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 craving a dessert that’s rich, moist, and topped with the creamiest frosting, you’ve gotta try this Red Velvet Brownies with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe. They’re the perfect blend of classic red velvet flavors and fudgy chocolatey goodness, all in one irresistible treat.

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 absolutely love whipping up this recipe whenever I want to impress friends or just treat myself. It’s straightforward, and the results always bring smiles around the kitchen — that creamy frosting is just the cherry on top.

Perfectly Balanced Flavors: The hint of cocoa, tangy vinegar, and vanilla come together for a truly delicious red velvet twist.
Moist and Rich Texture: These brownies stay fudgy but bake up with just the right amount of structure.
Easy to Customize: The cream cheese frosting is creamy and fluffy with options to adjust sweetness and texture.
Great for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a holiday dessert or casual gathering, these brownies always please a crowd.

Ingredients & Why They Work

Before you start, make sure you have some key ingredients to get that classic red velvet flavor and texture. I always recommend using high-quality cocoa powder and gel food coloring for the best vibrant color without messing up your batter’s consistency.

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: Melted and cooled butter creates that rich, moist base for the brownies.
All-purpose flour: The structure for our brownies — not too heavy, just right.
Cornstarch: Helps keep the brownies tender by softening the gluten a bit.
Salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances the chocolate flavor.
Unsweetened natural cocoa powder: Provides deep, rich chocolate undertones essential for red velvet.
Granulated sugar: Sweetens the batter and contributes to a slight crisp on top.
Eggs and egg yolk: Give the brownies structure, richness, and moisture.
Vegetable oil: Adds extra moisture and helps keep the brownies soft.
White vinegar: Adds that slight tang and reacts with baking ingredients to tenderize.
Vanilla extract: Brings warmth and depth to the overall flavor.
Red gel food coloring: For that bold, red velvet color without watering down the batter.
Cream cheese: The star of the frosting, delivering that luscious tang and creamy texture.
Unsalted butter (for frosting): Softened and whipped with cream cheese for a smooth, silky frosting.
Powdered sugar: Sweetens and thickens the frosting to perfection.
Optional salt and milk or heavy cream: To balance the sweetness and achieve the perfect frosting 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

The great thing about this Red Velvet Brownies with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe is how versatile it is. You can easily tweak it to suit your taste, occasion, or dietary needs without losing any of that classic rich and tangy charm.

Nut-Free Variation: Swap the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend and ensure your cocoa powder and other ingredients are certified nut-free for a safer treat for sensitive guests. I’ve made this for a school bake sale and had so many compliments from parents grateful for a nut-free option.
Extra Fudgy Brownies: If you adore chewy, fudgy brownies like I do, bake closer to 30 minutes when using a metal pan or 35 minutes in glass. I love how this makes the texture almost like a dense chocolate truffle under that vibrant red crumb.
Seasonal Twist: Adding a teaspoon of pumpkin spice or cinnamon to the dry ingredients can bring a cozy, autumnal flavor — perfect for holiday gatherings. I tried this last fall and it was a delightful surprise that paired wonderfully with the cream cheese frosting.
Vegan Adaptation: Substitute the butter with plant-based margarine, use flax eggs in place of regular eggs, and find a vegan cream cheese brand for the frosting. While I haven't experimented as much here, many readers have found success making these changes for a dairy-free, egg-free 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: Get Your Oven Ready and Prep Your Pan

First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F. Choose an 8×8 or 9×9-inch pan — whichever you have on hand — and line it with parchment paper. I always leave some parchment hanging over the edges, which makes removing the brownies a breeze once they’re baked and cooled. This simple prep sets the stage for easy baking and clean removal later.

Step 2: Melt Butter and Whisk Dry Ingredients

Melt ½ cup of unsalted butter in the microwave. While it cools slightly, whisk together your dry ingredients in a medium bowl: ¾ cup all-purpose flour, 1 tablespoon cornstarch, ½ teaspoon salt, and ⅓ cup unsweetened cocoa powder. This combination adds just the right hint of chocolate and texture that makes these brownies unique. Mixing the dry ingredients separately helps ensure even distribution later.

Step 3: Beat Butter, Sugar, and Eggs

Using a stand mixer or hand mixer, beat the melted butter with 1¼ cups granulated sugar, 2 large eggs, and 1 large egg yolk on medium-high speed for about 60 seconds. You’re looking for a pale yellow color and the mixture to almost double in volume. This step is key to lending your brownies a tender crumb and subtle lift.

Step 4: Add Oil, Vinegar, and Vanilla

Next, mix in ¼ cup vegetable oil, 1 tablespoon white vinegar, and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract on low speed until everything is fully incorporated. The vinegar might sound unusual here, but it really brightens the flavor and intensifies the red velvet tang. I love that subtle zing it brings!

Step 5: Bring It All Together with Dry Ingredients and Color

Slowly add your whisked dry ingredients along with 1 teaspoon red gel food coloring to the wet mixture. Mix just until combined and smooth, being careful not to over-mix. The gel coloring ensures you get that vibrant, signature red without watering down the batter. At this stage, your batter will have a lovely silky, rich look — a good sign!

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Pour the batter evenly into your prepared pan and pop it in the oven. Bake for 35-40 minutes if you’re using a glass pan, or 30-35 minutes for metal pans, until a toothpick inserted near the center comes out clean. If you prefer a chewier brownie texture, aim for the longer bake time between 40-45 minutes. I sometimes keep a close eye near the end and test with toothpicks around the edges and center to get the texture just right.

Step 7: Cool Completely Before Frosting

This is a crucial step: let your brownies cool completely, ideally for about an hour in the pan. If you frost too early, the cream cheese frosting can melt and get messy. I usually resist the urge to dive in right away and use this time to prepare the frosting — plus, patience really pays off here for a neat finish.

Step 8: Whip Up the Cream Cheese Frosting

In a mixing bowl, beat together 4 oz softened cream cheese and ¼ cup unsalted butter on medium speed for 1-2 minutes until fluffy and smooth. Then add 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, 2 to 4 cups powdered sugar (adjust to your sweetness preference), and optional ⅛ teaspoon salt. Beat on low for another 1-2 minutes, scraping the bowl as needed, until fully combined. If the frosting feels too thick, add a dash of milk or heavy cream to loosen it up — beat until creamy and spreadable. This frosting is the perfect balance of tangy and sweet, which complements the red velvet beautifully.

Step 9: Frost and Chill for Clean Slices

Spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over your cooled brownies. For flawless, clean slices, pop the frosted tray in the freezer for 15-20 minutes before cutting. When ready, use a sharp knife and wipe the blade after each cut — this little trick prevents messy frosting build-up and keeps your squares looking perfect every time.

Top Tip

These tips will help you take your Red Velvet Brownies with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe from great to absolutely show-stopping every time you bake them.

Use Gel Food Coloring: I’ve found that using red gel food coloring gives you that vibrant red hue without adding extra liquid, which keeps the batter consistency perfect.
Cool Completely Before Frosting: Patience is key — waiting for the brownies to cool fully stops the frosting from melting and sliding off, preserving that beautiful creamy top.
Chill Before Slicing: Placing the frosted brownies in the freezer for 15-20 minutes makes slicing neater and easier, especially when you use a sharp knife and clean it between cuts.
Adjust Baking Time for Texture: Baking 35-40 minutes in a glass pan or 30-35 minutes in a metal pan yields moist, fudgy brownies; increase to 40-45 minutes if you prefer them chewier with less fudginess.

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 finishing touch, sprinkle a few fresh raspberries or pomegranate seeds over the cream cheese frosting. A light dusting of cocoa powder or shaved white chocolate curls adds an elegant flair. If you want a bit of crunch, chopped toasted pecans or walnuts make a wonderful contrast to the creamy frosting.

Side Dishes

These Red Velvet Brownies pair beautifully with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream or a dollop of freshly whipped cream for a delightful dessert experience. For a festive occasion, serve alongside a hot cup of coffee or a glass of cold milk. They’re equally fantastic with berry compote or a drizzle of caramel sauce if you want to indulge even more.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store your frosted red velvet brownies in an airtight container in the refrigerator to keep the cream cheese frosting fresh and creamy. They will stay delicious for up to 4-5 days. If you prefer room temperature snacks, let them sit out for 20-30 minutes before serving to soften the frosting.

Freezing

You can freeze unfrosted brownies wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and then a layer of foil for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw completely at room temperature before adding the cream cheese frosting. For frosted brownies, freeze them uncut on a baking sheet first, then wrap pieces individually once firm to avoid smudging the frosting.

Reheating

Since these brownies are best served at room temperature or chilled, avoid reheating after frosting, as warm temperatures can cause the frosting to melt. If you prefer your brownies warm, enjoy them unfrosted and gently microwave a single piece for 10-15 seconds.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use regular liquid food coloring instead of gel?

While you can use liquid food coloring, gel is preferred because it provides a more intense red without adding extra liquid that might alter the batter's consistency.

Why do these brownies use vinegar?

The white vinegar reacts with the baking soda to enhance the red velvet color and adds a subtle tanginess that balances the sweetness beautifully.

How do I get the frosting smooth and spreadable?

Be sure the cream cheese and butter are softened to room temperature before whipping. If the frosting is too thick, add a small dash of milk or heavy cream and beat until you reach the desired creamy consistency.

Can I make these brownies gluten-free?

You can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking blend. Just ensure it contains xanthan gum or a similar binder to help maintain the brownie’s structure.

Final Thoughts

Making these Red Velvet Brownies with Cream Cheese Frosting is such a rewarding experience—there’s something about the rich, moist texture paired with that tangy, fluffy frosting that feels like a warm hug in dessert form. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or just treating yourself, I hope these tips and storage ideas help you enjoy every perfect bite. Happy baking!