A cross between a cookie and cake, these red velvet bars are topped with a classic cream cheese frosting for a delectable treat that’s perfect for sharing with loved ones on Valentine’s Day.
Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 55 minutes
Makes: 12 servings
Ingredients
Red Velvet Bar Base:
1 cup all-purpose flour
2 tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder
1/2 tsp baking powder
1/4 tsp baking soda
1/4 tsp salt
1/3 cup unsalted butter, melted
1/3 cup packed brown sugar
1/4 cup granulated sugar
1 egg
1 tbsp red food coloring
1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
1 tsp vanilla extract
1/4 cup M&M’S Milk Chocolate, chopped
Cream Cheese Frosting:
4 oz brick-style low-fat plain cream cheese
2 tbsp unsalted butter, softened
1/2 cup confectioners’ (icing) sugar, sifted
1/2 tsp vanilla extract
1/4 cup M&M’S Milk Chocolate
Instructions
1. Red Velvet Bar Base: Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease 8-inch square metal baking pan and line bottom with parchment paper.
2. In medium bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda and salt.
3. In large bowl, stir together melted butter, brown sugar and granulated sugar until well combined. Using electric mixer, beat in egg until incorporated. Beat in food coloring, vinegar and vanilla until blended. Stir in flour mixture until just combined. Fold in M&M’S Milk Chocolate. Scrape batter into prepared baking pan; smooth top.
4. Bake for 20 to 24 minutes or until tester inserted in center comes out with just a few moist crumbs clinging to it. Let cool completely on wire rack.
5. Cream Cheese Frosting: In medium bowl, using electric mixer, beat cream cheese until light and fluffy. Beat in butter until blended. On low speed, beat in confectioners’ sugar and vanilla until smooth.
6. Spread cream cheese frosting over red velvet bar base. Sprinkle with M&M’S. Cut into 12 bars.
Tip:
• Drizzle bars with melted milk chocolate for an extra-festive Valentine’s Day treat.
Nutrition Facts yes
Per 1 bar (1/12 of recipe)
Calories 250
Fat 12g
Saturated Fat 8g
Cholesterol 45mg
Sodium 160mg
Carbohydrate 33g
Fiber 1g
Sugars 23g
Protein 4g