Vampire Bite Red Velvet Brownies Recipe
Introduction
These Vampire Bite Red Velvet Brownies are a festive and decadent treat perfect for Halloween or any spooky occasion. Rich red velvet batter meets dark chocolate chips, topped with a creamy cheesecake swirl for an irresistible bite.
Ingredients
- 1 cup (225 g) unsalted butter, melted
- 2 cups (400 g) granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon red food coloring
- 2 cups (250 g) all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup (50 g) unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup (175 g) dark chocolate chips
- 8 oz (225 g) cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup (115 g) unsalted butter, softened
- 4 cups (480 g) powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1-2 tablespoons milk (as needed for consistency)
- 1/2 cup (90 g) dark chocolate chips
- 2 tablespoons heavy cream
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare a 9×13 inch (23×33 cm) baking pan by greasing it or lining it with parchment paper.
- Step 2: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt.
- Step 3: In a large mixing bowl, combine the melted butter and granulated sugar. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition, then stir in the vanilla extract and red food coloring.
- Step 4: Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring gently until just combined. Fold in the 1 cup (175 g) dark chocolate chips.
- Step 5: Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and spread it out evenly.
- Step 6: Bake for 25-30 minutes, checking doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center—it should come out with a few moist crumbs but not wet batter.
- Step 7: While the brownies bake, prepare the cream cheese frosting by beating the softened cream cheese and butter until smooth. Gradually add the powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and 1-2 tablespoons of milk until the frosting reaches a spreadable consistency.
- Step 8: Once the brownies are fully cooled, spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over the top.
- Step 9: In a small microwave-safe bowl, combine 1/2 cup (90 g) dark chocolate chips with 2 tablespoons heavy cream. Microwave in 20-second intervals, stirring between each, until melted and smooth. Drizzle or pipe this ganache over the frosting for an extra chocolatey bite.
- Step 10: Chill the brownies until the frosting and ganache set, then cut into squares and serve.
Tips & Variations
- To intensify the red color, add an extra teaspoon of red food coloring or use gel food coloring for more vibrant results.
- For a festive touch, sprinkle red and black edible glitter or candy eyes on top of the ganache before it sets.
- If you prefer a dairy-free option, substitute the butter and cream cheese with plant-based alternatives and use dairy-free chocolate chips.
- Use a stand mixer for easier and smoother frosting preparation.
Storage
Store the brownies in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days to keep the cream cheese frosting fresh. Let them sit at room temperature for 20-30 minutes before serving to soften. For longer storage, freeze brownies without frosting for up to 3 months and add frosting after thawing.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I make these brownies without red food coloring?
Yes, you can omit the red food coloring, but the signature red velvet color will be missing. The brownies will still taste delicious but will appear more like traditional chocolate brownies.
How do I know when the brownies are done baking?
Insert a toothpick into the center of the brownies. If it comes out with a few moist crumbs but no wet batter, the brownies are ready. Be careful not to overbake to keep them fudgy and moist.
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Vampire Bite Red Velvet Brownies Recipe
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
Description
Vampire Bite Red Velvet Brownies combine the rich, chocolatey goodness of classic brownies with a vibrant red velvet twist and a creamy cheesecake swirl. Perfect for spooky occasions or whenever you crave a decadent dessert, this recipe yields moist, tender brownies with bursts of dark chocolate chips and a luscious cream cheese frosting infused with vanilla, topped with a drizzle of dark chocolate ganache for a dramatic bite.
Ingredients
Scale
Brownie Batter
- 1 cup (225 g) unsalted butter, melted
- 2 cups (400 g) granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon red food coloring
- 2 cups (250 g) all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup (50 g) unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup (175 g) dark chocolate chips
Cream Cheese Swirl
- 8 oz (225 g) cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup (115 g) unsalted butter, softened
- 4 cups (480 g) powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1–2 tablespoons milk (as needed for consistency)
Chocolate Ganache Topping
- 1/2 cup (90 g) dark chocolate chips
- 2 tablespoons heavy cream
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13 inch (23×33 cm) baking pan or line it with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together 2 cups of all-purpose flour, 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder, 1 teaspoon baking powder, and 1/2 teaspoon salt until well combined.
- Combine Wet Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, stir melted butter with 2 cups granulated sugar until smooth. Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in 1 tablespoon vanilla extract and 1 tablespoon red food coloring until fully incorporated.
- Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures: Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture into the wet mixture, stirring gently just until combined. Avoid overmixing to keep brownies tender. Fold in 1 cup dark chocolate chips evenly into the batter.
- Pour Batter and Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and spread evenly with a spatula. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with moist crumbs but no wet batter.
- Cool the Brownies: Remove from oven and allow the brownies to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack before proceeding to frosting.
- Prepare Cream Cheese Frosting: In a medium bowl, beat 8 oz softened cream cheese with 1/2 cup softened unsalted butter until smooth. Gradually add 4 cups powdered sugar and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, beating until creamy. Add 1-2 tablespoons milk as needed to achieve a spreadable consistency.
- Frost the Brownies: Spread the prepared cream cheese frosting evenly over the cooled brownies with a spatula.
- Make Chocolate Ganache: Heat 2 tablespoons heavy cream until steaming but not boiling. Pour over 1/2 cup dark chocolate chips and let sit for 2-3 minutes, then stir until smooth and glossy.
- Drizzle Ganache: Drizzle the chocolate ganache over the frosted brownies for a striking finishing touch.
- Serve: Allow ganache to set slightly before slicing brownies into squares and serving.
Notes
- Ensure the brownies are completely cool before frosting to prevent melting the cream cheese frosting.
- The red food coloring gives the brownies a vibrant red velvet tint; adjust the amount for your preferred color intensity.
- Use full-fat cream cheese and butter for the best frosting texture and flavor.
- If the ganache is too thick, warm the heavy cream gently again to thin it out.
- Store brownies covered at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to a week.
- For a more dramatic vampire bite effect, consider using a piping bag for the cream cheese swirl before adding the ganache drizzle.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: vampire bite brownies, red velvet brownies, cream cheese frosting, chocolate ganache, Halloween dessert, spooky brownies
