Description
These Best Homemade Red Velvet Brownies combine the rich, smooth taste of milk chocolate with vibrant red velvet flavor in a moist, fudgy brownie. Topped with a luscious cream cheese frosting, this crowd-pleasing dessert is perfect for parties or any special occasion, delivering a decadent twist on classic brownies with a striking appearance and delightful texture.
Ingredients
Brownie Batter
- 2 1/4 sticks unsalted butter (cut into chunks)
- 3 1/2 cups Ghirardelli Milk Chocolate Chips
- 5 large eggs (room temperature)
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 1/4 cups packed brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 1/4 teaspoons vanilla bean paste
- 2 tablespoons red food coloring
- 2 cups all purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 3 tablespoons Ghirardelli unsweetened cocoa powder
Cream Cheese Frosting
- 4 ounces cream cheese (softened)
- 5 tablespoons unsalted butter (room temperature)
- 1/8 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon vanilla bean paste
- 2 or 3 cups confectioners sugar
- 1-2 tablespoons heavy cream or milk of choice
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for baking the brownies.
- Prepare Baking Pan: Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with foil or parchment paper, then lightly grease it to prevent sticking.
- Melt Chocolate and Butter: Melt the milk chocolate chips and butter together; either melt in the microwave stirring frequently or melt butter slowly in a small saucepan over the lowest heat, then add chocolate chips and whisk until smooth. Allow to cool.
- Mix Eggs, Sugar and Color: In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, granulated sugar, brown sugar, vanilla paste, salt, and red food coloring until smooth and well combined.
- Combine Chocolate with Egg Mixture: Gradually whisk the cooled melted chocolate and butter mixture into the egg and sugar mixture, ensuring the butter is not hot to avoid curdling the eggs.
- Add Dry Ingredients: Stir together the flour, baking powder, and cocoa powder, then fold into the wet ingredients using a silicone spatula until fully combined but not over-mixed.
- Bake Brownies: Pour batter into the prepared pan and bake for 35 to 40 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Then transfer pan to a cooling rack and cool for 15 minutes.
- Cool Before Frosting: Cover and refrigerate the brownies until completely cool or bring brownies to room temperature before applying frosting.
- Prepare Cream Cheese Frosting: In a mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese, room temperature butter, vanilla paste, salt, confectioners sugar, and heavy cream or milk on medium-high speed until the frosting is smooth, creamy, and well combined.
- Frost Brownies: Spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over the cooled brownies and slice to serve.
Notes
- Ensure the melted butter and chocolate mixture is cooled before adding to the eggs to prevent curdling.
- Use room temperature eggs for better mixing and texture.
- Line the pan with foil or parchment for easy removal and cleaner slicing.
- Adjust the amount of confectioners sugar and cream in the frosting to your preferred sweetness and consistency.
- For more intense red color, use gel or paste food coloring rather than liquid.
- Store brownies covered in the refrigerator; bring to room temperature before serving for best texture.
