Why You’ll Love This Recipe
These red velvet brownies offer a unique combination of fudgy, chocolatey goodness with a tangy cream cheese frosting. The rich cocoa flavor and vibrant color make them both a feast for the eyes and the palate. Plus, they’re incredibly indulgent and perfect for sharing with loved ones. The recipe is straightforward and easy to follow, ensuring that anyone can create these decadent treats in no time.
Ingredients
Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.
For the Brownies:
- Unsalted butter
- Ghirardelli milk chocolate chips
- Eggs
- Granulated sugar
- Brown sugar
- Salt
- Vanilla extract
- Red gel food coloring
- All-purpose flour
- Baking powder
- Ghirardelli unsweetened cocoa powder
For the Cream Cheese Frosting:
- Cream cheese
- Unsalted butter
- Salt
- Vanilla extract
- Confectioners sugar
Directions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13-inch pan with foil and lightly grease the foil.
- Melt the milk chocolate and butter in a microwave-safe bowl or saucepan. Let it cool slightly.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, vanilla, granulated sugar, and brown sugar. Add the red food coloring and mix well.
- Stir the cooled chocolate mixture into the egg-sugar mixture until smooth.
- In a separate bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, salt, and cocoa powder. Add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients and stir until fully combined.
- Pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread it evenly.
- Bake for about 40 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Allow the brownies to cool for 15 minutes at room temperature, then refrigerate until fully cooled.
- Once cooled, frost with cream cheese frosting.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 12 large brownies or 24 smaller ones
- Prep time: 15 minutes
- Bake time: 40 minutes
- Cooling time: 15 minutes (before frosting)
Variations
- Add a sprinkle of mini chocolate chips or chopped nuts to the brownie batter for extra texture.
- Swap the cream cheese frosting for whipped cream cheese or a chocolate ganache topping.
- For a more festive twist, drizzle some red chocolate over the top before serving.
Storage/Reheating
Store any leftover brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. They can also be refrigerated for up to 1 week. To reheat, warm in the microwave for a few seconds or place in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for 5-7 minutes.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of food coloring?
Yes, you can use any gel food coloring, but red gel is typically recommended for the best color and consistency.
Can I make these brownies ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can bake the brownies in advance and store them covered until ready to frost and serve.
How do I know when the brownies are done?
The brownies are done when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs.
Can I freeze these brownies?
Yes, you can freeze the brownies for up to 3 months. Allow them to cool completely before wrapping tightly and freezing.
What if I don’t want to use cream cheese frosting?
You can top the brownies with a simple buttercream frosting or enjoy them without any frosting at all.
Can I use dark chocolate chips instead of milk chocolate?
Yes, dark chocolate chips will give the brownies a richer flavor, but milk chocolate gives them a sweeter, creamier taste.
Is this recipe suitable for gluten-free diets?
No, this recipe uses all-purpose flour, but you can substitute it with a gluten-free flour blend.
Can I reduce the amount of sugar?
Reducing the sugar may alter the texture and flavor of the brownies, but you can try using less sugar if desired.
Can I make these brownies without using the frosting?
The brownies are delicious on their own, but the cream cheese frosting adds a perfect tangy contrast to the rich brownies.
How can I make these brownies more chocolatey?
Add an extra tablespoon of cocoa powder to the brownie batter or use chocolate chips with a higher cocoa content.
Conclusion
These Kiss Me Red Velvet Brownies are the perfect dessert for any special occasion. Their rich flavor, beautiful color, and creamy frosting make them a showstopper. Whether you’re celebrating Valentine’s Day or just craving something indulgent, these brownies will surely impress!
Kiss Me Red Velvet Brownies
These homemade Red Velvet Brownies are a rich and fudgy treat with a vibrant red color and a decadent cream cheese frosting. Perfect for Valentine’s Day or any occasion, this recipe uses high-quality ingredients for the best flavor and texture.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 12 large or 24 smaller brownies
- Category: Desserts, Brownies
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
-
- Unsalted butter
- Ghirardelli Milk Chocolate Chips
- Eggs
- Granulated sugar
- Brown sugar
- Salt
- Vanilla extract
- Red gel food coloring
- All-purpose flour
- Baking powder
- Ghirardelli unsweetened cocoa powder
For Cream Cheese Frosting:
- Cream cheese
- Unsalted butter
- Salt
- Vanilla extract
- Confectioners sugar
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F and prepare a 9×13 baking pan with foil, greased lightly with vegetable shortening.
- Melt milk chocolate and butter until smooth. Let cool.
- In a large bowl, whisk eggs, vanilla, sugars, and red food coloring.
- Add the cooled chocolate mixture, whisking until smooth.
- Stir in flour, baking powder, salt, and cocoa powder.
- Spread the batter in the prepared pan and bake for 40 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Let cool for 15 minutes and refrigerate or bring to room temperature before frosting.
Notes
- Make sure the melted butter is cool before mixing with eggs to avoid curdling.
- Refrigerate brownies until cooled before frosting.