Name: Vampire Bite Red Velvet Brownies Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: American
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

Jump to Recipe

If you’re craving a dessert with a spooky twist and a decadent taste, these Vampire Bite Red Velvet Brownies are exactly what you need. These brownies offer a perfect balance of rich cocoa and the classic smoothness of red velvet, with a luscious cream cheese frosting that bites back with every delicious mouthful. Whether you’re throwing a Halloween party or just want to indulge your inner sweet tooth, these treats bring eye-catching red color and irresistible flavor to your dessert table.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic behind these Vampire Bite Red Velvet Brownies lies in a handful of simple yet essential ingredients that together craft the perfect texture and flavor. Each ingredient plays a special role from the smooth butter to the intense cocoa powder and cream cheese that gives the frosting its signature tang.

1 cup (225 g) unsalted butter, melted: Adds moisture and richness to the brownie base for a fudgy texture.
2 cups (400 g) granulated sugar: Sweetens while contributing to a slightly crisp top crust.
4 large eggs: Bind the ingredients together and provide structure.
1 tablespoon vanilla extract: Enhances all the flavors with its warm, sweet aroma.
1 tablespoon red food coloring: Gives the brownies their signature vibrant red hue, making them striking and thematic.
2 cups (250 g) all-purpose flour: The backbone that holds the fudgy brownie together without making it cakey.
1/2 cup (50 g) unsweetened cocoa powder: Adds that rich chocolate depth and balances the sweetness.
1 teaspoon baking powder: Helps the brownies rise just enough to keep them tender and moist.
1/2 teaspoon salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances the chocolate flavor.
1 cup (175 g) dark chocolate chips: Creates gooey pockets of melted chocolate in every bite.
8 oz (225 g) cream cheese, softened: The main base for the frosting, lending creaminess and tanginess.
1/2 cup (115 g) unsalted butter, softened: Adds smoothness and body to the frosting.
4 cups (480 g) powdered sugar: Sweetens and thickens the frosting just right.
1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Sharpens the flavor of the frosting with a lovely fragrance.
1-2 tablespoons milk (as needed): Adjusts the frosting texture to creamy perfection.
1/2 cup (90 g) dark chocolate chips: For the final chocolate drizzle or mixing into frosting if you like a double chocolate hit.
2 tablespoons heavy cream: Used to melt with chocolate chips for a silky chocolate drizzle.

How to Make Vampire Bite Red Velvet Brownies

Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Pan

Start by heating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and get your 9×13 inch baking pan ready. Either grease it well or line it with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make removal easier after baking.

Step 2: Whisk Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, combine the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt. This ensures your dry ingredients are evenly distributed so every bit of brownie has a balanced flavor.

Step 3: Mix the Wet Ingredients

In a large bowl, whisk together the melted butter and granulated sugar till smooth. Adding eggs one at a time helps them incorporate fully, creating a silky batter. Finish this mix with vanilla extract and the red food coloring to give your brownies that eye-catching color.

Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry

Add the dry ingredient mixture gradually into the wet mixture. Stir gently until just combined; don’t overmix or you risk a dense brownie. Fold in the first cup of dark chocolate chips so they’re evenly distributed, giving bursts of chocolate in every bite.

Step 5: Bake

Pour your rich batter into the prepared pan, spreading it evenly with a spatula. Slide it into the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes. Test doneness with a toothpick inserted near the center — it should come out with a few moist crumbs clinging, never completely dry.

Step 6: Cool Thoroughly

Once baked, place the pan on a wire rack and let the brownies cool completely before frosting. Patience here really pays off as warm brownies will melt your frosting and create a mess.

How to Serve Vampire Bite Red Velvet Brownies

Garnishes

A little garnish goes a long way in turning these brownies into a showstopper. Consider adding a drizzle of melted dark chocolate infused with heavy cream on top for that glossy vampire bite effect. You can also sprinkle edible red glitter or tiny candy “fangs” to nail the Halloween vibe perfectly.

Side Dishes

These brownies are heavenly on their own but pairing them with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream elevates the indulgence factor. Fresh raspberries or a drizzle of raspberry sauce provide a tart contrast that complements the cream cheese frosting beautifully.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun party centerpiece, cut the brownies into small squares and arrange them in the shape of a bat or a vampire’s mouth using candy eyes and red syrup for “blood.” Serve them on black or dark red platters to highlight the vivid red color for maximum spooky appeal.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Wrap any leftover Vampire Bite Red Velvet Brownies tightly in plastic wrap or keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. The cream cheese frosting keeps them soft and moist if stored properly.

Freezing

If you want to save some for later, wrap them well and freeze for up to 3 months. To prevent freezer burn and frosting damage, freeze in a single layer first, then stack with parchment paper between layers once frozen solid.

Reheating

To enjoy frozen brownies at their best, thaw overnight in the fridge, then bring to room temperature before serving. Avoid microwaving as it can make the cream cheese frosting greasy or cause uneven warming.

FAQs

Can I use cream cheese frosting made from scratch?

Absolutely! The best part of these Vampire Bite Red Velvet Brownies is how easy it is to whip up homemade cream cheese frosting that tastes fresher and allows you to tweak the sweetness exactly to your liking.

What if I don’t have red food coloring?

Red food coloring gives the brownies their distinct red velvet look. If you’re out, you can use beet juice or powdered freeze-dried strawberries for a natural alternative, though the color will be subtler.

Can I make these brownies gluten-free?

Yes, simply substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend one-to-one. Just be mindful of the blend’s ingredients for texture, and your Vampire Bite Red Velvet Brownies will be just as delicious.

How do I know when the brownies are perfectly baked?

Check with a toothpick inserted in the center; it should come out with tiny moist crumbs. This ensures fudgy brownies rather than dry or cakey ones.

Can I add nuts or other mix-ins?

Feel free! Chopped walnuts, pecans, or even dried cherries work wonderfully and add a bit of texture. Just fold them in along with the chocolate chips.

Final Thoughts

These Vampire Bite Red Velvet Brownies are not just a treat for your taste buds; they’re a festive dessert that brings fun and flair to any occasion. Their rich, moist texture paired with silky cream cheese frosting is a combination you’ll find yourself craving again and again. So grab your ingredients and bake up a batch — your friends and family will be thanking you for a delightfully haunting dessert!

Vampire Bite Red Velvet Brownies Recipe

★★★★★

5.1 from 25 reviews

Author: lilan
Total Time: 50 minutes
Yield: 16 brownies 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

Indulge in the rich, decadent flavors of Vampire Bite Red Velvet Brownies, a luscious twist on classic brownies featuring deep red velvet color, moist chocolatey texture, and a creamy, dreamy cream cheese frosting dotted with dark chocolate chips. Perfect for Halloween or any special occasion, these brownies are sure to delight both kids and adults alike with their vibrant look and irresistible taste.

Instructions

Preheat Oven and Prepare Pan: 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 to prevent sticking.
Mix Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, unsweetened cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt until well combined to ensure an even distribution in the batter.
Combine Wet Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the melted butter and granulated sugar. Beat in the eggs one at a time, ensuring each is fully incorporated before adding the next. Then stir in vanilla extract and red food coloring for that signature red velvet hue.
Mix Batter: Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring gently until just combined to avoid overmixing. Fold in the dark chocolate chips to add bursts of chocolatey goodness throughout the brownie.
Bake Brownies: Pour the batter evenly into the prepared baking dish, smoothing the top. Bake in the preheated oven for 25 to 30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with a few moist crumbs.
Cool Completely: Allow the brownies to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack to set properly before frosting.
Prepare Frosting: In a medium bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and unsalted butter together until smooth and creamy. Gradually add the powdered sugar, beating well after each addition, then mix in vanilla extract. Add milk one tablespoon at a time to achieve desired consistency.
Frost Brownies: Spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over the cooled brownies.
Melt Topping Chocolate: In a small saucepan or microwave, gently heat the dark chocolate chips with the heavy cream until smooth and glossy.
Decorate: Drizzle the melted chocolate over the frosted brownies for an irresistible finishing touch.
Serve: Cut into squares and serve. Enjoy your Vampire Bite Red Velvet Brownies with friends and family!

Notes

Ensure the brownies are completely cool before frosting to prevent melting or sliding of the frosting.
You can adjust the amount of red food coloring to achieve your preferred shade of red.
Use room temperature eggs and cream cheese to help ingredients blend more smoothly.
Store brownies in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
For a richer chocolate taste, use high-quality cocoa powder and dark chocolate chips.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American