🧁 Can I use sour cream instead of heavy cream for frosting?

Absolutely! In fact, sour cream is a major feature of these Red Velvet Beet Bars . It gives the frosting a velvety, tangy flavor that cuts through the sweetness, resulting in a lighter, more sophisticated topping than traditional heavy cream or even cream cheese.

🎂 Why are Red Velvet Beet Bars paired with tangy frosting?

The mild acidity of sour cream or cream cheese beautifully complements the earthy sweetness of beets and the subtle cocoa flavor in Red Velvet Beet Bars . This tangy layer balances richness and enhances depth, making every bite more dynamic.

🍫 Can I add sour cream to chocolate frosting?

Yes! Sour cream works wonders in chocolate frostings—adding creaminess, slight tang, and reducing the cloying sweetness. If you're tweaking the frosting for your Red Velvet Beet Bars , adding cocoa powder to the sour cream base makes a luscious chocolate version with depth and personality.

🌱 Are Red Velvet Beet Bars healthier than regular red velvet cake?

In many ways, yes. The beets naturally add moisture, reducing the need for excess fat. Plus, you skip the red food dye altogether. These Red Velvet Beet Bars are a more nutritious, whole-food-based option—without losing the decadent texture and taste you love.

7 Must-Try Red Velvet Beet Bars That Taste Even Better Than They Look

Description

These must-try red velvet beet bars topped with tangy sour cream frosting are naturally vibrant, perfectly moist, and irresistibly good.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Bars:

3/4 cup beet puree (from roasted or steamed beets)
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1/2 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp kosher salt
1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
1 cup granulated sugar
2 large eggs
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 tbsp apple cider vinegar

For the Sour-Cream Frosting:

1/4 cup sour cream
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
2 cups powdered sugar
1/2 tsp vanilla extract
Pinch of salt

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Instructions

Make the Beet Bars
Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
Mix dry ingredients: Flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt.
Blend wet ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk beet puree, melted butter, sugar, eggs, vinegar, and vanilla.
Combine & bake: Fold dry into wet; pour into pan and smooth top. Bake for 20–25 minutes.
Cool completely before frosting.
Prepare the Sour-Cream Frosting
Beat butter and sour cream until creamy.
Add powdered sugar gradually while mixing.
Stir in vanilla and salt. Whip until fluffy.
Spread over cooled bars and chill slightly before slicing.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: Baked
Cuisine: American