Red velvet cake and cupcakes are so popular, that you can find them at most grocery stores, but why not try a twist on tradition and make red velvet brownies? Â Red Velvet Brownies make a fun dessert for 4th of July, or at any barbecue or party this summer. Â The rich chocolaty cake with burgundy hue and cream cheese frosting are quite colorful and fun on special occasions.
Red velvet is simply a cocoa based batter with added red food coloring or beet juice, which gives them a deep red color.  Definitely don’t forget to use good chocolate because it’s all about the chocolate in good brownies.  I just love these Red Velvet Brownies and I think you will too!
Ingredients
Brownies
6 tablespoons butter + more for pan
3/4 cup granulated sugar
2 tablespoons half & half
1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips or shaved chocolate
2 eggs
3/4 cup all purpose flour + more for pan
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon baking soda
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1 tablespoon red food coloring or 2 tablespoons beet juice
Frosting
4 ounces cream cheese
3 tablespoons butter, room temperature
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
pinch of salt
1 1/3 cup powdered sugar
(makes 16 squares)
To Prepare:
1. Â Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Â Butter and flour a 9 x 9 baking pan.
2. Â In a saucepan over medium heat, melt together the butter, sugar and half & half and stir to combine. Add the chocolate and stir until melted and smooth.
3. Â Then, pour the chocolate mixture into a large bowl. Â Add the eggs one at a time and stir to combine. Â Next, add the red food coloring and vanilla and stir until the mixture resembles a deep burgundy color.
4. Â Add the flour, baking soda and salt and stir until it is incorporated into the batter. Â Pour the mixture into the prepared pan.
5. Â Bake for 20-25 minutes or until the brownies are lightly firm. Â Be careful not to over bake.
6. Â Remove the brownies from the oven and let cool for at least 1 hour.
7. Â To make the frosting in a stand mixer, cream together cream cheese and butter. Â Beat on medium high speed for 2 minutes.
8. Â Next, add the vanilla and a pinch of salt and mix for 1 minute.
9. Â Sift the powdered sugar and add it to the creamed mixture. Â Mix together on low until incorporated into the creamed mixture, about 2 minutes.
10. Â Spread the frosting on top of the brownies and refrigerate before slicing, at least 1 hour.
11. Â Slice the brownies into squares and serve. Â Decorate with your favorite candies, accessories or sprinkles. Â Enjoy!
