Red Velvet Brownie Bites With Cream Cheese Frosting

Preparation time: 25mins | Baking time : 35mins | Yield: 50 brownie bites

You Need:

For the red velvet brownies

•1/2 cup unsalted butter

•3 oz./85gm bittersweet chocolate chopped

•1-1/2 cups / 230gm powdered sugar

•3 large eggs

•1 tsp vanilla extract

•1/4 tsp salt * see notes

•1 oz./30ml liquid red food colour

•1 cup /115gm all purpose flour (maida)

•1/2 tsp baking powder

Additional items

•9"x9" square baking tin

•two strips of aluminium foil 9"x16" each

•oil spray or oil to grease the tin

Cream Cheese Frosting

•8 oz. /227gm cream cheese at room temperature

•4 tbsp butter at room temperature

•1 tsp vanilla extract

•1-1/2 cups /230gm sifted powdered sugar

•silver dragee, edible sparkles/sprinkles - optional - I did not use as I had run out of it.

Method:

Preparing the brownies:

•        Preheat oven to 165 degrees C/ 325 degrees F. Place a foil piece in the baking tin leaving the extra foil hanging on two sides. Repeat with the other sheet in the opposite direction thus lining the pan completely. Spray/brush oil along the surface. Sift the flour and baking powder twice & keep aside.

•        Melt the butter and chocolate in a double boiler or in a heavy bottomed saucepan on a slow heat until the chocolate is melted. Remove and whisk well to avoid any lumps.

•        Whisk in the sugar and one egg at a time. Stir in the vanilla, salt and food colour. Add the sifted flour and fold. Pour the batter into the prepared tin and bake for 30-35 mins till the surface is puffed and dry and the skewer inserted comes out a bit moist. Remove the cake tin and cool completely on a wire rack

Preparing the frosting

Beat the cream cheese and butter until light and fluffy. Add the vanilla and mix. Add the sifted powdered sugar and blend well.

Assembling

•        Lift the brownies out of the pan with the help of the foil. Place on a cutting board and peel away the foil from the sides. Spread the frosting evenly using a spatula. Decorate with sprinkles if desired. Cut into bites of 1-1/4"x1-1/4". Wipe the knife after each slice to achieve clean cuts