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

If you’re craving something both rich and a little bit special, this Red Velvet Brownies with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe will hit every sweet spot. Imagine fudgy, moist brownies with that classic red velvet flavor, topped with silky, tangy cream cheese frosting—utter perfection.

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 can’t get enough of these brownies—they’ve got the perfect balance of chocolatey richness and that signature red velvet tang, all wrapped up under a cloud of smooth cream cheese frosting. They’re my go-to when I want to impress without stress.

Decadently fudgy: The texture is just right—not too cakey, not dry, pure brownie bliss.
Classic red velvet flavor: Thanks to red gel food coloring and cocoa powder, you get that iconic taste and color.
Perfectly tangy frosting: Cream cheese frosting adds a luscious creaminess with a slight tang that balances the sweetness.
Easy to make: Simple ingredients and straightforward steps make it a breeze, even if you’re a busy home baker.

Ingredients & Why They Work

Before you dive in, here’s a quick glance at what you’ll need and why each ingredient matters. Shopping for quality basics like unsalted butter and natural cocoa powder really lifts the final brownie game.

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 butter gives the brownies that indulgent richness without extra salt messing with the flavor.
All-purpose flour: Provides the structure but keeps the texture soft and tender.
Cornstarch: Helps keep the brownies soft and cakey in just the right way.
Salt: Balances sweetness and lifts the chocolate notes.
Natural cocoa powder: Adds deep chocolate flavor and gives that subtle bitterness that contrasts so well with the frosting.
Granulated sugar: Sweetens the batter and helps with that nice shiny crust on the brownie top.
Eggs and egg yolk: Bind everything together and add richness.
Vegetable oil: Keeps the brownies extra moist and tender.
White vinegar: Reacts with cocoa to enhance the red color and adds a slight tang, amplifying the classic red velvet vibe.
Vanilla extract: Rounds out the flavors beautifully.
Red gel food coloring: Gives that vibrant red without watering down the batter.
Cream cheese: The star of the frosting, adding creaminess and tanginess.
Unsalted butter (for frosting): Softened to help create a smooth, fluffy frosting texture.
Powdered sugar: Sweetens the frosting and helps achieve the perfect spreadable consistency.
Optional salt and milk/heavy cream: Fine-tunes the frosting’s flavor and texture to your liking.

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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 easy it is to make it your own. Whether you want to add a bit of crunch, switch up the flavors, or accommodate dietary preferences, there’s lots of room for personalization!

Nutty Twist: Sprinkle chopped pecans or walnuts on top of the batter before baking for an irresistible crunch. I love how the nuts add texture and a toasty flavor that pairs beautifully with the rich, fudgy brownie.
Berry Boost: Fold fresh raspberries or dried cherries into the batter for bursts of tartness. The fruity notes brighten the deep cocoa flavor and make this dessert feel extra special in spring or summer.
Vegan Variation: Swap the butter for a plant-based alternative, replace eggs with flax eggs (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed + 3 tablespoon water per egg), and use vegan cream cheese for frosting. It works surprisingly well while keeping the indulgent feel.
Spiced Up: Add a pinch of cinnamon or a dash of espresso powder to the dry ingredients to deepen the flavor complexity. This subtle twist enhances the velvety chocolate notes.
Chocolate Chip Surprise: Stir in mini semi-sweet chocolate chips just before baking. It creates pockets of melting chocolate that make every bite extra luscious.

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 Your Pan

First things first, get your oven ready by preheating it to 350°F. I like to line an 8×8 or 9×9-inch baking pan with parchment paper—it’s a small step that makes removing the brownies a breeze and keeps the edges perfect. Line it so you have a little overhang on the sides, which acts like handles for lifting the brownies out once cooled.

Step 2: Melt the Butter and Prep Dry Ingredients

While your oven warms up, melt ½ cup (113g) of unsalted butter in the microwave. Set it aside to cool slightly while you whisk together your dry ingredients—¾ cup (90g) all-purpose flour, 1 tablespoon cornstarch, ½ teaspoon salt, and ⅓ cup (28g) of cocoa powder. Whisking them well ensures everything is evenly combined and your brownies have a consistent texture.

Step 3: Beat the Wet Ingredients Until Fluffy

In a mixing bowl or stand mixer, combine the cooled melted butter, 1¼ cups (248g) granulated sugar, 2 large eggs, and 1 large egg yolk. Beat them together for a full 60 seconds—you’ll notice the mixture lighten in color and double in volume. This step is key for that tender, cakey crumb in your brownies.

Step 4: Add the Liquid Flavor Boosters

Next, pour in ¼ cup (59ml) vegetable oil, 1 tablespoon white vinegar, and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract. Mix everything slowly on low speed until just combined. The vinegar adds that signature tang you expect in red velvet, while the oil keeps the brownies moist.

Step 5: Combine Dry Ingredients and Red Food Coloring

Gradually add your dry mixture into the wet batter, mixing until the ingredients meld together and form a smooth, rich batter. Now stir in 1 teaspoon of red gel food coloring for that iconic red velvet hue without watering down the batter. Keep mixing just until everything is evenly blended—you don’t want to overwork it!

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Pour your batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top with a spatula. Bake for 35-40 minutes if using a glass pan, or 30-35 minutes for a metal pan. For chewier brownies, aim for 40-45 minutes. To test doneness, insert a toothpick in the center—it should come out clean when it’s ready. Resist the urge to overbake to keep them fudgy and moist.

Step 7: Cool Completely Before Frosting

Once baked, let your brownies cool fully in the pan for about 1 hour. This step is crucial so the cream cheese frosting doesn’t melt into a mess and stays beautifully smooth on top.

Step 8: Whip Up the Cream Cheese Frosting

In a mixing bowl, beat 4 oz (114g) softened cream cheese with ¼ cup (57g) softened unsalted butter on medium speed for 1-2 minutes until fluffy and smooth. Add 1 teaspoon vanilla extract and 2 to 4 cups (227-454g) powdered sugar depending on your preferred sweetness and thickness. Optionally, toss in ⅛ teaspoon salt to balance the sweetness. Beat again on low for another 1-2 minutes, scraping the bowl as you go.

Step 9: Adjust Frosting and Spread

If your frosting feels too dense, add a splash of milk or heavy cream and beat until creamy and easy to spread. Then generously frost the cooled brownies with your luscious cream cheese topping, spreading it evenly to every corner.

Step 10: Chill and Slice Like a Pro

For picture-perfect slices, pop the frosted brownies in the freezer for 15–20 minutes to firm up the frosting. Use a sharp knife to cut squares, and clean the blade between each cut to keep the frosting neat and prevent smudging. Voilà — delicious Red Velvet Brownies with Cream Cheese Frosting ready to impress!

Top Tip

These tips will help you get the absolute best out of your Red Velvet Brownies with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe, so every bite is as delicious and beautiful as it should be.

Pan Choice Matters: I found that using a glass pan requires a few extra minutes in baking compared to metal pans, so keep a close eye on the timing to get your ideal texture—whether fudgy or chewy.
Softening Ingredients: Always soften your cream cheese and butter well before making the frosting to ensure it beats up smooth and fluffy without lumps.
Frosting Texture: Adding just a dash of milk or heavy cream can turn the frosting from too stiff into perfectly spreadable and creamy—don’t skip this step if it feels dense.
Freezing Before Slicing: Placing the frosted brownies in the freezer for 15-20 minutes makes slicing so much cleaner and prevents the frosting from smudging all over; I learned this trick after a messy first attempt!

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

To elevate your Red Velvet Brownies with Cream Cheese Frosting, sprinkle some white or dark chocolate shavings on top or add a few fresh raspberries or strawberries for a pop of color and a touch of freshness. Chopped pecans or walnuts can add a delightful crunch, while a light dusting of powdered sugar gives a pretty final touch.

Side Dishes

Serve these rich brownies alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for an indulgent dessert experience. A cup of hot coffee or a creamy latte pairs beautifully with the tangy cream cheese frosting, balancing out the sweetness perfectly.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store your leftover Red Velvet Brownies with Cream Cheese Frosting in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. This keeps the frosting fresh and the brownies moist. Let them sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes before serving for the best flavor and texture.

Freezing

You can freeze the brownies both frosted or unfrosted. For frosted brownies, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and then foil before freezing. They’ll keep well for up to 2 months. Thaw them overnight in the refrigerator, then allow them to come to room temperature before enjoying.

Reheating

Since these brownies are best enjoyed at room temperature, there’s no need to reheat them. However, if you like them slightly warm, gently heat a single brownie in the microwave for about 10 seconds—just be careful not to melt the frosting too much.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use regular liquid food coloring instead of gel?

Gel food coloring is preferred because it provides the vibrant red color without adding extra liquid that could affect the brownie batter's texture. If you don’t have gel, you can use regular liquid coloring but reduce other liquids slightly for balance.

How do I know when the brownies are done?

Insert a toothpick into the center of the brownies. It should come out clean or with just a few moist crumbs attached. For fudgier brownies, bake for the shorter time; for chewier brownies, bake closer to 40-45 minutes if using a glass pan.

Can I make the frosting ahead of time?

Absolutely! The cream cheese frosting can be made up to 1 day ahead. Store it in an airtight container in the fridge, then bring it back to room temperature and give it a quick whip before spreading.

What if I don’t have cornstarch?

Cornstarch helps create a lighter texture in the brownies. You can substitute it with an equal amount of arrowroot powder or just omit it, but expect a slightly denser brownie.

Final Thoughts

Making these Red Velvet Brownies with Cream Cheese Frosting is truly a labor of love—each step, from mixing to frosting to slicing, is worth it for that rich, tangy, and utterly decadent bite. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or just because, they’re sure to bring smiles and happy taste buds. Happy baking, and enjoy every luscious square!