These Red Velvet Brownie Cups are mini red velvet brownies that are baked into cups that hold a cream cheese filling for the perfect Valentine’s Day treat.
Decadent Red Velvet Brownie Cups with Cream Cheese Filling
If you love a good red velvet brownie, you also need to try these Oreo Cream Cheese Stuffed Brownies!
Today, we’re diving into a delightful treat that’s as beautiful as it is delicious: Red Velvet Brownie Cups. These mini marvels are the epitome of elegance and indulgence, combining the rich, slightly tangy flavor of classic red velvet with the irresistible chewiness of a brownie. But the magic doesn’t stop there – each bite-sized brownie cup is perfectly designed to cradle a creamy, dreamy cream cheese filling, creating a harmonious balance of flavors and textures.
There’s something incredibly captivating about red velvet. It’s more than just a cake or a brownie; it’s an experience. The vibrant crimson hue, often associated with passion and celebration, makes it a staple for special occasions like Valentine’s Day, Christmas, or any moment you want to add a touch of glamour. And these brownie cups are no exception. Their miniature size makes them ideal for parties, sharing, or simply enjoying a perfectly portioned indulgence without guilt. You might find yourself reaching for “just one more” because they are truly that irresistible!
For any red velvet aficionado, the pairing with cream cheese is non-negotiable. The subtle tang of cream cheese frosting beautifully complements the rich, cocoa-infused red velvet base, creating a flavor profile that is both complex and comforting. Many red velvet recipes rely heavily on the frosting to achieve this iconic balance, and these Red Velvet Brownie Cups deliver perfectly. The ratio of fudgy brownie to silky smooth cream cheese filling is, in my opinion, absolutely spot-on, ensuring every bite is a delightful fusion. And, of course, a scattering of festive sprinkles adds that final touch of fun and visual appeal!
Why You’ll Love These Red Velvet Brownie Cups
These mini red velvet brownies are more than just a dessert; they’re a statement. Here’s why they’ll quickly become a favorite in your recipe collection:
- Perfect Portion Control: Their bite-sized format makes them excellent for parties or when you want a sweet treat without overindulging.
- Stunning Visual Appeal: The vibrant red, coupled with the white cream cheese filling and optional sprinkles, makes them incredibly photogenic and festive.
- Irresistible Flavor Combination: The classic pairing of rich red velvet and tangy cream cheese is a match made in dessert heaven.
- Versatile for Any Occasion: While perfect for Valentine’s Day, they are equally fantastic for birthdays, holidays, potlucks, or simply as an everyday indulgence.
- Easy to Make: Despite their sophisticated appearance, this recipe is straightforward and accessible for bakers of all skill levels.
- Crowd-Pleaser: Everyone loves red velvet, and these individual cups are always a hit!
Expert Tips and Tricks for Perfect Brownie Cups
Creating these delightful Red Velvet Brownie Cups is straightforward, but a few expert tips can elevate your baking experience and ensure perfect results every time:
- Achieving the Perfect “Cup”: While the brownies naturally sink slightly in the middle after baking, gently pressing down the center with the back of a small spoon or a wooden spoon handle immediately after removing them from the oven helps create a more defined well for your cream cheese filling. Don’t press too hard, or you risk breaking the brownie.
- Don’t Overfill the Muffin Tins: A tablespoon of batter per mini muffin tin is usually sufficient. Overfilling can lead to mushroom-shaped brownies that don’t form a nice “cup” for the filling.
- Greasing is Key: Even with nonstick muffin tins, a good spray with nonstick cooking spray (or buttering and flouring) is essential for easy removal of the delicate brownie cups.
- Temperature Matters for Cream Cheese: Ensure both your cream cheese and butter for the filling are properly softened to room temperature. This will help them beat together smoothly and prevent lumps, resulting in a perfectly silky filling.
- Avoid Over-Beating the Filling: Once your cream cheese filling is smooth, stop beating. Over-beating can incorporate too much air, making the filling too light and potentially difficult to pipe.
- Piping Perfection: For a clean and professional look, use a piping bag with a star tip or round tip to fill your brownie cups. If you don’t have a piping bag, a Ziploc bag with a corner snipped off works just as well.
- Cooling is Crucial: Allow the brownie cups to cool completely in the muffin tin before attempting to remove them or add the filling. Warm brownies are fragile and can crumble.
Alternative Baking Method: Classic Red Velvet Brownies
If you don’t have a mini muffin tin, or simply prefer traditional brownies, you can easily turn this batter into a delicious pan of Red Velvet Brownies. Bake the entire batter in an 8-inch square baking dish that has been well greased (and preferably lined with parchment paper for easy lifting). Bake at 350ºF (175ºC) for about 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with moist crumbs, but not wet batter. Once cooled, you can spread the cream cheese filling over the entire brownie slab and cut into squares.
Serving and Storage Suggestions
Serving:
- Garnish with Sprinkles: A festive touch of red, white, or Valentine’s Day-themed sprinkles makes these cups even more appealing.
- Dust with Cocoa: A light dusting of unsweetened cocoa powder or powdered sugar can add an elegant finish.
- Mini Dessert Platter: Serve them alongside other mini treats like cookies or truffles for a beautiful dessert spread.
Storage:
- Refrigeration: Due to the cream cheese filling, these Red Velvet Brownie Cups should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will stay fresh for up to 3-4 days.
- Freezing: You can freeze the baked and filled brownie cups in an airtight container for up to 2 months. Thaw them in the refrigerator overnight before serving.
- Make Ahead: The brownies can be baked a day in advance and stored at room temperature (if unfilled). The cream cheese filling can also be made a day ahead and stored in the refrigerator. Assemble and fill just before serving for the freshest taste.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What makes red velvet “red”?
Traditionally, red velvet cakes got their subtle red hue from the reaction between buttermilk, vinegar, and natural cocoa powder, which would bring out the reddish anthocyanins in the cocoa. Today, most red velvet recipes, especially those aiming for a vibrant color, rely on a generous amount of red food coloring.
Can I use natural food coloring?
Yes, you can experiment with natural red food colorings derived from beets or other sources. Be aware that the intensity and exact shade of red might vary compared to artificial food dyes.
My brownies are dry, what went wrong?
Dry brownies are often a result of overbaking. Keep a close eye on them during the last few minutes of baking. Remember, a toothpick inserted should come out with moist crumbs, not completely clean, as they will continue to set as they cool.
Can I make these gluten-free?
While this specific recipe uses all-purpose flour, you can often substitute a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour blend (ensure it contains xanthan gum) for similar results in brownie recipes. Results may vary slightly in texture.
Do I need a stand mixer for the filling?
A stand mixer or a hand mixer will make the cream cheese filling process much easier and ensure a smooth, lump-free consistency. However, if you don’t have one, vigorous hand mixing with a whisk can also work, especially if your ingredients are well softened.
More Irresistible Red Velvet Recipes
If you’ve fallen in love with these Red Velvet Brownie Cups, you’re in for a treat! The world of red velvet offers a spectrum of delightful desserts. Here are a few more must-try recipes to satisfy your cravings:
- Red Velvet Cheese Ball: A sweet and savory appetizer perfect for holiday gatherings, blending cream cheese and red velvet flavors in a unique way.
- Red Velvet Gooey Butter Cookies: Soft, chewy cookies with a rich red velvet flavor and a distinctive gooey center, making them utterly addictive.
- Red Velvet Cupcakes: The classic individual dessert, featuring moist red velvet cake topped with tangy cream cheese frosting.
- Red Velvet Whoopie Pies: Two soft, cake-like red velvet cookies sandwiched together with a generous layer of cream cheese filling.
- Red Velvet Waffles: Start your day with a touch of elegance! Fluffy red velvet waffles drizzled with a sweet cream cheese icing.
- Red Velvet Muffins: A breakfast or brunch favorite, offering a lighter take on the red velvet flavor with a cream cheese swirl.
- Red Velvet Ice Cream with Marshmallow Swirl: A unique frozen treat that captures the essence of red velvet in a cold, creamy form with a delightful marshmallow ribbon.
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Red Velvet Brownie Cups
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Ingredients
Brownies
- 1 cup butter
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/8 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon red food coloring
- 1 teaspoon vinegar
- 2 large eggs
- 3/4 cup all-purpose flour
Cream Cheese Filling
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly spray 36 mini muffin tins with nonstick cooking spray.
- In a small saucepan over low heat (or in a microwave-safe bowl in the microwave), melt the butter. Once melted, transfer the butter to a medium mixing bowl.
- Add the sugar to the melted butter and stir well. Then, incorporate the vanilla extract, cocoa powder, salt, red food coloring, and vinegar, mixing thoroughly after each addition until fully combined.
- In a separate small bowl, lightly whisk the eggs. Add the whisked eggs to the brownie mixture and stir until just combined. Gently fold in the all-purpose flour until no streaks of flour remain, being careful not to overmix.
- Spoon approximately 1 tablespoon of the brownie batter into each prepared mini muffin tin cavity. Bake for about 12 minutes, or until the edges are set and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with moist crumbs.
- Remove the muffin pan from the oven. Let it sit for one minute, then, using the end of a wooden spoon or a small measuring spoon, gently press down the middle of each warm brownie cup to create a well for the filling. Allow the brownie cups to cool completely in the pan before removing.
- While the brownies are cooling, prepare the cream cheese filling. In a small bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese and softened butter until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
- Gradually add the powdered sugar to the cream cheese mixture, beating until it is light, fluffy, and well combined.
- Once the brownie cups are completely cool, transfer the cream cheese filling to a piping bag fitted with your desired tip (or use a Ziploc bag with a corner snipped off). Pipe the luscious cream cheese filling into the center of each brownie cup.
- Optionally, garnish with festive sprinkles for an extra touch of charm. Serve immediately or refrigerate until ready to enjoy.