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Irresistible Heart-Shaped Red Velvet Brownies Recipe with Cream Cheese Frosting

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These heart-shaped red velvet brownies are rich, tender, and topped with a tangy cream cheese frosting, perfect for Valentine’s Day or any special occasion. Quick and easy to make with simple ingredients, they offer a fudgy texture and festive charm.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour (125g), sifted
  • 1 cup granulated sugar (200g)
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/2 cup vegetable oil (120ml)
  • 2 large eggs, room temperature
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 tablespoon red food coloring (gel-based)
  • 1/4 cup buttermilk (60ml) (or substitute with regular milk plus 1 teaspoon white vinegar)
  • 8 oz cream cheese (225g), full-fat, softened
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter (55g), softened
  • 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar (180g), sifted
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • Pinch of salt

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8 inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang for easy removal.
  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 sugar and vegetable oil until well combined. Add eggs one at a time, mixing thoroughly after each addition.
  4. Mix in vanilla extract and red food coloring until the batter is uniformly colored.
  5. Alternate adding the dry ingredients and buttermilk to the wet mixture: add one-third of the dry mix, stir gently, then add half of the buttermilk. Repeat until all ingredients are combined, being careful not to overmix.
  6. Pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread evenly with a spatula.
  7. Bake for 25-30 minutes, checking at 25 minutes with a toothpick; it should come out with a few moist crumbs but no wet batter.
  8. Cool the brownies completely on a wire rack, about 1 hour.
  9. To make the frosting, beat the softened cream cheese and butter together until smooth and creamy.
  10. Gradually add powdered sugar, beating well after each addition. Stir in vanilla extract and a pinch of salt. Add a splash of milk if frosting is too thick.
  11. Lift the cooled brownies from the pan using the parchment paper. Use a heart-shaped cookie cutter to cut out brownie hearts, wiping the cutter clean between cuts.
  12. Spread a generous layer of cream cheese frosting on each brownie heart using a small offset spatula or butter knife.
  13. Optionally, decorate with red sugar crystals, chocolate shavings, or fresh berries.

Notes

Use gel-based red food coloring to avoid adding too much liquid and keep batter consistency perfect. Be gentle when mixing to avoid developing gluten and making brownies cakey. Cool brownies completely before frosting to prevent melting. Rotate pan halfway through baking for even cooking. For dairy-free or gluten-free options, substitute ingredients as suggested. If you don’t have a heart cutter, a small knife can be used to carve shapes freehand.

Nutrition

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

Find it online: https://tempotaste.com/irresistible-heart-shaped-red-velvet-brownies-recipe-with-cream-cheese-frosting-easy-and-perfect-for-valentines-day/