Take your dessert game to the next level with these Fudgy Red Velvet Brownies! Combining the best of two indulgent desserts—brownies and red velvet cake—this recipe creates a luscious, chewy, and ultra-decadent treat. With a deep red hue, subtle cocoa flavor, and rich fudgy texture, these brownies are perfect for celebrations, gifting, or satisfying your sweet tooth any day of the week. A swirl of cream cheese frosting adds an irresistible tang that perfectly balances the sweetness, making these brownies a show-stopping dessert.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Fudgy Texture: These brownies are soft, dense, and fudgy, just like a good brownie should be!
- Rich Red Velvet Flavor: The subtle cocoa flavor combined with vanilla gives these brownies that signature red velvet taste.
- Beautiful Presentation: Their deep red color makes them perfect for Valentine’s Day, Christmas, or any festive occasion.
- Easy to Make: This straightforward recipe uses pantry staples and can be made in one bowl for minimal cleanup.
- Versatile: These brownies can be dressed up with a cream cheese swirl, chocolate chips, or even a drizzle of white chocolate.
Preparation Time and Yield
- Prep time: 20 minutes
- Cook time: 35 minutes
- Total time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 16 brownies
- Serving size: 1 brownie
Nutritional Information (per serving)
- Calories: 210 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 28 g
- Protein: 3 g
- Fat: 10 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Sugar: 21 g
Ingredients
For the brownies:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup brown sugar, packed
- 2 large eggs, at room temperature
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tbsp red food coloring (gel preferred for vibrant color)
- 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 3/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 tsp salt
For the cream cheese swirl (optional):
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg yolk
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
Step-by-Step Instructions
Make the Brownie Batter:
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang for easy removal. Lightly grease the paper.
- Melt the Butter: In a large microwave-safe bowl, melt the butter and let it cool slightly.
- Mix the Sugars and Eggs: Add the granulated sugar and brown sugar to the melted butter and whisk until smooth. Beat in the eggs, one at a time, until fully incorporated. Stir in the vanilla extract and red food coloring until evenly mixed.
- Incorporate Dry Ingredients: Sift the cocoa powder, flour, and salt into the wet ingredients. Gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined, being careful not to overmix.
Optional Cream Cheese Swirl:
- Prepare the Cream Cheese Mixture: In a small bowl, beat the softened cream cheese, sugar, egg yolk, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy.
Assemble the Brownies:
- Layer the Batter: Pour the brownie batter into the prepared baking pan and spread it evenly. Drop dollops of the cream cheese mixture over the brownie batter. Use a knife or skewer to swirl the cream cheese into the batter, creating a marbled effect.
Bake the Brownies:
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with a few moist crumbs.
- Cool: Allow the brownies to cool completely in the pan before lifting them out using the parchment overhang. Slice into squares and serve.
Ingredient Background
- Unsalted Butter: Provides richness and moisture to the brownies, contributing to their fudgy texture.
- Cocoa Powder: Adds a subtle chocolate flavor that’s essential for that classic red velvet taste.
- Red Food Coloring: Gives these brownies their iconic red hue. Gel food coloring works best for vibrant color without altering the batter’s consistency.
- Cream Cheese: Optional but highly recommended for a tangy, creamy contrast to the sweet, fudgy brownies.
- Brown Sugar: Adds a slight molasses flavor and helps keep the brownies moist.
Technique Tips
- Use Room Temperature Ingredients: This ensures that the batter mixes evenly and creates a smoother texture.
- Don’t Overmix the Batter: Overmixing can cause the brownies to become dense and tough. Mix until just combined.
- Test for Doneness Early: Since these brownies are meant to be fudgy, avoid overbaking. Pull them from the oven when a toothpick comes out with a few moist crumbs.
- Swirling the Cream Cheese: Use a light hand when swirling to create pretty marbled patterns without blending the layers too much.
Alternative Presentation Ideas
- Heart-Shaped Brownies: Use a cookie cutter to cut the brownies into heart shapes for a romantic touch.
- Layered Dessert: Crumble the brownies and layer them in a trifle dish with whipped cream and raspberries for a stunning dessert.
- White Chocolate Drizzle: Drizzle melted white chocolate over the cooled brownies for added sweetness and flair.
- Frosted Brownies: Spread a layer of cream cheese frosting over the top of the brownies before slicing.
Additional Tips for Success
- Chill for Cleaner Slices: For perfect, sharp-edged squares, chill the brownies in the refrigerator before slicing.
- Double the Recipe: Use a 9×13-inch pan and double the ingredients to make a larger batch for gatherings.
- Add Mix-Ins: Fold in chocolate chips, chopped nuts, or white chocolate chunks for extra flavor and texture.
- Keep Parchment Paper Overhang: This makes removing the brownies from the pan much easier.
Recipe Variations
- Dark Chocolate Red Velvet Brownies: Use dark cocoa powder for a richer, deeper chocolate flavor and a darker red hue.
- Nutty Red Velvet Brownies: Add chopped pecans or walnuts to the batter for a crunchy texture.
- Gluten-Free Version: Replace all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend for a gluten-free treat.
- Vegan Red Velvet Brownies: Use plant-based butter, flax eggs (1 tbsp ground flaxseed + 2.5 tbsp water per egg), and a dairy-free cream cheese alternative.
- Raspberry Swirl Red Velvet Brownies: Instead of cream cheese, swirl in raspberry preserves for a fruity twist.
Freezing and Storage
- Storing in the Fridge: Place the brownies in an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
- Freezing: These brownies freeze well! Wrap each brownie individually in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. Freeze for up to 2 months.
- Thawing: Thaw at room temperature for 1-2 hours or in the refrigerator overnight.
Healthier Twist Ideas
- Reduce Sugar: Use a sugar substitute like erythritol or stevia to lower the sugar content.
- Whole Wheat Flour: Replace half the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for added fiber.
- Coconut Oil: Substitute melted butter with coconut oil for a healthier fat alternative.
- Lower Fat Cream Cheese: Use reduced-fat or Neufchâtel cream cheese for the swirl.
- Add Veggies: Sneak in pureed beets for added moisture, natural red coloring, and a boost of nutrients.
Serving Suggestions for Events
- Valentine’s Day: Decorate the brownies with heart-shaped sprinkles or edible glitter for a romantic treat.
- Holiday Desserts: Pair them with green velvet brownies for a festive red-and-green dessert platter.
- Birthdays: Add colorful sprinkles to the batter for a funfetti-inspired twist.
- Afternoon Tea: Serve these brownies alongside coffee or tea for a delightful mid-day indulgence.
Special Equipment
- 8×8-inch Baking Pan: Ensures perfectly thick brownies.
- Parchment Paper: Makes removing the brownies from the pan hassle-free.
- Electric Mixer: Helps create a smooth cream cheese swirl.
- Offset Spatula: Useful for spreading the batter and creating swirls.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I make these brownies without food coloring?
Yes, you can omit the food coloring for a natural cocoa-brown color. You’ll still get the same fudgy texture and subtle chocolate flavor.
2. What’s the best way to achieve a vibrant red color?
Using gel food coloring is key, as it’s more concentrated than liquid food coloring. A high-quality red gel will ensure a deep red hue.
3. How do I prevent the brownies from overbaking?
Check the brownies 5 minutes before the recommended bake time. The edges should be set, and the center should have a slight jiggle.
4. Can I use boxed brownie mix for this recipe?
Yes, you can use a brownie mix as a base and add red food coloring to achieve the red velvet effect. However, homemade brownies offer a superior flavor and texture.
5. Can I freeze the batter?
It’s not recommended to freeze the batter, but you can bake the brownies and freeze them after cooling.
6. Can I make these brownies dairy-free?
Yes, use dairy-free butter and cream cheese substitutes to make the recipe dairy-free.
7. What’s the difference between red velvet and chocolate brownies?
Red velvet brownies have a subtle cocoa flavor, a hint of tang from the cream cheese, and a distinct red color, while chocolate brownies are more intensely chocolatey.
8. How do I store the brownies with cream cheese swirl?
Because of the cream cheese, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator to keep them fresh.
Conclusion
These Fudgy Red Velvet Brownies are the ultimate crowd-pleaser, combining the decadence of brownies with the charm of red velvet cake. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or simply indulging in a treat for yourself, this recipe guarantees rich, fudgy goodness in every bite. With endless customization options and a straightforward process, this dessert is as versatile as it is delicious. So grab your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to enjoy these stunningly beautiful and incredibly tasty brownies!
Print
Fudgy Red Velvet Brownies
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 16 brownies 1x
Ingredients
For the brownies:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup brown sugar, packed
- 2 large eggs, at room temperature
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tbsp red food coloring (gel preferred for vibrant color)
- 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 3/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 tsp salt
For the cream cheese swirl (optional):
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg yolk
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
Make the Brownie Batter:
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang for easy removal. Lightly grease the paper.
- Melt the Butter: In a large microwave-safe bowl, melt the butter and let it cool slightly.
- Mix the Sugars and Eggs: Add the granulated sugar and brown sugar to the melted butter and whisk until smooth. Beat in the eggs, one at a time, until fully incorporated. Stir in the vanilla extract and red food coloring until evenly mixed.
- Incorporate Dry Ingredients: Sift the cocoa powder, flour, and salt into the wet ingredients. Gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined, being careful not to overmix.
Optional Cream Cheese Swirl:
- Prepare the Cream Cheese Mixture: In a small bowl, beat the softened cream cheese, sugar, egg yolk, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy.
Assemble the Brownies:
- Layer the Batter: Pour the brownie batter into the prepared baking pan and spread it evenly. Drop dollops of the cream cheese mixture over the brownie batter. Use a knife or skewer to swirl the cream cheese into the batter, creating a marbled effect.
Bake the Brownies:
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with a few moist crumbs.
- Cool: Allow the brownies to cool completely in the pan before lifting them out using the parchment overhang. Slice into squares and serve.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 brownie
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 21g
- Fat: 10g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g