooled brownies. For the cleanest, most picture-perfect slices, pop the frosted brownies into the freezer for 15-20 minutes before cutting. Use a sharp knife, wiping the blade clean after each cut. This keeps the frosting neat and your brownie squares flawless.

Top Tip

These tips come straight from experience to make your Red Velvet Brownies with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe turn out perfectly every time—moist, fudgy, and beautifully frosted.

Timing is everything: Let your brownies cool completely—about 1 hour—before frosting. Patience here means your cream cheese frosting won’t melt or slide off.
Use parchment paper with an overhang: This simple trick lifts the brownies right out of the pan for easier cutting and serving, preventing any breakage.
Freeze brownies before slicing: Chilling frosted brownies for 15-20 minutes in the freezer makes slicing so much cleaner and neater. Don’t forget to wipe your knife blade after each cut!
Adjust powdered sugar to your taste: Start with 2 cups in the frosting and add slowly up to 4 cups. It’s the best way to get the sweetness and texture just right for your preference.

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

Elevate your brownies with a few pretty touches: a sprinkle of white chocolate shavings adds sweetness and elegance, while a handful of fresh raspberries or sliced strawberries brings a tart contrast that pairs beautifully with the cream cheese frosting. For a festive twist, scatter mini red and white heart sprinkles or crushed peppermint candies.

Side Dishes

Serve these decadent red velvet brownies alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of freshly whipped cream to balance the richness. For drinks, a hot cup of coffee or a glass of cold milk complements the flavors perfectly, making each bite even more satisfying.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep your frosted Red Velvet Brownies fresh by storing leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will stay delicious and moist for up to 4 days. Let them come to room temperature for about 20 minutes before serving to soften the frosting slightly.

Freezing

For longer storage, freeze the brownies unfrosted by wrapping them tightly in plastic wrap and then foil. Freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw completely, then frost with the cream cheese frosting just before serving to keep it fresh and creamy.

Reheating

Since these brownies are best served at room temperature with frosting, simply let refrigerated or thawed brownies sit out for about 20 minutes before eating. If you prefer warmed bites, gently heat individual pieces in the microwave for 10-15 seconds without frosting to avoid melting.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I make these brownies gluten-free?

Yes! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking blend in equal amounts. Just ensure the blend contains xanthan gum or similar to maintain texture.

Why do I need both melted butter and vegetable oil?

Using both adds richness and moisture. Melted butter gives depth of flavor while oil keeps the brownies tender and fudgy.

How can I make the cream cheese frosting thicker?

Add more powdered sugar gradually while beating. If it becomes too stiff, add a splash of milk or heavy cream for smoothness.

Can I use liquid food coloring instead of gel?

Gel food coloring is preferred because it provides vibrant color without thinning the batter. Using liquid may require adjusting the dry ingredients slightly.

Final Thoughts

Making Red Velvet Brownies with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe from scratch is such a rewarding experience. Each bite delivers that perfect balance of rich chocolate and tangy sweetness wrapped in a moist, tender brownie. I hope these tips and ideas help you serve up warm smiles and full hearts with every slice. Happy baking!