Decadent Vegan Red Velvet Brownies with Tangy Cream Cheese Frosting
Prepare to be utterly enchanted by these moist, rich, and utterly irresistible Vegan Red Velvet Brownies, crowned with a luscious, tangy cream cheese frosting. This divine treat is perfect for celebrating special occasions, impressing guests, or simply satisfying your deepest dessert cravings with a plant-based twist. You’ll fall in love with the classic red velvet flavor profile – a delicate balance of chocolate, vanilla, and a hint of tang – all perfectly complemented by the cloud-like frosting on top. Each bite delivers a harmonious blend of fudgy brownie texture and creamy sweetness, making these a truly unforgettable indulgence.
My journey into the world of vegan food blogging began long ago, rooted deeply in my passion for baking. Before transitioning to plant-based recipes, my very first successful venture with my baking company was a classic red velvet cake. That recipe, filled with nostalgic charm and sophisticated flavor, will always hold a cherished spot in my heart. However, sometimes the elaborate process of baking an entire cake (or even a batch of red velvet cupcakes) isn’t what I’m looking for. For those moments when I crave that iconic red velvet taste with less fuss, these fudgy vegan red velvet brownies emerge as the absolute perfect solution!
Achieving that signature red velvet taste in these brownies goes beyond just coloring. It’s a symphony of flavors and reactions. To capture that distinctive red velvet tang, I’ve thoughtfully incorporated vinegar into the recipe. While vinegar might seem an unusual addition to a traditional brownie, it’s absolutely crucial for red velvet, as it reacts with the cocoa and baking soda to create that unique depth and a subtle, characteristic tanginess. Beyond this, premium vanilla extract and rich chocolate chips play equally vital roles, elevating these brownies to a league of their own. The combination creates a complex, irresistible flavor profile that sets them apart from any other brownie you’ve ever experienced.
Why You’ll Adore This Vegan Red Velvet Brownie Recipe
- Made from Scratch with Love. Forget about bland, processed boxed mixes! These red velvet brownies are crafted entirely from scratch using simple, wholesome ingredients you likely already have in your pantry. This guarantees a depth of flavor and a superior texture that pre-packaged alternatives simply can’t match.
- Perfectly Fudgy and Irresistibly Moist. One of the hallmarks of a truly great brownie is its texture, and these deliver spectacularly. They strike the ideal balance between being wonderfully fudgy and delightfully moist, without being overly gooey or dry and cakey. Each bite is dense, rich, and melts in your mouth, offering an unparalleled dessert experience.
- Light, Fluffy, and Tangy Vegan Cream Cheese Frosting. What’s red velvet without its iconic cream cheese frosting? This recipe includes my absolute favorite vegan cream cheese frosting – it’s incredibly rich, wonderfully tangy, and boasts a light, fluffy consistency that perfectly complements the deep flavor of the brownies. This frosting is not just an optional topping; it’s an essential component that completes the ultimate red velvet experience.
Essential Ingredients for Your Red Velvet Masterpiece
To ensure your vegan red velvet brownies turn out perfectly every time, paying attention to your ingredients is key. Below are some notes on the components for both the brownies and the luscious cream cheese frosting. You can find precise quantities and detailed instructions by scrolling down to the comprehensive recipe card.
For the Unforgettable Red Velvet Brownies:
- Vegan Chocolate Chips – The star of any brownie! Make sure to select high-quality vegan chocolate chips to achieve that deep, rich chocolate flavor without any dairy. Dark chocolate chips work wonderfully here to enhance the red velvet essence.
- All-Purpose Flour – This forms the structural base of your brownies. For those with dietary restrictions, a good quality measure-for-measure gluten-free flour blend can be substituted to create equally delicious gluten-free red velvet brownies without compromising on texture.
- Sea Salt – A crucial ingredient that balances the sweetness and enhances the overall flavor of the chocolate. Don’t skip it!
- Flax Eggs – Our fantastic vegan egg replacer! You’ll need two flax eggs, which are easily made by combining ground flaxseed meal with water and letting it sit to thicken. Alternatively, any commercial vegan egg replacer can be used according to package directions. Learn how to make flax egg easily.
- Brown Sugar – I prefer raw brown sugar, cane sugar, or even coconut sugar for this recipe. Brown sugar not only adds sweetness but also contributes to the brownies’ moist and fudgy texture, offering a subtle caramel note that complements the red velvet flavor beautifully.
- Oil – A neutral-flavored oil works well to provide moisture and richness. For an even richer taste, you can swap the oil for your favorite vegan butter, ensuring it’s melted before incorporation.
- Water – Helps to bring the batter to the perfect consistency, ensuring a smooth and evenly mixed base.
- Vanilla Extract or Vanilla Paste – This is where you don’t want to skimp! High-quality pure vanilla extract or vanilla paste is essential for the classic red velvet flavor. Avoid imitation vanilla, as it will detract from the overall richness and aroma of your brownies.
- Natural Red Food Coloring – To achieve that iconic vibrant red hue. Opt for natural, plant-based food coloring to keep these brownies truly vegan.
- Vinegar – Everyday white vinegar is perfect. This acidic component is fundamental to red velvet recipes. It reacts with the baking soda and cocoa powder, activating the leavening agents and creating the distinctive red velvet tang and tender crumb.
- Baking Soda – Works in tandem with the vinegar to help the brownies rise slightly and contribute to their tender texture.
For the Dreamy Vegan Cream Cheese Frosting:
- Vegan Cream Cheese – Choose a good quality vegan cream cheese that you enjoy the taste of. It’s crucial that it comes to room temperature before mixing to ensure a smooth, lump-free frosting with a creamy consistency. My favorite vegan cream cheese works perfectly here!
- Vegan Butter – Just like the cream cheese, your vegan butter must be at room temperature. This ensures it creams properly with the cream cheese, leading to a light and airy frosting.
- Vanilla Extract or Vanilla Paste – Again, use a high-quality vanilla to impart a wonderful aromatic depth to the frosting, complementing the tanginess of the cream cheese.
- Sea Salt – A small pinch of salt in the frosting helps to cut through the sweetness and enhance all the other flavors.
- Powdered Sugar – Also known as confectioners’ sugar. It’s vital to sift this ingredient to prevent any lumps in your smooth frosting. It provides the bulk and sweetness.
- Cornstarch – A secret ingredient that helps to stabilize the vegan cream cheese frosting, giving it structure and ensuring it holds its shape beautifully without being too soft. Sifting is also important here.
Ensuring Your Red Food Coloring is Vegan-Friendly
When crafting these delicious vegan red velvet brownies, a key consideration for maintaining their plant-based integrity is the red food coloring. Many conventional red food colorings contain carmine, a pigment derived from cochineal insects, which is not suitable for a vegan diet. To ensure your brownies are truly vegan-friendly, always check the ingredient list of your food coloring. Look for natural, plant-based alternatives that utilize ingredients such as beet juice, paprika, or other vegetable extracts to achieve that vibrant, iconic deep red hue. These natural options will provide the beautiful color you desire while adhering to vegan principles, allowing everyone to enjoy these magnificent treats.
Step-by-Step Guide to Crafting Perfect Red Velvet Brownies
Creating these sensational vegan red velvet brownies is a rewarding experience. Follow these detailed steps to ensure a flawless result, from preparing the rich brownie base to achieving that luxurious cream cheese frosting.
Preparing the Brownie Base
- Preheat and Prepare Your Pan. Begin by preheating your oven to 325°F (160°C). Then, prepare an 8×8-inch baking pan by greasing it thoroughly or lining it with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on two sides to easily lift the brownies out later. This ensures a clean release.
- Melt the Chocolate Chips. Gently melt your vegan chocolate chips. This can be done in a microwave-safe bowl, heating in 30-second intervals and stirring until smooth, or by using a double boiler on the stovetop for a more controlled melt. Be careful not to overheat the chocolate.
- Combine the Dry Ingredients. In a medium-sized mixing bowl, thoroughly whisk together the all-purpose flour and sea salt. Ensure they are well combined, then set this dry mixture aside.
Mixing the Wet and Dry Ingredients
- Prepare the Wet Ingredients. In a separate, larger bowl, combine the flax eggs, brown sugar, and oil. Beat this mixture using either a stand mixer or by hand for approximately 2 minutes until it becomes light and well-combined. Next, stir in the water, premium vanilla extract, and your chosen natural red food coloring until the liquid mixture achieves a uniform, vibrant red hue.
- Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures. Gradually add the dry flour mixture to the wet ingredients, followed by the melted chocolate chips. Stir gently for about 3 minutes, or until all ingredients are just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to tougher brownies.
The Magic of Vinegar and Baking Soda
- Activate the Leavening. In a small separate bowl, combine the vinegar and baking soda. You’ll notice an immediate fizzing reaction – this is exactly what we want! Stir it quickly, then immediately incorporate this mixture into your brownie batter, stirring just until combined. This reaction is crucial for the red velvet’s characteristic texture and slight tang.
- Bake to Perfection. Pour the prepared batter evenly into your greased or parchment-lined baking pan. Gently tap the pan on your counter a few times to release any trapped air bubbles, ensuring a smooth, even bake. Bake for approximately 35 minutes. (See tips below for adjusting baking time for fudgier or cakey brownies).
Cooling and Whipping Up the Silky Cream Cheese Frosting
- Cool the Brownies Completely. Once baked, remove the brownies from the oven and allow them to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack. This is a critical step; if you try to frost warm brownies, the frosting will simply melt. For best results, once cooled to room temperature, chill the brownies in the fridge while you prepare your frosting.
- Begin the Frosting. In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment (or using a hand mixer), beat the room-temperature vegan butter and vegan cream cheese together for about 2 minutes. Continue until they are fully incorporated and smooth. Beat in the vanilla extract and a pinch of sea salt to enhance the flavor.
- Add Sweetness and Stability. Gradually add about a cup of sifted powdered sugar along with all of the sifted cornstarch. Mix for about 1 minute until well incorporated. Continue adding the remaining powdered sugar, one cup at a time, mixing after each addition, until your frosting reaches the desired thickness and creamy consistency.
Frosting and Chilling for the Ultimate Experience
- Chill the Frosting for Optimal Thickness. While you can use the frosting immediately, covering the bowl and chilling it in the fridge for at least 4 hours, or even overnight, will allow it to firm up beautifully. This creates a more stable and easier-to-spread frosting with a superior texture.
- Frost and Serve. Once the brownies are completely cool and the frosting has achieved its desired consistency, spread the vegan cream cheese frosting generously over the brownies. For the cleanest slices and best overall experience, refrigerate the frosted brownies for at least an hour before slicing and serving. Enjoy every decadent bite!
Expert Tips for Flawless Vegan Red Velvet Brownies
To ensure your vegan red velvet brownies are nothing short of spectacular, keep these valuable tips in mind:
- Tailor the Texture to Your Liking. The baking time significantly influences the final texture of your brownies. For a truly fudgy, dense brownie, bake for precisely 35 minutes. If you prefer a slightly more cakey texture while still maintaining moistness, extend the baking time to 40 minutes. Keep an eye on them, as ovens can vary.
- Embrace Room Temperature for Frosting Ingredients. This tip is paramount for a silky, lump-free cream cheese frosting. Ensure both your vegan butter and vegan cream cheese are brought to proper room temperature. Cold ingredients will lead to a stiff, clumpy frosting that is difficult to spread and won’t achieve that coveted smooth consistency.
- Always Sift Your Dry Frosting Ingredients. To prevent any unwelcome lumps in your beautifully smooth frosting, make sure to sift both the powdered sugar (confectioners’ sugar) and the cornstarch. This small step makes a huge difference in achieving a professional, uniform texture.
- Patience is Key: Cool Brownies Before Frosting. It cannot be stressed enough – allow your brownies to cool completely, preferably chilling them in the fridge, before attempting to spread the frosting. Applying frosting to warm brownies is a recipe for disaster; the frosting will melt, creating a messy, runny topping instead of a defined, creamy layer.
- Master the Art of Perfect Slices. For picture-perfect red velvet brownie squares, use a warm knife for slicing. Dip your knife in hot water and wipe it clean with a paper towel after each cut. This technique prevents the red velvet crumbs from mixing into the pristine white frosting, ensuring each slice looks as appealing as it tastes.
Creative Variations & Delightful Serving Ideas
While these vegan red velvet brownies are truly spectacular on their own, don’t hesitate to get creative with variations and serving suggestions to customize them to your taste or for specific occasions:
- Add a Crunchy Texture. For an appealing contrast in texture, gently fold in about ½ cup of chopped pecans or walnuts into the brownie batter just before baking. The nutty crunch pairs wonderfully with the fudgy base.
- Boost the Chocolate Factor. Enhance the decadence by mixing in an additional ½ cup of white chocolate chips or dark chocolate chunks into the red velvet brownie batter. This adds extra pockets of melted chocolate goodness.
- Festive Toppings and Elegant Touches. Elevate the presentation! For a festive look, sprinkle some colorful vegan sprinkles over the cream cheese frosting. For a more sophisticated touch, grate some vegan dark chocolate shavings or curls over the top before serving.
- Pair with a Refreshing Beverage. These rich brownies are heavenly when served alongside a tall glass of cold vegan milk, a hot cup of coffee, or a comforting herbal tea.
- A Scoop of Something Extra. For an ultimate dessert experience, serve a warmed red velvet brownie with a scoop of your favorite vegan vanilla ice cream or a dollop of vegan whipped cream. A drizzle of raspberry sauce could also add a fantastic fruity counterpoint.
Storing Your Delicious Red Velvet Brownies
Refrigerator Storage
Due to their delicate cream cheese frosting, these red velvet brownies are best stored in the refrigerator. Place them in an airtight container to maintain their freshness and prevent them from drying out. When stored correctly, they will remain delicious for up to a week, allowing you to savor them over several days.
Freezing for Later Enjoyment
Yes, these delightful vegan red velvet brownies freeze beautifully! To freeze, arrange the frosted brownies in a single layer on a parchment-lined baking sheet and place them in the freezer until the frosting is completely solid. Once firm, transfer the frozen brownies to an airtight freezer-safe container or a heavy-duty freezer bag, separating layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking. They will keep well in the freezer for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy them, simply thaw them overnight in the refrigerator before serving. This makes them a fantastic make-ahead dessert!
Discover More Irresistible Vegan Brownie Recipes
If you loved these red velvet brownies, you’re in for a treat! Explore more of my favorite plant-based brownie creations:
- Pumpkin Brownies
- Vegan Mug Brownie
- Gluten Free Brownies
- Classic Vegan Brownies
- Vegan Almond Flour Brownies
- Peppermint Chocolate Brownies
Enjoy these delightful treats, friends! If you try this incredible vegan red velvet brownie recipe, I would absolutely love to see your creations. Please snap a photo and tag #jessicainthekitchen on Instagram! Your feedback means the world to me, so please consider leaving a comment below and giving the recipe a star rating. Thank you so much for your support!
Red Velvet Brownies
Pin Recipe
Leave a Review
Ingredients
Brownies
- 1 cup chocolate chips, melted, (188g)
- 1 cup all-purpose flour, (133.75g)
- 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
- 2 flax eggs, or 2 vegan egg substitutes
- 3/4 cup brown sugar, I use raw brown sugar, cane sugar or coconut sugar, (158g)
- 1/2 cup oil, or vegan butter (any kind), (100g)
- 1/4 cup water
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract, or vanilla paste
- 2-3 tablespoons natural red food colouring
- 1 teaspoon vinegar
- 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
Vegan Cream Cheese Frosting
- 8 ounces vegan cream cheese*, bring to room temperature
- ½ cup vegan butter, bring to room temperature, (4 ounces)
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- pinch sea salt, or vanilla paste
- 3 – 4 cups powdered sugar, sifted, (480g for 4 cups)
- 1/4 cup cornstarch, sifted, (32g)
Instructions
Brownies
- Preheat oven to 325°F/160°C.
- Melt chocolate chips in microwave for a minute, stirring after to see if chips have melted. If not, microwave in increments of 30 seconds until completely melted. Alternatively, you can melt in over a small pot of boiling water (Not a lot of water in the pot) and put the chocolate chips it in a heat proof and melt proof bowl over the pot and stir until melted.
- In a medium bowl, whisk the flour and salt and until combined. Set aside.
- In a separate bowl, add the flax eggs, sugar and oil and mix until combined in a mixer or by hand for about 2 minutes. Add the water, Nielsen-Massey Organic Fairtrade Madagascar Bourbon Pure Vanilla Extract and natural red food colouring and stir again for 1 minute. Add the dry mixture to the wet mixture and melted chocolate chips and stir for about 3 minutes until combined.
- In a small container, combine the vinegar and the baking soda. It will fizz! Stir quickly, add to the brownie mixture and combine once more.
- Pour into a greased, parchment lined, or a greased foil-lined 8×8 square pan. Tap the brownie pan on the counter a few times to release any bubbles.
- Bake for 35 minutes.**
- When finished, remove from oven and allow to cool completely in pan on a wire rack. Then let brownies chill in the fridge while you make the frosting (if not made already).
- Add the frosting to the brownies, then allow to chill in the fridge for at least an hour before slicing through. Slice through with a warm knife, cleaning after slice to prevent red velvet crumbs from getting all over the frosting. Serve and enjoy! These brownies are best stored in the fridge and freeze beautifully!
Cream Cheese Frosting
- In the bowl of a mixer, beat the butter and cream cheese together for about 2 minutes until fully incorporated.
- Add in the vanilla extract and the pinch of salt.
- Add in a cup of sifted powdered sugar and all of the sifted cornstarch. Mix for about 1 minute or until incorporated. Add in the powdered sugar 1 cup at a time until the frosting has reached the desired thickness.
- Place the frosting wrapped or covered into the fridge for at least 4 hours or overnight, until being used. You can enjoy it right away, but it will thicken up beautifully in the fridge.
Notes
- *If you can’t find vegan cream cheese, you can use cream cheese spread but it won’t hold up out the fridge! It’ll taste delicious though!
- **The first time I made these brownies I baked them at 40 minutes. They came out slightly fudgy, slightly cake-y, which was still an amazing contrast to the richness of the frosting. So if you want more fudgy – 35 minutes is great, if you want slightly cake-y brownies, 40 minutes is for you!
- To store: Red velvet brownies are best stored in the refrigerator, where they can last for up to a week in an airtight container.
- To freeze: Freeze the brownies on a parchment-lined sheet pan until the frosting is solid, then transfer them to an airtight container or freezer bag. They will last for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before serving.
Disclaimer: Although jessicainthekitchen.com attempts to provide accurate nutritional information, kindly note that these are only estimates. Nutritional information may be affected based on the product type, the brand that was purchased, and in other unforeseeable ways. Jessicainthekitchen.com will not be held liable for any loss or damage resulting for your reliance on nutritional information. If you need to follow a specific caloric regimen, please consult your doctor first.