Description
These Valentine Heart-Shaped Red Velvet Brownies are a decadent, chocolaty dessert with a touch of Valentine’s flair. Rich and fudgy with a beautiful red velvet color, they’re perfect for sharing with loved ones on this special day. Top them with cream cheese frosting or enjoy them plain for a sweet treat that’s sure to impress!
Ingredients
Scale
For the Brownies:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tbsp cocoa powder
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1 tbsp red food coloring
- 1/2 cup buttermilk (or milk)
- 1/2 tsp white vinegar
For the Cream Cheese Frosting:
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
- Prepare the Pan and Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper, allowing some overhang for easy removal. If you’re using a heart-shaped mold, grease and flour it instead.
- Make the Brownie Batter: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the melted butter and sugar until smooth. Add the eggs and vanilla extract, and whisk until combined. Stir in the cocoa powder, flour, baking powder, and salt. Mix in the buttermilk, red food coloring, and vinegar. Stir until the batter is smooth and well combined.
- Bake the Brownies: Pour the brownie batter into the prepared pan (or heart-shaped mold). Spread the batter evenly, and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out mostly clean with a few moist crumbs. Allow the brownies to cool completely in the pan before removing them.
- Make the Cream Cheese Frosting: While the brownies are cooling, beat the softened cream cheese and butter together until smooth and creamy. Gradually add the powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and salt, and beat until fluffy and light.
- Shape and Frost: Once the brownies have cooled, use a heart-shaped cookie cutter to cut them into heart shapes. Spread a layer of cream cheese frosting on top of each heart-shaped brownie, or pipe frosting on top for a decorative finish.
- Serve: Serve the Valentine’s Heart-Shaped Red Velvet Brownies as a delightful treat for your loved ones. Enjoy them with a cup of coffee or tea!
Notes
- You can adjust the amount of red food coloring depending on how vibrant you want the red velvet color to be.
- For a decorative touch, you can sprinkle some red or pink sprinkles on top of the frosting or drizzle with melted white chocolate.
- If you don’t have buttermilk, you can use regular milk with 1 teaspoon of lemon juice or vinegar to create a similar effect.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 brownie (out of 9)
- Calories: 270
- Sugar: 24
- Sodium: 110mg
- Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 40mg