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Red Velvet Brownies with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe

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4.1 from 8 reviews

  • Author: Molly
  • Total Time: 55 minutes
  • Yield: 16 servings
  • Diet: Vegan

Description

Moist, rich red velvet brownies featuring melted chocolate and a vibrant red hue, topped with a creamy vegan cream cheese frosting. Perfect for special occasions or anytime you crave a decadent, dairy-free dessert.

Ingredients

Brownies

  • 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

Vegan Cream Cheese Frosting

  • 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)

Instructions

  1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C) to ensure it reaches the ideal baking temperature before preparing the batter.
  2. Melt Chocolate Chips: Melt the chocolate chips by microwaving them for one minute, stirring, and then continuing in 30-second intervals until fully melted. Alternatively, melt over a small pot of boiling water in a heatproof bowl by stirring until smooth.
  3. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour and sea salt until well combined, then set this mixture aside.
  4. Combine Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, mix the flax eggs, brown sugar, and oil for about two minutes until combined. Add water, vanilla extract, and natural red food colouring, stirring for an additional minute to blend evenly.
  5. Incorporate Dry Ingredients and Chocolate: Add the dry flour mixture and melted chocolate chips to the wet mixture. Stir vigorously for about three minutes until fully combined and smooth.
  6. Add Vinegar and Baking Soda: Quickly combine vinegar and baking soda in a small container to activate the fizzing reaction, then promptly stir this into the brownie batter to incorporate.
  7. Prepare Baking Pan: Grease and line an 8×8 inch square pan with parchment paper or foil. Pour in the brownie batter and gently tap the pan on the counter to release any air bubbles.
  8. Bake Brownies: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 35 minutes. Check doneness by inserting a toothpick; it should come out with a few moist crumbs but not wet batter.
  9. Cool Brownies: Remove the brownies from the oven and cool completely in the pan on a wire rack. Once cool, chill in the refrigerator while preparing the frosting.
  10. Prepare Frosting: In a mixer bowl, beat the vegan butter and vegan cream cheese together for about two minutes until smooth and fully incorporated.
  11. Add Flavorings: Mix in vanilla extract and a pinch of sea salt or vanilla paste to the frosting mixture for enhanced flavor.
  12. Add Dry Ingredients Gradually: Add one cup of sifted powdered sugar and all sifted cornstarch at once. Beat for about one minute. Continue adding powdered sugar one cup at a time, mixing well until the frosting reaches the desired thickness.
  13. Chill Frosting: Cover the frosting and refrigerate for at least four hours or overnight to thicken; it can also be used immediately but thickens better chilled.
  14. Frost Brownies: Spread the chilled frosting evenly over the cooled brownies once they are cold from the fridge.
  15. Final Chill and Slice: Chill the frosted brownies in the fridge for at least one hour before cutting. Slice using a warm knife, wiping it clean between cuts to prevent crumbs from contaminating the frosting.
  16. Serve and Store: Serve your decadent red velvet brownies chilled. Store leftovers in the refrigerator and note they freeze well for longer storage.

Notes

  • Flax eggs or vegan egg substitutes ensure the recipe is completely vegan.
  • Using natural red food colouring enhances the vibrant red without artificial dyes.
  • To prevent frosting contamination, slice brownies with a warm, clean knife between cuts.
  • Brownies are best kept refrigerated and can be frozen for extended freshness.
  • Adjust powder sugar quantity in frosting to achieve preferred consistency and sweetness.
  • Allowing the frosting to chill develops a thicker, more spreadable texture that holds up well.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 35 minutes
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Find it online: https://recipeglimpse.com/red-velvet-brownies-with-cream-cheese-frosting-recipe/