Baking with Basil

Growing up I don’t remember red velvet cake being around or even trying it.  I think I had my first piece a few years ago and have had a slight crush ever since.  When I saw that Jessica combined that great taste with a brownie, I couldn’t resist.  I made mine bite size and added some cream cheese frosting.  I love the contrast of the white on top of the vibrant red brownie.  Keep an eye on the time.  I baked mine for 18 minutes and felt the edges were a little to crisp for me, but I like my brownies slightly undercooked.  Looking to change up a typical brownie recipe, give this one a try!

(Printable Recipe)

Red Velvet Brownie Bites

Recipe adapted from How Sweet It Is

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup butter, at room temperature
• 1 1/2 cups sugar
• 2 eggs
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 3 tablespoons cocoa powder
• 2 tablespoons red food coloring
• 2/3 cups chocolate chips (optional)

1.  Preheat oven to 350 degrees.  Prepare mini muffin pan with non-stick spray.

2.  In a small bowl, combine cocoa powder, red food coloring, and 1 teaspoon vanilla to create a paste.

3.  In the bowl of an electric mixer, cream butter and sugar until fluffy. Add eggs one at a time, then add remaining teaspoon of vanilla. With the mixer on medium speed, add in cocoa powder mixture. Beat until batter is completely red. (If at this time your batter is NOT red, you can add a little more food coloring if desired. Color will depend on brand.) Add flour and salt, mixing until just combined.

4.  Drop by heaping tablespoonfuls into muffin pan. Bake for 15-18 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the brownie comes out clean.  Remove brownie bites after 10 minutes and transfer to a cooling rack.  Allow to cool completely before frosting.

Cream Cheese Frosting

Recipe from My Baking Addiction

Ingredients

• 8oz cream cheese, room temperature
• 2 tbsp vegetable shortening
• 3 tbsp butter, room temperature
• 1 pound confectioner’s sugar (about 3 3/4 cup), sifted
• 2 tbsp vanilla extract

1.  In a the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, cream together, cream cheese, shortening, and butter until well combined.

2.  With the mixer of low, gradually add the confectioners’ sugar until thoroughly incorporated and smooth. Add vanilla and mix to combine.