Name: Red Velvet Brownies with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 55 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup chocolate chips, melted (188g); 1 cup all-purpose flour (133.75g); 1/2 teaspoon sea salt; 2 flax eggs, or 2 vegan egg substitutes; 3/4 cup brown sugar (158g), such as raw brown sugar, cane sugar, or coconut sugar; 1/2 cup oil or vegan butter (100g); 1/4 cup water; 2 teaspoons vanilla extract or vanilla paste; 2-3 tablespoons natural red food colouring; 1 teaspoon vinegar; 1/4 teaspoon baking soda; 8 ounces vegan cream cheese, room temperature; 1/2 cup vegan butter (4 ounces), room temperature; 2 teaspoons vanilla extract; Pinch sea salt or vanilla paste; 3–4 cups powdered sugar, sifted (480g for 4 cups); 1/4 cup cornstarch, sifted (32g)

Jump to Recipe· 4.1 from 8 reviews

If you love the rich, indulgent flavor of red velvet but crave something with the fudgy texture of a brownie, this Red Velvet Brownies with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe is going to become your new obsession. These moist, vibrant red brownies are perfectly balanced by a luscious, creamy vegan cream cheese frosting that feels like a dreamy cloud of sweetness on every bite. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or just want to treat yourself to something heartwarmingly delicious, this recipe brings together classic flavors in a stunning and satisfyingly gooey form that’s impossible to resist.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A clear glass bowl filled with one thick layer of smooth, shiny dark brown melted chocolate, mixed with a white wooden spatula with an orange silicone tip resting inside the bowl. The bowl is placed on a white marbled surface, showing a few traces of chocolate around the edges inside the bowl. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Getting these Red Velvet Brownies with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe just right starts with simple, everyday ingredients that pack maximum flavor. Each component plays a key role—from the rich melted chocolate adding depth, to the red food coloring providing that classic hue, and the velvety cream cheese frosting tying it all together into a divine dessert.

Chocolate chips: Use good quality chips to melt down for a glossy, intense chocolate base.
All-purpose flour: This provides the perfect structure to keep the brownies dense yet tender.
Sea salt: Balances sweetness and enhances the overall flavor.
Flax eggs or vegan egg substitutes: Keeps this recipe plant-based and perfectly moist.
Brown sugar: Adds rich, caramel notes and a chewy texture.
Oil or vegan butter: Brings luscious moisture and richness to the batter.
Water: Helps keep the batter smooth and sets the right consistency.
Vanilla extract or paste: Brings warmth and complexity to each bite.
Natural red food coloring: The signature vibrant color without artificial additives.
Vinegar and baking soda: Work together to create a tender crumb and slight lift in the brownies.
Vegan cream cheese: For the frosting, adding that tangy, creamy decadence.
Vegan butter: Ensures a smooth, spreadable frosting texture.
Powdered sugar: Sweetens and thickens the frosting perfectly.
Cornstarch: Keeps the frosting stable and silky.

How to Make Red Velvet Brownies with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Chocolate Base

Start by melting the chocolate chips until smooth and glossy. You can do this gently in the microwave or over a double boiler, being careful not to burn the chocolate. This step is crucial because the melted chocolate forms the rich foundation of your red velvet brownies, ensuring every bite is decadently moist and chocolatey.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour and sea salt. Keeping the dry ingredients separate allows you to mix them evenly into the wet ingredients later on, preventing overmixing and helping you achieve that perfect tender crumb.

Step 3: Combine Wet Ingredients

In a separate bowl, beat the flax eggs with brown sugar and oil until fully blended and slightly fluffy. Add water, vanilla extract, and the natural red food coloring, then stir to create a vibrant, beautifully tinted liquid base. The careful mixing here ensures smooth batter without lumps.

Step 4: Bring It Together

Slowly add the dry flour mixture and the melted chocolate to the wet mixture. Stir gently but thoroughly until the batter is uniform and thick, which usually takes about three minutes. Getting this right makes sure your brownies will have the perfect, fudgy texture.

Step 5: Activate the Leavening

Quickly combine the vinegar and baking soda to create a fizzing reaction, then fold this into the brownie batter immediately. This little magic trick helps the brownies rise just enough, giving them a tender lift without losing their dense, chewy character.

Step 6: Bake Your Brownies

Pour the batter into a greased and parchment-lined 8×8 inch pan. Tap the pan on your counter gently to release any air bubbles. Bake at 325°F (160°C) for 35 minutes, until the brownies spring back lightly to the touch and a toothpick comes out with just a few moist crumbs. Let them cool completely before frosting.

Step 7: Make the Cream Cheese Frosting

While the brownies cool, whip up the vegan cream cheese frosting by beating softened vegan cream cheese and vegan butter until silky smooth. Add vanilla extract and a pinch of salt, then sift in powdered sugar and cornstarch, gradually mixing until thick and fluffy. Chilling the frosting for a few hours helps it develop the perfect spreading consistency.

Step 8: Frost and Chill

Spread the luscious frosting evenly over the cooled brownies. Place the whole pan in the refrigerator for at least one hour to let the frosting set and flavors meld. When you slice these beauties, use a warm knife, wiping it clean between cuts for picture-perfect squares.

How to Serve Red Velvet Brownies with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe

The image shows a close-up of two square pieces of rich red velvet cake stacked on top of each other. Each piece has two layers: the bottom thick layer is a dark red, moist cake with a slightly crumbly texture, and the top layer is a smooth white frosting that is spread evenly and looks soft and creamy. The cake pieces sit on a white marbled surface with some loose crumbs scattered around, and in the background, there are more similar cake pieces that are slightly out of focus. The lighting highlights the texture of both the cake and the frosting, giving a fresh and inviting look. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Elevate your presentation by adding a sprinkling of cocoa powder, a few fresh raspberries, or delicate edible flowers on top of the cream cheese frosting. These little touches not only enhance visual appeal but add complementary flavors and textures that make every bite even more memorable.

Side Dishes

Serve these rich red velvet brownies with a scoop of dairy-free vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of warm berry sauce to contrast their richness. A cup of freshly brewed coffee or a creamy plant-based milk latte pairs beautifully as well, balancing sweet and bitter notes.

Creative Ways to Present

Try assembling mini brownie parfaits by layering chunks of these brownies with whipped coconut cream and crushed pecans in clear glasses. You can also cut the brownies into bite-sized squares and skewer them with fresh fruit for a fun, portable dessert perfect for parties.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep your Red Velvet Brownies with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe fresh by storing them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will stay moist and flavorful for up to 5 days, making them a guilt-free indulgence you can enjoy throughout the week.

Freezing

If you want to make these brownies ahead or save leftovers, freeze them in a sealed container or individually wrapped slices. Properly frozen, they hold their delicious taste and texture for up to 3 months. Just thaw overnight in the fridge before serving.

Reheating

To enjoy warm brownies, let them come to room temperature then microwave a single slice for 15 to 20 seconds. Be careful not to overheat, especially with the frosting, which might melt. Warmed brownies taste especially comforting with an extra scoop of ice cream or a drizzle of vegan caramel sauce.

FAQs

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Absolutely! Simply substitute the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free baking blend that includes xanthan gum. The texture might be slightly different but just as delicious.

Is this recipe vegan?

Yes, this Red Velvet Brownies with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe is entirely vegan, using flax eggs and vegan dairy alternatives to keep it plant-based without sacrificing flavor or richness.

Can I use regular cream cheese instead of vegan?

Definitely! If you’re not vegan or dairy-free, feel free to substitute with regular cream cheese and butter in the frosting for a classic creamier taste.

How do I make natural red food coloring?

Beet juice or beet powder work wonderfully as natural red colorants in this recipe. They give that signature red velvet color without artificial dyes.

Can I make these brownies ahead for a party?

Yes! These brownies hold up beautifully if made a day or two in advance. Just keep them refrigerated after frosting and slice right before serving for best results.

Final Thoughts

If you are looking for a dessert that blends nostalgic red velvet charm with the irresistible texture of a brownie, this Red Velvet Brownies with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe is calling your name. It’s one of those recipes that impresses everyone but feels like a warm hug from the inside out. So go ahead, give it a try, and watch how quickly these brownies disappear at your next gathering or cozy night in.