Red Velvet Brownies (Print Version)

Fudgy chocolate treats with classic red velvet flavor, topped with smooth cream cheese frosting and easily made dairy-free.

# Ingredients:

→ Red Velvet Brownies

01 - 3/4 cup (158 g) butter, melted
02 - 3/4 cup (150 g) light brown sugar
03 - 1 cup (200 g) granulated sugar
04 - 2 eggs
05 - 1 tbsp vanilla extract
06 - ½ teaspoon liquid red food coloring
07 - 1½ teaspoon white vinegar
08 - ¼ cup (22 g) cocoa powder
09 - 1/4 tsp salt
10 - 1 cup + 3 tbsp (148 g) all-purpose flour

→ Cream Cheese Frosting

11 - 4 oz plain cream cheese, room temperature
12 - ¼ cup (53 g) butter, softened
13 - ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
14 - pinch of salt
15 - 1½-2 cups (180 g) powdered sugar
16 - 2 Tablespoons cornstarch (for dairy-free version only)

# Steps:

01 - Preheat the oven to 350°F and line an 8×8 square baking pan with parchment paper. Leave parchment paper hanging over the sides of the pan for easy removal later.
02 - Melt the butter in the microwave or in a small pan over the stove. Transfer the melted butter to a medium sized bowl.
03 - Add both the sugars and whisk together with the butter. Continue whisking until the mixture forms a paste that pulls away cleanly from the side of the bowl.
04 - Incorporate eggs, vinegar, vanilla, and red food coloring. Mix thoroughly. Adjust food coloring amount if desired for a deeper red color.
05 - Add cocoa powder, salt, and flour to the bowl and whisk until just combined, taking about one minute.
06 - Pour the batter into the lined baking pan, using a spatula to scrape all the batter from the bowl.
07 - Bake for 30-40 minutes. Begin checking at 30 minutes by inserting a toothpick in the middle. Brownies are ready when the top is crinkly and the toothpick has a few wet crumbs but not wet batter.
08 - In a medium bowl or stand mixer, combine cream cheese, butter, salt, and vanilla extract. Beat until smooth.
09 - Gradually add powdered sugar until desired consistency is reached. If using dairy-free cream cheese, add the cornstarch to help thicken the frosting.
10 - Allow brownies to cool completely before applying cream cheese frosting. Store finished brownies in the refrigerator, or keep frosting and brownies separate until serving.

# Notes:

01 - Color may vary depending on the brand of food coloring used.
02 - Over-baking will make the brownies hard and tough.
03 - These brownies can be made dairy-free by using dairy-free butter and cream cheese alternatives.

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