Introduction to Red Velvet Brownies
Red Velvet Brownies combine the rich, fudgy texture of a brownie with the subtle tang and vibrant red color of classic red velvet cake. This decadent dessert offers the best of both worlds—deep cocoa flavor, a hint of vanilla, and a velvety soft bite.
Unlike traditional brownies, red velvet brownies include vinegar and buttermilk (or a substitute like yogurt), which add a slight tanginess and react with the cocoa powder to enhance the red hue. These ingredients, paired with Dutch-processed cocoa powder, create a balanced chocolate flavor that’s not overpowering.
These brownies are perfect for holidays, Valentine’s Day, birthdays, or just a weekend treat. Whether you prefer them plain, dusted with powdered sugar, or topped with rich cream cheese frosting, they are guaranteed to impress.
If you love trying creative desserts, you might also enjoy these Strawberry Cake Pops, which offer a fun and colorful twist on classic treats.
No matter how you serve them, Red Velvet Brownies are a showstopper that combines visual appeal, luxurious texture, and irresistible taste in every bite. Ready to bake? Let’s dive into the recipe!
Why You’ll Love Red Velvet Brownies
If you love chocolatey desserts but want something extra special, Red Velvet Brownies are the perfect treat. These brownies combine the fudgy texture of a classic brownie with the tangy, slightly sweet flavor of red velvet cake, creating a unique and irresistible dessert.
Reasons to Try Them:
✅ Best of Both Worlds – A chewy, rich brownie with velvety softness.
✅ Beautiful Presentation – The vibrant red hue makes them perfect for holidays, Valentine’s Day, or birthdays.
✅ Decadent Flavor – A balanced blend of chocolate, vanilla, and a hint of tanginess.
✅ Customizable – Enjoy them plain, dusted with powdered sugar, or topped with cream cheese frosting.
✅ Easy to Make – Simple ingredients with a no-fail method.
For more delicious and colorful desserts, try these Strawberry Cake Pops, which also bring a fun and festive touch to any occasion!
Ingredients & Their Role
For the Red Velvet Brownies
- Butter & Oil – Ensures moisture and a soft texture.
- White & Brown Sugar – Creates chewiness and depth of flavor.
- Eggs & Egg Yolk – Gives structure and richness.
- Vanilla Extract – Enhances flavor.
- Dutch-Processed Cocoa Powder – Adds a mild chocolate taste.
- All-Purpose Flour & Cornstarch – Balances density and chewiness.
- Vinegar – Key to the red velvet flavor profile.
- Red Food Coloring – Creates that signature bold red hue.
- White Chocolate Chips (Optional) – Adds sweetness and contrast.
For the Cream Cheese Frosting
- Cream Cheese & Butter – Creates a smooth, rich base.
- Powdered Sugar – Sweetens and thickens the frosting.
- Vanilla Extract – Enhances the flavor.
Step-by-Step Instructions
1️⃣ Making the Red Velvet Brownies
- Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C) and line an 8-inch square baking pan with parchment paper.
- Melt butter and mix it with white sugar and brown sugar.
- Add eggs, egg yolk, vanilla extract, and vegetable oil—stir until combined.
- Mix in cocoa powder and red food coloring until the batter is deep red.
- Sift in flour, cornstarch, and salt—fold gently using a rubber spatula.
- Add vinegar and mix well—this enhances the red velvet tang.
- Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake for 20–25 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out with a few moist crumbs.
- Cool completely before frosting.
2️⃣ Making the Cream Cheese Frosting
- Beat cream cheese and butter until smooth and fluffy.
- Slowly add powdered sugar, mixing on low speed.
- Increase speed to high and beat until light and creamy.
- Spread the frosting evenly over the cooled brownies.
- Slice and serve!
💡 Love cream cheese desserts? Try these Mini Crème Brûlée Cheesecakes, another rich and creamy treat!
Expert Tips for Perfect Red Velvet Brownies
Getting the perfect texture for Red Velvet Brownies—whether fudgy, chewy, or cakey—requires a few key techniques. Follow these expert tips for bakery-style brownies every time!
🔥 1. Use the Right Flour-to-Fat Ratio
- More butter and oil create a fudgy texture, while more flour makes brownies cakier.
- Stick to the precise flour measurements to avoid overly dry brownies.
🥄 2. Measure Ingredients Accurately
- Even a little extra flour can turn fudgy brownies into cake.
- Use a kitchen scale instead of measuring cups for accuracy.
🍶 3. Avoid Overmixing the Batter
- Overmixing incorporates too much air, making the brownies fluffy instead of dense.
- Mix until just combined for a chewy, rich texture.
🍫 4. Choose Quality Cocoa Powder
- Use Dutch-processed cocoa for a mild chocolate flavor that lets the red velvet taste shine.
- For a stronger cocoa taste, try adding an extra tablespoon of cocoa powder.
⏳ 5. Don’t Overbake!
- Bake just until the edges are set but the center still looks slightly soft.
- A toothpick should come out with a few moist crumbs, not wet batter.
❄️ 6. Cool Completely Before Frosting
- If brownies are too warm, the cream cheese frosting will melt.
- Let them cool at least 1 hour before slicing.
Delicious Variations of Red Velvet Brownies
Want to switch things up? Try these creative variations of Red Velvet Brownies to make them even more indulgent!
🍫 Chocolate Swirl Red Velvet Brownies
- Melt semi-sweet or dark chocolate and swirl it into the brownie batter before baking.
- Creates a marbled effect and enhances the chocolate flavor.
🧀 Cheesecake Swirl Red Velvet Brownies
- Swirl in a cheesecake mixture made of cream cheese, sugar, and an egg before baking.
- Gives a rich, creamy contrast to the fudgy brownies.
- Similar to these Mini Crème Brûlée Cheesecakes, it balances tart and sweet flavors beautifully.
🍪 Cookie Crust Red Velvet Brownies
- Press a layer of crushed chocolate cookies mixed with melted butter into the pan before adding the batter.
- Adds extra crunch and texture.
🌰 Nutty Red Velvet Brownies
- Stir in chopped pecans, walnuts, or almonds for added crunch.
- Pairs well with the cream cheese frosting.
🌿 Gluten-Free & Vegan Red Velvet Brownies
- Use almond flour and replace eggs with flax eggs for a gluten-free, plant-based version.
- Swap cream cheese with vegan cream cheese for dairy-free frosting.
🍓 Berry-Infused Red Velvet Brownies
- Add fresh raspberries or chopped strawberries for a fruity twist.
- Pairs wonderfully with a drizzle of white chocolate.
- For another fruity treat, check out these Strawberry Cake Pops.
How to Store & Serve Red Velvet Brownies
To keep your Red Velvet Brownies fresh and delicious, follow these storage tips:
Storage Guidelines
- At Room Temperature: Unfrosted brownies can be stored in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Refrigerated: Frosted brownies should be kept in the fridge for up to 5 days to preserve the cream cheese frosting.
- Frozen: Wrap individual brownie slices in plastic wrap and store them in a sealed freezer bag for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
Best Ways to Serve
- Pair with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for extra indulgence.
- Drizzle with chocolate ganache for a richer treat.
- Serve alongside a refreshing Cherry Smoothie for a balanced dessert.
💡 Pro Tip: Let refrigerated brownies sit at room temperature for 10 minutes before serving for the best texture . Achieving the perfect brownie texture !
Red Velvet Brownies
Ingredients
- For the Brownies: 🧈 ¾ stick butter 85g, 1 cup white sugar (200g), 🍯 ¼ cup light brown sugar (55g), 🥚 3 eggs + 1 egg yolk, 🍫 ¼ cup Dutch-processed cocoa powder (25g), 🥄 1 tsp vanilla extract, 🌿 1 tbsp vinegar, 🍶 ⅓ cup vegetable oil (72g), 🍚 ¾ cup all-purpose flour (90g), 🌽 1 tbsp cornstarch, 🧂 ¼ tsp salt, 🎨 ½ tsp red food coloring.
- For the Cream Cheese Frosting: 🥛 4 oz cream cheese 114g, 🧈 ¾ stick butter (85g), 🍚 4 cups powdered sugar (480g), 🥄 1 tsp vanilla extract.
Instructions
- 1️⃣ Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C) and line an 8-inch square pan with parchment paper.
- 2️⃣ Melt butter and mix with sugars until combined.
- 3️⃣ Whisk in eggs, vanilla, and oil. Stir in cocoa powder and red food coloring.
- 4️⃣ Fold in flour, cornstarch, salt, and vinegar. Mix until just combined.
- 5️⃣ Pour batter into the pan and bake for 20–25 minutes until set. Cool completely.
- 6️⃣ Make the frosting: Beat cream cheese and butter until smooth, then gradually mix in powdered sugar and vanilla.
- 7️⃣ Frost the brownies, slice, and enjoy!
Notes
– For extra fudginess, slightly underbake the brownies.
– Store frosted brownies in the fridge for up to 5 days.
– Let brownies cool completely before frosting to prevent melting.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What makes Red Velvet Brownies different from regular brownies?
Unlike traditional brownies, Red Velvet Brownies include vinegar and red food coloring, giving them a slightly tangy flavor and signature deep red color. They also have a more subtle chocolate taste due to the use of Dutch-processed cocoa powder.
2. Can I make Red Velvet Brownies without food coloring?
Yes! You can substitute red food coloring with natural alternatives like:
- Beetroot powder – Adds color and a slight earthy sweetness.
- Pomegranate juice – Enhances the red hue while adding a fruity note.
- Hibiscus powder – Gives a natural red tint.
3. Why did my Red Velvet Brownies turn out too cakey or too fudgy?
- Too cakey? You may have added too much flour or overmixed the batter, incorporating too much air.
- Too fudgy? There might be too much butter or sugar, or the brownies were underbaked.
4. How do I prevent my cream cheese frosting from being runny?
- Use full-fat cream cheese (not the spreadable kind).
- Allow butter and cream cheese to reach room temperature before mixing.
- If frosting is too soft, chill it for 15 minutes before spreading.
5. Can I use a box mix to make Red Velvet Brownies?
Yes, but for a homemade texture and richer flavor, adjust a red velvet cake mix by:
- Reducing oil slightly for a denser texture.
- Adding cocoa powder to enhance the chocolatey taste.
- Skipping the extra leavening agents to prevent a cake-like texture.
Need more dessert ideas? Try these Sourdough Discard Brownies for a unique twist on brownies!
Final Thoughts
Red Velvet Brownies are a must-try dessert for anyone who loves the combination of chocolate, tangy cream cheese, and rich texture. Whether you make them for a special occasion or just to treat yourself, they’re guaranteed to be a hit!
Try this recipe today, and if you love easy baked treats, check out these Strawberry Dump Cake for another quick and delicious dessert! 🍫🎂💖
