Red Velvet Bars

Red is the color of the season!

If you're looking for a dessert that will wow your guests an satisfy your sweet tooth, these Red Velvet Bars are it! With their fudgy texture, festive color, and tangy cream cheese frosting, they're perfect for holiday parties, simple nights at home, or even as a giftable treat. Plus, I've included tips to ensure your bars turn out perfect every time!

Tips for the best red velvet bars:

• Use high-quality ingredients: Good butter, fresh eggs, and real vanilla extract make all the difference. I use Kerrygold butter as my go-to (no affiliation!) and it never fails me.

• Don't overmix: When combining the wet and dry ingredients, mix just until no streaks of flour remain. Overmixing can lead to dense bars.

• Check for doneness: Use the toothpick test but remember, you want a few moist crumbs for that fudgy texture, not a completely clean toothpick!

• Cool completely: Frosting warm bars will result in a melty mess. Be patient and let them cool fully.

What you'll love about these bars:

Not only are these bars festive and delicious, but they're also easy to make and can fit into your busy schedule with a little planning! I hope you love these as much as my family does!

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Red Velvet Bars Recipe

Yield: 12 bars

Serving size: 1 bar

Ingredients:

For the bars:

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted and slightly cooled

• 3/4 cup granulated sugar

• 1/4 cup packed light brown sugar

• 1 large egg

• 1 large egg yolk

• 1 tsp vanilla extract

• 1/2 tbsp red food coloring (gel works best!)

• 1/2 tsp white vinegar

• 1 cup all-purpose flour

• 2 tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder

• 1/4 tsp baking powder

• 1/4 tsp salt

For the frosting:

• 4 oz cream cheese, softened

• 2 tbsp unsalted butter, softened

• 1 cup powdered sugar

• 1/2 tsp vanilla extract

• Pinch of salt

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Line an 8x8 inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving overhand for easy removal, and lightly grease it.

2. In a large bowl, whisk together the melted butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until smooth.

3. Add the egg, egg yolk, vanilla extract, red food coloring, and white vinegar. Whisk until well combined.

4. Sift in the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt. Gently fold dry ingredients into wet ingredients until just combined. Do not overmix.

5. Spread the batter evenly into the prepared pan. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until the edges are set and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with a few moist crumbs.

6. Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack.

7. Make the frosting: In a medium bowl, beat the cream cheese and butter together until smooth and creamy. Gradually add the powdered sugar, 1/4 cup at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract and salt. Beat until light and fluffy.

8. Once the bars are completely cooled, spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over the top. Slice into 12 bars and serve.

How to store:

Store the bars in an air-tight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. Let them come to room temperature before serving for the best texture and flavor.

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Nutrition Information:

Calories: 220

Fat: 11g

Carbs: 28g

Protein: 2g

Weight Watchers Points: (approximate based on nutrition info)

10 points per bar