Red Velvet Brownies Recipe

If you love the irresistible charm of classic red velvet but crave something a little fudgier and more indulgent, these Red Velvet Brownies are going to steal your heart. They offer the perfect marriage of rich cocoa flavor with that signature red velvet tang and are topped with a dreamy, smooth cream cheese frosting that feels like a hug in dessert form. Whether it’s for a special occasion or a weekend treat, these Red Velvet Brownies bring a vibrant splash of color and a burst of deliciousness that’s impossible to resist.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe calls for simple, everyday ingredients that come together to create complex flavors and textures. Each item plays an essential role—from the cocoa powder delivering that subtle chocolate depth to the liquid red food coloring giving these brownies their vibrant signature color. The cream cheese frosting adds a luscious, creamy contrast that’s just perfect.

• 3/4 cup butter, melted: Provides richness and moisture for a fudgy texture; you can use regular or dairy-free butter.
• 3/4 cup light brown sugar: Adds a hint of caramel flavor and helps keep the brownies chewy.
• 1 cup granulated sugar: Balances sweetness and helps create a tender crumb.
• 2 eggs: Bind the ingredients together and contribute to the structure.
• 1 tbsp vanilla extract: Enhances the overall flavor with its warm, sweet aroma.
• ½ teaspoon liquid red food coloring: Gives the brownies their iconic red hue; adjust to get the color you love.
• 1½ teaspoon white vinegar: Reacts with the baking elements for that classic red velvet tang.
• ¼ cup cocoa powder: Provides the subtle chocolate flavor that perfectly complements the red velvet taste.
• 1/4 tsp salt: Balances sweetness and elevates the flavors.
• 1 cup + 3 tbsp all-purpose flour: Gives the brownies body; be sure to measure carefully for the right texture.
• 4 oz plain cream cheese, room temperature: Base for the luscious frosting; see notes for dairy-free alternatives.
• ¼ cup butter, softened: Adds creaminess and smoothness to the frosting.
• ½ teaspoon vanilla extract: Unlocks the flavor depth in the frosting.
• Pinch of salt: Balances the sweetness in the frosting.
• 1½-2 cups powdered sugar (icing sugar): Sweetens and thickens the frosting to your preferred consistency.
• 2 Tablespoons cornstarch: Optional, used only if making a dairy-free frosting to help it thicken.

How to Make Red Velvet Brownies

Step 1: Prepare the Pan and Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F and lining an 8×8 inch square baking pan with parchment paper. Leaving parchment paper overhang on the sides will help you effortlessly lift out the brownies once they’re baked—no sticky messes here!

Step 2: Mix the Butter and Sugars

Melt your butter either in the microwave or on the stove, then whisk it together with both the light brown sugar and granulated sugar until the mixture thickens and pulls cleanly from the sides of your bowl. This step develops the perfect texture and sweetness baseline for your brownies.

Step 3: Add the Eggs, Vanilla, Vinegar, and Red Food Coloring

Next, beat in the eggs, vanilla extract, white vinegar, and that crucial drop of red food coloring. The color of your batter might vary depending on the brand of food coloring you have, so feel free to add a bit more for a more intense red glow. This combination gives the Red Velvet Brownies their characteristic tang and beautiful color.

Step 4: Incorporate the Dry Ingredients

Carefully sift in the cocoa powder, salt, and flour, folding everything together with your whisk just until combined. Overmixing can lead to tougher brownies, so a gentle hand here keeps the texture soft and fudgy.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Pour the batter into your prepared pan, smoothing it out with a spatula. Bake for 30 to 40 minutes, but start checking at 30 minutes with a toothpick. You want a few moist crumbs sticking to it—not completely clean—to ensure those brownies stay tender and fudgy, rather than dry or hard.

Step 6: Make the Cream Cheese Frosting

While the brownies cool, whip up your frosting by beating the cream cheese, softened butter, salt, and vanilla extract until perfectly smooth. Gradually blend in the powdered sugar until you reach a frosting consistency you love. If you’re going dairy-free, adding cornstarch will help get that desirable thick frosting texture.

Step 7: Assemble and Chill

Once the brownies are fully cooled, spread the luscious cream cheese frosting evenly on top. You can either refrigerate the whole pan or keep the brownies and frosting separate until you’re ready to serve for maximum freshness.

How to Serve Red Velvet Brownies

Garnishes

Top your frosted Red Velvet Brownies with a sprinkle of white chocolate shavings, a dusting of cocoa powder, or even some crushed red velvet cake crumbs for a fun textural contrast. Fresh berries also make an elegant and refreshing garnish that pairs beautifully with the richness.

Side Dishes

Serve these brownies alongside a scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for that classic dessert experience. A cup of freshly brewed coffee or spicy chai tea also complements the subtle cocoa notes wonderfully.

Creative Ways to Present

For a stunning presentation, cut your Red Velvet Brownies into neat squares and serve them on a rustic wooden board, decorated with edible flowers or a drizzle of white chocolate. You can also layer brownie pieces in a glass trifle dish with whipped cream and berries for an impressive dessert parfait.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Because of the cream cheese frosting, it’s best to store these Red Velvet Brownies in the refrigerator. Cover them tightly with plastic wrap or an airtight container to keep them moist and prevent them from absorbing other fridge odors.

Freezing

You can freeze the brownies unfrosted for up to 3 months. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and foil. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw them in the fridge overnight, then frost just before serving to keep the frosting fresh.

Reheating

If you prefer a warm brownie, gently heat an individual portion in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds. Avoid reheating the entire frosted pan to prevent the frosting from melting or separating. If you want warm brownies with cold frosting, heat them first, then add a fresh dollop of frosting or whipped cream.

FAQs

Can I make these Red Velvet Brownies dairy-free?

Absolutely! Use dairy-free butter and cream cheese alternatives. Adding cornstarch to the frosting helps achieve the perfect thickness and creaminess when using dairy-free ingredients.

Why do I need vinegar in the recipe?

The vinegar reacts with the cocoa and baking elements to enhance the red color and add a slight tang that is signature to red velvet flavors, balancing the sweetness beautifully.

Can I use gel food coloring instead of liquid?

Yes, gel food coloring is more concentrated, so use it sparingly. Start with a small amount and add more until you reach your desired red hue.

How do I know when the brownies are perfectly baked?

Look for a crinkly top and insert a toothpick into the center—it should come out with a few moist crumbs but not wet batter. This ensures a fudgy texture without being underdone.

Can I make the cream cheese frosting ahead of time?

Definitely! Make it a day ahead and keep it stored in the fridge. Just give it a quick whip before spreading to refresh its texture.

Final Thoughts

These Red Velvet Brownies are a joyful twist on two beloved classics, perfect for sharing with friends or indulging yourself after a long day. Their rich flavor, vibrant color, and creamy frosting make them truly unforgettable. I can’t recommend enough you give this recipe a try—you’re going to fall in love all over again with red velvet, but now in brownie form!

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