Red Velvet Brownies

If you love the rich, velvety taste of red velvet cake and the fudgy texture of brownies, then these Red Velvet Brownies are the perfect dessert for you. Combining the best of both worlds, these brownies are a stunning deep red color with a tender, cakey bite and a slightly tangy cream cheese frosting. Whether you’re making them for a holiday, a special occasion, or just because you’re craving something sweet and indulgent, these red velvet brownies will deliver every time.

What makes these brownies stand out is their balance of flavors and textures. The cocoa powder gives them just the right amount of chocolatey goodness, while the tangy cream cheese frosting complements the sweetness of the brownies perfectly. The bright red color also adds a fun, festive touch that makes them ideal for celebrations like Valentine’s Day, Christmas, or even a Halloween dessert table (think: bloody brownies!). And because they’re so rich and decadent, they make the ultimate crowd-pleasing dessert for any gathering.

In this recipe, we’ll go over everything you need to make these mouthwatering red velvet brownies from scratch, including tips for achieving the perfect texture and flavor. Whether you’re a baking pro or new to the kitchen, you’ll find this recipe easy to follow and incredibly rewarding.

Why You’ll Love These Red Velvet Brownies

1. Perfectly Rich and Fudgy: These brownies combine the tender, soft texture of red velvet cake with the rich, fudgy consistency of classic brownies. Each bite is a decadent treat!
2. Beautiful Presentation: The vibrant red color and creamy white frosting make these brownies a show-stopping dessert that’s sure to impress at any event.
3. Flavorful Cream Cheese Frosting: The tangy, slightly sweet cream cheese frosting balances the sweetness of the brownies and adds a silky, creamy layer that takes this dessert to the next level.
4. Easy to Make: Despite looking fancy, these red velvet brownies are surprisingly simple to make. You don’t need any special equipment—just a few basic ingredients and a little baking time.
5. Customizable: Whether you like your brownies ultra-fudgy or more cake-like, this recipe is easily adjustable. Plus, there are plenty of fun variations and add-ins to try!

Preparation Time and Servings

• Prep time: 20 minutes
• Cook time: 30-35 minutes
• Cooling time: 30 minutes (for the brownies to cool before frosting)
• Total time: 1 hour 25 minutes
• Yield: 16-20 brownies
• Serving Size: One brownie

Nutritional Information (per serving)

• Calories: 320 kcal
• Carbs: 42g
• Fat: 16g
• Protein: 4g
• Sugar: 32g

(Nutritional values will vary depending on the specific ingredients and brands used.)

Ingredients

For the Red Velvet Brownies:

• 1 cup unsalted butter (2 sticks), melted
• 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
• 1 cup brown sugar (light or dark)
• 4 large eggs
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1 tablespoon red food coloring (liquid or gel)
• ¼ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• ½ teaspoon baking powder
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon white vinegar (for the classic red velvet tang)

For the Cream Cheese Frosting:

• 8 oz cream cheese, softened
• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
• 3 ½ cups powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Pinch of salt

Optional Garnishes:

• Red velvet crumbs (from trimmed brownie edges)
• Sprinkles
• White chocolate shavings
• Edible glitter for a festive touch

Optional Add-Ins:

• Chocolate chips (dark or white)
• Chopped nuts (pecans, walnuts)
• Coconut flakes for added texture

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Red Velvet Brownie Batter

1. Preheat the Oven:

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or non-stick spray, or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.

2. Melt the Butter:

In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the butter in the microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval, until fully melted. Set aside to cool slightly.

3. Mix the Sugars and Butter:

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the granulated sugar and brown sugar. Add the melted butter and whisk until smooth and combined.

4. Add Eggs and Vanilla:

Add the eggs one at a time, whisking well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.

5. Add the Red Food Coloring:

Mix in the red food coloring until the batter is a vibrant red. You can adjust the amount of food coloring based on your preference—gel food coloring tends to create a deeper red, while liquid food coloring results in a slightly softer hue.

Step 2: Incorporate the Dry Ingredients

1. Sift the Dry Ingredients:

In a separate bowl, sift together the cocoa powder, all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. Sifting ensures that there are no lumps and that the dry ingredients are evenly distributed.

2. Combine the Wet and Dry Ingredients:

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring gently with a spatula or wooden spoon until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can result in tough brownies.

3. Add the Vinegar:

Finally, add the white vinegar and stir until it’s fully incorporated. This gives the red velvet brownies their signature tangy flavor.

Step 3: Bake the Red Velvet Brownies

1. Pour the Batter into the Baking Dish:

Pour the red velvet brownie batter into the prepared 9×13-inch baking dish, spreading it evenly with a spatula to ensure smooth, level layers.

2. Bake:

Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with only a few moist crumbs attached. If the toothpick comes out with wet batter, bake for a few more minutes, checking frequently to avoid overbaking.

3. Cool Completely:

Once the brownies are done, remove them from the oven and allow them to cool completely in the pan before adding the cream cheese frosting. This step is crucial to prevent the frosting from melting.

Step 4: Make the Cream Cheese Frosting

1. Beat the Cream Cheese and Butter:

In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and butter together on medium speed using an electric mixer until smooth and creamy, about 2-3 minutes.

2. Add the Powdered Sugar:

Gradually add the powdered sugar, 1 cup at a time, mixing on low speed to prevent the sugar from flying everywhere. Once all the powdered sugar is incorporated, increase the speed to medium and beat until light and fluffy, about 2 minutes.

3. Add Vanilla and Salt:

Add the vanilla extract and a pinch of salt. Beat for another minute until everything is well combined and the frosting is smooth and spreadable.

Step 5: Frost the Red Velvet Brownies

1. Frost the Cooled Brownies:

Once the brownies are completely cooled, spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over the top using a spatula. Be generous with the frosting—it’s what makes these red velvet brownies extra indulgent!

2. Optional: Add Garnishes:

If you like, sprinkle the frosted brownies with red velvet crumbs (from trimming the edges), sprinkles, or white chocolate shavings for a decorative touch.

Step 6: Slice and Serve

1. Chill Before Slicing (Optional):

For clean, even slices, place the frosted brownies in the refrigerator for 15-20 minutes to allow the frosting to set. This will make slicing easier and give the brownies a firmer texture.

2. Slice into Squares:

Use a sharp knife to slice the brownies into squares or rectangles. Wipe the knife clean between cuts for neat edges.

3. Serve and Enjoy!

Your Red Velvet Brownies are ready to serve! Pair them with a glass of cold milk, a cup of coffee, or your favorite dessert wine for a truly indulgent treat.

How to Serve

• For a Party: These brownies are a great addition to any dessert table. Their bright red color and creamy frosting make them a standout at parties, birthdays, and holidays like Christmas or Valentine’s Day.
• With Ice Cream: Serve the brownies warm with a scoop of vanilla or cream cheese-flavored ice cream for an extra decadent dessert.
• As a Gift: Wrap individual brownies in decorative cellophane bags and tie with a ribbon for a sweet homemade gift for friends, family, or neighbors.
• At a Halloween Bash: The bright red hue of these brownies can be perfect for a spooky Halloween-themed treat—just think of them as “bloody velvet” brownies!

Additional Tips for Success

1. Use Gel Food Coloring for Vibrant Red: If you want a deeper, more vibrant red color, gel food coloring is your best bet. Liquid food coloring can also work, but you may need to use more to achieve the same intensity.
2. Don’t Overbake the Brownies: Red velvet brownies should be moist and slightly fudgy, so be sure not to overbake them. Start checking for doneness at the 30-minute mark to avoid a dry texture.
3. Let the Brownies Cool Completely: It’s tempting to frost the brownies while they’re still warm, but resist the urge! The frosting will melt if the brownies are even slightly warm, so patience is key here.
4. Adjust the Frosting to Your Taste: If you like your frosting on the sweeter side, feel free to add more powdered sugar to the cream cheese frosting. For a tangier frosting, you can add a little more cream cheese or reduce the sugar.
5. Add Chocolate Chips or Nuts for Texture: For a little extra texture and flavor, try adding chocolate chips or chopped nuts (like pecans or walnuts) to the brownie batter before baking.

Recipe Variations

These Red Velvet Brownies are delicious as is, but there are plenty of ways to customize the recipe to suit your preferences. Here are a few variations to try:

1. Red Velvet Cheesecake Brownies:

For an extra indulgent twist, swirl cheesecake batter into the red velvet brownie batter before baking. This adds a creamy, tangy layer that pairs beautifully with the rich brownie base.

2. White Chocolate Red Velvet Brownies:

Stir white chocolate chips into the brownie batter for bursts of sweetness in every bite. You can also drizzle melted white chocolate over the cream cheese frosting for an elegant finish.

3. Gluten-Free Red Velvet Brownies:

Make these brownies gluten-free by using a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend in place of regular flour. Be sure to use a 1:1 replacement flour that includes xanthan gum for the best texture.

4. Nutty Red Velvet Brownies:

Fold in chopped pecans, walnuts, or almonds into the brownie batter for added crunch and flavor. The nuttiness pairs wonderfully with the richness of the red velvet.

5. Vegan Red Velvet Brownies:

For a plant-based version, replace the eggs with flax eggs (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons water per egg) and use vegan butter and cream cheese for the frosting.

Freezing and Storage

Storing Leftovers:

Store leftover red velvet brownies in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4-5 days. The cream cheese frosting needs to be kept cool, but the brownies will stay moist and flavorful.

Freezing the Brownies:

To freeze, wrap individual brownies in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag. Freeze for up to 2 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and bring to room temperature before serving.

Reheating Tips:

If you like your brownies warm, reheat them in the microwave for 10-15 seconds. This works especially well if you’re serving them with ice cream!

Special Equipment

• 9×13-inch baking dish: For baking the brownies.
• Electric mixer: For making the cream cheese frosting (you can also use a hand whisk, but it will take more time and effort).
• Spatula or offset spatula: For spreading the frosting evenly over the brownies.
• Parchment paper: For easy removal of the brownies from the baking dish.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I make these brownies ahead of time?

Yes! You can bake the brownies a day ahead and frost them just before serving. If you need to make them further in advance, they freeze well (frosted or unfrosted).

2. How do I make sure the brownies are fudgy?

For fudgier brownies, slightly underbake them by a couple of minutes. The brownies should have moist crumbs on a toothpick but no raw batter.

3. Can I use a boxed red velvet cake mix?

If you’re in a pinch, you can use a boxed red velvet cake mix and follow the package instructions for brownies. However, the homemade version has a richer flavor and better texture.

4. How do I prevent the frosting from being too soft?

If your cream cheese frosting is too soft, refrigerate it for about 15-20 minutes before spreading it on the brownies. This will help firm it up and make it easier to work with.

5. Can I make the frosting without cream cheese?

Yes, if you’re not a fan of cream cheese, you can substitute it with a simple buttercream frosting by using more butter and adding extra powdered sugar for sweetness.

Conclusion

These Red Velvet Brownies are a delicious and festive dessert that’s perfect for any occasion. With their rich red color, moist and fudgy texture, and tangy cream cheese frosting, they’re sure to impress anyone who tries them. Whether you’re making them for a special holiday, a party, or just because, these brownies are a crowd-pleaser that will leave everyone reaching for seconds.

With a few simple ingredients and a bit of baking time, you can whip up a batch of these brownies and enjoy the best of both worlds: the classic flavor of red velvet cake and the irresistible chewiness of brownies. Happy baking!

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