There’s just something magical about Red Velvet Brownies—the way their rich red hue hints at decadence, while each bite delivers the classic tang of cocoa and a gentle chew that melts in your mouth. These brownies are a showstopping treat, equally at home at a dinner party as they are at a cozy night in. With or without a swoon-worthy cream cheese swirl, every square offers a delectable balance of sweet and tart, chocolate and vanilla, all cloaked in that signature luscious color that simply begs for a second helping.

Red Velvet Brownies Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of Red Velvet Brownies lies in their simplicity. Each ingredient plays a starring role, contributing to the dense, fudgy texture, the iconic vibrant color, or the delightful tang that sets red velvet apart.

1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted: Kicks off the fudgy foundation of the brownies and ensures every bite is irresistibly rich.
1 cup granulated sugar: Sweetens the batter just right, highlighting both the cocoa and the tang of vinegar.
2 large eggs: Add structure and bind the batter, keeping things moist and chewy.
1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Deepens the flavor and brings out the chocolate notes in the cocoa.
1 tablespoon red food coloring: Gives Red Velvet Brownies their signature vibrant color—it’s not just for looks!
1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder: Offers that subtle chocolate flavor essential to the red velvet experience.
3/4 cup all-purpose flour: The base that brings everything together without making the brownies cakey.
1/4 teaspoon salt: Balances the sweetness and wakes up all the other flavors.
1/2 teaspoon white vinegar: Adds the classic tang and reacts with the cocoa to intensify the color.
4 oz cream cheese, softened (optional): For the rich, tangy swirl that takes these brownies to another level.
2 tablespoons granulated sugar (optional): Sweetens the cream cheese swirl for the perfect contrast.
1 egg yolk (optional): Binds the cream cheese swirl, making it luscious and rich.
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional): Adds a little extra warmth to the cream cheese layer.

How to Make Red Velvet Brownies

Step 1: Prep Your Pan and Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper, making sure there’s a little overhang on the sides. This simple step guarantees stress-free brownie removal and tidy, Instagram-worthy squares when it’s time to slice.

Step 2: Mix the Wet Ingredients

In a large bowl, whisk together your melted butter and sugar until the mixture is glossy and smooth—it should almost look like pale caramel. Mix in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract and red food coloring. You’ll notice the batter taking on the passionate red color that Red Velvet Brownies are known for!

Step 3: Add the Dry Ingredients

Sift in the unsweetened cocoa powder (this keeps things lump-free) and gently fold it through the wet mixture. Add the flour and salt, then pour in the white vinegar, mixing just until combined. Take care not to overmix—the key to a fudgy brownie is to stop as soon as everything comes together.

Step 4: Fill the Pan and Swirl (Optional)

Spread the brownie batter evenly into the prepared pan, coaxing it right into the corners for even baking. If you’re opting for the cream cheese swirl, beat together the softened cream cheese, sugar, egg yolk, and vanilla extract until perfectly smooth. Drop spoonfuls of this creamy filling across the surface, then use a knife or skewer to swirl gently for an artistic marble effect.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Place the pan in the oven and bake for 28 to 32 minutes. The edges should look set, but the center needs to be just barely set with a few moist crumbs clinging to a toothpick. For extra fudgy Red Velvet Brownies, lean toward the shorter baking time and let them cool completely in the pan before slicing.

How to Serve Red Velvet Brownies

Garnishes

Sprinkle your brownies with a dusting of powdered sugar, a scattering of white chocolate chips, or even a drizzle of melted dark chocolate for a decadent finish. Fresh berries—think raspberries or strawberries—add a touch of tartness and make the red color pop beautifully.

Side Dishes

Pairing Red Velvet Brownies with a scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream creates the ultimate dessert experience, especially when served slightly warm. For gatherings, try offering them alongside a plate of fresh fruit or a light whipped cream, which provides a delicate contrast to the rich, fudgy texture.

Creative Ways to Present

Turn your brownies into a dramatic centerpiece by slicing them into bite-sized squares and stacking them on a tiered platter. For holidays or date nights, cut them into heart shapes using a cookie cutter—these make show-stopping gifts or party favors. Or serve with little flags or sprinkles for themed celebrations!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

To keep Red Velvet Brownies fudgy and fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. If you go for the cream cheese swirl, refrigeration is your best friend—just let the brownies come back to room temp before serving for ultimate flavor and texture.

Freezing

Red Velvet Brownies freeze like a dream! Just wrap each bar tightly in plastic wrap, then tuck them into a freezer-safe bag. They’ll keep for up to three months. When you’re ready to indulge, simply thaw at room temperature or warm gently in the microwave.

Reheating

If you prefer your brownies warm and gooey, pop them in the microwave for about 10–15 seconds. This brings out the chocolate flavor and makes the cream cheese swirl extra luscious. Avoid overheating to maintain the fudgy texture—nobody wants dry brownies!

FAQs

Can I make Red Velvet Brownies without the cream cheese swirl?

Absolutely! The brownies are delightfully fudgy and flavorful on their own. The cream cheese swirl is just a bonus for those who crave a little extra tang and creaminess. You can also toss in a handful of white chocolate chips for an easy variation.

What type Dessert

Liquid red food coloring delivers the classic vibrant color, but gel food coloring also works beautifully and is more concentrated—just use a little less. Try to avoid natural beet-based colorings, as they can sometimes affect the flavor and vibrancy.

Why add vinegar to Red Velvet Brownies?

Vinegar is a traditional ingredient in red velvet recipes. It works with the cocoa powder to intensify both the color and that subtle tang, which separates red velvet desserts from regular chocolate brownies.

How do I know when my brownies are done?

Check with a toothpick inserted in the center—there should be a few moist crumbs but no wet batter. Overbaking leads to cakey brownies, so err on the side of caution for a dreamily fudgy texture!

Can I double the recipe for a bigger crowd?

You sure can! Double all the ingredients and bake the batter in a 9×13-inch pan. Keep an eye on them as baking times can vary; start checking at the 30-minute mark.

Final Thoughts

Give these Red Velvet Brownies a whirl, and you’ll see just how easy it is to whip up a showstopper that delights every time. Whether you’re baking for a celebration or just because, these brownies are the kind of treat that’ll have friends and family coming back for more—so don’t forget to save yourself a piece!

Red Velvet Brownies Recipe

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4.8 from 14 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 45 minutes
Yield: 16 brownies 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Indulge in these decadent Red Velvet Brownies with a luscious cream cheese swirl. A perfect treat for any occasion, these fudgy brownies are rich, moist, and bursting with chocolate flavor.

Ingredients

Scale

Brownies:

1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
1 cup granulated sugar
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 tablespoon red food coloring
1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
3/4 cup all-purpose flour
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon white vinegar

Cream Cheese Swirl (optional):

4 oz cream cheese, softened
2 tablespoons granulated sugar
1 egg yolk
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

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Instructions

Preheat the oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
Mix the batter: In a large bowl, whisk together melted butter and sugar. Add eggs, vanilla extract, and red food coloring, stirring until smooth. Sift in cocoa powder, then stir in flour, salt, and vinegar until just combined. Spread batter evenly into the prepared pan.
Add the cream cheese swirl: (Optional) Beat the cream cheese, sugar, egg yolk, and vanilla until smooth. Drop spoonfuls over the brownie batter and swirl gently with a knife.
Bake: Bake for 28–32 minutes, or until the center is just set and a toothpick comes out with moist crumbs. Cool completely before slicing.

Notes

For more fudgy brownies, slightly underbake and cool completely in the pan.
You can omit the cream cheese swirl for a classic version or add white chocolate chips for extra richness.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American