preheat oven to 325F
mix together 1 cup granulated sugar + 1/2 cup softened butter + 1 tsp vanilla
whisk in 2 eggs just until combined
add in 3/4 cup all purpose flour + 1/2 cup powdered sugar + 2/3 cup cacao powder
stir in 1 tbsp water or milk + 2 tbsp natural red food coloring
optional: fold in 1/2 cup dark chocolate chips
scoop evenly into an oiled square brownie pan
bake for 30-35 min or until toothpick comes out clean
cream cheese frosting: whip together 1/2 block cream cheese softened + 2 tbsp melted butter + 1 cup powdered sugar + 1 tsp vanilla