Ingredients:

  • 1/2 cup (113g) unsalted butter, melted
  • 2 tbsp (30ml) vegetable oil
  • 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
  • 1 large egg, room temperature
  • 2 tbsp (30ml) buttermilk
  • 1 tsp (5ml) white vinegar
  • 2 tsp (10ml) vanilla extract
  • 1 tbsp (15ml) red food coloring
  • 1.5 cups (190g) all-purpose flour
  • 2 tbsp (10g) unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 1/4 tsp (1.5g) salt
  • 8 oz (226g) full-fat cream cheese, softened
  • 1/4 cup (57g) unsalted butter, softened
  • 2 cups (240g) powdered sugar
  • 1 tsp (5ml) vanilla extract
  • 1 pinch salt

Instructions:

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8x8 inch square baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides for easy removal.
  2. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the melted butter, vegetable oil, and granulated sugar until well combined.
  3. Add the egg, buttermilk, white vinegar, vanilla extract, and red food coloring. Whisk vigorously until the mixture is uniform in color and looks glossy.
  4. Sift the all-purpose flour, cocoa powder, and salt directly into the wet ingredients. Use a silicone spatula to fold the mixture together until just combined; do not overmix.
  5. Spread the batter evenly into the prepared baking pan. Bake for 25 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with a few moist crumbs.
  6. Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan before frosting.
  7. Prepare the frosting by beating the softened cream cheese and 1/4 cup butter with a hand mixer until smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar, vanilla, and a pinch of salt, beating until light and fluffy.
  8. Spread the frosting over the cooled bars, lift from the pan using the parchment overhang, and cut into 16 even squares.