Red Velvet Brownies are an irresistible twist on a classic dessert, artfully blending the rich cocoa flavors and signature red hue that make red velvet so beloved, all in the form of supremely chewy, fudgy brownies. These bars not only look stunning when you slice into them, but they truly taste as special as they appear. Whether you go for the optional cream cheese swirl or keep them plain and deeply chocolatey, these brownies are a surefire crowd-pleaser for celebrations, holidays, or just a little weekday indulgence. Once you try this recipe, you’ll want to keep it on repeat.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The best part about these Red Velvet Brownies is how the simplest baking staples transform into a show-stopping treat. Each ingredient serves a purpose, whether it’s lending moisture, deep color, or that crave-worthy fudgy finish.
- Unsalted butter: Melting the butter creates rich, dense brownies and helps integrate the flavor throughout the batter.
- Granulated sugar: Sweetens the brownies and helps achieve a shiny top and tender crumb.
- Unsweetened cocoa powder: Adds the essential chocolate note that makes red velvet, well, red velvet! Choose a good quality cocoa for best results.
- Red food coloring: This gives the brownies their bold, signature color; gel food coloring is best for a vibrant look without watering down the batter.
- Vanilla extract: Adds warmth and rounds out the cocoa flavor, making everything taste bakery-quality.
- Large eggs: Eggs provide structure and create that irresistibly chewy, dense texture.
- All-purpose flour: The only flour you need for tender, classic brownies with the right bite.
- Salt: Just a bit elevates the chocolate and counterbalances the sweetness.
- Cream cheese (optional): Swirled in for extra tang and a beautiful marbled effect; make sure it’s softened for easy mixing.
- Extra sugar (optional, for swirl): Sweetens the cream cheese so it tastes like a mini cheesecake hug in each bite.
- Egg yolk (optional, for swirl): Adds creaminess and helps the swirl set in the oven.
- Extra vanilla (optional, for swirl): More vanilla makes the swirl fragrant and delectable.
How to Make Red Velvet Brownies
Step 1: Prepare Your Pan
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper, making sure to leave some extra overhang on the sides. This handy trick lets you lift out the brownies in one easy swoop for perfect, clean squares.
Step 2: Create the Red Velvet Base
In a large bowl, whisk together your melted, slightly cooled butter with granulated sugar, cocoa powder, red food coloring, and vanilla extract. Whisk until silky smooth and completely blended—the batter should be glossy and deep red.
Step 3: Add the Eggs
Add the eggs one at a time, whisking thoroughly after each addition. This gradual approach helps create an even, cohesive batter and ensures your Red Velvet Brownies bake up with that signature fudge interior.
Step 4: Fold in the Dry Ingredients
Gently stir in the flour and salt until just combined; don’t overmix, or the brownies could turn out tough. Stop as soon as you no longer see streaks of flour—this step is key for chewy, tender results.
Step 5: Swirl in the Cream Cheese (Optional)
If you’re feeling decadent, mix the softened cream cheese, sugar, egg yolk, and vanilla in a small bowl until velvety. Drop spoonfuls over your brownie batter, then gently swirl them in with a knife for a stunning marbled top and tangy surprise in each bite.
Step 6: Bake to Fudgy Perfection
Pour the finished batter into your prepped pan and smooth the top. Bake on the center rack for 28–32 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with a few moist crumbs (not wet batter). Let them cool completely in the pan—your patience will be rewarded with clean, perfect edges!
Step 7: Slice and Enjoy
Once cool, use the parchment handles to lift the mega brownie out onto a board. Slice into 16 perfect squares. Get ready for the ooohs and aaahs!
How to Serve Red Velvet Brownies
Garnishes
A sprinkle of powdered sugar can make your brownies extra festive. For special occasions, a drizzle of melted white chocolate or scatter of mini chocolate chips adds elegance and a little texture.
Side Dishes
These brownies pair wonderfully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a glass of cold milk. If you’re feeling extra, a bowl of fresh berries adds vibrant color and a tart note that balances the sweet richness.
Creative Ways to Present
Stack brownies into a tower on a pretty cake plate for a party centerpiece, or wrap individual squares with parchment and twine for heartfelt homemade gifts. For a dramatic touch, serve Red Velvet Brownies on a platter with strawberries and a bowl of whipped cream.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Just pop any leftover Red Velvet Brownies in an airtight container at room temperature and they’ll stay moist and fudgy for up to 3 days. If you prefer an extra-chewy bite, refrigerate them and enjoy cold straight from the fridge.
Freezing
To freeze, wrap individual brownie squares tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer bag or container. They’ll keep beautifully for up to 2 months, and you need only thaw at room temperature whenever the craving hits.
Reheating
To regain that freshly-baked softness, warm a brownie in the microwave for 10–15 seconds. If using the cream cheese swirl, keep reheating times short so the swirl stays creamy and luscious.
FAQs
Can I make Red Velvet Brownies without the cream cheese swirl?
Absolutely! The base brownie is deliciously rich and flavorful on its own. The cream cheese swirl is purely for extra tang and visual appeal—so feel free to skip it if you’re in the mood for something simpler.
What kind of cocoa powder works best?
Use unsweetened natural cocoa powder for the best balance of chocolate flavor and color. Dutch-processed can be used if that’s what you have, but natural cocoa will provide that classic red velvet taste and a slightly more vibrant red color.
Can I use oil instead of butter?
While you technically can, using melted butter gives Red Velvet Brownies a richer flavor and the signature fudgy crumb. Oil will make the brownies super moist but you’ll miss out on some of that classic brownie decadence.
How do I know when the brownies are done?
Start checking at the 28-minute mark. The edges should look set, but the center may look a little soft—that’s perfect! Insert a toothpick into the center: if it comes out with a few moist crumbs, they’re ready. Over-baking leads to dry brownies, so trust your toothpick.
Can I double this recipe for a crowd?
You sure can! Bake in two separate pans or use a larger, rimmed sheet pan and watch the baking time (it may need a few extra minutes). This is a killer dessert for potlucks and parties—everyone loves a vibrant batch of Red Velvet Brownies.
Final Thoughts
Baking a batch of Red Velvet Brownies is like sending a little love out into the world—every vibrant bite is full of comfort and celebration. Whether you swirl in cream cheese or serve them as-is, this is the kind of recipe that just makes everyone smile. Give them a try, and let these stunning brownies become a new favorite in your go-to dessert rotation.
Print
Red Velvet Brownies Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 16 brownies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in these decadent Red Velvet Brownies with a delightful cream cheese swirl for a perfect Valentine’s Day treat or anytime you crave a fudgy, chocolatey dessert.
Ingredients
Brownies:
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, melted and slightly cooled
- 1¾ cups granulated sugar
- ¼ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 tablespoon red food coloring (liquid or gel)
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 4 large eggs
- 1¼ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon salt
Optional Cream Cheese Swirl:
- 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 1 egg yolk
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat the oven and prepare the pan: Preheat the oven to 350°F. Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang for easy removal.
- Mix the brownie batter: In a large bowl, whisk together melted butter, sugar, cocoa powder, red food coloring, and vanilla extract until smooth. Add eggs one at a time, whisking well. Stir in flour and salt just until combined.
- Prepare cream cheese swirl: In a small bowl, mix cream cheese, sugar, egg yolk, and vanilla until smooth.
- Assemble and bake: Pour the brownie batter into the pan, spread evenly. Drop spoonfuls of cream cheese mixture over the batter and swirl gently with a knife. Bake for 28–32 minutes.
- Cool and serve: Let the brownies cool completely in the pan. Lift out and cut into squares.
Notes
- Use gel food coloring for a deeper red color.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for a fudgier texture.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 brownie
- Calories: 260
- Sugar: 23g
- Sodium: 120mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
