There's something magical about the moment you bite into a perfectly crafted red velvet brownies recipe. These stunning treats combine the rich, chocolatey goodness of classic brownies with the elegant, velvety smoothness that makes red velvet desserts so iconic. Whether you're planning a Valentine's Day treat or simply craving something special, these red velvet brownies deliver a perfect balance of chocolate flavor, moist texture, and that signature crimson hue that's sure to impress.
Why You'll Love These Red Velvet Brownies Recipe
Red velvet brownies have become a beloved twist on traditional brownies, offering the perfect marriage of chocolate and vanilla flavors with a stunning presentation. These brownies feature a rich, fudgy texture and subtle cocoa notes, topped with a swirled cream cheese frosting that adds a delightful tangy contrast. They're perfect for special occasions, holiday gatherings, or anytime you want to elevate your dessert game.
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Ingredients
the Red Velvet Brownies:
- 1½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1½ cups granulated sugar
- ¼ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 2 large eggs, room temperature
- 2 tablespoons red food coloring
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon white vinegar
- ½ cup buttermilk
the Cream Cheese Swirl:
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C)
- Line a 9x13 inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving overhang for easy removal
- Lightly grease the parchment paper with cooking spray
Making the Brownie Batter
- In a large bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt
- In a separate bowl, combine melted butter and sugar until well mixed
- Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition
- Stir in red food coloring, vanilla extract, and vinegar
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with buttermilk
- Mix until just combined, being careful not to overmix
Preparing the Cream Cheese Swirl
- Beat softened cream cheese until smooth
- Add sugar and mix until well combined
- Beat in egg and vanilla extract until mixture is creamy and smooth
Assembly and Baking
- Pour red velvet batter into the prepared pan
- Drop spoonfuls of cream cheese mixture over the top
- Use a knife to create swirls throughout the batter
- Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted comes out with a few moist crumbs
- Allow to cool completely before cutting
Storage Instructions
Store these red velvet brownies in an airtight container:
- Room Temperature: Up to 2 days
- Refrigerated: Up to 1 week
- Frozen: Up to 3 months (wrap individual pieces well)
Recipe Variations
- Classic Red Velvet Brownies: Skip the cream cheese swirl for traditional brownies
- Double Chocolate: Add chocolate chips to the batter for extra richness
- Gluten-Free Option: Substitute all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend
- White Chocolate: Add white chocolate chips for additional sweetness and texture
Essential For Red Velvet Brownies Recipe
- 9x13 inch baking pan
- Parchment paper
- Electric mixer (stand or hand)
- Mixing bowls
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Rubber spatula
- Cooling rack
Top Tip
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure all refrigerated ingredients are at room temperature before starting
- Quality Matters: Use high-quality cocoa powder for the best chocolate flavor
- Don't Overmix: Mix the batter just until combined to maintain a fudgy texture
- Perfect Swirls: Create beautiful swirls by using a skewer or knife to gently marble the cream cheese mixture
- Cooling Time: Allow brownies to cool completely for clean cuts and best texture
FAQ
What are red velvet brownies made of?
Red velvet brownies are made with cocoa powder, flour, butter, eggs, and red food coloring, plus vinegar and buttermilk for the characteristic red velvet tang. They often include cream cheese swirls or frosting to mimic traditional red velvet cake flavors. The key difference from regular brownies is the addition of food coloring and tangy ingredients that create the classic red velvet taste profile.
What's the difference between chocolate cake and red velvet cake?
Red velvet cake differs from chocolate cake by using less cocoa powder and adding buttermilk, vinegar, and red food coloring. While chocolate cake has a rich chocolate flavor, red velvet has a milder cocoa taste with subtle tanginess from the buttermilk and vinegar. Traditional red velvet cake also specifically uses cream cheese frosting, while chocolate cake can have various frostings.
What makes brownies too gooey?
Brownies become too gooey due to underbaking, using too little flour, too many wet ingredients, or not allowing them to cool completely before cutting. Other common causes include: measuring ingredients incorrectly, using too much sugar or butter, or removing from the oven too early. The ideal fudgy brownie should be moist but still hold its shape when cut.
Is red velvet cake a thing?
Yes, red velvet cake is a legitimate and historically significant dessert that originated in the United States during the Victorian era. It became widely popular in the 1920s when Adams Extract Company used it to boost sales of red food coloring. Originally, the reddish color came from a chemical reaction between cocoa powder and acidic ingredients, though modern versions primarily use food coloring.
HOW DID YOUR RED VELVET BROWNIES TURN OUT?
How did your Red Velvet Brownies Recipe turn out? Ready to savor something new? This recipe is sure to impress with its perfect balance of rich cocoa and subtle tang, all wrapped in a vibrant red color and topped with swirls of cream cheese that create an eye-catching and delicious dessert. If you're a fan of unique brownie variations, be sure to try our Eggless Brownie Recipe next – another easy-to-make yet delicious treat!
Did you make this Red Velvet Brownies Recipe? We'd love to hear about your experience! Leave a star rating and share your thoughts in the comments. Did you try any creative twists or use any unique ingredients? Some bakers have had great success adding white chocolate chips, while others love incorporating a chocolate ganache drizzle. Your feedback not only helps others but also contributes to our growing community of home cooks. Don't forget to share a photo of your culinary creation!
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Pairing
These are my favorite dishes to serve with Red Velvet Brownies
Red Velvet Brownies Recipe
Equipment
- 9x13-inch baking pan
- Parchment paper
- Electric mixer (stand or hand)
- Mixing bowls
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Rubber spatula
- Cooling rack
Ingredients
the Brownies:
- 1½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1½ cups granulated sugar
- ¼ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter melted
- 2 large eggs room temperature
- 2 tablespoons red food coloring
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon white vinegar
- ½ cup buttermilk
the Cream Cheese Frosting:
- 8 oz cream cheese softened
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F. Line 9x13 pan with parchment paper.
- Mix dry ingredients: flour, cocoa, baking soda, salt.
- Beat butter and sugar until combined.
- Add eggs one at a time, then red food coloring, vanilla, vinegar.
- Alternate adding dry ingredients and buttermilk to wet mixture.
- For frosting: Beat cream cheese, sugar, egg, and vanilla until smooth.
- Pour batter into pan, add cream cheese mixture in dollops.
- Swirl with knife to create marbled effect.
- Bake 30-35 minutes until toothpick comes out with few crumbs.
- Cool completely before cutting.
Notes
- Use room temperature ingredients
- Don't overmix batter
- Store in airtight container up to 1 week in fridge
- Can be frozen up to 3 months
marie says
Added chocolate chips - game changer!