There is something about red velvet that turns any occasion into something special.  This red velvet buttermilk brownie is no exception – the brownie is incredibly moist, and anything with cream cheese frosting is amazing!  Whether its Valentine’s Day, a party, shower, or dinner with friends you can’t go wrong with this dessert.

As a matter of fact, I made a huge impression with these brownies.  My city is replacing the water lines on our street {ugh}.  It seems to be taking forever, and some of the neighbors have not been happy with the street closures, no parking, etc. The day I made these brownies, the city crew was cutting concrete in front of my house . . .  hmm, there were more brownies than we needed, so I decided to surprise them.  They were so thrilled!  They said they are used to people complaining, but they had never received brownies ;).  I’m anxious to see the result . . . will they finish faster for the favor, or will they slow down in front my house hoping for more brownies????

Red Velvet Buttermilk Brownies with Cream Cheese Frosting

Ingredients

2 cups all-purpose flour
2 cups sugar
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 cup butter
1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
2 eggs
1/2 cup buttermilk
1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla
1 1-ounce bottle red food coloring (2 tablespoons)
1 recipe Cream Cheese Frosting (below)

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Grease a 15x10x1-inch baking pan; set aside. In mixing bowl stir together the flour, sugar, baking soda, and salt; set aside.

2. In a medium saucepan combine butter, cocoa powder, and 1 cup water. Bring mixture just to boiling, stirring constantly. Remove from heat. Add the cocoa mixture to flour mixture; beat with an electric mixer on medium to high speed until thoroughly combined. Add eggs, buttermilk, vanilla, and red food coloring. Beat for 1 minute (batter will be thin). Pour batter into the prepared pan.

3. Bake about 25 minutes or until a wooden toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Cool in pan on a wire rack. Frost with Cream Cheese Frosting.

Note:  Store the brownies in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

Cream Cheese Frosting:

½ cup of butter, softened
8 oz. cream cheese, softened
2 ½ powdered sugar

Mix butter and cream cheese until light and fluffy.  Add powdered sugar and  until smooth.

recipe adapted from Better Homes and Gardens