Red Velvet Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe

If you love the decadent tang of classic red velvet paired with creamy sweetness, you’re about to discover your new obsession: Red Velvet Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting. These soft, chewy bars are topped with a pillowy layer of cream cheese frosting that feels just as festive at a holiday gathering as it does on a random Tuesday night. With their bold color and irresistible fudge-like crumb, they’re impossible to resist—one bite, and you’ll want to make them for every celebration!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Every element in this recipe is carefully chosen for the richest flavor, iconic color, and mouthwatering texture. Each ingredient may seem simple, but together, they’re the magic behind these unforgettable Red Velvet Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting.

• Unsalted Butter (for bars and frosting): Provides richness and keeps the bars fudgy; unsalted lets you control the saltiness.
• Granulated Sugar: Sweetens the bars perfectly and gives them a soft, tender crumb.
• Eggs: Create structure and add moistness, making the bars delightfully chewy.
• Vanilla Extract (for bars and frosting): Adds depth and classic bakery aroma to both bar and frosting layers.
• Red Food Coloring: Delivers that iconic, dazzling red hue that makes red velvet desserts so striking.
• Unsweetened Cocoa Powder: Just enough for authentic red velvet flavor—gives subtle chocolate complexity.
• Salt: Highlights all the flavors and balances the sweetness.
• All-purpose Flour: The backbone of the bars, providing just enough structure without sacrificing fudginess.
• Cream Cheese: The hero of the frosting; tangy and creamy for that classic topping.
• Powdered Sugar: Sweetens and thickens the frosting for a luscious, spreadable finish.
• White Sprinkles or Sanding Sugar (optional): Adds sparkle and crunch to your final presentation.

How to Make Red Velvet Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting

Step 1: Prepare and Preheat

Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line an 8×8 inch baking pan with parchment paper. This step ensures the bars bake evenly and lift out easily—no sticking, no disasters, just perfect Red Velvet Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting every time.

Step 2: Mix the Wet Ingredients

In a large bowl, whisk together your melted butter, granulated sugar, eggs, vanilla extract, and that gorgeous tablespoon of red food coloring. Take a second to swoon over the rich red mixture; this vibrant hue is your first sign you’re on the right track for vibrant, bakery-style bars.

Step 3: Combine the Dry Ingredients

Add in your unsweetened cocoa powder and salt, then slowly fold in the all-purpose flour until just combined. Don’t overmix—stop as soon as you see no more streaks of flour. This keeps your bars tender and fudgy, with that perfect chewy bite.

Step 4: Spread and Bake

Pour the red velvet batter into your prepared pan and gently smooth the top with a spatula. Bake for 22–25 minutes; you want to pull them out when a toothpick hits moist crumbs (not raw batter, not dry). Let them cool completely before you move on—frosting warm bars is a shortcut to a melty mess.

Step 5: Make the Cream Cheese Frosting

For the silkiest topping, beat together softened cream cheese and butter until smooth and creamy. Add the vanilla extract, then gradually beat in the powdered sugar. It’ll transform into a cloud-like frosting that spreads like a dream over your cooled red velvet bars.

Step 6: Frost and Garnish

Generously spread the cream cheese frosting over the cooled bars. If you want to add a little pizzazz, sprinkle on white sanding sugar or festive sprinkles. The contrast of the white against the vibrant red is simply stunning.

Step 7: Slice and Serve

For picture-perfect squares, chill the frosted bars in the fridge for 30 minutes before cutting. Use a sharp knife and wipe it clean between cuts. Serve up these Red Velvet Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting to amazed smiles!

How to Serve Red Velvet Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting

Garnishes

A final flourish makes these bars extra special. Try dusting the top with white sanding sugar, festive sprinkles, grated white chocolate, or even a tiny pinch of edible glitter for seriously sparkly Red Velvet Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting.

Side Dishes

Pair your bars with fresh berries, a scoop of vanilla ice cream, or a mug of strong coffee for a dessert spread that’s both elegant and incredibly satisfying. The tangy sweetness and decadent chocolate flavor shine when complemented by light, fresh sides.

Creative Ways to Present

Arrange your Red Velvet Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting on a vintage cake stand, or line them up in cupcake wrappers for an easy-to-pass party treat. Want to go all out? Stack small squares into a checkerboard for a whimsical centerpiece, or wrap bars in festive parchment for edible gifts!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once frosted and sliced, keep your Red Velvet Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting in an airtight container in the fridge. They stay delightfully moist for up to five days—if they even last that long. The chill also makes for cleaner, neater slices.

Freezing

You can freeze the bars (even after frosting!) for later indulgence. Arrange cut bars in a single layer and freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag or airtight container. They keep perfectly for about two months—just thaw in the fridge before serving.

Reheating

While these bars are amazing cold, if you prefer them close to room temperature, just take them out of the fridge for 20–30 minutes before serving. Avoid microwaving once frosted, as the cream cheese layer can melt and lose its silky texture.

FAQs

Can I double this recipe for a crowd?

Absolutely! Double all ingredients and bake in a 9×13″ pan. Watch the baking time, as it may need a few extra minutes; just check with a toothpick for moist crumbs.

Can I use a different food coloring?

Gel food coloring works well, providing a deep color with less liquid. Just adjust the amount until you reach that classic red velvet shade you love.

Do I have to use unsalted butter?

Unsalted butter lets you control the saltiness perfectly, but if you only have salted, simply reduce the additional salt in the recipe by half for balanced flavor.

Can I make these gluten-free?

Yes—swap the all-purpose flour for your favorite cup-for-cup gluten-free blend. The bars will still be fudgy and flavorful, though the texture may be slightly different.

How do I get the frosting extra smooth?

Make sure both the cream cheese and butter are fully softened before beating. Sift your powdered sugar to avoid any lumps, and beat until fluffy and smooth for bakery-style results.

Final Thoughts

I can’t wait for you to share these Red Velvet Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting with friends and family—or keep a secret stash just for yourself. With their tender crumb and luscious frosting, they’re the kind of treat that makes any day feel special. Give these bars a try and you’ll have a new signature dessert in no time.

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