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! These delightful treats combine rich flavors and vibrant color, making them perfect for parties, celebrations, or just a sweet indulgence. With their fudgy texture and creamy frosting, they stand out as a unique dessert that everyone will love.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Irresistible Flavor: The combination of chocolatey goodness and creamy vanilla bean frosting creates a flavor profile that is hard to resist.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a birthday party or a cozy night in, these mini brownies fit right in.
• Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you can whip up these brownies quickly and effortlessly.
• Cute Presentation: Their mini size makes them adorable and easy to serve, perfect for sharing with friends and family.
• Versatile Frosting Options: You can customize the frosting by using different types of vanilla or even adding your favorite toppings.

Tools and Preparation

To make your baking experience smooth, having the right tools on hand is essential. Here’s what you’ll need for whipping up these Mini Red Velvet Brownies with Vanilla Bean Cream Cheese Frosting.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• 8×8 baking pan
• Mixing bowls
• Electric mixer
• Rubber spatula
• Measuring cups and spoons

Importance of Each Tool

• 8×8 baking pan: This specific size ensures even cooking for your brownies, helping achieve that perfect fudgy texture.
• Electric mixer: Using an electric mixer saves time and effort when blending the cream cheese frosting to a smooth consistency.

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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 that your brownies bake evenly and come out perfectly soft.

Step 2: Prepare the Baking Pan

Line an 8×8 baking pan with heavy-duty foil. Lightly grease it to prevent sticking. This step is crucial for easy removal of the brownies once baked.

Step 3: Make the Brownie Batter

In a mixing bowl, combine the following:
1. Melt the butter in a saucepan over low heat. Once melted, remove from heat and add chocolate chips until smooth.
2. In another bowl, whisk together eggs, granulated sugar, brown sugar, salt, vanilla extract, and red food coloring gel until well combined.
3. Gradually add the melted chocolate mixture to the egg mixture, stirring until fully blended.
4. Sift together flour, baking powder, and cocoa powder in another bowl; then fold into wet ingredients until just combined.

Step 4: Bake the Brownies

Pour the brownie batter into the prepared pan. Spread evenly and bake for about 30-40 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out with moist crumbs.

Step 5: Prepare the Frosting

While brownies cool:
1. In a large mixing bowl, beat softened cream cheese with room-temperature butter until smooth.
2. Add salt and either vanilla extract or vanilla bean paste; mix well.
3. Gradually add confectioners sugar until desired sweetness is reached.

Step 6: Assemble Your Treats

Once brownies have cooled completely:
1. Spread a generous layer of frosting over the top of your brownies.
2. Cut into small squares or bite-sized pieces for serving.

Enjoy these delightful Mini Red Velvet Brownies with Vanilla Bean Cream Cheese Frosting at your next gathering or as a fun treat for yourself!

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

Mini Red Velvet Brownies with Vanilla Bean Cream Cheese Frosting are perfect for any occasion. Their delightful flavor and eye-catching color make them a hit at parties, gatherings, or simply as a treat for yourself.

For a Festive Celebration

• Garnish with Sprinkles: Add colorful sprinkles on top of the frosting to create a fun and festive look.
• Serve on Decorative Platters: Arrange brownies on a beautiful platter for an appealing presentation at parties.

With Fresh Berries

• Pair with Strawberries: The sweetness of strawberries complements the rich brownie flavor beautifully.
• Add Raspberries for Tartness: Fresh raspberries provide a tart contrast that enhances the overall taste experience.

As Part of a Dessert Table

• Include Mini Cupcakes: Offer mini cupcakes alongside brownies for variety and visual appeal.
• Combine with Other Brownie Flavors: Create an assortment by including different brownie flavors like classic chocolate or walnut brownies.

With Coffee or Tea

• Serve with Coffee: These brownies pair perfectly with a cup of coffee, enhancing their flavor profile.
• Offer with Herbal Teas: A light herbal tea can balance the richness of the brownies nicely.

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

Perfecting your Mini Red Velvet Brownies with Vanilla Bean Cream Cheese Frosting is easy with a few simple tips. Follow these suggestions to ensure your brownies come out delicious every time.

• Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Having eggs and butter at room temperature helps create a smoother batter and better texture.
• Don’t Overmix the Batter: Mix just until combined to keep your brownies fudgy and moist.
• Check for Doneness Carefully: Insert a toothpick; it should come out slightly moist but not wet, ensuring gooey centers.
• Chill Before Serving: Refrigerating the frosted brownies for 30 minutes before serving helps set the frosting and enhances flavors.

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

Mini Red Velvet Brownies are delicious on their own but can be complemented beautifully by various side dishes. Here are some great options to serve alongside them.

1. Vanilla Ice Cream: A scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream makes an indulgent pairing that balances the richness of the brownies.
2. Fruit Salad: A light fruit salad adds freshness and color, making it an excellent complement to the sweet flavors.
3. Whipped Coconut Cream: This dairy-free whipped cream alternative provides a luxurious texture without overshadowing the brownie flavor.
4. Chocolate Mousse: Rich chocolate mousse offers another layer of chocolate goodness that many dessert lovers will enjoy.
5. Nutty Granola: A sprinkle of nutty granola adds crunch and texture, enhancing the dessert experience.
6. Coffee Milkshake: This sweet beverage pairs perfectly, providing a delightful contrast to the fudgy texture of the brownies.
7. Yogurt Parfait: Layered yogurt with fruits creates a refreshing dish that cuts through the richness while adding creaminess.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Baking Mini Red Velvet Brownies with Vanilla Bean Cream Cheese Frosting can be a delightful experience, but there are some common mistakes to watch out for.

• Not using room temperature ingredients: Cold eggs and cream cheese can lead to uneven mixing. Always let your eggs and cream cheese sit out until they reach room temperature before starting.

• Overmixing the batter: Mixing too much can make your brownies tough instead of fudgy. Mix just until the dry ingredients are incorporated for the best texture.

• Skipping the baking powder: Baking powder is essential for achieving that perfect rise. Make sure you measure it accurately and include it in your mix.

• Not lining the pan properly: If the pan isn’t lined or greased well, your brownies may stick. Use heavy-duty foil and lightly grease it to ensure easy removal.

• Ignoring the cooling time: Cutting into brownies too soon can result in a messy presentation. Allow them to cool completely in the pan before slicing for clean edges.

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Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store Mini Red Velvet Brownies in an airtight container.
• They will stay fresh for up to 5 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing Mini Red Velvet Brownies with Vanilla Bean Cream Cheese Frosting

• Wrap each brownie individually in plastic wrap before placing them in a freezer-safe container.
• They can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge when ready to enjoy.

Reheating Mini Red Velvet Brownies with Vanilla Bean Cream Cheese Frosting

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and warm brownies for about 10 minutes.
• Microwave: Heat individual brownies for 10-15 seconds until warmed through.
• Stovetop: Place on a skillet over low heat, cover, and warm for 5-7 minutes, checking frequently.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making Mini Red Velvet Brownies with Vanilla Bean Cream Cheese Frosting.

Can I use different food coloring?

Yes! Feel free to experiment with other colors of gel food coloring if you want a different twist on your brownies.

How can I make these brownies gluten-free?

You can substitute regular flour with a gluten-free all-purpose blend that measures cup-for-cup like traditional flour.

What can I use instead of cream cheese?

For a lighter option, use Greek yogurt or plant-based cream cheese as an alternative to traditional cream cheese frosting.

How do I store leftover frosting?

Store any leftover vanilla bean cream cheese frosting in an airtight container in the fridge for up to one week. You can also freeze it for longer storage.

Final Thoughts

These Mini Red Velvet Brownies with Vanilla Bean Cream Cheese Frosting are not only visually stunning but also incredibly delicious! They are perfect for any celebration or simply as a sweet treat at home. Feel free to customize them by adding nuts or different extracts into the batter or frosting for unique flavors!