Trends I Could Never Get Behind No Matter How Hard I Tried {Or Didn’t}
Flipflops.
Fancy sandals.
Justin Bieber.
Buttercream icing.
Monogrammed anything.
Cargo shorts.
Crocs.
The color peach.
Wearing yoga pants in public.
Sparkly deodorant.
Odd-flavored chips, like pickle or BLT or taco. NOT. OKAY.
Tribal prints. They just look wrong on a super pale girl like myself.
Musical TV shows. Just … no.
Red velvet cake (!!)
Okay, I know I may have lost some of you with that list. I know a lot of peach-wearing, odd-flavored-chips-munching, Justin-Bieber-listening Glee-watching fans out there who happen to LOVE red velvet cake. And I promise, I am only referring to myself when it comes to this list. It’s just a no-no for Hayley (I look awful in the color peach and flip flops are the devil’s shoes as far as I’m concerned).
But YOU GUYS. For Ben & Jerry’s Week, while brainstorming flavors, I came across their Red Velvet Cake flavor. I have a bunch of friends who swear by this stuff (including my sister’s adorable friend, Laura!) and I knew I couldn’t omit red velvet just because I’m a hater. Soooo I took one for the team and whipped y’all up these brownies and OHMAHGAWWWSHHH they are amazing!
One bite and I was in HEEEAAAAVEN. They are so moist and tender, and chewy and fudgy like a regular brownie, but have that distinctive red velvet flavor and color pop to them. And the icing — whoa nelly. White chocolate cheesecake icing, from scratch. Honest to goodness, super sweet, slightly tangy frosting that pairs SO beautifully with these little red squares of delicious.
So you may have converted me on the red velvet thing, but please, NEVERRRRRR take me sandal shopping. It’ll always be a No.
Red Velvet Brownies with White Chocolate Cheesecake Icing *red velvet brownies adapted from Sunny Anderson’s recipe
- ½ cup butter, softened
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 & ½ tsp vanilla extract
- ¼ cup cocoa powder
- 1 Tbsp red food coloring
- 1 tsp white vinegar
- 2 eggs
- 1 tsp baking soda
- ¾ cup all-purpose flour
- White Chocolate Cheesecake Icing
- WHITE CHOCOLATE CHEESECAKE ICING:
- 1 stick butter, softened
- 1 small pkg. sugar free/fat free instant cheesecake pudding mix
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- About 3 cups powdered sugar
- 1 cup white chocolate chips
- Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F. Liberally grease an 8x8" baking pan with cooking spray; set aside.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the cocoa powder, soda and flour; set aside. In the bowl of a stand mixer, beat together the butter, sugar and vanilla until creamy. Add the food coloring, vinegar and eggs slowly to incorporate. Lastly, beat in the cocoa mixture to combine.
- Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake until a toothpick inserted near the center comes out clean, about 30 minutes. Cool the brownies in the pan completely. While the brownies cool, prepare your icing.
- FOR ICING:
- In the bowl of a stand mixer, beat together the butter, cheesecake pudding mix and vanilla together to combine. Gradually add the powdered sugar, about a cup at a time, until frosting is light and fluffy, and a bit softer in consistency than regular buttercream. If needed, add in a Tbsp or two of milk to help soften it up.
- Spread the icing evenly over the cooled brownies. Immediately sprinkle with white chips. Refrigerate to set, about 20 minutes, before cutting into bars. Store leftovers in the fridge, for several days.
Just LOOK at these beauties! So rich and delicious. Even if you’re a typical red velvet naysayer, please give these a try. If that gorgeous square of buttery red velvet brownie doesn’t do it for you, that ridiculously fluffy cloud of cheesecake & white chocolate icing will!
Stay tuned for another awesome Ben & Jerry’s recipe tomorrow!!
Have a delicious day!
xo, Hayley
miss messy says
These look like perfection! I am LOVING Ben and Jerrys week! 🙂
Corina Lombardi says
Flip flops pinch toes, and I like my toes, so I’m with you on that. And most of the list too, haha. Awesome recipe! I love your blog. 🙂
Lemons For Lulu says
That’s a funny list, I do have to say I partake in some those i.e. flip flops. No tribal print ever!!! How did you know red velvet is my most favorite flavor???? These are lovely Hayley! I’m not sure how you are going to top this flavor, but I can’t wait to find out!
The Domestic Rebel says
Glad you like them, Tanya! And also glad you don’t participate in tribal print. Such a no!!
Kelly @ HIdden Fruits and Veggies says
These sound killer! My mom loves red velvet (I’ve never really been a fan either!), so this is pretty perfect timing right before Mombo’s day. I pretty much agree with your list except odd flavored chips! Pickle and taco are some of my favorites! (Taco Doritos taste exactly like eating a taco! Lettuce and all, it’s insane)
The Domestic Rebel says
What, really? Lettuce and everything? That’s insanity! I guess I’ll have to try them because now you’ve piqued my interest Kelly!
noyomoco says
I’m so glad that you’ve accepted red velvet into your heart 🙂 As a Southerner, I am very proud 😉 When it is done correctly, it is divine!
Oh and you totally inspired me with your Ben & Jerry’s week – your post reminded me of a flavor they discontinued that was the best ever, so I made a copycat recipe 🙂 Thanks so much for the inspiration!!
The Domestic Rebel says
Ooh ooh! I MUST know the flavor!! Can’t wait to see your recipe, Jennifer 🙂
snookiescakes says
You lost me at flip flops. Best.invention.ever.
The Domestic Rebel says
Hahaha can’t please everyone! I am beyond lost at Crocs.
snookiescakes says
Crocs are up there with Uggs. Just no.
Heather @ Sugar Dish Me says
Okay so I was always a red velvet hater, too. But not flip flops. Noooooooooo! I live in flip flops. Or barefoot. Wanna know what I hate?
SOCKS.
I could probly get behind these brownies, though.
Only cause you made them.
The Domestic Rebel says
NOOOOOO. I love socks. I need socks ALWAYS.
But we can agree to disagree, mkay?
faithcatherine says
Red velvet is one of my favorite flavors ever! I could eat red velvet everything. Especially these brownies- they sound amazing!
lizwaterson says
Um these brownies look delish but that frosting? GEt in ma belly! LIKE NOW! And it’s funny you don’t like odd flavored chips- growing up we always had odd flavored chips from England like smokey bacoon (my fav) or roast chicken (another good one) I never liked prawn cocktail but now the states seem to be experimenting more and I’m not going to lie I love it!!! 🙂
The Domestic Rebel says
PRAWN CHIPS?! OMG I’m sorry, but I can’t even! However, you MAY get me to try the bacon ones. And when Lays had their contest for those weird flavors, I tried all three and I actually liked the chicken and waffles one! But nothing will get in the way of my love for plain onion chips <3 <3 <3
Julie @ Julie's Eats & Treats says
Wow. Those look incredible. And welcome to the “other” side where we like Red Velvet 🙂
julieseatsandtreats says
Oh my goodness these look divine! Welcome to the “other” side where we like Red Velvet!
thoughtsappear says
Sparkly deodorant? So instead of white streaks on my shirt I get glitter streaks?
Sally says
This is my favorite red velvet brownie recipe! And I’ve tried a ton of them. These remind me of my cheesecake swirl red velvet brownies, Hayley! And I love those. 🙂 I have to add white chocolate next!
Mimi @ Culinary Couture says
Yummmmm! I hate red velvet cake but love it in brownies and cookies!
crazyforcrust says
I could use these AND the ice cream equivalent tonight.
And I agree Justin Bieber. Too bad my kid is obsessed with him…
Dinnersdishesdessert (@Dinnersdishes) says
Ben & Jerry’s Week!! LOVE this week! Just Bieber and odd flavored chips need to disappear fast! These brownies, they can come visit me anytime!
cheapeats25 says
I am loving ben and jerrys week. These red velvet brownies look heavenly!
A Sweet Baker says
These look scrumptious Hayley! As for the flip-flops, sorry, I could live in them all summer long!
Kayle (The Cooking Actress) says
Oh no! You’ve gone over to the darkside! ewww red velvet (ok fine these actually look amazing but still! :P)
and you’re cray cray for not loving flip flops.
Nicky @ Pink Recipe Box says
These look absolutely amazing! Pinning 🙂
Lisa says
The ratios on your frosting are not correct – if you put the pudding mix plus 3 cups of powdered sugar you need more butter – the one stick will not hold all that. (Nevermind that its gritty too.) Thinking I’ll have to pitch the frosting and just make a traditional cream cheese frosting.
Red velvet lover says
I just tried those and the brownies didn’t turn out red, there’re brown 🙁 Maybe it’s because of the French food coloring or I don’t know, but each time I follow carefully the instructions but all my Red Velvet cakes aren’t red!
Hara says
can i replace baking soda?
should i use baking soda for this?
thedomesticrebel says
Hi Hara! The baking soda is necessary in the recipe. I do not recommend omitting it or substituting it.