Ingredients
Scale
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 3 tablespoons cocoa powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 large egg yolk
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon red food coloring
- 1/2 teaspoon vinegar
- Cream Cheese Frosting
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 8 oz full-fat cream cheese, brick-style
- 2 1/2–3 1/2 cups powdered sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1–2 tablespoons cream (if needed)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C). Grease or line a 9×13-inch pan with parchment paper.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- In a large bowl, cream butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until smooth.
- Beat in egg, egg yolk, vanilla, red food coloring, and vinegar until fully combined.
- Add dry ingredients and mix on low speed until just combined.
- Spread dough evenly into prepared pan.
- Bake for 25–30 minutes, until the top is set and edges pull slightly from the pan.
- Cool completely before frosting.
- For frosting, beat butter and cream cheese until smooth.
- Add powdered sugar, vanilla, and salt. Beat until fluffy, adding cream if needed.
- Spread frosting over cooled bars and slice.
Notes
- Use full-fat, brick-style cream cheese only.
- Bars must be completely cooled before frosting.
- Store frosted bars in the fridge up to 3 days.
- Unfrosted bars can be frozen and thawed overnight.
- Prep Time: 45 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian