Brown Butter Red Velvet Brownies
These Brown Butter Red Velvet Brownies are the ultimate indulgence, with a soft, fudgy, and rich texture that melts in your mouth. Topped with a creamy whipped cream cheese topping and a light dusting of cocoa powder, they offer the perfect balance of sweetness and tang, making them the ideal dessert for any occasion.
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Ingredients You Need:
Full ingredients and recipe are in the recipe card below. Read through this section for all the ingredients substitution and baking tips!
Salted butter
Unsweetened cocoa powder
Dark chocolate chips
Olive oil
All-natural red gel food coloring
Brown sugar, light or dark
Granulated sugar
Eggs
Vanilla extract
All-purpose flour
Salt
Chocolate chips of choice
Cream cheese
Heavy cream
Powdered sugar
Why You’ll Love Brown Butter Red Velvet Brownies:
Soft, Fudgy, and Rich: These brownies are irresistibly soft and fudgy with a rich, melt-in-your-mouth texture that makes every bite feel indulgent and satisfying.
Decadent Red Velvet Flavor: The red velvet flavor gives these brownies a unique and luxurious twist, with a subtle tang that balances perfectly with the richness of the brown butter.
Whipped Cream Cheese Topping: The creamy whipped cream cheese topping adds a smooth and tangy contrast to the sweetness of the brownies, making each bite even more indulgent.
Light Dusting of Cocoa Powder: A delicate dusting of cocoa powder on top enhances the chocolatey flavor and adds a sophisticated touch, making these brownies even more decadent.
Made with Brown Butter for Extra Flavor: Brown butter elevates the flavor, adding a nutty, caramelized richness that takes these brownies to the next level of decadence.
Perfect Balance of Sweetness and Tang: The whipped cream cheese topping provides a delightful tanginess that balances the sweetness of the brownies, creating a perfect harmony of flavors.
Great for Valentine’s Day: With their rich red velvet color and indulgent cream cheese topping, these brownies make a perfect Valentine’s Day dessert for your special someone, or for sharing with friends and family.
Great for Special Occasions: Whether you’re celebrating Valentine’s Day, a birthday, or just treating yourself, these brownies are sure to impress guests and elevate any occasion.
Versatile Dessert: Serve them at parties, gatherings, or enjoy them as a personal treat – these brownies are versatile and fit any dessert setting.
Easy to Make: Despite their luxurious taste, these brownies are relatively simple to make, making them an ideal choice for both beginner and experienced bakers.
Perfect Pairing with Coffee or Milk: These brownies are the perfect treat to pair with a cup of coffee or a glass of milk, making them an ideal snack or dessert for any time of the day.
Tips for Making Brown Butter Red Velvet Brownies:
Use Brown Butter for Richness: Brown the butter carefully to bring out a nutty, caramelized flavor that enhances the richness of the brownies. Stir the butter constantly over medium heat until it turns golden brown, then allow it to cool slightly before using.
Don’t Over-Mix the Batter: Mix the wet and dry ingredients just until combined. Over-mixing can lead to dense brownies, so be gentle when folding everything together for a light, fudgy texture.
Add Red Food Coloring for Vibrancy: To get the iconic red velvet color, add a few drops of red food coloring to the batter. Make sure to mix it well so the color is evenly distributed throughout the brownies.
Bake in an 8x8" Pan: Pour the batter into a greased 8x8" pan. This size ensures the brownies bake evenly, with a perfect balance of fudgy interior and crispy edges.
Bake at 350°F for 40-45 Minutes: Bake your brownies at 350°F (175°C) for 40-45 minutes. The brownies should be set on the edges and slightly soft in the center. Test doneness by inserting a toothpick; it should come out with a few moist crumbs.
Use Full-Fat Cream Cheese for the Topping: For a creamy and smooth whipped cream cheese topping, make sure to use full-fat cream cheese. It’ll give the topping the right consistency and rich flavor that pairs beautifully with the brownies.
Top with Cocoa Powder Right Before Serving: After the cream cheese topping is applied, dust the brownies with a light sprinkle of cocoa powder right before serving. This adds a sophisticated touch and enhances the chocolate flavor without overpowering the dessert.
Don’t Over-Bake: To achieve a soft, fudgy texture, avoid over-baking. The brownies should be slightly soft in the center when they come out of the oven. They will continue to set as they cool.
Cool Before Cutting: Let the brownies cool completely before slicing. This ensures they hold their shape and gives the cream cheese topping time to set, allowing for clean cuts and perfect presentation.
Serve Warm with a Scoop of Ice Cream: For an indulgent treat, serve these brownies warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. The warmth of the brownies and the cool creaminess of the ice cream create a perfect contrast.
How to Store Brown Butter Red Velvet Brownies:
Store at Room Temperature: Keep your brown butter red velvet brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3-4 days. This helps preserve their soft, fudgy texture and prevents them from drying out.
Refrigerate for Longer Freshness: If you want to store the brownies for a longer period, place them in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. Make sure they are tightly covered to prevent the whipped cream cheese topping from drying out.
Freeze for Long-Term Storage: For long-term storage, freeze the brownies in an airtight container or wrap them individually in plastic wrap and foil. They will stay fresh for up to 1-2 months. To enjoy, thaw them at room temperature and warm them slightly in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes.
Store the Whipped Cream Cheese Topping Separately: If you have leftover whipped cream cheese topping, store it separately in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. Reapply the topping before serving.
Reheat for Freshness: To restore the freshly baked texture, reheat the brownies in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes. This will refresh the brownies and melt the chocolate chips, enhancing their gooey, fudgy texture.
Portion and Store Individually: For easy access and portion control, store individual brownies in airtight containers or wrap them individually. This is especially useful if you want to grab one or two brownies at a time without thawing the entire batch.
Avoid Storing with Cocoa Powder: If you’ve dusted the brownies with cocoa powder, it’s best to store them separately. Dust with cocoa powder just before serving to keep the topping fresh and neat.
FAQs:
Q: What makes these brown butter red velvet brownies so rich and decadent?
A: These brownies are made with brown butter, which adds a nutty, caramelized flavor to the batter. Combined with cocoa powder, chocolate chips, and a whipped cream cheese topping, they have a rich, fudgy texture and a decadent flavor profile that’s perfect for any occasion.
Q: Can I make these brownies without using brown butter?
A: While brown butter adds a unique, nutty flavor, you can substitute regular melted butter. However, the flavor and richness will not be quite as deep as when using brown butter, which enhances the overall taste and texture of the brownies.
Q: Why do I need to let the chocolate mixture cool before mixing it with the egg mixture?
A: Allowing the chocolate mixture to cool slightly ensures that the eggs don’t cook when added. If the chocolate mixture is too hot, it can cause the eggs to curdle, resulting in an undesirable texture. Cooling it down prevents this from happening.
Q: Do I need to use olive oil in these brownies?
A: The addition of olive oil helps create a tender, moist texture in the brownies. While olive oil isn’t mandatory, it enhances the richness and helps the brownies stay soft and fudgy. You can substitute with a neutral oil if desired, but olive oil adds a subtle depth of flavor.
Q: Can I skip the red food coloring for a more traditional brownie look?
A: Yes, you can skip the red food coloring, and the brownies will still taste amazing! The red food coloring is what gives them their signature red velvet appearance, but it doesn’t affect the flavor. If you prefer a more traditional chocolate look, feel free to leave it out.
Q: How do I know when my brownies are done baking?
A: Bake the brownies at 350°F for 40-45 minutes. They’re done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with a few moist crumbs. The brownies should be set at the edges but slightly soft in the center. They will continue to cook as they cool.
Q: Why should I let the brownies cool completely before adding the whipped cream cheese topping?
A: It’s essential to let the brownies cool completely to avoid the cream cheese topping melting into the brownies. Cooling allows the topping to set and stay creamy, creating a perfect balance of texture and flavor when served.
Q: Can I make these brownies ahead of time?
A: Yes! These brownies can be made ahead of time and stored at room temperature for up to 3-4 days in an airtight container. You can also refrigerate them for up to 1 week or freeze them for longer storage. Just add the whipped cream cheese topping before serving.
Q: What can I use if I don’t have heavy cream for the whipped cream cheese topping?
A: If you don’t have heavy cream, you can substitute with half-and-half or a non-dairy cream alternative. Keep in mind that the texture might be slightly different, but it will still provide a creamy, smooth topping that complements the brownies.
Q: How should I store leftover brown butter red velvet brownies?
A: Store the leftover brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3-4 days. For longer storage, refrigerate them for up to a week or freeze them for up to 1-2 months. Let them come to room temperature before serving, and top with fresh whipped cream cheese if needed.
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