Red Velvet Bars
Indulge in the decadence of Red Velvet Bars, the perfect fusion of rich, velvety cake and creamy, tangy frosting. These easy-to-make dessert bars boast a vibrant red hue, thanks to a touch of red food coloring, and are infused with cocoa for subtle chocolatey warmth. Topped with a luscious cream cheese frosting that’s whipped to perfection, every bite delivers a harmonious balance of sweetness and tang. With a quick prep time of just 20 minutes and a bake time of 25 minutes, these bars are ideal for any occasion, from festive gatherings to everyday indulgence. Slice them into bite-sized treats or generous squares, and enjoy their soft, fudgy texture. A must-try recipe for red velvet lovers!
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 0.5 cup unsalted butter
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 0.25 cup brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 tablespoons red food coloring
- 1.25 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
- 0.5 teaspoon baking powder
- 0.25 teaspoon salt
- 8 ounces cream cheese
- 0.5 cup unsalted butter (room temperature)
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (for frosting)
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x13-inch baking pan and line it with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides for easy removal.
In a large bowl, cream together the unsalted butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy using a hand or stand mixer.
Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Then, mix in the vanilla extract and red food coloring until well incorporated.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt.
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Do not overmix.
Pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread it evenly with a spatula.
Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let the red velvet bars cool completely in the pan on a wire rack.
While the bars are cooling, prepare the frosting. In a medium bowl, beat the cream cheese and softened butter together until smooth and creamy.
Gradually add in the powdered sugar and continue to beat until fluffy. Mix in the vanilla extract.
Once the bars are completely cooled, spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over the top using a spatula.
Lift the bars out of the pan using the parchment paper overhang. Slice into squares or rectangles as desired.
Serve immediately or store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
4635 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 235.0 g | 301% | |
| Saturated Fat | 138.7 g | 694% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 3.4 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 983 mg | 328% | |
| Sodium | 1710 mg | 74% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 613.4 g | 223% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 8.0 g | 29% | |
| Total Sugars | 480.6 g | ||
| Protein | 45.0 g | 90% | |
| Vitamin D | 3.5 mcg | 17% | |
| Calcium | 380 mg | 29% | |
| Iron | 11.4 mg | 63% | |
| Potassium | 876 mg | 19% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
