Description
Indulge in the rich, decadent flavor of Vampire Bite Red Velvet Brownies, featuring a moist red velvet base swirled with luscious cream cheese frosting and studded with dark chocolate chips. Perfectly baked and topped with a creamy chocolate ganache, these brownies are a delightful treat for any occasion, embodying the perfect balance of sweet and tangy with a striking red hue.
Ingredients
Scale
Brownie Batter
- 1 cup (225 g) unsalted butter, melted
- 2 cups (400 g) granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon red food coloring
- 2 cups (250 g) all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup (50 g) unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup (175 g) dark chocolate chips
Cream Cheese Frosting
- 8 oz (225 g) cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup (115 g) unsalted butter, softened
- 4 cups (480 g) powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1-2 tablespoons milk (as needed for consistency)
Chocolate Ganache
- 1/2 cup (90 g) dark chocolate chips
- 2 tablespoons heavy cream
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13 inch (23×33 cm) baking pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt. Set aside to ensure even distribution.
- Combine Wet Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, blend the melted butter with the granulated sugar. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition, then stir in the vanilla extract and red food coloring for a vibrant color.
- Incorporate Dry into Wet: Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture into the wet ingredients, stirring gently until just combined to avoid overmixing. Fold in the dark chocolate chips for bursts of chocolate flavor.
- Bake the Brownies: Pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread evenly. Bake for 25-30 minutes. Check doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center— it should come out with a few moist crumbs but not wet batter.
- Cool the Brownies: Allow the brownies to cool completely on a wire rack in the pan before proceeding to the frosting step to ensure the frosting does not melt.
- Prepare Cream Cheese Frosting: In a bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese and butter until smooth and creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar and vanilla extract, beating well. Adjust consistency with 1-2 tablespoons of milk until spreadable.
- Frost the Brownies: Once cooled, evenly spread the cream cheese frosting over the brownies to create a smooth layer.
- Make Chocolate Ganache: Heat the heavy cream gently until it’s warm but not boiling, then pour over dark chocolate chips in a bowl. Let sit for a minute, then stir until smooth and glossy.
- Finish and Serve: Drizzle or spread the chocolate ganache over the cream cheese layer. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to set the ganache before cutting into 24 squares and serving.
Notes
- Ensure the brownies are completely cooled before frosting to prevent melting.
- Use high-quality cocoa powder and dark chocolate chips for the best flavor.
- Adjust red food coloring quantity depending on desired intensity of red color.
- For a firmer ganache, increase the chocolate chips or reduce the cream slightly.
- Store covered in the refrigerator for up to 5 days for optimal freshness.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
