Valentine Heart-Shaped Red Velvet Brownies

If you’re looking for the ultimate Valentine’s Day treat that’s equal parts rich, decadent, and heartwarming, look no further than Valentine Heart-Shaped Red Velvet Brownies! These brownies are a twist on the classic red velvet cake, bringing all the tangy, chocolatey goodness into the form of a chewy, fudgy brownie. They’re soft, velvety, and perfectly sweet, making them an irresistible treat for anyone you want to impress this February 14th. Plus, shaping them into hearts? Total game-changer for your Valentine’s Day vibes.

Trust me, you’ll want to make these for someone special or for yourself—because who doesn’t deserve a little extra love and chocolate?

Why You’ll Love Valentine Heart-Shaped Red Velvet Brownies

• Beautifully Delicious: These brownies are gorgeous in red and simply melt in your mouth. It’s the kind of dessert that instantly brings smiles.
• Perfect for Sharing: They’re perfectly sized for a shareable treat, whether you’re baking for a crowd or just for a cozy night in.
• Easy to Make: You don’t need to be a pastry chef to pull these off! This recipe is simple yet delivers a big, impressive flavor.
• Great for Gifting: These heart-shaped beauties are perfect for wrapping up in a cute box with a ribbon for a sweet homemade gift.

Ingredients

Ready to make these little bundles of love? Here’s what you need:

For the Red Velvet Brownies:

• Unsalted Butter: The base of the brownie batter that gives it that delicious richness.
• Sugar: Sweetness to balance the cocoa flavor.
• Eggs: For that perfect fudgy texture.
• All-Purpose Flour: The structure for your brownies.
• Cocoa Powder: To bring that deep chocolatey goodness.
• Red Food Coloring: To give these brownies their signature red velvet look.
• Baking Powder: To help them rise just enough while keeping them dense and chewy.
• Salt: To enhance the flavor.
• Vanilla Extract: A touch of sweetness and warmth.
• Buttermilk: Gives the brownies a slightly tangy flavor and contributes to their moistness.

For the Cream Cheese Frosting:

• Cream Cheese: The smooth, tangy base for the frosting.
• Butter: Adds richness and creaminess.
• Powdered Sugar: To sweeten the frosting to perfection.
• Vanilla Extract: A flavor enhancer for the frosting.
• Heavy Cream: To make the frosting smooth and spreadable.

Instructions

Let’s get baking! These brownies will come together in no time, and you’ll be one step closer to a heart-shaped masterpiece.

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking pan (about 8×8 inches) with parchment paper or grease it lightly for easy removal.

Step 2: Make the Brownie Batter

In a medium saucepan, melt the unsalted butter over medium heat. Once melted, remove it from the heat and stir in the sugar until combined.

Next, beat in the eggs, one at a time, until fully incorporated. Add the vanilla extract and buttermilk, then mix well.

In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt. Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients until just combined. Finally, add a few drops of red food coloring to get that beautiful, vibrant red hue.

Step 3: Bake the Brownies

Pour the brownie batter into the prepared baking pan and spread it out evenly. Bake for about 20-25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with a few moist crumbs (not completely clean, since you want the brownies to stay fudgy).

Let the brownies cool completely in the pan on a wire rack.

Step 4: Make the Cream Cheese Frosting

While your brownies are cooling, make the cream cheese frosting. In a medium bowl, beat together the cream cheese and butter until smooth and creamy. Gradually add the powdered sugar and continue to beat until fluffy. Stir in the vanilla extract and a splash of heavy cream to get the desired consistency. The frosting should be smooth, spreadable, and just the right sweetness.

Step 5: Shape the Brownies

Once the brownies are completely cool, use a heart-shaped cookie cutter to cut out heart shapes. If you don’t have a heart-shaped cutter, you can easily cut them into squares or rectangles for a more casual presentation.

Step 6: Frost the Brownies

Using a spatula, spread a generous amount of cream cheese frosting on top of each heart-shaped brownie. You can keep it simple with a smooth layer, or get creative and pipe the frosting into pretty designs for an extra touch of love.

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy!

Serve your Valentine’s Heart-Shaped Red Velvet Brownies with a glass of milk, or gift them in a cute box for a sweet surprise. Either way, they’re sure to steal the show!

Nutrition Facts

Note: These values are approximate and based on standard ingredients.

Servings: 12-16 heart-shaped brownies
Calories per brownie: 200-250 (depending on size and frosting)

How to Serve Valentine’s Heart-Shaped Red Velvet Brownies

These brownies are perfect for:

• Valentine’s Day Dessert: They’re a sweet finish to a romantic dinner.
• Gift-Giving: Wrap them up with a ribbon or in a cute box for a homemade gift that’s both thoughtful and delicious.
• Parties and Gatherings: Serve them at any celebration where love and chocolate are in the air. They’re sure to impress!

Additional Tips

• Make Ahead: You can bake the brownies a day ahead and store them in an airtight container. Frost them just before serving to keep the cream cheese frosting fresh.
• Frosting Variations: Swap the cream cheese frosting for whipped cream, chocolate ganache, or even a simple powdered sugar glaze for a different twist.
• Perfect Red Velvet Color: Use gel food coloring for the most vibrant color. It doesn’t add extra liquid like liquid food coloring does, giving you better control over the consistency of your batter.
• Cutting the Brownies: If you’re not using a heart-shaped cutter, you can slice the brownies into squares, triangles, or any shape you desire. They’ll still taste amazing!

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I make these brownies without the cream cheese frosting?
A1: Absolutely! If you’re not a fan of cream cheese, you can use whipped cream, chocolate ganache, or even enjoy the brownies plain. The red velvet brownies are delicious on their own!

Q2: Can I make these brownies ahead of time?
A2: Yes, the brownies can be baked up to a day in advance. Just store them in an airtight container, and frost them just before serving to keep the frosting fresh.

Q3: Can I use store-bought frosting?
A3: Sure! If you’re short on time, store-bought frosting will work just fine. But homemade cream cheese frosting really adds that extra special touch.

Q4: Can I freeze these brownies?
A4: Yes, you can freeze the brownies (without frosting) for up to 3 months. Just wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and foil. Let them thaw at room temperature before serving.

Q5: Can I use a different shape instead of hearts?
A5: Definitely! You can use any cookie cutter shape you like or simply cut the brownies into squares. The love will still be there!

Q6: How do I make sure my brownies are fudgy?
A6: Be sure not to over-bake the brownies. They should be soft and slightly underdone in the center. They will firm up as they cool, giving them that perfect fudgy texture.

Q7: Can I add chocolate chips to the batter?
A7: Yes! If you want a little extra chocolatey goodness, feel free to fold in some chocolate chips or chunks into the brownie batter.

Q8: Can I make these brownies in a different size pan?
A8: If you use a different size pan, adjust the baking time accordingly. A larger pan may require less baking time, and a smaller pan may need a bit more.

Q9: Can I use milk instead of buttermilk?
A9: While buttermilk is best for that classic red velvet flavor, you can substitute it with regular milk or even make a quick buttermilk substitute by adding a tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice to a cup of milk.

Q10: How do I store leftovers?
A10: Store the brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want to keep them for longer, pop them in the fridge or freezer.

Conclusion

These Valentine Heart-Shaped Red Velvet Brownies are the perfect way to show someone you care—whether that’s with a sweet homemade gift or a delicious treat for yourself. The rich red velvet flavor, creamy frosting, and heart-shaped presentation make them a standout for any occasion, but especially for Valentine’s Day. Give this recipe a try, and you’ll find that love really does taste like brownies!

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