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Red Velvet Brownies for #4thofJuly #SundaySupper

Red Velvet Brownies with cream cheese frosting

How do you celebrate Independence Day? It is such a festive summer holiday. People proudly display their patriotism with our nation’s flags and colors. Family and friends gather for food and fun. Cookouts happen everywhere. Grills are fired up and tasty treats are made. One treat I like to bring to a cookout is red velvet brownies with cream cheese frosting. All the deliciousness of a red velvet cake in little squares. Plus, the color works nice for the holiday with an added touch of blue decoration.

I will call my star decoration rustic. It is a nice way of saying I am lacking in decorating skills. I have a great admiration and respect for the people who decorate cakes perfectly. The piping bag is not my friend. I would use sprinkles except that I do not care for eating sprinkles. So rustic piped frosting it is for me.  At least it reflects that it is homemade.

The brownies are moist with a bit of a top crust. I have made them a few times and each time the top does crack a little. It is okay because you cover the cracks with the frosting. I like the added texture. I found the recipe on the Smells Like Home blog. The recipe called for white chocolate buttercream but I have a slight allergy to white chocolate. I adapted it with cream cheese frosting. I also adapted the method to use a hand mixer.

Want more recipes for cookouts and the holiday? The Sunday Supper team of bloggers have an incredible list for you. I cannot wait to take a look at every single one. They all sound so good. Be sure to take the time to visit these wonderful blogs and check out all the recipes:

Main Dishes:

Salads and Sides:

Desserts:
Fabulous Pairings by Martin from ENOFYLZ

 

Join in the Sunday Supper 4th of July holiday conversation. Follow the #SundaySupper hashtag on twitter. There will be a live chat 5:30 to 6:30pm Eastern Time today (Sunday, July 1st). Tweet your favorite holiday recipes or photos with the hashtag too. Follow the Sunday Supper Pinterest board for even more recipe and cooking inspiration.

What are you doing to celebrate the holiday? My plan is to have a relaxing day with family, friends, good food, and wine. Cheers!

Red Velvet Brownies with cream cheese frosting
5 from 2 votes
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Red Velvet Brownies with Cream Cheese Frosting

A recipe for red velvet brownies with cream cheese frosting.
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes
Servings 6 people
Author Renee

Ingredients

For the brownies:

  • 3 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 2 ounces red food coloring
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract divided
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter 1 stick, at room temperature
  • 1 1/2 cups sugar
  • 2 large eggs at room temperature
  • 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt

For the frosting:

  • 1/3 cup unsalted butter at room temperature
  • 3 ounces cream cheese at room temperature
  • 2 1/2 cups confectioners sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla
  • Pinch of salt
  • Half-n-half or milk as needed

Instructions

For the brownies:

  1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Grease an 8 X 8-inch square baking pan. Line the pan with parchment or non-stick aluminum foil. Grease and flour the parchment/foil. Set aside.
  2. In a small bowl, stir together the cocoa powder, food coloring, and 1 teaspoon vanilla until it is a smooth, thick paste without any lumps of cocoa. Set aside.
  3. In a small bowl, whisk together the flour and salt. Set aside.
  4. In a large bowl, beat the butter and sugar with an electric hand mixer on medium-high speed until light and fluffy. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Add the remaining 1 teaspoon of vanilla and beat to combine. Add the cocoa mixture and beat on medium speed until combined and one uniform color. Slowly add the flour/salt mixture and mix on medium-low speed until combined. Do not overmix. Stir the batter with a rubber spatula to ensure the flour is thoroughly incorporated and the mixture is uniform in color.
  5. Spread the batter evenly into the prepared pan. Bake 30 to 40 minutes until a toothpick or cake tester comes out clean when inserted into the center of the brownies. Remove the brownies from the oven and place on a cooling rack. Cool completely on the rack.
  6. Remove the brownies from the pan and place on a cutting board. Frost brownies with cream cheese frosting and cut into 16 squares. Refrigerate leftovers.

For the frosting:

  1. In a large bowl, beat butter and cream cheese with an electric hand mixer on medium-high speed until soft and fluffy. Add the vanilla and salt and beat until combined. With the mixer on medium-low, add the confectioners sugar 1/2 cup at a time and beat until combined. Add half-n-half or milk 1 teaspoon at a time and beat at medium speed until the frosting has reached desired consistency.
  2. Note: Reserve a small amount of frosting in a bowl if using for decorating in different colors. Add food coloring and stir to combine. Decorate as desired.

Recipe Notes

A recipe for red velvet brownies with cream cheese frosting.

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Recipe Rating




Katherine Martinelli

Wednesday 4th of July 2012

I've had red velvet cake - but brownies?! Brilliant and oh so tempting!

Renee

Thursday 5th of July 2012

Thanks Katherine! They certainly are tempting. They call my name all hours of the day and night.

Lane @ Supper for a Steal

Tuesday 3rd of July 2012

These sound delicious! I think cream cheese frosting is a better fit for red velvet brownies anyways. Although I'm not a frosting fan so I think when I make them I will leave it off or maybe just half because the hubby would love the frosting.

Renee

Wednesday 4th of July 2012

Frosting half of the brownie is a good idea since you do not care for frosting. For me there can never be too much frosting.

Peter @Feed Your Soul

Tuesday 3rd of July 2012

really nice and just in time for tomorrow. thanks for sharing.

Renee

Wednesday 4th of July 2012

Thanks Peter!

Choc Chip Uru

Tuesday 3rd of July 2012

These are so beautifully patriotic and delicious my friend - very awesome :D

Cheers CCU

Carla

Monday 2nd of July 2012

Love your personal rustic touch of the blue star! Perfect for patriotic holidays (and not something I would've thought of!). I'm with you on decorating. Piping cupcakes, no problem. Decorate a cookie or a regular-sized cake? Yeaaaaa.

Renee

Wednesday 4th of July 2012

Thanks Carla!