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Kiss Me Red Velvet Brownies Recipe

If you’re on the hunt for a dessert that perfectly blends rich chocolate decadence with a vibrant pop of red, then the Kiss Me Red Velvet Brownies Recipe is about to become your new best friend in the kitchen. This stunning treat combines the moist, tender crumb of red velvet with gooey chocolatey intensity that’s simply irresistible. Creamy, dreamy cream cheese frosting adds the perfect finishing touch, making every bite a joyous dance of flavors and textures. Whether for a cozy night in or a festive occasion, these brownies will steal the show with their eye-catching color and luscious taste.

Kiss Me Red Velvet Brownies Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe calls for a handful of simple but essential ingredients that come together to create the perfect balance of flavor, color, and texture. Each one plays a crucial role— from the bittersweet edge of cocoa powder to the creamy richness of the frosting, ensuring these brownies bake beautifully and satisfy every craving.

  • Unsalted butter (1 cup, 2 sticks): Provides a rich, creamy base that keeps the brownies tender and moist.
  • Ghirardelli Milk Chocolate Chips (1¾ cups): Melts into a luscious chocolate swirl that deepens the flavor.
  • Large eggs (5, room temperature): Bind ingredients together while adding structure and moisture.
  • Granulated sugar (½ cup): Balances sweetness and helps create a delicate crust.
  • Brown sugar (1¼ cups, packed): Adds a subtle caramel note that enhances the overall taste.
  • Salt (1 teaspoon): Highlights and balances the sweetness perfectly.
  • Vanilla extract (1¼ teaspoons): Brings warmth and depth to the flavor profile.
  • Red food coloring gel (2 tablespoons): Gives the brownies that signature, vibrant red hue.
  • All-purpose flour (2 cups): Provides the structure needed for a tender crumb.
  • Baking powder (1 teaspoon): Lightens the brownies just enough without losing density.
  • Ghirardelli unsweetened cocoa powder (3 tablespoons): Infuses rich chocolate flavor for that perfect red velvet taste.
  • Cream cheese (4 ounces, softened): The star of the frosting, it brings tangy creaminess that balances sweetness.
  • Unsalted butter (5 tablespoons, room temperature): Adds smoothness and richness to the frosting texture.
  • Salt (⅛ teaspoon): Enhances the frosting’s flavors, preventing it from tasting too sweet.
  • Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Adds fragrant notes to the frosting for extra depth.
  • Confectioners’ sugar (2-3 cups): Sweetens and thickens the frosting to the perfect spreadable consistency.
  • Heavy cream or milk (1-2 tablespoons): Adjusts the frosting’s texture to silky smoothness without being runny.

How to Make Kiss Me Red Velvet Brownies Recipe

Step 1: Preparing Your Oven and Pan

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with foil, which makes it easier to lift out your baked brownies later, and lightly grease it to prevent sticking. This prep step ensures that your brownies come out clean and intact, ready to impress.

Step 2: Melting Butter and Chocolate

In a saucepan over low heat, gently melt the butter until it’s nice and smooth. Stir in the Ghirardelli milk chocolate chips, letting them melt completely for a rich, velvety chocolate base. Once combined, set this mixture aside to cool slightly, so it doesn’t cook your eggs in the next step.

Step 3: Mixing the Wet Ingredients

Whisk together the eggs, granulated sugar, brown sugar, salt, and vanilla extract in a large bowl. This blend creates the sweet and smooth foundation for your batter. Then add in the red food coloring gel and mix well until you get that signature red velvet color shining through.

Step 4: Combining Chocolate Mixture with Wet Ingredients

Gradually whisk the cooled chocolate and butter mixture into your wet ingredients. This step melds the deep chocolate flavor with the bright red color, forming a beautiful, glossy batter that’s begging to be baked.

Step 5: Incorporating Dry Ingredients

Sift the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and unsweetened cocoa powder into a separate bowl. Sifting keeps the mixture light and free of lumps, ensuring a tender crumb. Gently fold these dry ingredients into your wet chocolate mixture until just combined, taking care not to overmix and toughen the brownies.

Step 6: Baking the Brownies

Pour the batter evenly into your prepared pan and bake for 35 to 40 minutes. Keep an eye on them; they’re done when the edges are set and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with a few moist crumbs. Let the brownies cool completely before frosting to ensure a clean spread and perfect texture.

Step 7: Making the Cream Cheese Frosting

Beat together softened cream cheese, butter, salt, and vanilla extract until silky smooth and creamy. Gradually add the confectioners’ sugar, adjusting the consistency with heavy cream or milk until your frosting is luscious yet spreadable—ready to elevate your red velvet brownies to the next level.

Step 8: Frosting and Serving

Spread the frosting generously over your cooled brownies, smoothing it perfectly with an offset spatula. Cut into squares and get ready for the crowd-pleasing moment when everyone tastes the magic known as the Kiss Me Red Velvet Brownies Recipe!

How to Serve Kiss Me Red Velvet Brownies Recipe

Kiss Me Red Velvet Brownies Recipe - Recipe Image

Garnishes

A simple dusting of powdered sugar or a few fresh raspberries add an inviting touch to your Kiss Me Red Velvet Brownies. If you’re feeling playful, sprinkle some mini chocolate chips or chopped nuts on top of the frosting for an extra layer of texture and flavor that’s guaranteed to wow your guests.

Side Dishes

This luscious dessert pairs beautifully with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream for contrast, or a cup of strong black coffee that cuts through the sweetness perfectly. For a festive gathering, fresh strawberries or a dollop of whipped cream alongside make it feel light and celebratory.

Creative Ways to Present

Turn your Kiss Me Red Velvet Brownies into an elegant dessert tray by layering them with fresh fruit and edible flowers. Or cut smaller bite-sized squares and serve them as part of a dessert sampler plate. Wrapping individual brownies in parchment paper tied with a ribbon also makes an adorable gift or party favor!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Place leftover Kiss Me Red Velvet Brownies in an airtight container to keep them moist and flavorful for up to 4 days at room temperature. The frosting helps lock in moisture, but avoid storing in direct sunlight to preserve that beautiful red color.

Freezing

These brownies freeze wonderfully. Wrap individual squares tightly in plastic wrap and store in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. When you’re ready, thaw overnight in the fridge, then bring to room temperature before serving to enjoy that fresh-from-the-oven taste.

Reheating

To warm up a slice, microwave for 15 to 20 seconds or briefly heat in a low oven. This softens the cream cheese frosting and revives the gooey chocolate center, making each bite just as delightful as when freshly baked.

FAQs

Can I use regular food coloring instead of gel?

While regular liquid food coloring can work, using red food coloring gel is best for the Kiss Me Red Velvet Brownies Recipe because it provides a more intense color without altering the batter’s consistency.

What’s the secret to a moist and fudgy brownie texture?

The combination of melted butter with chocolate and the right balance of sugars ensures a fudgy, moist brownie. Avoid overbaking and let the brownies cool completely before frosting to maintain that perfect texture.

Can I substitute the cream cheese frosting with something else?

The cream cheese frosting complements the richness of the brownies perfectly, but you could try a classic chocolate ganache or a simple dusting of powdered sugar if you prefer a different finish.

Is it necessary to use Ghirardelli chocolate and cocoa powder?

Ghirardelli is recommended for its quality and depth of flavor, which elevates the Kiss Me Red Velvet Brownies Recipe, but you can use any high-quality chocolate and cocoa powder available to you.

How do I know when the brownies are done baking?

Check by inserting a toothpick in the center; it should come out with a few moist crumbs but not wet batter. This ensures they’re cooked through but still soft and fudgy inside.

Final Thoughts

If you’ve been dreaming of a dessert that’s both visually stunning and irresistibly tasty, the Kiss Me Red Velvet Brownies Recipe is your answer. It’s a spectacular blend of classic red velvet charm and decadent brownie indulgence that’s perfect for sharing or savoring solo. Give this recipe a try and watch it quickly become a beloved favorite in your baking repertoire. Trust me, once you make these brownies, you’ll want to share them with everyone you love.

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Kiss Me Red Velvet Brownies Recipe


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3.8 from 239 reviews

  • Author: admin
  • Total Time: 1 hour
  • Yield: 18 servings 1x

Description

Kiss Me Red Velvet Brownies combine the rich, indulgent flavors of milk chocolate and classic red velvet with a smooth cream cheese frosting in a decadent 9×13-inch pan. Moist and flavorful, these brownies are perfect for sharing at parties or enjoying as a special treat.


Ingredients

Scale

Batter

  • 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, cut into chunks
  • 1¾ cups Ghirardelli Milk Chocolate Chips
  • 5 large eggs, room temperature
  • ½ cup granulated sugar
  • 1¼ cups packed brown sugar
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1¼ teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 2 tablespoons red food coloring gel
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 3 tablespoons Ghirardelli unsweetened cocoa powder

Frosting

  • 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
  • 5 tablespoons unsalted butter, room temperature
  • ⅛ teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 23 cups confectioners’ sugar
  • 12 tablespoons heavy cream or milk


Instructions

  1. Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with foil and lightly grease it to prevent sticking.
  2. Melt Butter and Chocolate: In a saucepan over low heat, melt the unsalted butter. Stir in the Ghirardelli milk chocolate chips until the mixture is smooth and fully combined. Remove from heat and allow to cool.
  3. Mix Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs, granulated sugar, brown sugar, salt, and vanilla extract until well blended. Add the red food coloring gel and mix until evenly incorporated, producing a vibrant red batter.
  4. Combine Chocolate Mixture: Gradually whisk the cooled chocolate and butter mixture into the wet ingredients, ensuring a smooth and consistent batter.
  5. Sift and Fold Dry Ingredients: Sift together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and unsweetened cocoa powder into a separate bowl. Gently fold these dry ingredients into the wet mixture just until combined to keep the batter light and tender.
  6. Bake the Brownies: Pour the batter evenly into the prepared baking pan. Place in the preheated oven and bake for 35-40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with a few moist crumbs. Remove from oven and let the brownies cool completely in the pan.
  7. Prepare Frosting: In a mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese, unsalted butter, salt, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy. Gradually add the confectioners’ sugar, beating until fluffy. Adjust the consistency by adding 1-2 tablespoons of heavy cream or milk as needed.
  8. Frost and Serve: Spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over the cooled brownies. Cut into 18 squares and serve.

Notes

  • Ensure the butter and chocolate mixture has cooled before mixing with eggs to avoid cooking the eggs.
  • Use gel food coloring for vibrant red color without altering batter consistency.
  • Frosting consistency can be adjusted with milk or heavy cream to your preferred spreadability.
  • Store brownies in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
  • For easier cutting, chill the brownies after frosting.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 40 minutes
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

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