If you’re on the hunt for a dessert that brings both excitement and comfort to the table, look no further than this Red Velvet Brownies with White Chocolate Chips and Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe. These brownies combine the classic charm of red velvet with a rich, fudgy texture enhanced by sweet bursts of white chocolate. Topped with a luscious, creamy frosting, this recipe offers a perfect balance of tangy and sweet, making it a crowd-pleaser for any occasion. Whether you’re baking for a special event or just craving a sweet treat, these red velvet brownies will quickly become a beloved favorite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this recipe plays a crucial role, from creating the perfect tender crumb to delivering that iconic red velvet flavor and color. The list is straightforward but thoughtfully chosen to ensure each bite is balanced between moistness, sweetness, and richness.
- Unsalted Butter (3/4 stick / 85g): Provides a rich base and moisture, essential for fudgy brownies.
- Granulated Sugar (1 cup / 200g): Adds sweetness and helps create a delicate crust on top.
- Light Brown Sugar (1/4 cup / 55g): Brings a hint of caramel flavor and extra moisture.
- Large Eggs (3) and Egg Yolk (1): Bind everything together while adding tenderness.
- Vanilla Extract (1 tsp): Enhances all the flavors and deepens the taste.
- Vegetable Oil (1/3 cup / 80ml): Keeps the brownies incredibly moist and soft.
- Cocoa Powder (1/4 cup / 25g): Gives the red velvet its subtle chocolate undertone.
- All-purpose Flour (3/4 cup / 90g): The foundation for structure without weighing down the brownies.
- Vinegar (1 tbsp): Reacts with baking soda to enhance the red color and tenderize the crumb.
- Cornstarch (1 tbsp): Adds a delicate softness to the finished texture.
- Salt (1/4 tsp): Balances sweetness and intensifies flavors.
- Red Food Coloring (1/2 tsp): The signature bright red hue that makes red velvet unforgettable.
- White Chocolate Chips (3/4 cup): Optional but a delightful addition for sweet pockets in every bite.
- Cream Cheese (4 oz / 114g): Base for the frosting, giving it a tangy richness.
- Powdered Sugar (4 cups / 480g): Sweetens the frosting and creates that smooth texture.
- Unsalted Butter (3/4 stick / 85g): Combined with cream cheese for a creamy frosting.
How to Make Red Velvet Brownies with White Chocolate Chips and Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Batter
Start by melting the butter gently until it’s just combined but still warm. Mixing both granulated and light brown sugar with the butter creates a richness that gives the brownies a perfect crumb. Next, whisk in your eggs and egg yolk one at a time to ensure the batter becomes velvety smooth without any lumps. The vanilla extract adds an inviting aroma that’s simply irresistible.
Step 2: Mix Wet Ingredients
Pour in the vegetable oil, which might sound unusual for brownies, but it’s the secret for ultra-moistness here. This step gives the batter a perfect balance between the fat from butter and oil, giving brownies their tender texture.
Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, sift together the cocoa powder, flour, cornstarch, salt, and red food coloring. The cornstarch is critical to give these brownies a softer bite, and pairing it with cocoa powder ensures just the right hint of chocolate without overpowering the famous red velvet taste. The vinegar is folded in at this stage to help maintain the deep red color and tender crumb.
Step 4: Bring Batter Together and Add White Chocolate Chips
Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture with care, ensuring not to overmix. When the batter looks perfectly combined with a smooth consistency, gently fold in the white chocolate chips. These add little pockets of sweet creaminess that marry so well with the tangy frosting and rich brownie base.
Step 5: Bake Your Brownies
Pour the batter evenly into a prepared baking pan lined with parchment paper or greased lightly. Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 30 minutes. You’ll know they’re ready when a toothpick inserted near the center comes out with just a few moist crumbs clinging. These brownies should hold their fudgy texture, not dry out.
Step 6: Prepare the Cream Cheese Frosting
While the brownies bake and cool, whip together the softened cream cheese and butter until creamy and flawless. Slowly add powdered sugar, mixing continuously to get a fluffy frosting. Finish with a splash of vanilla extract to tie the flavors together perfectly. This frosting is delightfully tangy and sweet, a perfect complement to those rich red velvet brownies.
Step 7: Frost and Chill
Once the brownies are fully cooled, generously spread the cream cheese frosting over the top. For a smooth finish, use an offset spatula or the back of a spoon. Refrigerate for at least an hour so the frosting sets nicely and the flavors meld. Now they’re ready to slice and share!
How to Serve Red Velvet Brownies with White Chocolate Chips and Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe
Garnishes
Add a personal touch by garnishing with white chocolate shavings, a light dusting of cocoa powder, or even a few fresh raspberries. These small accents not only elevate the presentation but also complement the creamy and slightly tangy flavors.
Side Dishes
Pair these brownies with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for an indulgent experience. For a refreshing contrast, fresh fruit like strawberries or a simple fruit salad works beautifully.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve the brownies stacked on a pretty dessert plate or cut into bite-sized squares on a festive platter at parties. You can even thread smaller brownie cubes onto skewers with strawberries in between, creating fun and easy-to-eat dessert kebabs that everyone will love!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover brownies in an airtight container in the refrigerator to keep the cream cheese frosting fresh and firm. They will stay delicious for up to 4-5 days if properly sealed, making it ideal for planning ahead or enjoying throughout the week.
Freezing
You can freeze unfrosted brownies wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and foil for up to 3 months. It’s best to frost them after thawing. If you want to freeze frosted brownies, place them on a baking sheet first to freeze individually, then transfer to a container to prevent sticking.
Reheating
To enjoy your leftover brownies warm without melting the frosting too much, warm them gently in the microwave for 10-15 seconds. This quick warmth enhances that fudgy texture without compromising the creamy frosting integrity.
FAQs
Can I use cream cheese frosting from a mix?
While store-bought frosting saves time, homemade cream cheese frosting offers a fresh tang and creaminess that’s unmatched. It also allows you to control sweetness and texture to perfectly complement the red velvet brownies.
Is there a substitute for white chocolate chips?
Absolutely! You can swap white chocolate chips with regular chocolate chips or even dried cranberries for a tart twist. Each option will bring a different but delightful flavor profile to your brownies.
Can I make these brownies gluten-free?
Yes! Use a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour blend to replace the all-purpose flour. Just be mindful that texture may vary slightly, but the flavors will still shine through beautifully.
Why is vinegar used in red velvet recipes?
The vinegar reacts with baking soda to help develop the tender texture and the bright red color associated with red velvet. It also provides a subtle tang that balances the sweetness, especially in the frosting.
How thick should I spread the cream cheese frosting?
About a quarter-inch thick is ideal—enough to get that creamy, tangy bite without overwhelming the rich brownie beneath. You want each bite to have a perfect frosting-to-brownie ratio.
Final Thoughts
I truly hope you enjoy making and sharing this Red Velvet Brownies with White Chocolate Chips and Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe as much as I loved writing about it. There’s something magical about the combination of flavors and textures, and once you try this recipe, it’s sure to become a staple in your baking repertoire. So grab your mixing bowls and get ready to indulge in a dessert that’s as fun to make as it is to eat!
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Red Velvet Brownies with White Chocolate Chips and Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 16 brownies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Rich and indulgent Red Velvet Brownies combine the classic deep red color and subtle cocoa flavor of red velvet cake with the fudgy texture of brownies. These treats feature a luscious cream cheese frosting and optional white chocolate chips for added sweetness and texture, perfect for parties or a special dessert.
Ingredients
Brownie Batter
- 3/4 stick Unsalted Butter (85g)
- 1 cup Granulated Sugar (200g)
- 1/4 cup Light Brown Sugar (55g)
- 3 Large Eggs
- 1 large Egg Yolk
- 1 tsp Vanilla Extract
- 1/3 cup Vegetable Oil (72g / 80ml)
- 1/4 cup Cocoa Powder (25g)
- 3/4 cup All-purpose Flour (90g)
- 1 tbsp Vinegar
- 1 tbsp Cornstarch
- 1/4 tsp Salt
- 1/2 tsp Red Food Coloring
- 3/4 cup White Chocolate Chips (optional)
Cream Cheese Frosting
- 4 oz Cream Cheese (114g)
- 3/4 stick Unsalted Butter (85g)
- 4 cups Powdered Sugar (480g)
- 1 tsp Vanilla Extract
Instructions
- Prepare the Brownie Batter: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a mixing bowl, melt the unsalted butter. Combine granulated sugar, light brown sugar, eggs, egg yolk, and vanilla extract with the melted butter. Mix in vegetable oil thoroughly. In a separate bowl, sift together cocoa powder, all-purpose flour, cornstarch, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing gently to combine without overmixing. Stir in vinegar and red food coloring until the batter is uniformly red. Fold in white chocolate chips if using.
- Bake the Brownies: Grease or line an 8×8 inch baking pan with parchment paper. Pour the batter into the prepared pan, spreading evenly. Bake in the preheated oven for about 30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with a few moist crumbs. Allow brownies to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack.
- Make the Cream Cheese Frosting: In a mixing bowl, beat softened cream cheese and unsalted butter together until smooth and creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar and vanilla extract, continuing to beat until light and fluffy.
- Frost the Brownies: Once the brownies are completely cooled, spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over the top. Chill the brownies briefly to set the frosting before slicing into 16 squares and serving.
Notes
- Ensure the brownies are fully cooled before frosting to prevent melting the frosting.
- Red food coloring amount can be adjusted based on desired redness.
- White chocolate chips add extra sweetness and texture but are optional.
- Store leftover brownies refrigerated for up to 5 days in an airtight container.
- For a dairy-free version, substitute butter and cream cheese with vegan alternatives.
