Easy Red Velvet Brownies for a Sweet Valentine's Treat
These Easy Red Velvet Brownies are a delightful treat perfect for Valentine's Day, combining rich chocolate flavor with a beautiful red hue.
Equipment
- Oven
- baking pan
- Microwave or saucepan
- Large bowl
- silicone spatula
- Whisk
- Mixing bowl
Ingredients
- 2 ¼ sticks unsalted butter, cut into chunks
- 3 ½ cups Ghirardelli Milk Chocolate Chips
- 5 large eggs, room temperature
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 1 ¼ cups packed brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 ¼ teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 tablespoons red gel food coloring
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 3 tablespoons Ghirardelli unsweetened cocoa powder
- 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 5 tablespoons unsalted butter, room temperature (for frosting)
- ⅛ teaspoon salt (for frosting)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (for frosting)
- 2-3 cups confectioners sugar (for frosting)
- 1-2 tablespoons heavy cream or milk (for frosting)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare a 9x13 inch baking pan with foil or parchment paper and grease it lightly.
- Melt the milk chocolate and butter together until smooth, then let it cool.
- Whisk together the eggs, vanilla, and both sugars in a large bowl, then add the red food coloring and mix well.
- Incorporate the cooled chocolate mixture into the egg and sugar mixture until smooth.
- Combine the flour, baking powder, salt, and cocoa powder in a separate bowl, then fold into the wet ingredients until fully mixed.
- Pour the brownie batter into the prepared pan and spread it evenly.
- Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean, then let cool on a rack for 15 minutes.
- Chill the brownies until ready to frost or allow them to reach room temperature.
- For the frosting, mix cream cheese, butter, vanilla, salt, confectioners sugar, and cream/milk until smooth and creamy.
- Frost the cooled brownies and refrigerate until serving.
Notes
This recipe does not require buttermilk or vinegar, which are common in red velvet recipes. Brownies can be stored for up to 2 weeks in a sealed container at room temperature or in the refrigerator. If frosted, they should be kept in the fridge.