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Decadent Red Velvet Brownie Hearts Recipe with Cream Cheese Frosting

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These decadent red velvet brownie hearts with cream cheese frosting are rich, fudgy, and perfect for Valentine’s Day or any special occasion. The recipe features a moist red velvet brownie base topped with a smooth, tangy cream cheese frosting.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1/4 cup (25g) unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 1 cup (125g) all-purpose flour, sifted
  • 3/4 cup (150g) granulated sugar
  • 1/2 cup (115g) unsalted butter, melted and slightly cooled
  • 2 large eggs, room temperature
  • 2 tablespoons (30ml) buttermilk
  • 1 tablespoon red food coloring (gel recommended)
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
  • 8 oz (225g) cream cheese, softened
  • 1/4 cup (57g) unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 1/2 cups (180g) powdered sugar, sifted
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • Pinch of salt

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease an 8×8 inch (20×20 cm) baking pan or line it with parchment paper.
  2. In a medium bowl, sift together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
  3. In a large bowl, whisk together the granulated sugar and melted butter until smooth and slightly glossy.
  4. Add eggs one at a time, whisking well after each addition.
  5. Stir in buttermilk, red food coloring, and vanilla extract until the batter is vibrant and smooth.
  6. Gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet batter using a rubber spatula until just combined.
  7. Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top.
  8. Bake for 25-28 minutes until the top is set but the center is slightly soft (check with a toothpick).
  9. Let the brownies cool completely on a wire rack, about 1 hour.
  10. While brownies cool, beat the softened cream cheese and softened butter until smooth and creamy.
  11. Gradually add powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt, mixing well until smooth.
  12. Use a heart-shaped cookie cutter to cut out brownie hearts once cooled.
  13. Spread or pipe the cream cheese frosting generously over each brownie heart.
  14. Serve fresh or store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Notes

Let brownies cool completely before cutting to prevent crumbly edges. Use gel food coloring to avoid watering down the batter. For dairy-free, substitute cream cheese and butter with vegan alternatives. You can bake a day ahead and frost before serving for freshness. Adding espresso powder enhances chocolate flavor without coffee taste.

Nutrition

Keywords: red velvet brownies, cream cheese frosting, Valentine's Day dessert, heart-shaped brownies, fudgy brownies, easy brownies, chocolate dessert

Find it online: https://emmayum.com/decadent-red-velvet-brownie-hearts-recipe-with-cream-cheese-frosting-easy-and-perfect-for-valentines/