Description
Indulgent red velvet brownies bring Southern charm to classic chocolate desserts with their luxurious crimson hue and rich cream cheese swirl. Chocolate lovers will savor each dense, velvety bite that promises pure dessert bliss.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/4 cup red food coloring
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup granulated sugar
Wet Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 1/4 cup vegetable oil
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
Finishing Ingredients:
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 cup cream cheese (for frosting)
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar (for frosting)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F and line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper, allowing slight overhang for easy removal.
- Whisk flour, cocoa powder, salt, and baking powder in a medium bowl until uniformly combined and set aside.
- Cream butter and granulated sugar in a large mixing bowl until light and fluffy, approximately 3 minutes.
- Incorporate eggs one at a time, mixing thoroughly after each addition, then blend in vegetable oil, red food coloring, and vanilla extract until mixture achieves a vibrant crimson hue.
- Gradually fold dry ingredients into wet mixture, stirring gently until just combined to prevent overmixing and maintain a smooth, velvety texture.
- Transfer batter into prepared baking pan, spreading evenly with a spatula and ensuring uniform thickness across the surface.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center emerges with minimal crumbs.
- Remove from oven and allow brownies to cool completely in the pan for approximately 1 hour.
- Prepare cream cheese frosting by whipping cream cheese and powdered sugar until smooth and spreadable.
- Once brownies are cooled, spread frosting evenly across the top, then slice into squares and serve.
Notes
- Prevent Dry Brownies by avoiding overmixing the batter, which can develop gluten and create a tough texture.
- Achieve Vibrant Color by using gel food coloring instead of liquid, ensuring a more intense and consistent red hue without watering down the batter.
- Customize Frosting Consistency by adjusting powdered sugar quantity, making it thicker for precise piping or thinner for smooth spreading.
- Gluten-Free Adaptation possible by substituting all-purpose flour with a cup-for-cup gluten-free flour blend, maintaining the brownie’s rich texture and flavor.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Desserts, Snacks
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 12
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 18 g
- Sodium: 150 mg
- Fat: 9 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 29 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 3 g
- Cholesterol: 30 mg