If you love desserts that walk the perfect line between rich chocolate goodness and a hint of tangy cream cheese, you’re in for a treat with The Best Fudgy Red Velvet Brownies Recipe. These brownies combine the iconic color and subtle cocoa flavor of classic red velvet with everything we crave in a brownie: dense, chewy centers, crackly tops, and melty, fudgy bites throughout. Whether you want to wow guests for a special occasion or just spoil yourself with a batch at home, this recipe delivers both charm and decadence in every square.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The best recipes start with simple but high-quality ingredients, and The Best Fudgy Red Velvet Brownies Recipe is no exception. Each ingredient has a purpose, from the deep chocolate flavor to the lush velvety color to that irresistible fudgy texture.
- Unsalted Butter: Provides richness, moisture, and a melt-in-your-mouth consistency.
- Semi-sweet Chocolate Chips: Intensifies the chocolate flavor and makes the brownies extra fudgy.
- Granulated Sugar: Balances cocoa bitterness and keeps the brownies moist.
- Brown Sugar: Adds extra moisture and a deeper caramel note.
- Large Eggs: Bind the brownie together and help create the signature chewy texture.
- Red Food Coloring: Gives the brownies their vibrant, signature red hue—gel coloring creates the boldest color.
- Vanilla Extract: Rounds out the chocolate flavors and adds warmth.
- Cocoa Powder: Essential for authentic red velvet flavor with a subtle chocolate punch.
- All-Purpose Flour: Provides structure without making the brownies too cakey.
- Salt: Enhances all the other flavors, making each bite pop.
- Cream Cheese (for swirl or optional topping): Brings in that classic red velvet tang and creamy contrast.
How to Make The Best Fudgy Red Velvet Brownies Recipe
Step 1: Melt the Butter and Chocolate
Start by melting the unsalted butter with the chocolate chips, either in a heatproof bowl set over simmering water or gently in the microwave in short bursts. This silky mixture forms the fudgy backbone of The Best Fudgy Red Velvet Brownies Recipe and gives them their glorious dense texture.
Step 2: Whisk in the Sugars
As soon as your butter and chocolate are smooth, whisk in the granulated sugar and brown sugar while the mixture is still warm. The heat dissolves the sugars just enough to create that classic shiny brownie top and amazing chewiness.
Step 3: Add Eggs, Vanilla, and Food Coloring
Crack in your eggs one at a time, whisking vigorously after each addition to get everything glossy and smooth. Stir in vanilla extract for depth, and then add the red food coloring. Don’t be shy—a vibrant color is at the heart of The Best Fudgy Red Velvet Brownies Recipe!
Step 4: Fold in Dry Ingredients
Sift together your flour, cocoa powder, and salt to avoid any lumps, then gently fold them into your wet mixture with a spatula. This step is crucial—mix just until combined to keep your brownies tender and fudgy, not cakey.
Step 5: Pour and Swirl (Optional Cream Cheese)
Pour the vivid batter into a prepared baking dish. If you love a little tang, drop spoonfuls of sweetened cream cheese on top of the batter and gently swirl with a knife for gorgeous ribbons of flavor. This extra touch takes The Best Fudgy Red Velvet Brownies Recipe to an entirely new level!
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Bake in a preheated oven just until the edges are set and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with a few moist crumbs. Resist overbaking—slightly underdone brownies will continue to set as they cool, guaranteeing maximum fudginess.
How to Serve The Best Fudgy Red Velvet Brownies Recipe
Garnishes
You can serve these brownies straight out of the pan, but a few garnishes can really make them unforgettable. Try a dusting of powdered sugar, a drizzle of melted white chocolate, or even fresh berries for a pop of color and contrast. A dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream turns each brownie into a showstopper.
Side Dishes
For a dessert table or party platter, pair The Best Fudgy Red Velvet Brownies Recipe with tangy fruits like raspberries or blueberries—those bright flavors are gorgeous alongside the dense, chocolatey richness. Coffee, milk, or even sparkling wine also highlight the brownies’ crumb and color.
Creative Ways to Present
Cut your brownies into classic squares, playful hearts using cookie cutters, or elegant rectangles for a more refined touch. Stack them high and tie with ribbon for edible gifts, or layer them in parfait glasses with whipped cream and berries for an eye-catching dessert cup.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any remaining brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. Keeping them airtight is key to maintaining that glorious fudgy bite you get from The Best Fudgy Red Velvet Brownies Recipe.
Freezing
Want your brownies to last even longer? Once baked and cooled, cut them into portions and wrap each one tightly in plastic wrap, then foil. Place them in a freezer-safe bag or container, and you’ll have a decadent treat ready to go for up to two months!
Reheating
To revive that just-baked magic, warm individual brownies in the microwave for 10-15 seconds. The chocolate melts ever so slightly, making every bite as gooey and irresistible as the day they were made.
FAQs
Can I use Dutch-process cocoa for this recipe?
Absolutely! Dutch-process cocoa will yield a slightly darker, smoother flavor profile, while natural cocoa adds a bit of sharpness. Either will work well in The Best Fudgy Red Velvet Brownies Recipe, so use your favorite or what you have on hand.
How do I get that bold red color?
Gel food coloring is your best bet for a vibrant hue without affecting the batter’s texture. If you only have liquid food coloring, you may need to use a bit more, but always start small and add gradually until you reach the shade you love.
Can I skip the cream cheese swirl?
Definitely! The Best Fudgy Red Velvet Brownies Recipe is fabulous on its own, but the cream cheese swirl adds an extra layer of flavor. Leave it out if you prefer a more classic brownie experience, or get creative and try a white chocolate swirl for something different!
Why are my brownies more cake-like than fudgy?
Check your flour measurements; even an extra couple of spoonfuls can give you a cakier texture. Also, avoid overmixing once you add the dry ingredients, and always keep a close eye on your baking time for ultimate fudginess.
Can I double this recipe for a crowd?
You sure can! Just bake in a larger pan and keep an eye on the baking time—it may take a few minutes longer. These brownies are perfect for sharing at gatherings, potlucks, or any time you want to celebrate with a crowd.
Final Thoughts
There’s something undeniably special about sharing a plate of rich, beautiful brownies made from The Best Fudgy Red Velvet Brownies Recipe. Whether it’s the color, the flavor, or the pure joy of baking something so delicious, this recipe has a way of making every day feel a little more festive. Grab a pan and try it for yourself—you won’t want to go back to ordinary brownies!
PrintThe Best Fudgy Red Velvet Brownies Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 16 brownies
- Category: Desserts
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These fudgy red velvet brownies combine the rich chocolatey decadence of brownies with the colorful, tangy allure of classic red velvet cake. With their striking red hue, subtle cocoa flavor, and signature cream cheese swirl, they’re show-stopping treats perfect for holidays, special occasions, or whenever you’re craving a luscious, chewy dessert.
Ingredients
For the Red Velvet Brownie Batter
- 3/4 cup (170g) unsalted butter, melted
- 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup (90g) light brown sugar, packed
- 2 large eggs, room temperature
- 1 tbsp (15ml) red food coloring
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tsp white vinegar
- 3/4 cup (95g) all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup (25g) unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
For the Cream Cheese Swirl
- 8 oz (225g) cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup (50g) granulated sugar
- 1 large egg yolk
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
- Prepare the Oven & Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8-inch square baking pan with parchment paper, letting the edges overhang for easy removal. Lightly grease with nonstick spray.
- Make the Red Velvet Brownie Batter: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the melted butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until smooth and glossy. Add the eggs, red food coloring, vanilla extract, and vinegar; whisk well to combine. Sift in the flour, cocoa powder, and salt, then fold gently with a spatula until just incorporated. Do not overmix.
- Spread Batter in Pan: Pour most of the brownie batter into the prepared pan, reserving 1/4 cup for the top. Smooth it out into an even layer.
- Make the Cream Cheese Swirl: In a separate bowl, beat the softened cream cheese, sugar, egg yolk, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy.
- Dollop and Swirl: Drop spoonfuls of the cream cheese mixture over the brownie batter in the pan. Add the reserved brownie batter in small dollops. Use a knife or skewer to gently swirl the cream cheese and batter for a marbled effect. Don’t over-swirl.
- Bake: Bake for 30–35 minutes, or until the center is set and a toothpick inserted comes out with a few moist crumbs (not wet batter).
- Cool & Serve: Remove from the oven and let the brownies cool completely in the pan set on a wire rack. Lift out using the parchment paper, slice, and enjoy!
Notes
- Be careful not to overbake—these brownies are best when slightly underdone for maximum fudginess.
- Use gel food coloring for a more vibrant, deeper red shade without thinning the batter.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days, or freeze for up to 2 months.
- Let the cream cheese fully soften before mixing to help avoid lumps in the swirl.