Our celebrations have changed a lot since our first days of celebrating Valentine’s Day. I remember when a stuffed animal and a box of candy made me happy. Okay, that made me laugh a little; those days are long gone. Since then, we have spent many Valentine’s dinners with our kids when they were small, and we have celebrated a few at fancy restaurants.
It seems that we enjoy our time at home, now more than ever. I know what you’re thinking. That is a sure sign of getting old, and you would be right. We have been blessed to enjoy many seasons of life together, and they have all been my favorite. This season is my new favorite, though.
If you are looking forward to a special Valentine’s Day at home this year, here is a delicious treat to make for your loved one! And, if staying home means we get red velvet desserts, I’m all for it! These red velvet brownies topped with cream cheese frosting are terrific! Check your brownies early. You do not want to overbake them, when you insert a toothpick into the center, you want to see a few moist crumbs.
Red Velvet Brownies with Cream Cheese Frosting
Ingredients
- 1 (4-ounce) bittersweet chocolate bar chopped
- 3/4 cup salted butter
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 (1-ounce) bottle red liquid food coloring
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- Cream Cheese Frosting
- 1 (8-ounce) package cream cheese softened
- 1/2 cup salted butter softened
- 6 cups powdered sugar
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350℉. Line bottom and sides of a 9-inch square baking pan with foil, allowing 2 - 3 inches to extend over sides; lightly spray with nonstick cooking spray.
- Microwave chocolate and butter in a large microwavable bowl on HIGH until melted (1 1/2 - 2 minutes). Whisk until smooth.
- Whisk in sugar.
- Add eggs, one at a time, whisking just until blended.
- Whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. Gently stir flour mixture, food coloring, and vanilla into chocolate mixture, stirring just until well incorporated.
- Pour batter into prepared pan. Bake in preheated oven until a wooden toothpick inserted in center comes out with a few moist crumbs, about 25 minutes.
- Cool completely on a wire rack.
- While brownies are cooling, prepare frosting. Beat cream cheese and butter until creamy, but do not overbeat. With mixer on low, add powdered sugar and mix until smooth. Beat in vanilla. Increase speed to high and beat until light and fluffy, just about 1 - 2 minutes.
- Cut into squares and serve.