Brownies are great. Red velvet cake is great. So why not combine the two into one mind-blowing dessert? That’s exactly what Red Velvet Brownies are—a chewy, fudgy, and slightly chocolatey treat that’s not only delicious but looks stunning with its vibrant red color. Whether you’re hosting a party or just need a sweet pick-me-up, red velvet brownies are a perfect choice.
Want to take your brownie game to the next level? Before we dive into how to make these beauties, check out another indulgent treat that’s sure to impress your sweet tooth: Hot Fudge Brownie Bread. Now, let’s jump into the world of Red Velvet Brownies—from what makes them special to variations, tips, and a foolproof recipe you’ll love!
What Exactly Are Red Velvet Brownies?
Okay, so let’s clear this up. Red Velvet Brownies are basically a fusion of two iconic desserts: classic brownies and red velvet cake. You’ve got the chewy, dense texture of a brownie, but with the slight tanginess and rich color that make red velvet so distinct. It’s like taking the best of both worlds and creating something even more magical. For another delightful red velvet treat, check out this recipe for Cheesecake Bars that takes indulgence to the next level.
Why Red Velvet Brownies Are a Must-Try
- Best of Both Worlds: You get the fudgy texture of brownies mixed with the subtle cocoa flavor of red velvet cake.
- Crowd-Pleaser: Whether it’s a party, holiday celebration, or just a regular Tuesday, these brownies are guaranteed to impress.
- Easy to Make: Don’t let their fancy appearance fool you—red velvet brownies are surprisingly simple to whip up!
What You’ll Need: Essential Ingredients for Red Velvet Brownies
The beauty of Red Velvet Brownies is that they use pretty standard ingredients you probably already have in your pantry. Here’s the breakdown of what you’ll need to create these mouthwatering treats.
1. Flour
- This is the base of any brownie recipe and gives your brownies their structure. All-purpose flour works perfectly here.
2. Cocoa Powder
- While red velvet doesn’t have an intense chocolate flavor, the touch of cocoa powder gives it just the right amount of richness. You’ll only need a small amount—about 2 tablespoons.
3. Red Food Coloring
- It wouldn’t be red velvet without the signature red color, right? Gel food coloring is your best bet for vibrant color without messing up the batter’s consistency.
4. Butter
- Butter adds richness and ensures your brownies stay moist and tender. Melted butter works best for getting that fudgy texture.
5. Eggs
- Eggs bind everything together and help give the brownies a little lift.
6. Sugar
- Not just for sweetness, sugar also contributes to the chewy texture we love in brownies.
7. Vanilla Extract
- Vanilla adds depth to the flavor and complements the cocoa.
8. Cream Cheese Frosting (Optional)
- Red velvet and cream cheese frosting are a match made in dessert heaven. This tangy frosting balances the sweetness of the brownies perfectly.
How to Make Red Velvet Brownies: Step-by-Step Guide
Now that you’ve got your ingredients, it’s time to get baking! Follow this simple recipe for it. that are as tasty as they are beautiful.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon red food coloring
- 1 teaspoon vinegar or ½ cup buttermilk (to give that classic red velvet tang)
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease an 8×8-inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper.
- Mix the dry ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt.
- Prepare the wet ingredients: In a separate large bowl, whisk the melted butter and sugar until smooth. Add the eggs, vanilla extract, and red food coloring, and whisk until combined.
- Combine wet and dry ingredients: Slowly stir the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients. Be careful not to overmix!
- Add the tangy element: Stir in the vinegar or buttermilk to give the brownies that signature red velvet flavor.
- Pour the batter into your prepared pan and spread it evenly.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with just a few moist crumbs. You want these brownies to be fudgy, not overbaked!
- Let them cool completely before slicing—or adding cream cheese frosting if you want that extra layer of deliciousness.
Cream Cheese Frosting: Because Why Not?
Let’s be real—red velvet just isn’t the same without cream cheese frosting. And while you can totally enjoy these brownies without it, adding a layer of this tangy, creamy goodness really takes things to the next level.
Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe:
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- A splash of milk to adjust the consistency if needed
Instructions:
- In a medium bowl, beat the cream cheese and butter together until smooth.
- Gradually add the powdered sugar, mixing as you go.
- Stir in the vanilla extract. If the frosting is too thick, add a splash of milk until it’s smooth and spreadable.
- Spread it over cooled brownies or get fancy with a piping bag for a decorative finish.
Fun Variations of Red Velvet Brownies
Once you’ve mastered the basic recipe, it’s time to get creative! There are so many ways to mix things up and make your Red Velvet Brownies even more exciting. Here are a few variations to try:
1. Red Velvet Brownies with White Chocolate Chips
- Want to take things up a notch? Stir in ½ cup of white chocolate chips to the batter for little pockets of melty sweetness.
2. Nutella Swirl Red Velvet Brownies
- Nutella makes everything better, right? Dollop spoonfuls of Nutella on top of the batter and use a knife to swirl it into the brownies before baking. You’ll get a delicious marbled effect with that iconic hazelnut-chocolate flavor.
3. Gluten-Free Red Velvet Brownies
- If you need a gluten-free option, swap out the all-purpose flour for your favorite gluten-free flour blend. Just make sure the blend contains xanthan gum for the best texture.
4. Vegan Red Velvet Brownies
- To make these brownies vegan, use coconut oil instead of butter and flax eggs (1 tablespoon flaxseed meal mixed with 3 tablespoons water for each egg). Use vegan cream cheese for the frosting if you’re going all the way.
5. Red Velvet Blondies
- If you’re more into blondies, reduce the cocoa powder to 1 tablespoon and omit the red food coloring. You’ll still get a vanilla-flavored treat with a rich, buttery texture.
Tips for Perfect Red Velvet Brownies
Everyone loves a good brownie, but making sure they turn out just right can sometimes be tricky. Here are a few tips to ensure your red velvet brownies come out perfect every time:
1. Use Gel Food Coloring
- Gel food coloring is more concentrated than liquid food coloring, so it gives you a vibrant red color without messing up the consistency of the batter.
2. Don’t Overbake
- Keep an eye on your brownies, especially around the 25-minute mark. You want them to be fudgy, not dry, so pull them out of the oven when a toothpick comes out with a few moist crumbs.
3. Cool Before Frosting
- If you’re adding cream cheese frosting, make sure your brownies are completely cooled before frosting. Otherwise, the frosting will melt and slide right off.
4. Dutch-Process Cocoa Powder for Extra Richness
- For a deeper, richer chocolate flavor, try using Dutch-process cocoa powder instead of natural cocoa powder. It’s a little more intense and gives the brownies a more complex taste.
FAQs About Red Velvet Brownies
Have more questions about making these delicious brownies? I’ve got answers!
1. Can I use a red velvet cake mix to make brownies?
- Yep! If you’re in a pinch, you can use a box of red velvet cake mix to make brownies. Just reduce the liquid content slightly and follow the brownie directions on the box.
2. What type of cocoa powder should I use?
- Both natural cocoa powder and Dutch-process cocoa powder work. Natural cocoa powder will give you a lighter, more traditional red velvet flavor, while Dutch-process will make the brownies richer and more chocolatey.
3. How should I store red velvet brownies with cream cheese frosting?
- Because of the cream cheese frosting, you’ll want to store these brownies in the fridge. They’ll last for up to five days in an airtight container.
4. Can I freeze red velvet brownies?
- Absolutely! You can freeze both frosted and unfrosted brownies. Just wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and pop them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll keep for up to three months.
5. Can I make red velvet brownies without food coloring?
- Definitely. If you’re not a fan of food coloring, feel free to leave it out. The brownies won’t have that signature red color, but they’ll still taste delicious.
Serving Suggestions
Red Velvet Brownies are perfect on their own, but if you’re looking to impress (or just spoil yourself a little), here are some ideas to elevate your brownie game:
- Top with Ice Cream: Serve warm brownies with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for the ultimate dessert.
- Drizzle with Chocolate: A drizzle of melted white or dark chocolate over the brownies adds an extra layer of decadence.
- Garnish with Fresh Berries: For a pop of freshness, garnish your frosted brownies with raspberries or strawberries.
Conclusion
There you have it—everything you need to know to make Red Velvet Brownies like a pro! Whether you’re keeping things classic with a batch of frosted brownies or mixing it up with some fun variations, this dessert is sure to impress. The best part? These brownies are incredibly easy to make, so you can whip them up whenever you’re craving something sweet and indulgent.
Next time you’re in the mood for something rich, fudgy, and totally irresistible, Trust me, they’ll quickly become a favorite in your dessert rotation.
And don’t forget to try out some other fun recipes, like these amazing Hot Fudge Brownie Bread if you’re a fellow brownie lover! Enjoy your baking adventures!