These red white and blue brownies are rich, fudgy, chocolatey, and topped with creamy white frosting and fresh strawberries and blueberries. The colorful topping gives classic homemade brownies a festive red, white, and blue makeover that’s perfect for the 4th of July, Memorial Day, Labor Day, summer parties, and patriotic celebrations.
They’re easy to make, beautiful on a dessert table, and simple enough for a family baking project.
Why You’ll Love These Red White and Blue Brownies
- Rich and fudgy brownies
- Festive patriotic colors
- Easy summer dessert
- Perfect for 4th of July
- Great for parties and cookouts
- Fresh berry topping
- Simple ingredients
- Easy to make ahead
- Kid-friendly
- Beautiful Pinterest-worthy presentation
Ingredients
For the Brownies
- 1 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 1/4 cups granulated sugar
- 3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips, optional
For the White Frosting
- 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
- 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1–2 tablespoons milk, as needed
For the Topping
- 1 cup fresh strawberries, sliced
- 1 cup fresh blueberries
- 1 tablespoon powdered sugar, optional
How to Make Red White and Blue Brownies
1. Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F.
Line an 8×8-inch or 9×9-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang for easy removal.
2. Prepare the Brownie Batter
Add melted butter and sugar to a large mixing bowl.
Whisk until well combined.
3. Add Cocoa Powder
Add cocoa powder and whisk until smooth.
4. Add the Eggs
Add eggs and vanilla extract.
Whisk until the mixture becomes smooth and glossy.
5. Add the Dry Ingredients
Add flour, baking powder, and salt.
Gently fold until just combined.
Don’t overmix the batter.
6. Add Chocolate Chips
Fold in chocolate chips if using.
7. Transfer to the Pan
Pour the brownie batter into the prepared pan.
Spread evenly with a spatula.
8. Bake
Bake for approximately 22–28 minutes.
The edges should look set while the center remains slightly soft.
9. Cool Completely
Allow the brownies to cool completely in the pan.
For cleaner slices, refrigerate them briefly after cooling.
10. Make the White Frosting
Beat softened cream cheese and butter until smooth.
Add powdered sugar gradually.
Add vanilla and enough milk to create a smooth, spreadable frosting.
11. Frost the Brownies
Spread the white frosting evenly over the completely cooled brownies.
12. Add the Red and Blue Berries
Arrange sliced strawberries and fresh blueberries over the frosting.
Create alternating rows or a scattered patriotic pattern.
13. Chill
Refrigerate for approximately 20–30 minutes to help the frosting set.
14. Slice
Lift the brownies from the pan using the parchment overhang.
Cut into squares with a sharp knife.
Wipe the knife between cuts for cleaner slices.
15. Serve
Serve chilled or at cool room temperature.
Can I Use a Brownie Mix?
Absolutely.
A boxed brownie mix works well when you want a shortcut.
Prepare it according to the package directions, then add the frosting and berries.
How Do I Make Fudgy Brownies?
Don’t overbake them.
The center should still have a slight softness when you remove the pan from the oven.
Allowing them to cool completely will help the center set while remaining fudgy.
Can I Use a 9×13-Inch Pan?
Yes.
For a larger batch, double the recipe and use a 9×13-inch pan.
The baking time may need to be adjusted slightly.
Can I Use White Chocolate Instead?
Yes.
You can fold white chocolate chips into the brownie batter for extra sweetness.
Can I Use Dark Chocolate?
Absolutely.
Dark chocolate gives the brownies a richer, more intense chocolate flavor.
Can I Use Milk Chocolate?
Yes.
Milk chocolate chips create a sweeter brownie.
Can I Make the Frosting Without Cream Cheese?
Yes.
Use a simple vanilla buttercream made with butter, powdered sugar, vanilla, and a small amount of milk.
Can I Use Whipped Cream?
Yes, but whipped cream is softer and doesn’t hold as well for extended periods.
For outdoor parties, cream cheese frosting or buttercream is generally more stable.
Can I Use Cool Whip?
Yes.
Spread a thin layer over completely cooled brownies and add the berries immediately before serving.
Can I Use Raspberries Instead of Strawberries?
Absolutely.
Raspberries work beautifully and provide the same red color.
Can I Use Blackberries?
Yes.
Blackberries can be mixed with blueberries for a deeper blue-purple color.
Can I Use Frozen Berries?
Fresh berries are recommended.
Frozen berries release additional moisture as they thaw and can make the frosting watery.
Can I Add Sprinkles?
Definitely.
Add red, white, and blue sprinkles for an even more festive look.
Can I Add White Chocolate Drizzle?
Yes.
A thin white chocolate drizzle can add extra decoration.
Can I Make These Gluten-Free?
Yes.
Use a certified gluten-free all-purpose flour blend.
Check all packaged ingredients if strict gluten avoidance is required.
Can I Make These Dairy-Free?
Yes.
Use dairy-free butter, dairy-free chocolate, and a suitable dairy-free frosting.
Can I Make These Ahead of Time?
Absolutely.
Bake the brownies a day ahead.
Add frosting and fresh berries several hours before serving.
How Long Do Red White and Blue Brownies Last?
Because they contain cream cheese frosting and fresh berries, store them refrigerated and enjoy within approximately 3–4 days.
Can I Freeze Them?
The unfrosted brownies freeze very well.
Wrap them tightly and freeze for up to approximately 3 months.
For the best texture, add the frosting and fresh berries after thawing.
How Do I Store Them?
Store the finished brownies in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
Place parchment between layers if stacking.
Can I Take These to a 4th of July Picnic?
Yes, but keep them chilled until serving.
Because of the cream cheese frosting and fresh berries, avoid leaving them in hot outdoor temperatures for extended periods.
Can Kids Help Make These?
Absolutely.
Kids can help:
- Mix the batter
- Add chocolate chips
- Spread frosting
- Arrange blueberries
- Place strawberry slices
Easy Red White and Blue Brownie Variations
Patriotic Sprinkle Brownies
Add red, white, and blue sprinkles over the frosting.
Berry Cheesecake Brownies
Use a thicker cheesecake-style frosting and top with berries.
Red White and Blue Oreo Brownies
Add crushed chocolate sandwich cookies to the brownie batter.
Strawberry Brownies
Use strawberries and white frosting without blueberries.
Triple Chocolate Brownies
Add chocolate chips, cocoa powder, and chocolate chunks.
Brownie Berry Trifle
Cut brownies into cubes and layer with whipped cream and berries.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use boxed brownie mix?
Yes. It’s an easy shortcut.
What berries should I use?
Fresh strawberries and blueberries create the classic red, white, and blue combination.
Can I use raspberries?
Yes.
Do I need to refrigerate them?
Yes, because of the cream cheese frosting and fresh berries.
Can I make them ahead?
Yes. Bake the brownies ahead and decorate closer to serving.
Can I freeze them?
Freeze the unfrosted brownies for best results.
Can I use whipped cream?
Yes, but it is less stable than buttercream or cream cheese frosting.
How do I keep them fudgy?
Avoid overbaking and let them cool completely before slicing.
Are they good for July 4th?
Absolutely. They’re perfect for patriotic summer celebrations.
Can I use a larger pan?
Yes. Double the recipe for a 9×13-inch pan.
Recipe Card
Red White and Blue Brownies
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Cooling Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Servings: 12
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Brownies
- 1 cup melted butter
- 1 1/4 cups sugar
- 3/4 cup cocoa powder
- 2 eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla
- 1 cup flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup chocolate chips, optional
Frosting
- 4 ounces cream cheese
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla
- 1–2 tablespoons milk
Topping
- 1 cup sliced strawberries
- 1 cup blueberries
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F.
- Line an 8×8-inch or 9×9-inch pan with parchment.
- Whisk melted butter and sugar.
- Add cocoa powder.
- Add eggs and vanilla.
- Fold in flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Add chocolate chips if desired.
- Spread batter in the pan.
- Bake for 22–28 minutes.
- Cool completely.
- Beat cream cheese and butter.
- Add powdered sugar and vanilla.
- Add milk as needed.
- Spread frosting over cooled brownies.
- Arrange strawberries and blueberries on top.
- Chill briefly.
- Slice and serve.