Red Velvet Brownies Recipe

Imagine biting into a square of pure decadence—fudgy, with a hint of chocolate, a signature tang, and topped with a cloud of cream cheese frosting. That’s the magic of Red Velvet Brownies! If you love classic red velvet cake, prepare to swoon for this irresistibly rich, vibrant twist on a brownie bar—every bite delivers the perfect balance of color, texture, and flavor.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

What makes Red Velvet Brownies so special is how a handful of simple ingredients—most likely already in your kitchen—come together to create layers of flavor, moist crumb, and that iconic red color. Each component plays a key part in nailing the perfect brownie bite, so let’s take a closer look!

• Unsalted Butter: Melted butter makes these brownies rich, dense, and oh-so-fudgy. Use unsalted for better control over the saltiness.
• Granulated & Light Brown Sugar: The blend of sugars delivers moisture and just the right hint of caramel undertone.
• Large Eggs + Egg Yolk: The extra yolk amps up chewiness—don’t skip it! Eggs also help bind everything together.
• Vanilla Extract: Adds warmth, enhances the cocoa, and rounds out the flavors.
• Vegetable Oil: Keeps the brownies super moist for days and gives them that irresistible texture.
• Cocoa Powder: You just need a little for a fudgy base and subtle chocolate feel—natural or Dutch-process both work.
• All-purpose Flour: The backbone of the structure—be sure to measure carefully for best results.
• Vinegar: Traditional for red velvet, it helps activate the baking science and brings signature tanginess.
• Cornstarch: Gives a melt-in-your-mouth tenderness, ensuring your brownies aren’t dense blocks.
• Salt: Just a tiny bit sharpens every flavor—don’t leave it out.
• Red Food Coloring: The vivid red star of the show. Gel food coloring is best for deep color without thinning the batter.
• White Chocolate Chips (optional): Stir them in for little pockets of sweetness, or leave them out if you’re a purist.
• Cream Cheese & Unsalted Butter (frosting): Room temperature makes for ultra-smooth, creamy blending.
• Powdered Sugar: Sifts right into the frosting, creating a fluffy finish that’s never gritty.

Variations

Want to make these Red Velvet Brownies your own? This recipe is impressively flexible, so feel free to swap, add, or skip—there’s no wrong way to customize a batch to fit your cravings or dietary needs!

• Nutty Red Velvet Brownies: Stir in a handful of toasted pecans or walnuts for added crunch and earthy depth.
• Gluten-Free Option: Substitute your favorite one-to-one gluten-free flour blend for a version everyone can enjoy.
• Double Chocolate: Fold in dark chocolate chunks or chips alongside the white chocolate for even more gooey, melty bites.
• No Frosting Needed: Simply dust with powdered sugar or serve plain if you prefer them less sweet.

How to Make Red Velvet Brownies

Step 1: Prep Your Pan and Oven

Line a 9-inch square cake pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang for easy brownie removal. Then preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C) or 160°C if using a fan-assisted oven. This little prep step sets you up for liftable, neat squares (and a quick cleanup!).

Step 2: Melt Butter and Start the Batter

Gently melt the butter in the microwave using 30-second bursts, then pour it over your granulated and brown sugars in a large mixing bowl. Whisk everything together until it’s slightly cooled and the mixture looks thick and glossy—an essential base for dense, moist brownies.

Step 3: Add Eggs, Yolks & Vanilla (Carefully!)

Add the eggs, extra yolk, and vanilla extract to the bowl. Whisk just until smooth and well incorporated. Resist the urge to beat air in—we want chewy, not cakey, Red Velvet Brownies!

Step 4: Gently Blend Oil and Cocoa

Pour in the vegetable oil and sift in the cocoa powder. Whisk gently until just combined and no dry streaks of cocoa remain. This step brings that signature cocoa flavor without sacrificing the red velvet color.

Step 5: Create the Perfect Red Tint

Spoon a few tablespoons of batter into a small bowl, add your red gel food coloring, and stir until the color is smoothly blended in. Fold this vibrant mixture back into the main bowl for a streak-free, evenly colored batter every time.

Step 6: Fold in Dry Ingredients

Swap your whisk for a spatula or wooden spoon and gently fold in the flour, cornstarch, and salt. Take care to mix only until you see no more flour—over-mixing is the enemy of tender brownies!

Step 7: Add Vinegar and White Chocolate Chips

Drizzle in the vinegar and stir to blend—it brings that classic red velvet tang. If you love pockets of sweetness, now’s the time to add in white chocolate chips.

Step 8: Bake and Cool Completely

Spread the thick batter evenly into your prepared pan and bake for 20–25 minutes. Look for moist crumbs clinging to a skewer—not raw batter or a dry, clean stick. Let brownies cool completely to set up that fudgy interior before frosting or slicing.

Step 9: Make the Cream Cheese Frosting

Using a mixer, beat room-temperature butter and cream cheese together until creamy and lump-free. Slowly add powdered sugar (to avoid sugar clouds!) then whip on high until fluffy. Beat in vanilla, spread generously over cooled brownies, and get ready for swoons.

How to Serve Red Velvet Brownies

Garnishes

The beauty of Red Velvet Brownies is that even a simple sprinkle can be gorgeous! Try scattered red velvet crumbs, white chocolate shavings, or even a trio of fresh raspberries for a pop of color. A dusting of cocoa powder or a drizzle of dark chocolate would be lovely for a more grown-up finish.

Side Dishes

Pair your brownies with a glass of cold milk for nostalgia or serve alongside a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream for dreamy dessert vibes. For a festive brunch, offer bite-sized squares with a platter of fresh berries and strong coffee—the perfect sweet treat to round out the spread.

Creative Ways to Present

Cut Red Velvet Brownies into hearts for Valentine’s Day, stack them tall for a celebratory tower, or slice into tiny cubes and skewer with fruit for a chic dessert platter. For potlucks, wrap each brownie individually with parchment and tie with baker’s twine—a guaranteed crowd-pleaser and giftable bite!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once frosted and cut, keep Red Velvet Brownies in an airtight container in the fridge; they’ll stay moist and flavorful for up to 4 days. If you prefer them at room temperature, let them sit out for about 20 minutes before serving for the best texture.

Freezing

Freeze brownie squares (unfrosted or frosted) by wrapping them tightly and storing in a freezer-safe bag for up to two months. When you’re ready for a treat, thaw overnight in the fridge, then bring to room temp before enjoying.

Reheating

Red Velvet Brownies aren’t typically served warm, but if you adore a gooier bite, zap an unfrosted square in the microwave for 8–10 seconds. For frosted brownies, let them sit at room temperature or enjoy chilled straight from the fridge.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

Whether you’re baking for a party or spoiling yourself with an everyday treat, these Red Velvet Brownies are a recipe that invites oohs, aahs, and outright swooning. I can’t wait for you to try them and share the joy—don’t forget to save yourself an extra piece (or two)! Happy baking, friend.

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