Red Velvet Brownies bring together the best of two worlds: the elegant, vibrant allure of classic red velvet cake and the irresistible fudginess of homemade brownies. Just wait until you bite into these beauties — their eye-catching color and delicate cocoa flavor make every occasion feel a bit more special, and the cream cheese swirl option means you can dial up the decadence whenever you desire. If you’re a fan of nostalgic flavors, gooey textures, and showstopping desserts, you’re going to fall hard for this recipe.

Red Velvet Brownies Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

What makes Red Velvet Brownies truly shine is how every ingredient plays a starring role, from the rich cocoa to the dramatic red hue. These staples come together with almost magical results, and you probably have most of them in your kitchen already!

Unsalted Butter, melted: Use butter for that signature fudgy texture and rich flavor — melting it helps combine everything smoothly.
Granulated Sugar: Classic granulated sugar keeps the brownies sweet and helps create their irresistible chew.
Large Eggs: These bind the ingredients and add moisture; be sure they’re at room temperature for best results.
Vanilla Extract: A splash of vanilla deepens the flavor, balancing the cocoa and amplifying the richness.
Red Food Coloring: This is what delivers the iconic color — use gel food coloring for the boldest results.
Unsweetened Cocoa Powder: The subtle cocoa notes are what make red velvet, well, red velvet! Don’t skip it.
All-Purpose Flour: Just the right amount gives structure to the brownies, making sure they’re perfectly dense.
Salt: A pinch brings out the flavor and keeps everything balanced.
White Vinegar: A hallmark of red velvet recipes, vinegar reacts with the cocoa for a tender crumb and authentic taste.
White Chocolate Chips or Cream Cheese Chips (optional): Fold these in for dreamy pockets of sweetness and extra creamy bites.

Cream Cheese Swirl (optional): Four ounces cream cheese, two tablespoons sugar, one egg yolk, and half a teaspoon vanilla extract swirl into the top for a tangy, cheesecake vibe.

How to Make Red Velvet Brownies

Step 1: Prepare Your Pan and Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F, then line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper or give it a generous coat of butter or nonstick spray. Lining the pan makes it easier to lift the brownies out in one perfect slab once they’re cooled.

Step 2: Mix Wet Ingredients

In a large bowl, whisk together the melted butter and granulated sugar until you’ve got a gorgeous, glossy mixture. Add the eggs, vanilla extract, red food coloring, and white vinegar. Continue whisking until everything is smooth and that striking red color comes through evenly.

Step 3: Add Dry Ingredients

Sift or sprinkle in the unsweetened cocoa powder, all-purpose flour, and salt. Stir gently, just until you can no longer see streaks of flour, taking care not to overmix. The goal is to keep those Red Velvet Brownies as tender as possible.

Step 4: Fold in Optional Mix-Ins

If you’re craving an extra surprise in your bite, now’s the time to gently fold in the white chocolate chips or cream cheese chips. They’ll melt into sweet, creamy pockets as the brownies bake, making every square even more swoon-worthy.

Step 5: Spread and Swirl

Pour the rich, ruby-red batter into your prepared pan and smooth it evenly with a spatula. If you’re going for the cream cheese swirl (highly recommended!), combine the softened cream cheese, sugar, egg yolk, and vanilla extract until silky, then drop dollops over the batter. Use a knife to gently swirl them into mesmerizing patterns.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Slide the pan into the oven and bake for 28 to 32 minutes. You’re looking for a toothpick to come out with a few moist crumbs attached (not wet batter) — that’s the secret to ultra-fudgy Red Velvet Brownies. Let them cool completely before slicing; patience is hard, but so worth it for clean, beautiful cuts!

How to Serve Red Velvet Brownies

Garnishes

A light dusting of powdered sugar, a handful of fresh berries, or a drizzle of chocolate sauce can take your Red Velvet Brownies from delicious to downright dazzling. If you opted for the cream cheese swirl, the marbled top is already a masterpiece!

Side Dishes

Serve these stunning brownies with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream, a glass of cold milk, or even a mug of hot coffee for an afternoon pick-me-up. Their rich flavor pairs beautifully with creamy or lightly tart sides.

Creative Ways to Present

Stack freshly cut squares on a pretty cake stand, package them in gift boxes for friends, or use heart-shaped cookie cutters for a festive twist. Red Velvet Brownies make adorable party favors, holiday treats, or an unforgettable addition to your next dessert board.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep any leftover Red Velvet Brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to four days. If you’ve added the cream cheese swirl, they’ll stay freshest when refrigerated — just remember to let them come to room temp before serving for maximum flavor.

Freezing

Red Velvet Brownies are freezer-friendly! After cooling completely, cut them into squares and wrap individually in plastic wrap, then tuck them in a freezer bag. They’ll stay tasty for up to three months and are perfect for emergency sweet cravings.

Reheating

Want that just-baked warmth? Pop a brownie in the microwave for about 10 seconds or reheat gently in a low oven. This brings back their gooey, fudgy texture and makes the flavors even more heavenly.

FAQs

Can I make Red Velvet Brownies without food coloring?

Absolutely! While the food coloring gives these brownies their iconic color, you can simply omit it for a more natural (but still delicious) cocoa treat. The taste will remain lovely — just less vibrant.

How do I know when the brownies are done?

The classic toothpick test works here: poke it in the center, and if it comes out with a few moist crumbs (not wet batter), the brownies are ready. Don’t overbake — fudgy is the goal!

Can I double this recipe for a larger crowd?

Yes, you can double the ingredients and bake in a 9×13-inch pan. Keep an eye on the baking time; it may need a few extra minutes, so check with a toothpick for doneness.

What kind of cocoa powder works best?

Natural unsweetened cocoa powder creates the best balance of flavor in Red Velvet Brownies. If you want a deeper chocolate taste, try adding an extra tablespoon as mentioned in the recipe notes.

Are the cream cheese swirl and white chocolate chips necessary?

Not at all — both are optional. The brownies are fabulous on their own, but these add-ins bring extra character and richness if you’re feeling indulgent.

Final Thoughts

There’s just something magical about sharing a batch of Red Velvet Brownies — they bring color, bold flavor, and pure joy to any table. Whether you stick with the classic recipe or add your own twist, I hope you’ll dive in, bake, and enjoy every decadent bite with those you love!

Red Velvet Brownies Recipe

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4.6 from 30 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 45 minutes
Yield: 9 brownies 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Indulge in the rich, decadent flavors of red velvet combined with the fudgy goodness of brownies in this delightful dessert. These red velvet brownies are a perfect treat for any occasion, with a hint of cocoa and a cream cheese swirl option for added luxury.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Brownie Batter:

½ cup unsalted butter, melted
1 cup granulated sugar
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 tablespoon red food coloring
⅓ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
¾ cup all-purpose flour
¼ teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon white vinegar
½ cup white chocolate chips or cream cheese chips (optional)

Cream Cheese Swirl (optional):

4 ounces cream cheese, softened
2 tablespoons sugar
1 egg yolk
½ teaspoon vanilla extract

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Instructions

Preheat oven: Preheat oven to 350°F and prepare an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper or grease.
Mix butter and sugar: In a large bowl, whisk melted butter and sugar until smooth.
Add wet ingredients: Mix in eggs, vanilla, red food coloring, and vinegar until well combined.
Incorporate dry ingredients: Stir in cocoa powder, flour, and salt until just mixed. Fold in white chocolate chips if desired.
Prepare cream cheese swirl: If using, beat cream cheese, sugar, egg yolk, and vanilla until smooth. Spoon over brownie batter and swirl with a knife.
Bake: Bake for 28-32 minutes until a toothpick comes out with moist crumbs. Cool before slicing.

Notes

For a richer chocolate taste, add an extra tablespoon of cocoa powder.
The cream cheese swirl is optional but adds a decadent touch to the brownies.
Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days or refrigerate for longer freshness.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American