Chewy Red Velvet Brownies with Cream Cheese Frosting

Posted on December 21, 2025

High-calorie fast food meal consisting of burger, fries, soda, and a sad face emoticon.

The Best Chewy Red Velvet Brownies with Cream Cheese Frosting

There’s something magical about a cozy kitchen, the soft glow of overhead lights, and the enticing aroma of something sweet baking in the oven. I remember the first time I made chewy red velvet brownies with cream cheese frosting—it was a chilly fall afternoon, the kind that just begs for something decadent and delicious. I had decided to surprise my family with a treat, not knowing this little adventure would result in flour-covered chaos and a kitchen looking like a red velvet war zone.

Fast forward to that moment when the brownies emerged from the oven—ooey, gooey, and rich with the vibrant red hue that red velvet is known for. The deep scent of chocolate wafted through the air, and I couldn’t wait to slather those beauties with the smoothest cream cheese frosting imaginable. The whole experience became a beloved family memory: laughter mixed with oops moments over mismatched measuring cups and a few accidental spills that left me chuckling—right before I added more cocoa powder to make everything right again.

Let’s be real: cooking can sometimes feel like a comedy sketch. But that’s what keeps us coming back into the kitchen, right? The joy of creating something delicious, even amidst the occasional disaster, makes it all worthwhile. And trust me, if I can do it, you can too! These red velvet brownies feel like a hug in a bowl and are perfect for bringing a smile to your face, especially on those days when you need a little extra comfort.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Chewy and Delicious: The texture is on point; dense yet soft, providing that satisfying chew that makes you want to reach for another.
Great for Sharing: Whether it’s with family or at a gathering, these brownies are sure to be a crowd-pleaser, perfect for impressing friends and family alike.
Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, these brownies come together in a flash—ideal for those busy weeknights!
Versatile Treat: Excellent on their own or dressed up with cream cheese frosting, they can fit any dessert vibe you’re after.
Picky-Eater Approved: Trust me, everyone will enjoy them, even the fussiest of eaters, with their attractive colors and delightful taste.
Perfect Leftovers: If you manage to have any left—good luck!—they store nicely in the fridge and taste even better the next day.

What Makes This Recipe Special?

Red velvet isn’t just about the color; it has a unique flavor combination that’s hard to beat. The depth of chocolate from the cocoa powder, alongside that unmistakable tang from the cream cheese frosting, creates a treat that’s both indulgent and delightful. I love how the vibrancy of red symbolizes warmth and love—a beautiful expression of comfort food at its best.

Now, let’s get down to the ingredients that truly make these brownies shine.

Ingredients

1 cup all-purpose flour: The backbone of our brownies, giving them structure. I like to sift it for a lighter texture.
1/2 cup cocoa powder: This is where the chocolate magic happens. Ensure it’s good quality for optimum flavor.
1 cup sugar: Sweetness, of course! This also helps with that chewy texture we all adore.
1/2 cup vegetable oil: For moisture—because dry brownies are the enemy. Vegetable oil also gives a nice tender crumb.
2 large eggs: Acts as a binding agent and provides richness.
1 teaspoon vanilla extract: A hint of vanilla complements the chocolate beautifully.
1 tablespoon red food coloring: Vital for that signature red velvet look. Using gel coloring works best for a pop of color without adding too much liquid.
1/2 teaspoon salt: Enhances flavor; don’t skip it!
1/2 cup cream cheese, softened: For the frosting layer! Cream cheese adds a tangy richness that’s hard to resist.
1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened: Just a touch of fat to complement the cream cheese in the frosting, creating a rich, velvety feel on your tongue.
2 cups powdered sugar: Sweetens the frosting and gives it that cloud-like texture.
1 teaspoon vanilla extract (for frosting): Nothing beats the classic pairing of cream cheese and vanilla—trust me!

Now that we’ve gathered our ingredients, let’s dive into the process of transforming these simple components into something extraordinary!

How to Make It Step-by-Step

Preheat the Oven: First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease an 8×8-inch baking pan. I use non-stick spray, but parchment paper can be a lifesaver for easy removal!
Mix the Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, and salt. The key here is to make sure there are no lumps in the cocoa powder; you want a smooth batter. Trust me, lumps are like little surprises you don’t want when you’re biting into these brownies.
Combine the Wet Ingredients: In another bowl, whisk together the sugar, vegetable oil, eggs, vanilla extract, and red food coloring until well combined. The mixture should be a beautiful deep red by now—it’s like painting with edible magic!
Combine the Ingredients: Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, mixing until just combined. Honestly, it’s easy to get carried away and overmix. Just mix until you see no dry flour, and then stop. No one likes tough brownies!
Spread the Batter: Pour your luscious batter into the prepared pan and spread it out evenly—no one wants uneven baking!
Bake: Place the pan in the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes. The key to success here is a toothpick test; insert it in the center, and if it comes out with a couple of moist crumbs, you’re golden! If it comes out completely clean, hold your horses—those brownies will be overcooked.
Prepare the Frosting: While your brownies cool, let’s whip up that dreamy cream cheese frosting. Beat together the softened cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar, and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract until smooth and fluffy. Take a moment to taste your frosting—oops, I always end up sneaking a spoonful or three!
Frost the Brownies: Once the brownies have cooled completely (this is crucial—nobody likes melted frosting), slather your cream cheese frosting on top. No need to be perfect—rustic is in!
Cut and Serve: Using a clean knife, cut into squares and serve. I find a warm brownie paired with a cold glass of milk to be pure bliss.

Tips for Best Results

Bring Ingredients to Room Temp: It makes for a smoother batter and better-emulsified frosting.
Quality Cocoa Matters: Don’t skimp! It makes all the difference in flavor depth.
Don’t Skip the Salt: It counterbalances the sweetness and enhances flavor.
Double the Batch: If you’re planning to share (or keep them all to yourself), consider making a double batch. You can’t go wrong with more brownies!

Ingredient Substitutions & Variations

Gluten-Free Option: Swap out the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free blend. There are some great products out there now that don’t compromise on texture.
Natural Sweeteners: If you’re looking to cut down on sugar, you can experiment with natural sweeteners like coconut sugar or maple syrup (though you might need to adjust the texture).
Nuts for Extra Crunch: Toss in some chopped nuts for a bit of texture if you’re feeling adventurous! I like pecans for that Southern-style flair.

Directions

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease an 8×8-inch baking pan.
In a medium bowl, mix together the flour, cocoa powder, and salt.
In another bowl, whisk together the sugar, vegetable oil, eggs, vanilla extract, and red food coloring until well combined.
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and mix until just combined.
Pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread it evenly.
Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with a few moist crumbs.
While the brownies cool, make the cream cheese frosting by beating together the cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth.
Once the brownies have cooled, spread the cream cheese frosting on top.
Cut into squares and serve!

Chewy Red Velvet Brownies with Cream Cheese Frosting

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Pairing Ideas (Drinks, Sides, etc.)

I cannot stress the heavenly combination of these brownies with a scoop of vanilla ice cream—it’s like a warm hug from dessert! A hot cup of coffee or a chilled glass of milk also complements the richness beautifully. Honestly, sitting down with a plate of these brownies while binge-watching a rom-com is pure perfection.

How to Store and Reheat Leftovers

If you happen to have any leftovers (not likely, but just in case!), store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. To be honest, I personally think they taste better on day two when the flavors meld even more! If you want to heat them up, pop them in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds—just enough to warm them without melting the frosting.

Make-Ahead and Freezer Tips

You can make the brownies ahead of time and store them un-frosted in the fridge for up to a week or even freeze them! Just wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and store in an airtight container. When you’re ready to serve, thaw them overnight in the fridge and frost just before serving.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Overmixing the Batter: It can lead to tough brownies, which is a total bummer.
Not Checking for Doneness: It’s easy to lose track of time. Set a timer and check them early to avoid overbaking.
Frosting Before They’re Cool: Honestly, no one wants melted frosting; let those brownies cool completely!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Can I use another type of food coloring?
Yes! You can use gel or powdered food coloring for a vibrant look.

2. Can I add chocolate chips?
Absolutely! Just fold in a cup before pouring the batter into the pan for an extra chocolatey treat.

3. How long do these brownies last?
Stored correctly, they can last 3-5 days, but good luck keeping them around that long!

4. Can I substitute the eggs?
You can use flax eggs or applesauce as a substitute, but the texture may vary slightly.

Cooking Tools You’ll Need

Mixing bowls
Whisk
Baking pan (8×8-inch)
Toothpick (for checking doneness)
Electric mixer (for frosting)
Rubber spatula

Final Thoughts

There’s something undeniably special about these chewy red velvet brownies with cream cheese frosting. They hold memories of laughter, warmth, and comfort, and they always seem to brighten any day. I cherish the moments spent baking, even when things don’t go perfectly—like when I mixed up sugar with salt. Oops! Each attempt, successful or not, adds to the tapestry of cooking experience.

Now, if you decide to make these brownies (which I highly encourage), I’d love to see how yours turn out! Feel free to share your version or any tips you discovered along the way. If you enjoyed this recipe, don’t forget to save it on Pinterest or share it with a friend! Happy baking!