Mini Red Velvet Brownies with Vanilla Bean Cream Cheese Frosting

Mini Red Velvet Brownies with Vanilla Bean Cream Cheese Frosting are the cutest brownie bites ever! A sweet treat sure to get some attention! These delightful mini brownies are perfect for any occasion, from birthday parties to holiday gatherings. Their rich flavor and creamy frosting make them a standout dessert that everyone will love.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Irresistible Flavor: The blend of red velvet and cream cheese frosting creates a deliciously rich taste that is hard to resist.
• Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, even novice bakers can whip up these brownies in no time.
• Perfect for Sharing: Cut them into bite-sized pieces, making them ideal for parties or family gatherings where sharing is key.
• Festive Appeal: The vibrant red color makes these brownies a festive addition to any dessert table, especially around holidays like Valentine’s Day.
• Versatile Treat: Enjoy them as a snack, dessert, or a sweet surprise for someone special!

Tools and Preparation

Before you dive into making these Mini Red Velvet Brownies with Vanilla Bean Cream Cheese Frosting, gather your tools. Having everything ready will make the process smoother and more enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• 8×8 baking pan
• Mixing bowls
• Whisk or electric mixer
• Rubber spatula
• Measuring cups and spoons

Importance of Each Tool

• 8×8 baking pan: This size is perfect for achieving the right thickness of brownies, ensuring they bake evenly.
• Mixing bowls: Having multiple bowls allows you to organize your ingredients better and mix efficiently.
• Electric mixer: This tool saves time and effort when blending the cream cheese frosting, giving it a smooth texture.

Ingredients

Mini Red Velvet Brownies with Vanilla Cream Cheese Frosting are the cutest brownie bites ever! A sweet treat sure to get some attention!

For the Brownies

• 1 stick unsalted butter, cut into chunks
• 1 3/4 cups Ghirardelli Milk Chocolate Chips
• 2 large eggs + 1 egg yolk (room temperature)
• 5 tablespoons granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1 tablespoon red food coloring gel
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 1/2 tablespoons Ghirardelli unsweetened cocoa powder

For the Frosting

• 8 ounces cream cheese (softened)
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter (room temperature)
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 tablespoon vanilla extract or 2 teaspoons vanilla bean paste (I used Nielsen-Massey)
• 3-4 cups confectioners’ sugar

How to Make Mini Red Velvet Brownies with Vanilla Bean Cream Cheese Frosting

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. This ensures your brownies bake evenly from the start.

Step 2: Prepare Your Baking Pan

Line an 8×8 baking pan with heavy-duty foil. Make sure to lightly grease it so that the brownies come out easily after baking.

Step 3: Melt Butter and Chocolate Chips

In a medium saucepan over low heat, combine the unsalted butter and Ghirardelli milk chocolate chips. Stir until melted and smooth. Remove from heat.

Step 4: Mix Wet Ingredients

In a mixing bowl, add the melted chocolate mixture. Then incorporate eggs, egg yolk, granulated sugar, brown sugar, salt, vanilla extract, and red food coloring gel. Whisk until fully combined.

Step 5: Combine Dry Ingredients

In another bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour, baking powder, and cocoa powder. Gradually add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients. Stir until just combined; do not overmix.

Step 6: Bake the Brownies

Pour the brownie batter into your prepared pan. Bake in the preheated oven for about 40 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.

Step 7: Prepare Cream Cheese Frosting

While the brownies are cooling, beat together softened cream cheese and room-temperature butter in a mixing bowl until creamy. Gradually add confectioners’ sugar until desired sweetness is reached. Add salt and vanilla extract or vanilla bean paste; mix well.

Step 8: Frost Your Brownies

Once cooled completely, spread the vanilla bean cream cheese frosting evenly over your mini red velvet brownies.

Enjoy these delightful treats as they are sure to impress at any gathering!

How to Serve Mini Red Velvet Brownies with Vanilla Bean Cream Cheese Frosting

These delightful Mini Red Velvet Brownies with Vanilla Bean Cream Cheese Frosting are perfect for various occasions. Whether you’re hosting a party or enjoying a cozy night in, here are some serving suggestions to make your dessert shine.

With Fresh Berries

• Mixed Berries – Serve the brownies with a side of fresh strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries for a fruity contrast.
• Berry Sauce – Drizzle homemade berry sauce over the brownies for added flavor and visual appeal.

At a Dessert Bar

• Brownie Bites Display – Create a dessert bar featuring these adorable brownie bites alongside other treats for a colorful presentation.
• Toppings Station – Include various toppings such as sprinkles, crushed nuts, and whipped cream for guests to customize their brownie bites.

As Party Favors

• Individual Packaging – Wrap each brownie in clear cellophane tied with ribbon for cute party favors that guests can take home.
• Personalized Tags – Add personalized tags to each package to give them an extra special touch.

Pair with Beverages

• Coffee or Espresso – The rich flavors of coffee complement the chocolatey goodness of red velvet brownies perfectly.
• Milkshakes – Serve with vanilla or chocolate milkshakes for a fun twist on dessert.

How to Perfect Mini Red Velvet Brownies with Vanilla Bean Cream Cheese Frosting

To make your Mini Red Velvet Brownies even more scrumptious, consider these helpful tips.

• Bold Butter Quality – Use high-quality unsalted butter for richer flavor and better texture.
• Bold Room Temperature Ingredients – Ensure eggs and cream cheese are at room temperature to achieve a smooth batter and frosting.
• Bold Accurate Measuring – Measure your ingredients accurately, especially flour, as too much can lead to dry brownies.
• Bold Bake Time Monitoring – Keep an eye on your brownies towards the end of the baking time; they should be set but still soft in the center.
• Bold Cool Completely – Allow the brownies to cool completely before frosting to prevent melting and ensure clean cuts.
• Bold Experiment with Flavors – Feel free to add different extracts or spices like almond extract or cinnamon for unique twists!

Best Side Dishes for Mini Red Velvet Brownies with Vanilla Bean Cream Cheese Frosting

Pairing side dishes with your mini red velvet brownies can elevate your dessert experience. Here are some excellent options to consider.

1. Vanilla Ice Cream – A classic pairing that adds creaminess and balances the sweetness of the brownies.
2. Chocolate Mousse – A rich chocolate mousse complements the red velvet beautifully without overpowering it.
3. Fruit Salad – A light fruit salad offers refreshing flavors that contrast nicely with the dense brownies.
4. Cheesecake Bites – These mini cheesecake bites provide a creamy texture that pairs well with the brownie’s richness.
5. Caramel Sauce Dipping Bowl – Set up a bowl of warm caramel sauce for dipping; it adds an extra layer of indulgence.
6. Whipped Cream Topping – Light whipped cream can be served on top or on the side for those who enjoy a fluffy texture alongside their brownie.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making Mini Red Velvet Brownies with Vanilla Bean Cream Cheese Frosting can be a delightful experience, but there are common pitfalls that can affect your results. Here are some mistakes to watch for:

• Using cold ingredients: Starting with cold eggs or butter can make it hard to blend the batter smoothly. Always bring these ingredients to room temperature for the best texture.
• Overmixing the batter: Mixing too much can lead to tough brownies. Stir until just combined to keep them soft and fudgy.
• Not measuring accurately: Baking is a science, and incorrect measurements can ruin your dessert. Use measuring cups and spoons for precision.
• Skipping the greasing step: Even if you line your pan, skipping grease can cause sticking issues. Lightly grease the foil to ensure easy removal.
• Ignoring baking time: Each oven varies, so starting with the recommended time and checking often can prevent overbaking. Toothpick tests are key!

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container.
• Mini Red Velvet Brownies will last up to 5 days in the fridge.

Freezing Mini Red Velvet Brownies with Vanilla Bean Cream Cheese Frosting

• Place brownies in a freezer-safe container or wrap tightly in plastic wrap.
• They can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Reheating Mini Red Velvet Brownies with Vanilla Bean Cream Cheese Frosting

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F and warm brownies for about 10 minutes.
• Microwave: Heat on medium power for 15-20 seconds until warm.
• Stovetop: Place in a skillet over low heat with a lid for a few minutes until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use different food coloring?

Yes, you can experiment with other colors for fun variations of these mini brownies!

What if I don’t have vanilla bean paste?

You can substitute it with additional vanilla extract. The flavor may differ slightly but will still be delicious.

How do I make these brownies gluten-free?

Simply replace all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend to keep the same texture without gluten.

Can I add nuts or chocolate chips?

Absolutely! Feel free to mix in your favorite nuts or extra chocolate chips into the brownie batter for added crunch and flavor.

Final Thoughts

These Mini Red Velvet Brownies with Vanilla Bean Cream Cheese Frosting are not only adorable but also deliciously versatile. Perfect for parties or as a sweet treat any day, they beckon customization—try adding nuts or using different frostings! Enjoy making this charming dessert!

Did You Enjoy Making This Recipe? Please rate this recipe with ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ or leave a comment.

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Mini Red Velvet Brownies with Vanilla Bean Cream Cheese Frosting

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• Author: Vanessa
• Total Time: 1 hour
• Yield: Approximately 16 servings 1x

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Description

Mini Red Velvet Brownies with Vanilla Bean Cream Cheese Frosting are delightful bite-sized treats that bring a touch of whimsy and indulgence to any occasion. These mini brownies, with their rich red velvet flavor and creamy vanilla bean frosting, are sure to capture hearts and taste buds alike. Perfect for parties, holiday celebrations, or even as a sweet surprise for loved ones, these brownies combine simplicity with elegance. With straightforward ingredients and easy-to-follow steps, both novice bakers and seasoned pros can whip up these charming desserts in no time. Serve them at your next gathering and watch as they disappear quickly!

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 stick unsalted butter
• 1 3/4 cups Ghirardelli Milk Chocolate Chips
• 2 large eggs + 1 egg yolk
• 5 tablespoons granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon red food coloring gel
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 8 ounces cream cheese (softened)
• 3–4 cups confectioners' sugar

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F.
2. Line an 8×8 baking pan with heavy-duty foil and lightly grease it.
3. In a saucepan over low heat, melt butter and chocolate chips together until smooth.
4. In a mixing bowl, combine the melted mixture with eggs, sugars, salt, vanilla extract, and red food coloring; whisk until combined.
5. In another bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and cocoa powder; gradually mix into the wet ingredients until just combined.
6. Pour batter into the prepared pan and bake for about 40 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
7. While cooling, beat cream cheese and butter until creamy; gradually mix in confectioners' sugar until desired sweetness is reached.
8. Once brownies are cool, frost with the cream cheese mixture.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Calories: 130
• Sugar: 12g
• Sodium: 80mg
• Fat: 7g
• Saturated Fat: 4g
• Unsaturated Fat: 2g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 15g
• Fiber: <1g
• Protein: 2g
• Cholesterol: 25mg