These rich and decadent red velvet brownies combine the best of red velvet cake and fudgy brownies. With their vibrant red color and subtle cocoa flavor, they’re perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a special dessert or a sweet treat to brighten your day.
Introduction
Red velvet brownies are a delightful twist on the classic brownie. Combining the iconic red velvet cake flavor with the dense, fudgy texture of brownies, these treats offer the best of both worlds. The cocoa-infused batter, velvety smooth cream cheese swirl, and their rich red hue make these brownies a visually striking dessert that’s perfect for holidays, birthdays, or just because.
You’ll Love This Red Velvet Brownies
You’ll love these red velvet brownies for their vibrant color, deliciously moist texture, and the perfect balance between sweet and chocolatey. They have all the characteristics of the classic red velvet cake but in a rich, fudgy brownie form. If you’re a fan of red velvet desserts or brownies in general, this recipe will become your new favorite!
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, melted
- 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
- ¼ cup packed brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 1 ½ tablespoons red food coloring
- 2 tablespoons cocoa powder
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon white vinegar
Cream Cheese Swirl Ingredients:
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg yolk
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Prepare the Batter: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 9×13-inch baking dish with parchment paper. In a large bowl, whisk together the melted butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until fully combined. Add the eggs, vanilla extract, and red food coloring. Stir until smooth.
- Add Dry Ingredients: Sift in the cocoa powder, flour, and salt. Stir until just combined, being careful not to overmix. Fold in the white vinegar for added tanginess, which helps enhance the red velvet flavor.
- Make the Cream Cheese Swirl: In a separate bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese, granulated sugar, egg yolk, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy.
- Assemble: Pour the red velvet batter into the prepared baking dish, smoothing it into an even layer. Dollop the cream cheese mixture over the top and use a knife to create swirls throughout the batter.
- Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with only a few moist crumbs attached. Be careful not to overbake, as you want the brownies to remain fudgy.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the brownies to cool in the pan for at least 30 minutes before slicing into squares. Enjoy!
Serving Suggestions
Serve these red velvet brownies with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent dessert. They also pair perfectly with a cup of coffee or hot chocolate. You can drizzle them with chocolate ganache or top them with a dusting of powdered sugar for extra elegance.
How to Store Red Velvet Brownies
To keep your red velvet brownies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. For longer storage, place them in the refrigerator, where they will stay fresh for up to a week. If you need to store them for even longer, they freeze well—just wrap them individually in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe container for up to three months.
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Additional Tips: Red Velvet Brownies
- Substitutions: If you don’t have red food coloring on hand, you can leave it out for a cocoa-flavored brownie without the red hue. Alternatively, try using beet powder for a natural red color.
- Troubleshooting: If your brownies seem too dry, they may have been overbaked. Be sure to check them at the 25-minute mark. If they’re still gooey in the middle but done around the edges, remove them from the oven and allow them to set while cooling.
- Additions: For a fun twist, stir in some white chocolate chips or chopped nuts to the batter before baking.
Red Velvet Brownies Recipe
Deliciously fudgy red velvet brownies with a cream cheese swirl make for a decadent dessert with a perfect balance of chocolate and vanilla flavors.
- 9×13-inch baking dish
- Mixing bowls
- electric mixer (optional)
- 1 cup 2 sticks unsalted butter, melted
- 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
- ¼ cup packed brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 1 ½ tablespoons red food coloring
- 2 tablespoons cocoa powder
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon white vinegar
Cream Cheese Swirl:
- 8 oz cream cheese (softened)
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg yolk
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking dish with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, whisk melted butter with sugars until combined.
- Stir in eggs, vanilla, and red food coloring.
- Add flour, cocoa powder, and salt, and stir just until combined.
- Pour into the prepared baking dish and swirl in the cream cheese mixture.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes, cool, and serve.
