Ingredients
Scale
Brownie Batter
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 1 1/4 cups sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1/4 cup buttermilk
- 2 tablespoons red food coloring (gel-based recommended)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Cream Cheese Frosting
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 to 2 1/2 cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Prepare the Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, unsweetened cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt to prevent lumps and ensure even ingredient distribution.
- Mix the Wet Ingredients: In a separate large bowl, whisk together the vegetable oil, sugar, eggs, buttermilk, red food coloring, and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and uniform.
- Combine Wet and Dry: Slowly add the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients, folding gently until just combined to avoid overmixing and tough brownies.
- Bake the Brownies: Pour the batter into a greased or parchment-lined brownie pan and bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with moist crumbs but no raw batter.
- Make the Cream Cheese Frosting: While the brownies cool, beat softened cream cheese and butter together until fluffy. Gradually add powdered sugar, then vanilla extract, continuing to beat until creamy and smooth.
- Frost and Chill: Once the brownies have cooled completely, generously spread the cream cheese frosting on top. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving for best texture.
Notes
- Use room temperature eggs, butter, and cream cheese for smoother mixing and better texture.
- Do not overbake; pull brownies out when moist crumbs cling to the toothpick to keep them fudgy.
- Opt for high-quality cocoa powder for deeper chocolate flavor.
- Allow brownies to cool completely before frosting to prevent melting and sliding of the frosting.
- Use gel-based red food coloring for a more vibrant color without affecting batter consistency.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian (can be made vegan with substitutions)
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 brownie (approximately 2x2 inch)
- Calories: 280 kcal
- Sugar: 28 g
- Sodium: 150 mg
- Fat: 16 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 32 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 3 g
- Cholesterol: 40 mg
Keywords: red velvet brownies, cream cheese frosting, fudgy brownies, chocolate dessert, homemade brownies