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Perfect Red Velvet Brownie Flag Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting

red velvet brownie flag cake - featured image

A stunning layered dessert combining a chewy brownie base with moist red velvet cake, topped with tangy cream cheese frosting, perfect for patriotic celebrations and crowd-pleasing occasions.

Ingredients

Scale
  • ½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder (50g)
  • ¾ cup all-purpose flour (95g)
  • 1 cup granulated sugar (200g)
  • ½ cup unsalted butter (115g), melted and slightly cooled
  • 2 large eggs, room temperature
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • ¼ tsp salt
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour (125g)
  • ¾ cup granulated sugar (150g)
  • 2 tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder (12g)
  • ½ cup buttermilk (120ml), room temperature (or milk + 1 tbsp vinegar)
  • ¼ cup vegetable oil (60ml)
  • 1 large egg, room temperature
  • 2 tbsp red food coloring (natural beet powder optional)
  • 1 tsp white vinegar
  • ½ tsp baking soda
  • ⅛ tsp salt
  • 8 oz cream cheese (225g), softened
  • 4 tbsp unsalted butter (55g), softened
  • 2 cups powdered sugar (240g), sifted
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • Pinch of salt

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease an 8×8 inch pan and line with parchment paper.
  2. In a large bowl, whisk together ½ cup cocoa powder, ¾ cup flour, 1 cup sugar, and ¼ tsp salt.
  3. Stir in melted butter, then mix in eggs one at a time, followed by vanilla extract.
  4. Pour brownie batter into prepared pan and spread evenly.
  5. Bake for 25 minutes or until a toothpick inserted near the center comes out with moist crumbs.
  6. Cool brownie completely on a cooling rack.
  7. In a medium bowl, sift together 1 cup flour, 2 tbsp cocoa powder, baking soda, and ⅛ tsp salt.
  8. In another bowl, whisk sugar, vegetable oil, egg, red food coloring, vinegar, and buttermilk until smooth.
  9. Gradually fold dry ingredients into wet ingredients until just combined.
  10. Spread red velvet batter evenly over cooled brownie layer.
  11. Bake for 20 minutes or until top springs back lightly to the touch.
  12. Cool completely before frosting.
  13. Beat softened cream cheese and butter until smooth and creamy using an electric mixer.
  14. Add vanilla extract and pinch of salt.
  15. Gradually mix in powdered sugar until fluffy and spreadable.
  16. Spread a thick layer of cream cheese frosting evenly over the cooled red velvet layer.
  17. Use a spatula to create gentle waves or smooth it out.
  18. Decorate with blueberries on the top-left corner and alternate rows of sliced strawberries and white frosting stripes to create a flag design.

Notes

Ensure each layer is completely cool before adding the next to prevent melting or sliding. If frosting is too soft, chill briefly before spreading. Use a piping bag for precise flag stripes or a steady hand. For dairy-free or gluten-free versions, substitute ingredients accordingly. Natural beet powder can be used for red coloring to reduce artificial additives.

Nutrition

Keywords: red velvet, brownie, flag cake, cream cheese frosting, patriotic dessert, Fourth of July, easy dessert, layered cake