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Perfect Red Velvet Brownie Flag Bars with Easy Cream Cheese Frosting

red velvet brownie flag bars - featured image

These festive red velvet brownie bars feature a rich, fudgy base layered with smooth cream cheese frosting and fresh blueberries arranged to mimic a flag design. Perfect for celebrations and casual gatherings, they combine bold flavors with a fun presentation.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 cup (225g) unsalted butter, melted
  • 2 cups (400g) granulated sugar
  • 4 large eggs, room temperature
  • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
  • 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 2 ½ cups (312g) all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • 2 tablespoons red food coloring (gel preferred)
  • 8 oz (225g) cream cheese, softened
  • ½ cup (115g) unsalted butter, softened
  • 3 cups (360g) powdered sugar, sifted
  • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
  • Pinch of salt
  • Fresh blueberries (for decoration)

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease or line a 9×13 inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving overhang for easy removal.
  2. In a large bowl, whisk melted butter and granulated sugar until combined. Add eggs one at a time, whisking well after each addition. Stir in vanilla extract.
  3. In a separate bowl, sift together cocoa powder, flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually fold dry ingredients into wet mixture until smooth and thick.
  4. Fold in red food coloring gently until batter is evenly colored deep red. Avoid overmixing.
  5. Pour batter into prepared pan and spread evenly. Tap pan lightly to release air bubbles.
  6. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out with a few moist crumbs. Avoid overbaking to keep fudgy texture.
  7. Cool brownies completely on a wire rack before frosting.
  8. In a medium bowl, beat softened cream cheese and butter until smooth and creamy (2-3 minutes). Gradually add powdered sugar, mixing well after each addition.
  9. Stir in vanilla extract and pinch of salt. Beat until fluffy and spreadable.
  10. Spread frosting evenly over cooled brownies using an offset spatula or butter knife. Leave top left corner unfrosted for blueberry stars.
  11. Arrange fresh blueberries closely together in the unfrosted corner to mimic the star field of the flag.
  12. Chill the frosted brownies for at least 30 minutes to set frosting.
  13. Slice into bars using a sharp knife, wiping clean between cuts for neat edges.
  14. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 2 months.

Notes

Use room temperature eggs and butter for smoother batter and frosting. Sift dry ingredients to avoid lumps. Avoid overbaking to keep brownies fudgy. Cool brownies completely before frosting to prevent melting. Use fresh blueberries for best appearance and flavor. Chill frosting if too soft before spreading. Use a warm, sharp knife wiped clean between cuts for neat bars.

Nutrition

Keywords: red velvet brownies, cream cheese frosting, flag bars, blueberry decoration, festive dessert, easy brownies, celebration dessert