Red Velvet Brownies Recipe

There’s just something magical about Red Velvet Brownies: the fusion of a classic, rich brownie base swirled with that signature red hue and a hint of tang makes every bite swoon-worthy. If you crave that decadent cocoa flavor, craveable fudgy texture, and a pop of cheerful color for any dessert spread, this recipe will win hearts (and tastebuds) every time. Perfect for family treats, holiday gatherings, or to satisfy an everyday craving, these brownies take just minutes to prep but deliver pure bakery-worthy bliss.

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

As simple as this recipe is, each ingredient has a starring role in creating the deep, chocolatey flavor and stunning look that make Red Velvet Brownies truly special. From pantry staples to that all-important food coloring, here’s what you need and why you need it.

• Unsalted butter, melted: Gives these brownies their luxuriously moist, dense crumb and rich flavor.
• Granulated sugar: Provides sweetness and helps create that classic crackly top.
• Large eggs: Bind everything together and contribute to the brownies’ fudgy texture.
• Vanilla extract: Deepens the chocolate notes and adds irresistible aroma.
• Red food coloring: Essential for the vibrant shade that makes Red Velvet Brownies iconic—use gel for a bolder color!
• Unsweetened cocoa powder: Supplies the underlying chocolate layer signature to red velvet.
• White vinegar: Offers a slight tang and activates the cocoa for classic red velvet flavor.
• Salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances all the other flavors.
• All-purpose flour: The foundation that brings structure without drying the brownies.
• White chocolate chips or cream cheese frosting (optional): A sweet topping for extra indulgence—sprinkle or slather as your heart desires!

How to Make Red Velvet Brownies

Step 1: Prep Your Baking Pan

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and get an 8×8-inch baking pan ready by either greasing it generously or lining it with parchment paper. This little bit of prep ensures your Red Velvet Brownies release beautifully once baked—nobody wants a brownie stuck in the pan!

Step 2: Make the Batter Base

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the melted butter and granulated sugar until everything looks glossy and the sugar starts to dissolve. It only takes a minute or two, but this step lays the foundation for that fudgy brownie texture.

Step 3: Add Eggs and Color

Mix in the eggs, vanilla extract, and red food coloring. Stir until everything is fully combined and you see a gorgeous, uniform red color. This is the step that really brings those Red Velvet Brownies to life!

Step 4: Build Flavor Depth

Now, sprinkle in the unsweetened cocoa powder, white vinegar, and salt. Gently mix until just incorporated—this is where the signature red velvet tang and chocolatey depth come into play.

Step 5: Fold in the Flour

Carefully fold in the all-purpose flour using a spatula, just until you can’t see any more dry streaks. Don’t overmix; a few gentle turns will keep your brownies dense and fudgy.

Step 6: Add Toppings and Bake

Pour the batter into your prepared pan and smooth it out. If you love those extra pockets of sweetness, sprinkle white chocolate chips over the top. Bake for 25–30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with a few moist crumbs. This keeps Red Velvet Brownies ultra decadent.

Step 7: Cool and Frost

Let the brownies cool completely in the pan before slicing. If you’re feeling fancy, drizzle or frost with cream cheese frosting for a true bakery finish. Now, you’re ready to dive in!

How to Serve Red Velvet Brownies

Garnishes

A finishing sprinkle of powdered sugar, a drizzle of white or dark chocolate, or a generous swirl of cream cheese frosting can take your Red Velvet Brownies from everyday treat to absolute showstopper. Fresh berries or a few white chocolate curls add lovely contrast and chic bakery vibes.

Side Dishes

Pair these brownies with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream, a handful of fresh raspberries, or even a dollop of softly whipped cream. The creamy, cool texture offsets the brownie’s dense richness for an unforgettable dessert experience!

Creative Ways to Present

Cut your brownies into heart shapes for Valentine’s Day, stack them tall for a layered dessert tray, or serve mini squares in cupcake liners for an elegant party touch. For a decadent twist, sandwich them with a spread of cream cheese frosting for a brownie “whoopie pie”—the possibilities are endless with Red Velvet Brownies!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store leftover brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. Their fudgy texture only improves as they rest, making them a treat you’ll love returning to.

Freezing

If you want to tuck some away for later (good luck!), let the brownies cool completely, then wrap individual squares tightly in plastic wrap and store them in a freezer-safe bag. They’ll keep beautifully for up to 2 months—just thaw at room temperature before enjoying.

Reheating

To bring that fresh-baked warmth back, microwave a square on low power for 10–15 seconds, or pop them in a 300°F oven for just a few minutes. This revives the texture and makes the chocolate aroma fill your kitchen all over again.

FAQs

Can I double the recipe for a larger batch?

Absolutely! Simply double all ingredients and use a 9×13-inch baking pan. The baking time may need to increase slightly—start checking for doneness at 30–35 minutes.

Do I have to use red food coloring?

The red food coloring is what gives Red Velvet Brownies their signature hue, but if you’d like to skip it, your brownies will still taste delicious (just less colorful). Gel food coloring provides the most vibrant red without thinning the batter.

What type Dessert

Reach for unsweetened natural cocoa powder for an authentic, slightly tangy red velvet flavor. Dutch-processed cocoa lends a deeper chocolate note but changes the color a bit.

Why do you use vinegar in this recipe?

A touch of white vinegar reacts with the cocoa powder and amplifies that subtle tangy flavor, which is classic to red velvet desserts—it’s a little detail that makes a big taste difference.

Can I add nuts or other mix-ins?

Definitely! Chopped pecans, walnuts, or even swirls of peanut butter or Nutella are wonderful ways to customize your Red Velvet Brownies. Just don’t overload the batter so they stay thick and chewy.

Final Thoughts

Every bite of these Red Velvet Brownies delivers gooey chocolate, vibrant color, and a touch of romance you’ll want to share again and again—though no one will blame you for keeping the pan to yourself! If you’ve never baked red velvet at home, give these brownies a try and prepare for serious smiles around your table.

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