Seeing Red? It might be the Velvet brownies!

Have you ever been in a bind for pulling together baked goods? Sure there might be a half eaten box of graham crackers in the back of the pantry but I am pretty sure that wasn’t what the room mom was thinking when she asked you to bring something.

Soft & Chewy Red Velvet Brownies with Cream Cheese Frosting

Ingredients:

FOR THE BROWNIES:

• 1 cup (2 sticks) salted butter, cubed
• 2 cups brown sugar
• 2 eggs
• 1 Tbsp vanilla extract
• 1 Tbsp cocoa powder
• 1 tsp baking soda
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 ounce (one bottle) red food coloring

FOR CREAM CHEESE ICING:

• 2 Tbsp butter, softened
• 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
• 2 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 & ½ cups powdered sugar
• OPTIONAL-sprinkles for the top

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
2. Spray a 9×13″ rectangular baking pan with cooking spray; set aside.
3. In a large saucepan, heat the butter over medium-low heat until melted.
4. Let cool for 5 minutes, then whisk in the brown sugar until combined.
5. Quickly whisk in the eggs, one at a time, followed by the vanilla, cocoa powder, baking soda, flour and red food coloring until a soft batter comes together.
6. Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth out the top.
7. Bake for approx. 22-27 minutes or until a toothpick inserted near the center comes out clean or with moist, not wet, crumbs.
8. Cool completely.

To make the frosting:

1. Beat together the butter, cream cheese and vanilla with an electric mixer until creamy, about 1 minute.
2. Beat in the powdered sugar until frosting is spreadable and light.
3. Spread the frosting onto the cooled brownies in an even layer.
4. If using, top with sprinkles.
5. Refrigerate covered for at least 2 hours to set.

Quick TIp: Cut these in small squares for the perfect bite sized treat!

Photo and Recipe courtesy of Haley at The Domestic Rebel.