Name: Red Velvet Beet Bars with Brown Butter Cream Cheese Frosting
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 1 h
Yield: 12
Ingredients: For the bars:; 2 medium beets, roasted and pureed; 1 cup granulated sugar; 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted; 2 large eggs; 1 tsp vanilla extract; 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour; 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder; 1 tsp baking powder; 1/2 tsp salt; 1/2 cup buttermilk; For the brown butter cream cheese frosting:; 1/2 cup unsalted butter; 8 oz cream cheese, softened; 2 cups powdered sugar; 1 tsp vanilla extract; Pinch of salt

Red Velvet Beet Bars with Brown Butter Cream Cheese Frosting

There’s something special about a dessert that feels both indulgent and wholesome at the same time. That’s exactly how I feel about these Red Velvet Beet Bars with Brown Butter Cream Cheese Frosting. The first time I made them, I was looking for a way to sneak a little extra nutrition into a treat without sacrificing the deep, rich flavor of classic red velvet. The natural sweetness and vibrant hue of beets turned out to be the perfect addition. Not only do they keep the bars wonderfully moist, but they also add a depth of flavor that sets these apart from your standard red velvet treat.

My family was skeptical at first—mentioning vegetables in a dessert can sometimes raise a few eyebrows. But the moment they took their first bite, I knew I had a winner. The combination of the subtly earthy beet-infused cake with the nutty, caramelized notes of brown butter in the frosting was irresistible. The bars disappeared from the plate faster than I could set them down! Now, these have become a go-to treat in our house, especially when I want to whip up something unique and a little more nutritious than your average sweet. Whether you’re making these for a weekday treat, a bake sale, or a holiday gathering, they’re sure to impress with their stunning color and unbeatable flavor.

Questions I Often Get Asked About This Recipe

Do the beets make the bars taste like vegetables?
Not at all! The beets add moisture and a subtle sweetness, but their flavor blends seamlessly with the cocoa and vanilla in the batter. If anything, they enhance the richness of the red velvet taste.

Can I use canned beets instead of fresh ones?
Yes, but make sure they are unsalted and drained well before pureeing. Fresh roasted beets will give you the best natural sweetness and color.

Can I make these bars gluten-free?
Absolutely! Simply substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free 1:1 baking blend, and you’re good to go.

Do I have to use brown butter in the frosting?
No, but I highly recommend it! The brown butter adds a deep, nutty flavor that takes the frosting to the next level.

How do I store these bars?
Store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to five days. They can also be frozen (without the frosting) for up to two months.

What You Need to Make Red Velvet Beet Bars

Ingredients:

For the bars:

2 medium beets, roasted and pureed

1 cup granulated sugar

1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted

2 large eggs

1 tsp vanilla extract

1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour

1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder

1 tsp baking powder

1/2 tsp salt

1/2 cup buttermilk

For the brown butter cream cheese frosting:

1/2 cup unsalted butter

8 oz cream cheese, softened

2 cups powdered sugar

1 tsp vanilla extract

Pinch of salt

How to Make Red Velvet Beet Bars

Prepare the beets: Roast the beets at 400°F for about 45 minutes, or until fork-tender. Peel and puree until smooth.

Mix the wet ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the beet puree, sugar, melted butter, eggs, and vanilla extract until smooth.

Combine the dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt.

Combine and mix: Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, alternating with buttermilk, stirring until just combined.

Bake: Pour the batter into a greased 9×9-inch pan and bake at 350°F for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.

Make the frosting: Brown the butter by melting it over medium heat until it turns golden and gives off a nutty aroma. Let it cool slightly, then beat it together with cream cheese, powdered sugar, vanilla, and a pinch of salt.

Assemble: Once the bars have completely cooled, spread the frosting evenly over the top. Cut into squares and serve!

Tips for Making the Best Red Velvet Beet Bars

Use fresh beets for the best flavor and color. Roasting them brings out their natural sweetness.

Don’t overmix the batter. Overmixing can make the bars dense instead of light and tender.

Let the frosting cool before spreading. Warm frosting can become runny and won’t hold its shape well.

For a deeper red color, add a tiny bit of food coloring. While beets provide natural coloring, a drop of red food dye can enhance the vibrancy.

Chill before serving. These bars taste even better after an hour in the fridge, as it allows the flavors to meld.

Reader Reviews

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ “Absolutely loved these! My kids couldn’t even tell there were beets in them.” – Sarah M.

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ “The brown butter frosting is a game-changer. I’ll be using it on other cakes too!” – Emily R.

⭐⭐⭐⭐ “Great texture and flavor, but I’d add a touch more cocoa next time.” – Mark D.

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ “Moist, flavorful, and easy to make. Perfect for a healthy-ish dessert!” – Rachel T.

⭐⭐⭐ “Tasty, but I wish they were a bit sweeter. Might add a little extra sugar next time.” – John L.

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