I love baking Chewy Red Velvet Brownies with Cream Cheese Frosting for friends and family. I share this easy recipe so you can get chewy brownies and a smooth cream cheese top in one pan. If you enjoy rich red velvet treats, you might also like my take on red velvet cheesecake brownies for another special dessert.
Dad James brought these to our picnic once and everyone asked for the recipe.
Your Ingredients List
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup cocoa powder
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon red food coloring
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup butter, softened
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (for frosting)
My Go-To Equipment
I keep things simple. I use a 9×9 inch baking pan, a mixing bowl, a whisk, a spatula, and a hand mixer for the frosting. A cooling rack helps the brownies cool fast.
The Simple Steps to Follow
- Preheat the oven to 350°F and grease a 9×9 inch pan.
- Mix flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt in a bowl.
- Whisk sugars, oil, eggs, food coloring, and vanilla in another bowl.
- Stir the dry mix into the wet mix until just combined.
- Pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread it evenly.
- Bake 20 to 25 minutes until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Cool the brownies completely in the pan on a rack.
- Beat cream cheese and butter until smooth for the frosting.
- Add powdered sugar and vanilla and beat until creamy.
- Spread the frosting over cooled brownies and cut into squares.
Healthy Twists on a Classic
I sometimes make small swaps to lighten the recipe. Use applesauce for half the oil or add a few mashed berries for a fun flavor. For another cream cheese treat, I also love the texture of an apple cake with cream cheese frosting when apples are in season.
Serving Suggestions From My Table
I like a simple dust of cocoa or a few fresh berries on top for color. Warm a square for 10 seconds in the microwave and add a scoop of vanilla ice cream. I also serve slices with a side of my baked cranberry cream cheese dip when guests come over for dessert night.
Getting It Just Right
Check the brownies at 20 minutes. I test with a toothpick near the center. If it comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs, they are done. Let them cool fully before frosting so the cream cheese does not melt.
How to Store Leftovers
Store brownies in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. You can freeze unfrosted squares wrapped well for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge and add fresh frosting before serving.
Enjoy Every Moment
I love how simple this recipe is and how it brings people together. Bake, share, and enjoy these chewy red velvet brownies with your people.
A Few Common Questions
Can I use light brown sugar in Chewy Red Velvet Brownies with Cream Cheese Frosting?
Yes, you can use light brown sugar in Chewy Red Velvet Brownies with Cream Cheese Frosting for a milder molasses note. I keep the rest of the recipe the same.
Can I reduce the sugar in Chewy Red Velvet Brownies with Cream Cheese Frosting?
You can cut the sugar a bit, but too much reduction will change texture. For Chewy Red Velvet Brownies with Cream Cheese Frosting I reduce sugar by no more than 10 percent for best results.
What do I do if my frosting is too thin for Chewy Red Velvet Brownies with Cream Cheese Frosting?
If your frosting is too thin, chill it for 15 minutes and beat again. For Chewy Red Velvet Brownies with Cream Cheese Frosting I use chilled cream cheese to help the frosting stay firm.
Print
Chewy Red Velvet Brownies with Cream Cheese Frosting
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 16 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delicious chewy red velvet brownies topped with smooth cream cheese frosting, perfect for sharing with friends and family.
Ingredients
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup cocoa powder
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon red food coloring
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup butter, softened
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (for frosting)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F and grease a 9×9 inch pan.
- Mix flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt in a bowl.
- Whisk sugars, oil, eggs, food coloring, and vanilla in another bowl.
- Stir the dry mix into the wet mix until just combined.
- Pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread it evenly.
- Bake for 20 to 25 minutes until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Cool the brownies completely in the pan on a rack.
- Beat cream cheese and butter until smooth for the frosting.
- Add powdered sugar and vanilla and beat until creamy.
- Spread the frosting over cooled brownies and cut into squares.
Notes
For a lighter version, consider using applesauce for half the oil or adding mashed berries for flavor. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 square
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 34g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 51g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
Keywords: red velvet brownies, cream cheese frosting, dessert, baking, party treat