Placeholder is your go-to recipe for rich and moist Red Velvet Brownies topped with a luscious cream cheese frosting. Combining deep cocoa flavors with the vibrant red velvet essence, these brownies are ideal for any celebratory occasion or just an indulgent treat. The delightful contrast of sweetness from the cream cheese frosting with the dense and fudgy brownie base creates a dessert that is hard to resist.
Why You’ll Love This Placeholder
This Placeholder recipe is not only visually stunning but also incredibly delicious. Here are a few reasons to love it:
- Rich, decadent flavor that combines cocoa and cream cheese.
- Easy to make with simple ingredients.
- Perfect for any occasion, from birthdays to casual gatherings.
- Can be customized with nuts or chocolate chips as a substitute.
- Ideal for both kids and adults alike.
- Leftovers (if any!) can be stored easily.
- Pairs wonderfully with ice cream for a delightful dessert.
These brownies fall under the Dessert category, making them a fantastic choice for a sweet ending to your meals.
Ingredients for Placeholder
Gather these items:
- 1 ¼ cups (155g) all-purpose flour
- ¼ cup (25g) unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
- ½ cup (115g) unsalted butter, melted
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tbsp red food coloring (liquid or gel)
- ¼ tsp salt
- 4 oz (115g) cream cheese, softened
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup (120g) powdered sugar, sifted
- ½ tsp vanilla extract
How to Make Placeholder Step-by-Step
- Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang to easily lift the brownies out later.
- Step 2: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, unsweetened cocoa powder, and salt until well combined. Set aside.
- Step 3: In a large bowl, stir the melted butter and granulated sugar until combined. Add eggs one at a time, mixing thoroughly after each. Stir in vanilla extract and red food coloring until the mixture is uniformly red.
- Step 4: Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture using a spatula, mixing gently until just combined to keep the brownies tender.
- Step 5: Pour the batter evenly into the prepared pan and smooth the top. Bake for 20–25 minutes until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with a few moist crumbs. Remove and allow to cool completely in the pan.
- Step 6: While brownies cool, beat together softened cream cheese and butter until smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar, beating well after each addition, then stir in vanilla extract.
- Step 7: Once cooled, spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over the brownies. Use the parchment paper to lift the brownies from the pan, slice into 16 squares, and serve.

Pro Tips for the Perfect Placeholder
Keep these in mind:
- Make sure your butter is melted but not hot to prevent cooking the eggs.
- Use gel food coloring for a richer red color and better consistency.
- Allow the brownies to cool completely before frosting to avoid melting the cream cheese frosting.
Best Ways to Serve Placeholder
Here are a few ideas to serve your Placeholder:
- Pair with vanilla ice cream for a delightful contrast of flavors.
- Add a sprinkle of nuts or chocolate chips for added texture.
- Serve with a drizzle of chocolate sauce or caramel for an extra indulgence.
How to Store and Reheat Placeholder
To store your Placeholder, keep it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, refrigerate for up to a week. You can gently reheat the brownies in the microwave for a few seconds before serving, bringing back that fresh-baked flavor.
Frequently Asked Questions About Placeholder
What’s the secret to perfect Placeholder?
The secret to perfect Placeholder lies in not overmixing your batter, which can lead to tough brownies. Gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet ones just until combined.
Can I make Placeholder ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the Placeholder and store them in an airtight container for up to a week. They taste even better after a day as the flavors meld.
How do I avoid common mistakes with Placeholder?
To avoid common mistakes with Placeholder, ensure that your ingredients are at room temperature. Also, check your oven temperature with an oven thermometer for accuracy.
Variations of Placeholder You Can Try
Here are a few variations to consider:
- Use white chocolate chips instead of cream cheese for a different flavor profile.
- Incorporate peppermint extract for a festive twist.
- Make them gluten-free by substituting all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend.

For more delicious dessert ideas, check out our Sugar Plum Shortbread Cookies or Baked Pears with Feta and Honey. If you’re looking for something savory, try our Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta.
Print
Placeholder: 16 Indulgent Red Velvet Brownies Recipe
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 16 squares 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delight in these rich and moist Red Velvet Brownies topped with a luscious cream cheese frosting. Combining the deep flavors of cocoa with the classic vibrancy of red velvet, these brownies are perfect for any celebratory occasion or an indulgent treat.
Ingredients
- 1 ¼ cups (155g) all-purpose flour
- ¼ cup (25g) unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
- ½ cup (115g) unsalted butter, melted
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tbsp red food coloring (liquid or gel)
- ¼ tsp salt
- 4 oz (115g) cream cheese, softened
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup (120g) powdered sugar, sifted
- ½ tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang to easily lift the brownies out later.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, unsweetened cocoa powder, and salt until well combined. Set aside.
- In a large bowl, stir the melted butter and granulated sugar until combined. Add eggs one at a time, mixing thoroughly after each. Stir in vanilla extract and red food coloring until the mixture is uniformly red.
- Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture using a spatula, mixing gently until just combined to keep the brownies tender.
- Pour the batter evenly into the prepared pan and smooth the top. Bake for 20–25 minutes until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with a few moist crumbs. Remove and allow to cool completely in the pan.
- While brownies cool, beat together softened cream cheese and butter until smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar, beating well after each addition, then stir in vanilla extract.
- Once cooled, spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over the brownies. Use the parchment paper to lift the brownies from the pan, slice into 16 squares, and serve.
Notes
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 square
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 11g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 29g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 35mg
