Chef Mitchell preparing Decadent Red Velvet Squares
👨‍🍳 Expert Chef

Recipe by Mitchell

🎓 10+ Years Experience ⏰ 1000+ Recipes Created 🍽️ Culinary School Graduate

❤️ My Recipe Story

"I discovered my love for red velvet desserts during a family gathering where my aunt served the most amazing red velvet cake. After many trials and tweaks, I perfected this Decadent Red Velvet Squares recipe that captures the essence of that cake in a more manageable format. The vibrant color and delicious flavor bring joy to every occasion, and I hope you enjoy it as much as my family does."

Chef Mitchell has spent over a decade specializing in American cuisine, particularly desserts that bring nostalgia and joy. His passion for baking has led him to create over a thousand recipes, each reflecting his love for quality ingredients and techniques. With a culinary school background, he combines tradition with innovation in every dish.

View All Mitchell's Recipes →
Delicious Decadent Red Velvet Squares served on a plate

Why This Decadent Red Velvet Squares Recipe Works

This recipe for Decadent Red Velvet Squares is not only simple but yields moist and flavorful results. The combination of buttermilk and vegetable oil ensures the squares remain tender and soft. The vibrant red color adds a festive touch that makes these squares perfect for celebrations or gatherings.

By carefully mixing the wet and dry ingredients, you ensure a well-integrated batter that rises beautifully in the oven. The addition of cream cheese frosting provides a rich, tangy contrast to the sweetness of the cake, making every bite a delightful experience.

💡 Professional Tip

For the best texture, be careful not to overmix your batter. Mix until just combined to keep the squares light and airy. Additionally, allow your squares to cool completely before frosting to prevent the cream cheese from melting and running off the edges.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, you can make the squares a day in advance. Just be sure to store them in an airtight container once they are completely cooled. This will keep them fresh and moist until you're ready to serve. Frost them just before serving for the best presentation and taste.

If you don't have buttermilk, you can easily make a substitute by mixing 1 cup of milk with 1 tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice. Let it sit for about 5 minutes before using. Alternatively, plain yogurt or sour cream can also work as effective substitutes.

To check if your red velvet squares are done, insert a toothpick into the center of the squares. If it comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs, they are ready. Be careful not to overbake, as this can lead to dryness.

Yes, you can freeze the squares either frosted or unfrosted. If freezing unfrosted, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and place them in an airtight container. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw them in the fridge overnight before serving.

These squares pair wonderfully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. You could also serve them with fresh berries for a refreshing contrast. A cup of coffee or a glass of cold milk would complete the experience.

In the refrigerator, Decadent Red Velvet Squares can last for about 3 to 5 days when stored in an airtight container. Make sure they are completely cooled before refrigerating to maintain their moisture.

Absolutely! You can make the squares a day or two ahead of time. Just ensure they are stored properly in an airtight container. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully, enhancing the overall taste when served.

To reheat, place a square on a microwave-safe plate and heat for about 15-20 seconds. If you prefer, you can also warm them in the oven at a low temperature, wrapped in foil, for about 10 minutes. This will help retain their moist texture.

Recipe Troubleshooting Guide

✅

Too Dry

Problem: If your red velvet squares turn out too dry, it could be due to overbaking or too much flour.

Solution: To prevent this, always check for doneness a few minutes before the recommended baking time. Using a kitchen scale to measure your flour can also help ensure accuracy.

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Not Crispy Enough

Problem: If your squares lack a crispy top, it might be due to the baking temperature or insufficient baking time.

Solution: Make sure your oven is preheated properly and consider baking them a few minutes longer, keeping an eye on them to avoid burning.

✅

Overcooked

Problem: Overcooked squares can be tough and dry.

Prevention: To prevent overcooking, always use a toothpick to check for doneness and remove them from the oven as soon as the toothpick comes out clean.

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Undercooked Center

Problem: An undercooked center may lead to gooey squares that don’t hold together.

Recovery: If this happens, return the squares to the oven and bake for an additional 5-10 minutes, checking frequently until the center is set.

✅

Burnt Exterior

Problem: Burnt edges can occur if the oven temperature is too high or if the squares are left in too long.

Prevention: To prevent this, consider using an oven thermometer to ensure accurate temperatures, and always follow the recommended baking times closely.

✅

Flavor Balance

Too Sweet: If your squares are too sweet, you can balance the taste by adding a pinch of salt to the frosting.

Too Salty: If your squares taste too salty, try serving them with a sweeter frosting or topping.

Bland: To enhance bland squares, try adding vanilla extract or a sprinkle of cocoa powder to the frosting.

Fresh ingredients for Decadent Red Velvet Squares

Essential Ingredients for Decadent Red Velvet Squares

The key ingredients that make these Decadent Red Velvet Squares special are high-quality cocoa powder and fresh buttermilk. The cocoa powder provides a deep, rich flavor, while the buttermilk adds moisture and a slight tang. Using fresh ingredients ensures the best taste and texture for your dessert.

Additionally, using real cream cheese for the frosting will give it a rich, creamy consistency that complements the squares beautifully. Always opt for ingredients that are at room temperature for optimal mixing and blending.

Essential Ingredient Notes

  • All-Purpose Flour: Choose a good quality all-purpose flour, as it is the backbone of your dessert. Sifting the flour can help achieve a lighter texture in the baked squares.
  • Cream Cheese: Using block cream cheese instead of spreadable will yield a thicker frosting, providing a wonderful texture contrast to the soft squares.
  • Red Food Coloring: Opt for a gel food coloring for a more vibrant color; it's more concentrated and requires less than liquid dyes, giving you that stunning red hue without altering the batter’s consistency.
Cooking process for Decadent Red Velvet Squares

Step-by-Step Cooking Process

The cooking process for Decadent Red Velvet Squares is straightforward and beginner-friendly. Start by preheating your oven and preparing your baking dish. Mixing the dry and wet ingredients separately ensures even distribution, which is key to achieving a uniform texture.

After mixing, pour the batter into the dish and bake until a toothpick comes out clean. Cooling completely before frosting is crucial to maintain the integrity of the frosting and enhance the overall presentation.

Key Technique for Perfect Decadent Red Velvet Squares

The most important technique in making Decadent Red Velvet Squares is to not overmix the batter. Gentle folding of the ingredients helps retain air, ensuring that the squares rise beautifully and remain moist throughout baking.

Decadent Red Velvet Squares

Prep 15 min
Cook 45 min
Serves 6 servings
Level Easy

📋 Ingredients

Main Ingredients

  • 1 cup butter
    Room temperature
  • 1 cup cream cheese
    Softened
  • 2 cups powdered sugar
    Sifted
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
    Pure
  • 2 tablespoons milk
    Adjust for consistency

For the Sauce

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
    Sifted
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
    Adjust to taste
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
    For leavening
  • 1 teaspoon salt
    To balance sweetness
  • 1 teaspoon cocoa powder
    Unsweetened
  • 1 cup vegetable oil
    For moisture
  • 1 cup buttermilk
    Room temperature
  • 2 large eggs
    Beaten
  • 2 tablespoons red food coloring
    More for a deeper color
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
    Pure extract
  • 1 teaspoon white vinegar
    To react with baking soda

Instructions

  1. Preheat the Oven

    Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9x13 inch baking dish.

  2. Mix Dry Ingredients

    In a bowl, combine flour, sugar, baking soda, salt, and cocoa powder. Whisk together until well blended.

  3. Combine Wet Ingredients

    In a separate large bowl, mix the vegetable oil, buttermilk, eggs, food coloring, vanilla extract, and vinegar.

  4. Combine Mixtures

    Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.

  5. Bake the Squares

    Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish and bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.

  6. Prepare the Frosting

    In a bowl, beat together the cream cheese and powdered sugar until smooth. Add milk and vanilla to achieve the desired consistency.

  7. Cool and Frost

    Allow the baked squares to cool completely before spreading the cream cheese frosting on top.

  8. Cut and Serve

    Cut into squares and serve. Enjoy!

Recipe Notes & Tips

Storage Tips

To keep your Decadent Red Velvet Squares fresh, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They can last up to 5 days. If you want to keep them longer, consider freezing them.

Serving Suggestions

These squares are best served at room temperature. Consider pairing them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or fresh berries for a delightful contrast.

Recipe Variations

You can customize your Decadent Red Velvet Squares by incorporating chocolate chips into the batter or adding nuts for a crunchy texture. Experiment with different frosting flavors, such as vanilla or chocolate, to suit your preferences.