Oh, friends—thank you for being here today! Truly, I can’t tell you how much joy it brings me to share recipes like this with you. There’s something magical about baking, isn’t there? Especially when it involves rich chocolate, a hint of tang, and that iconic ruby-red color. Today, I’m bringing you Red Velvet Brownies, and let me just say—these are everything you love about classic red velvet cake, but in chewy, fudgy brownie form.
If you’re new here, don’t forget you can subscribe to my newsletter to get this recipe (and plenty more like it!) delivered straight to your inbox. That way, you’ll always have a little baking inspiration waiting for you when the craving strikes.
Why You’ll Love Red Velvet Brownies
I promised you versatile, and here’s proof! Red Velvet Brownies are the ultimate crowd-pleaser. They’re festive enough for Valentine’s Day, Christmas, birthdays, or any special occasion, yet simple enough to whip up on a Sunday afternoon.
- They’re stunningly beautiful. That deep red color with a crackly brownie top makes them picture-perfect.
- They taste incredible. Think chocolate brownies but with a slight tang and buttery smoothness that sets them apart.
- They’re easy to make. No fancy equipment, no tricky steps—just wholesome ingredients and a few mixing bowls.
- They’re versatile. Dress them up with cream cheese frosting, cut them into hearts, or serve them plain with a dusting of powdered sugar.
What Do Red Velvet Brownies Taste Like?
If classic brownies are rich and chocolaty, red velvet brownies are their sophisticated cousin. They’re:
- Fudgy and chewy in the center.
- Slightly tangy, thanks to a touch of vinegar and buttermilk (or a clever substitution).
- Sweet but not overwhelming—perfect for pairing with cream cheese swirls or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
Honestly, they’re anything but boring!! The smell when these are baking in the oven is intoxicating.
Benefits of Making Red Velvet Brownies
- Quick and convenient – You’ll be done in under an hour.
- Perfect for gifting – Pack them in little boxes or wrap them individually for friends.
- Freezer-friendly – Make a batch ahead of time and keep them stashed away for when guests drop by.
- A guaranteed conversation starter – Their bold red color always gets attention at the dessert table.
Ingredients for Red Velvet Brownies
Here’s what you’ll need:
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, melted
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs, room temperature
- 1 ½ teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder (natural, not Dutch-processed)
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon red food coloring (gel or liquid)
- 1 teaspoon white vinegar
Optional for cream cheese swirl:
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- ⅓ cup granulated sugar
- 1 egg yolk
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
Tools You’ll Need
- Two mixing bowls
- Whisk or hand mixer
- Rubber spatula
- 9×13-inch baking pan
- Parchment paper (for easy lifting and cutting)
- Cooling rack
Ingredient Swaps & Additions
- No red food coloring? Use beet powder for a natural hue.
- Want more chocolate? Stir in 1 cup of chocolate chips before baking.
- Dairy-free option? Use vegan butter and plant-based cream cheese.
- Nutty twist? Add chopped pecans or walnuts for crunch.
How to Make Red Velvet Brownies
Step 1: Prep the Pan
Line your baking pan with parchment paper and lightly grease. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
Step 2: Make the Batter
In a large bowl, whisk together melted butter and sugar until smooth. Add eggs and vanilla, whisking until glossy.
Step 3: Add the Red Velvet Magic
Stir in cocoa powder, food coloring, and vinegar. Mix until well combined.
Step 4: Fold in the Dry Ingredients
Gently fold in flour and salt with a spatula—don’t overmix!
Step 5: Optional Cream Cheese Swirl
If making the cream cheese swirl, beat cream cheese, sugar, egg yolk, and vanilla until smooth. Drop spoonfuls over the brownie batter and swirl with a knife.
Step 6: Bake
Bake for 30–35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with a few moist crumbs.
Step 7: Cool & Cut
Allow brownies to cool completely in the pan before slicing into squares or hearts for a fun twist.
What to Serve with Red Velvet Brownies
- A scoop of vanilla ice cream drizzled with hot fudge.
- A dollop of whipped cream and fresh berries.
- A simple dusting of powdered sugar for elegance.
- Coffee, milk, or a glass of red wine (yes, really—it’s delightful!).
Tips for Perfect Brownies
- Don’t overbake! They should look slightly underdone when you pull them out.
- Use gel food coloring for a richer red.
- Chill the brownies before cutting for cleaner edges.
- If making ahead, wait to frost or dust with sugar until just before serving.
Storage Instructions
- Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Refrigerator: Keeps up to 1 week.
- Freezer: Wrap tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature.
Red Velvet Brownies
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper and lightly grease. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large bowl, whisk together melted butter and sugar until smooth. Add eggs and vanilla, whisking until glossy.
- Stir in cocoa powder, food coloring, and vinegar until well combined.
- Fold in flour and salt with a spatula. Do not overmix.
- If using cream cheese swirl, beat cream cheese, sugar, egg yolk, and vanilla until smooth. Drop spoonfuls over batter and swirl with a knife.
- Bake for 30–35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with a few moist crumbs.
- Cool completely in the pan, then cut into squares or shapes.
Notes
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I double this recipe?
Yes! Just use a larger sheet pan and adjust baking time.
Do I have to add food coloring?
No—the flavor is the same without it. The color is just for that classic look.
Can I make these gluten-free?
Yes, substitute a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.
What’s the difference between red velvet brownies and chocolate brownies?
Red velvet brownies have less cocoa, plus vinegar and food coloring for tang and hue, making them lighter in taste but equally rich in texture.
Conclusion
Red Velvet Brownies are a dessert that brings joy, beauty, and deliciousness in every bite. They’re simple enough for a weeknight bake yet impressive enough to serve at any party. The deep red color, fudgy texture, and versatility make them a must-try recipe for any baker.
If you’re as smitten as I am, don’t stop here—try my Peach Cobbler Bars, Peach Upside-Down Cake, or even a Peach and Cream Cheese Danish for more fruity, comforting bakes.
And don’t forget—I’d love to see your creations! Leave a review below, share your photos on Pinterest, and tag me so I can cheer you on.
Nutritional Information (per serving, based on 16 pieces)
- Calories: ~260
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Sugar: 20g
- Protein: 3g
