Red Velvet Brownies Recipe

The Perfect Red Velvet Brownies Recipe: Fudgy & Dreamy Delight

Decadent red velvet brownies promise a delightful twist on classic chocolate treats that’ll make your taste buds dance with joy.

Rich cocoa and vibrant crimson hues combine in a dessert that looks as spectacular as it tastes.

Smooth cream cheese frosting adds a luxurious layer of indulgence to these fudgy squares.

Chocolate lovers will absolutely adore this inventive take on traditional brownies.

Each bite delivers a perfect balance of sweet and tangy flavors that melt seamlessly in your mouth.

These brownies shine as a stunning centerpiece for any gathering or a personal weekend treat.

You’ll want to savor every single crumb of this irresistible dessert that elevates brownies to an art form.

Answers To Red Velvet Brownies FAQs

  • What gives red velvet brownies their distinctive flavor?

The combination of cocoa powder, vinegar, and buttermilk (or vinegar in this case) creates the classic tangy red velvet taste that sets these brownies apart from traditional chocolate brownies.

  • Why use both granulated and brown sugar?

The mix of sugars provides depth of flavor and helps create a moist, tender texture. Brown sugar adds moisture and a subtle caramel-like note to the brownies.

  • How do I achieve the perfect red color?

Use gel food coloring instead of liquid, as it provides a more vibrant red without thinning the batter. Add the coloring gradually and mix thoroughly to ensure an even, rich color throughout the brownies.

Why Red Velvet Brownies Are A Crowd Favorite

  • Customize with Flair: Add white chocolate chips or experiment with different toppings to make these brownies uniquely yours.
  • Wow Factor Dessert: Create a show-stopping treat that looks as impressive as it tastes, perfect for gatherings or special celebrations.
  • Beginner-Friendly Baking: Follows simple steps that even novice bakers can master, with clear instructions and minimal complicated techniques.
  • Crowd-Pleasing Comfort: Combines the beloved red velvet flavor with the rich, fudgy texture of brownies, guaranteeing smiles from both kids and adults.

What’s In Red Velvet Brownies

Dry Ingredients:
  • All-Purpose Flour: The key structure builder for the dense and fudgy brownies.
  • Cornstarch: Helps create a tender and soft texture in the brownies.
  • Cocoa Powder: Provides rich chocolate flavor and deep color.
  • Salt: Enhances and balances the overall sweetness of the brownies.
Wet Ingredients:
  • Butter: Adds richness and depth of flavor to the brownie base.
  • Vegetable Oil: Contributes to the moist and tender texture of the brownies.
  • Eggs, Egg Yolk: Provide structure, richness, and help bind the ingredients together.
  • Vanilla Extract: Adds a warm, sweet background flavor.
  • White Vinegar: Creates the classic tangy red velvet taste.
  • Red Gel Food Coloring: Gives the signature vibrant red color.
Sweeteners and Mix-Ins:
  • Granulated Sugar, Light Brown Sugar: Provide sweetness and contribute to the brownie's moisture.
  • White Chocolate Chips: Optional add-in for extra texture and sweetness.
Frosting Ingredients:
  • Cream Cheese, Butter: Create a smooth and creamy frosting base.
  • Powdered Sugar: Provides sweetness and helps thicken the frosting.
  • Vanilla Extract: Adds a complementary flavor to the cream cheese frosting.

How To Make Red Velvet Brownies Easily

Step 1: Prepare Baking Setup

Preheat the oven to 335°F. Line a 9-inch square cake pan with parchment paper, ensuring complete coverage for easy removal.

Step 2: Create Butter Sugar Base

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together melted butter with granulated and light brown sugar until the mixture becomes smooth and well-blended.

Step 3: Incorporate Wet Ingredients

Add eggs, extra egg yolk, and vanilla extract.

Gently mix the ingredients, being careful not to introduce excessive air into the batter.

Step 4: Build Chocolate Foundation

Whisk in vegetable oil and cocoa powder, ensuring complete integration for a rich chocolate flavor.

Step 5: Add Vibrant Red Color

Separate a small portion of batter and mix with red gel food coloring until uniformly smooth. Reincorporate this colored mixture into the main batter, stirring until the color is completely distributed.

Step 6: Combine Dry Ingredients

Switch to a spatula and gently fold in:
  • Flour
  • Cornstarch
  • Salt

Mix until ingredients are just combined, avoiding overmixing.

Step 7: Enhance Flavor Profile

Stir in vinegar to introduce the classic red velvet tanginess.

Optional: Fold in white chocolate chips for extra texture and sweetness.

Step 8: Bake to Perfection

Transfer the batter to the prepared pan.

Bake for 20-25 minutes. Check doneness by inserting a toothpick – it should emerge with moist crumbs.

Step 9: Prepare Creamy Frosting

Beat softened butter and cream cheese until smooth and creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar, mixing on low speed initially.

Increase to high speed to create a fluffy texture.

Step 10: Finish and Frost

Mix vanilla extract into the frosting.

Once brownies have completely cooled, spread frosting evenly across the surface.

Step 11: Serve and Enjoy

Slice into 16 squares and serve these luxurious red velvet brownies to delight your guests.

Helpful Tricks For Red Velvet Brownies

  • Swap gel food coloring with natural alternatives like beetroot powder for a healthier version of these brownies.
  • Ensure ingredients are at room temperature to guarantee smooth batter and perfect texture.
  • Remove brownies from oven when edges are set but center still looks slightly underbaked for ultra-fudgy results.
  • Consider adding cream cheese swirls before baking for an extra decadent twist on classic red velvet brownies.
  • Store brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for maximum freshness, consuming within 3-4 days for best taste and texture.

Fun Styles For Red Velvet Brownies

  • Cream Cheese Swirl Brownies: Create a marbled effect by swirling cream cheese mixture into red velvet batter before baking, adding rich tangy layers to each bite.
  • Nutty Red Velvet Edition: Fold chopped pecans or walnuts into the batter for extra crunch and depth of flavor, enhancing the classic brownie texture.
  • Salted Caramel Red Velvet: Drizzle homemade salted caramel sauce over frosted brownies, introducing a sweet-salty contrast that elevates the dessert.
  • Dark Chocolate Raspberry Red Velvet: Incorporate fresh raspberries and dark chocolate chips into the batter, creating a sophisticated fruity undertone.

What To Eat With Red Velvet Brownies

  • Pair Creamy Vanilla Milkshake: Blend smooth vanilla ice cream with cold milk, creating a luxurious companion that complements the rich red velvet brownie's decadent chocolate notes.
  • Enhance with Red Wine Pairing: Select a medium-bodied Merlot or Pinot Noir with subtle berry undertones, cutting through the brownie's sweetness while amplifying its complex flavor profile.
  • Match Espresso Delight: Brew a strong, dark espresso shot that provides a robust contrast to the brownie's sweet cream cheese frosting, balancing each delectable bite with intense coffee depth.
  • Create Champagne Celebration: Choose a slightly sweet rosé champagne that mirrors the brownies' elegant red color, offering effervescent bubbles and a luxurious drinking experience that elevates the dessert's sophistication.

Best Way To Store Red Velvet Brownies

  • Refrigerate: Store brownies in an airtight container for up to 5 days. Place parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking. Keep in the coldest part of the refrigerator.
  • Freeze: Wrap individual brownies tightly in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil. Freeze for 2-3 months. Thaw at room temperature for 1-2 hours before serving.
  • Microwave Reheating: Warm individual brownie pieces for 10-15 seconds on medium power. Check temperature to avoid overheating. Add a small dollop of frosting after warming for extra moisture.
  • Counter Storage: Keep brownies at room temperature in a sealed container for 2-3 days. Place a piece of bread in the container to maintain softness and prevent drying out.
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Red Velvet Brownies Recipe

Red Velvet Brownies Recipe


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4.7 from 40 reviews

  • Total Time: 40 minutes
  • Yield: 12 1x

Description

Indulgent red velvet brownies blend rich chocolate and velvety crimson charm into one irresistible dessert. Silky smooth layers melt perfectly, promising delectable comfort with each luxurious chocolate-kissed bite you’ll savor.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 3 large eggs
  • 1 egg yolk
  • 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
  • ¼ cup (55g) light brown sugar
  • ¾ cup (90g) all-purpose flour
  • ¼ cup (25g) Dutch-processed cocoa powder

Wet Ingredients:

  • 85g (¾ stick) unsalted butter, melted
  • ⅓ cup (72g) vegetable oil
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 tablespoon vinegar (white wine or regular white)
  • ½ teaspoon red gel food coloring

Supplementary Ingredients:

  • ¼ teaspoon salt
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch
  • ¾ cup white chocolate chips (optional)

Cream Cheese Frosting:

  • 114g (4 ounces) cream cheese, softened
  • 85g (¾ stick) unsalted butter, softened
  • 4 cups (480g) powdered sugar

Instructions

  1. Prepare the oven at 335°F and line a 9-inch square pan with parchment paper for easy removal.
  2. Melt butter and whisk together with granulated and brown sugars until the mixture becomes glossy and well-blended.
  3. Incorporate eggs, extra egg yolk, and vanilla extract, stirring gently to maintain a smooth consistency.
  4. Blend vegetable oil and cocoa powder into the mixture until completely integrated.
  5. Separate a small portion of batter and mix with red gel food coloring, then reincorporate into the main batter for an even crimson tone.
  6. Transition to a spatula and delicately fold in flour, cornstarch, and salt, ensuring minimal mixing to preserve the brownie’s tender texture.
  7. Add vinegar to enhance the signature red velvet tanginess, and optionally fold in white chocolate chips for extra richness.
  8. Transfer the batter to the prepared pan, spreading evenly, and bake for 20-25 minutes until a toothpick reveals moist crumbs.
  9. Allow brownies to cool completely before preparing the frosting.
  10. Cream together softened butter and cream cheese until silky and uniform in texture.
  11. Gradually introduce powdered sugar at low speed, then whip on high until the frosting becomes light and fluffy.
  12. Stir in vanilla extract and spread the frosting uniformly across the cooled brownies.
  13. Slice into 16 equal squares and serve at room temperature.

Notes

  • Make sure to use gel food coloring for vibrant red color without altering the batter’s consistency.
  • Sift dry ingredients to prevent lumps and ensure smooth, even texture in brownies.
  • Avoid overmixing batter to keep brownies tender and prevent tough, dense results.
  • Experiment with different chocolate chips like dark or milk chocolate for unique flavor variations.
  • Allow brownies to cool completely before frosting to prevent melting and maintain clean, crisp edges.
  • Store frosted brownies in refrigerator for up to 5 days in an airtight container for maximum freshness.
  • For gluten-free option, substitute all-purpose flour with gluten-free blend and add 1/4 teaspoon xanthan gum.
  • Create cream cheese frosting swirls using piping bag for elegant, professional-looking presentation.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Category: Desserts, Snacks
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 12
  • Calories: 290
  • Sugar: 30g
  • Sodium: 150mg
  • Fat: 15g
  • Saturated Fat: 9g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 4g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 38g
  • Fiber: 0.5g
  • Protein: 2g
  • Cholesterol: 55mg
Mia Thompson

Mia Thompson

Pastry Chef & Content Creator

Expertise

  • Creating wholesome, seasonal desserts with a focus on nutrition.
  • Developing recipes on healthy baking alternatives.
  • Experimenting with plant-based and gluten-free recipes.​

Education

Portland Community College – Baking and Pastry Arts Program
Specialized in artisanal bread, seasonal desserts, and sustainable baking methods.

National University of Natural Medicine – Bachelor of Science in Nutrition (BScN)
Focused on “Food as Medicine” philosophy, with core threads in nutrition.


Mia’s love affair with baking began in her grandmother’s kitchen, where sneaking spoonfuls of batter first sparked her curiosity. She refined her skills through Portland Community College’s Baking and Pastry Arts Program and her expertise at the National University of Natural Medicine, earning a B.Sc. in Nutrition.
At The Scrumptious Pumpkin, Mia reimagines classics with effortless seasonal treats, healthier twists on old favorites, and playful confections that feel like pure joy. Beyond the oven, she nurtures her urban garden, forages local ingredients around Portland, and leads hands‑on nutrition workshops for her community.

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