Frostbitten Red Velvet Brownies with Cream Cheese Frosting
Decadent red velvet brownies topped with silky cream cheese frosting and festive white sparkles. The rich chocolate base gets its signature crimson hue from red food coloring while maintaining the fudgy texture of classic brownies. Perfect for holiday parties, Valentine's Day celebrations, or any time you want an impressive dessert that combines two beloved flavors. The cream cheese frosting adds tangy sweetness that balances the chocolate richness, while optional snowflake sprinkles create a winter wonderland presentation.
Ingredients
- ½ cup unsalted butter, diced
- 3 oz bittersweet chocolate squares
- 1 ½ cup granulated sugar
- 3 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ¼ tsp table salt
- 2 tbsp liquid or gel red food coloringbeet juice powder2 tbspFull guide →
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- ½ tsp baking powder
- 8 oz cream cheese, room temperature
- 4 tbsp butter, room temperature
- 1 ½ cup confectioners sugar, sifted
- white sparkling sugar(optional)
- snowflake sprinkles(optional)
Instructions
- 1
Preheat oven to 325 degrees
- 2
Line 9x9 inch metal baking pan with foil and spray with non-stick spray
- 3
Melt butter and chocolate in heavy saucepan over low heat, stirring until smooth
- 4
Remove from heat and whisk in sugar
- 5
Add eggs one at a time, whisking after each addition
- 6
Stir in vanilla, salt and red food coloring until well combined
- 7
Sift flour and baking powder together, then stir into wet mixture until just blended
- 8
Transfer batter to prepared pan and spread evenly
- 9
Bake 30-35 minutes until puffed and dry looking with toothpick showing moist crumbs
- 10
Cool completely in pan on rack before frosting
- 11
Beat cream cheese and butter until smooth, then gradually add powdered sugar
- 12
Spread frosting over cooled brownies and sprinkle with white sugar and snowflakes if desired
Tips
Line the pan with foil and spray for easy removal - this step is crucial for clean brownies that won't stick to the pan.
Don't overbake - the toothpick should come out with moist crumbs attached for the perfect fudgy texture.
Cool completely before frosting or place in freezer to speed up cooling process without affecting final texture.
Good to Know
Store covered at room temperature up to 3 days or refrigerate up to 1 week
Can make brownies 1 day ahead; add frosting before serving
Cut into squares and serve at room temperature for best flavor and texture
Common Mistakes
Line pan properly to avoid brownies sticking and breaking when removed
Don't overbake to avoid dry, cakey texture instead of fudgy brownies
Substitutions
Dairy-Free Swaps
Different flavor profile
General Alternatives
FAQ
Can I use natural red coloring instead of food dye?
Yes, try beet juice powder or natural red food coloring, though the color may be less vibrant than with artificial dye.
How long do these brownies keep fresh?
Store covered at room temperature for 3 days or refrigerate up to 1 week. Freezer storage works for up to 3 months.
Can I make these without the cream cheese frosting?
Absolutely - dust with powdered sugar or serve plain. The brownies are delicious on their own with rich red velvet flavor.