If you love the rich, velvety texture of red velvet cake but crave the dense, fudgy decadence of a brownie, this Red Velvet Brownie recipe is the perfect marriage of both worlds. Whether you’re making them for a special occasion, a bake sale, or simply as a treat for yourself, these brownies are sure to hit the spot. Each bite brings together the smooth cocoa flavor, a subtle hint of tanginess, and a beautiful red hue that makes them as appealing to the eyes as they are to the taste buds. Let’s dive right into creating these delicious treats that are as simple to make as they are to enjoy!
Why Red Velvet Brownies?
Red velvet desserts have an iconic appeal that stems from their unique combination of mild cocoa flavor, a hint of acidity, and that signature red color. While traditional brownies are loved for their fudgy, chocolate-dense goodness, adding a red velvet twist gives them an extra layer of flavor and a striking appearance that sets them apart. Whether it’s a holiday celebration, Valentine’s Day treat, or just a Sunday afternoon indulgence, red velvet brownies will always stand out.
Not only are they a crowd-pleaser, but they’re also incredibly easy to make. With minimal ingredients and effort, you’ll have a batch of luxurious brownies ready to serve in no time.
Ingredients for Red Velvet Brownies
To create these delightful red velvet brownies, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, melted
- 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 4 large eggs
- 1 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
- ¼ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon red food coloring (gel or liquid)
- ½ cup semi-sweet chocolate chips (optional)
Cream Cheese Swirl (optional but recommended!)
For an extra layer of richness, a cream cheese swirl on top takes these brownies to the next level. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 1 egg yolk
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions for Making Red Velvet Brownies
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Pan
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line a 9×9 inch baking pan with parchment paper, ensuring that the paper hangs over the edges for easy removal later. This will also help prevent sticking, ensuring that your brownies come out perfectly.
Step 2: Combine Wet Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together the melted butter, granulated sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth and well combined. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. This will create a smooth and creamy base that ensures the brownies are moist and fluffy.
Step 3: Add Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt. Sifting will help to remove any lumps, making the batter smoother and easier to work with. Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined. Avoid overmixing, as this can make the brownies tough.
Step 4: Add Red Color and Chocolate Chips
Stir in the red food coloring until the batter turns a rich, velvety red hue. If you prefer a more subtle red, you can reduce the amount of food coloring. If you’re adding chocolate chips for extra chocolatey richness, fold them in gently at this stage.
Step 5: Cream Cheese Swirl (Optional)
For the cream cheese swirl, beat together the softened cream cheese, sugar, egg yolk, and vanilla extract in a small bowl until smooth and creamy. Drop spoonfuls of the cream cheese mixture over the brownie batter, then use a knife to create swirls, giving the brownies a beautiful marbled effect.
Step 6: Bake the Brownies
Pour the brownie batter into your prepared pan, spreading it evenly. Bake for 30–35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out mostly clean, with a few moist crumbs attached. Be careful not to overbake, as this can dry out the brownies.
Step 7: Cool and Serve
Once baked, allow the brownies to cool completely in the pan. Use the overhanging parchment paper to lift the brownies out onto a cutting board. Cut them into squares and enjoy! These brownies are delicious both warm and at room temperature. For an added indulgence, serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.
Tips for Perfect Red Velvet Brownies
- Use gel food coloring: Gel food coloring produces a more vibrant red hue compared to liquid food coloring, and you don’t need to use as much of it.
- Don’t skip the cream cheese swirl: While optional, the cream cheese layer adds a delightful contrast in flavor and texture, making the brownies even more luxurious.
- Avoid overbaking: Keep a close eye on the brownies while they bake. The center should still be a little soft when you remove them from the oven, as they will continue to set while cooling.
Variations to Try
Looking to put your own spin on this recipe? Here are a few creative ideas to make your red velvet brownies stand out even more:
- Add nuts: Walnuts or pecans add a satisfying crunch to the dense, fudgy brownies.
- Drizzle with chocolate: Once cooled, drizzle melted white or dark chocolate over the brownies for an extra decadent touch.
- Make them festive: Top the brownies with sprinkles or edible glitter to match any holiday or celebration theme.
Why You’ll Love These Red Velvet Brownies
These brownies perfectly blend the luxurious texture of red velvet cake with the indulgent richness of a classic brownie. They’re slightly tangy, thanks to the red velvet base, with just the right amount of chocolatey goodness. The cream cheese swirl adds a creamy, tangy contrast to the fudgy brownie, making every bite more flavorful and delightful.
Whether you’re baking for a party, a special event, or simply indulging in a personal treat, these red velvet brownies will leave a lasting impression. Their vibrant color makes them perfect for festive occasions, while their rich, fudgy texture makes them irresistible to chocolate lovers everywhere.