Irresistible Red Velvet Brownies Recipe: Bake Joy Today

Chocolate lovers unite over these decadent red velvet brownies that bring a luxurious twist to your dessert game.

Marrying rich cocoa with vibrant red color, this red velvet brownies recipe promises pure indulgence in every bite.

The deep crimson hue hints at the intense flavor waiting to tantalize your taste buds.

Velvety smooth and sinfully delicious, these brownies blend classic comfort with elegant charm.

Cream cheese frosting adds a dreamy layer of creamy decadence that elevates the entire experience.

Each square delivers a perfect balance of moist texture and bold chocolate notes.

These irresistible brownies will become your new go-to dessert for any celebration or sweet craving.

What Makes Red Velvet Brownies Pop

• Create a delightful dessert that brings everyone together, perfect for weekend baking and sharing sweet moments with loved ones.
• Master this recipe with easy-to-follow steps that make even novice bakers feel like kitchen pros, requiring minimal culinary skills.
• Personalize the brownies by adjusting food coloring intensity or adding sprinkles, making each batch uniquely yours and sparking creativity.
• Wow guests at potlucks, parties, or casual gatherings with a show-stopping red velvet treat that looks as amazing as it tastes.

Ingredients for Red Velvet Brownies

• Flour: The foundational dry ingredient that provides structure to the brownies.
• Cocoa Powder: Delivers rich chocolate flavor and deep color to the dessert.
• Eggs: Bind the ingredients together and create a smooth, cohesive texture.
• Butter: Adds moisture and contributes to the rich, decadent taste of the brownies.
• Sugar: Sweetens the brownies and helps create a tender crumb.

• Vanilla Extract: Enhances the overall flavor profile with its warm, sweet notes.
• Red Food Coloring: Gives the brownies their signature vibrant red color.
• White Vinegar: Helps activate the cocoa powder and adds a subtle tangy undertone.

• Cream Cheese, Butter: Create a smooth, creamy base for the frosting with rich flavor.
• Powdered Sugar: Provides sweetness and helps achieve the right frosting consistency.
• Vanilla Extract, Salt: Balance and enhance the frosting's flavor profile.

• Baking Powder, Salt: Help the brownies rise and balance the overall taste.

How to Bake Red Velvet Brownies

Step 1: Prepare the Oven

Crank up your oven to 350°F.

Grab an 8×8-inch baking dish and give it a good coating of grease or line it with parchment paper for super easy cleanup.

Step 2: Melt the Butter

Zap the butter in the microwave or gently melt it on the stovetop.

Let it cool down a bit to prevent accidentally cooking the eggs when mixing.

Step 3: Create Dry Ingredient Blend

• All-purpose flour
• Cocoa powder
• Baking powder
• Salt

Set this magical mixture aside for now.

Step 4: Whip Up Wet Ingredients

In a large bowl, start by whisking the eggs.

• Sugar
• Vanilla extract
• White vinegar
• Red food coloring

Mix everything until it’s smooth and vibrant.

Slowly pour in the melted butter, stirring continuously.

Step 5: Combine Mixtures

Gently fold the dry ingredient blend into the wet mixture.

Mix on low speed until just combined.

Don’t go crazy with mixing – a few tiny lumps are totally fine.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Spread the batter evenly in the prepared pan, smoothing the top with a spatula.

Pop it in the oven and bake for 28 minutes.

You’ll know it’s done when a toothpick comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs.

Let the brownies cool completely in the pan.

Step 7: Craft the Creamy Frosting

In a mixing bowl, beat cream cheese and butter until silky smooth.

Add powdered sugar and mix on low, then crank up the speed to medium-high until it’s light and fluffy.

Splash in some vanilla and a pinch of salt for extra flavor.

Step 8: Frost and Devour

Once the brownies are totally cool, slather on that dreamy cream cheese frosting.

Slice into squares and get ready to experience brownie heaven!

Tips for Red Velvet Brownies

• Use gel food coloring for a more vibrant red without watering down the batter, ensuring a rich, deep color without compromising texture.
• Don't overbake the brownies; remove them from the oven when a toothpick comes out with a few moist crumbs to maintain that perfect, dense consistency.
• Ensure cream cheese and butter are at room temperature for smooth, lump-free frosting that spreads easily and looks professionally made.
• Add a teaspoon of espresso powder to the dry ingredients to intensify the chocolate flavor without making the brownies taste like coffee.
• Keep brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for a week-long treat that stays moist and delicious.

Keep Red Velvet Brownies Fresh

• Store brownies in an airtight container with parchment paper between layers. Keep in the refrigerator for up to 5 days, ensuring maximum freshness and preventing the cream cheese frosting from spoiling.
• Wrap the uncut brownie pan tightly with plastic wrap, then aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
• Cut brownies into squares, wrap each separately in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer bag. Freeze up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature for 30-45 minutes before enjoying.
• Warm refrigerated brownies in the microwave for 10-15 seconds, or bring to room temperature naturally for the best texture and flavor preservation.

Pairings for Red Velvet Brownies

• Pair Decadent Cream Cheese Frosting with Chilled Dessert Wine: A sweet moscato or riesling complements the rich cream cheese frosting, balancing the brownie's intense chocolate flavor with light, fruity notes.
• Create Coffee Companion Moment: Serve red velvet brownies alongside a robust espresso or smooth cold brew, which cuts through the sweetness and enhances the deep cocoa undertones.
• Match with Berry-Based Beverage: Opt for a raspberry or cherry cordial that mirrors the red velvet's vibrant color and adds a tangy counterpoint to the dense, creamy dessert.
• Elevate with Vanilla Ice Cream Topping: Top warm brownies with a scoop of classic vanilla bean ice cream, creating a temperature and texture contrast that amplifies the dessert's indulgent qualities.

Red Velvet Brownie Twists to Explore

• Gluten-Free Red Velvet Brownies: Replace all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend, ensuring the same rich texture and flavor while accommodating wheat-sensitive diets.
• Vegan Red Velvet Brownies: Substitute eggs with flax eggs, use vegan butter or coconut oil, and swap cream cheese frosting with a dairy-free cream cheese alternative made from cashews or tofu.
• Low-Sugar Red Velvet Brownies: Use stevia or monk fruit sweetener instead of regular sugar, reducing overall calorie content while maintaining the classic red velvet taste and moisture.
• Natural Color Variation: Replace artificial red food coloring with beetroot powder or puréed beets to create a natural red hue, adding subtle earthiness and nutritional benefits to the brownies.

FAQs

• What gives red velvet brownies their signature color?

The vibrant red color comes from red food coloring added to the batter. Traditional red velvet recipes use a small amount of cocoa powder and food coloring to create the distinctive deep red hue.

• Why does the recipe include vinegar?

Vinegar helps activate the cocoa powder and creates a subtle tangy flavor characteristic of red velvet desserts. It also helps make the brownies more tender and moist by reacting with the baking powder.

• Can I make these brownies without cream cheese frosting?

Yes, the brownies are delicious on their own. If you prefer, you can dust them with powdered sugar or enjoy them plain. The cream cheese frosting adds extra richness but isn’t essential to the recipe.

• How do I know when the brownies are perfectly baked?

Look for a toothpick that comes out with a few moist crumbs when inserted into the center. The edges should be slightly pulled away from the pan, and the top should look set but not completely dry.

Red Velvet Brownies Recipe

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4.5 from 32 reviews

• Total Time: 43 minutes
• Yield: 16 1x

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Description

Indulgent red velvet brownies combine rich chocolate and velvety crimson layers for a luxurious dessert experience. Creamy cream cheese frosting crowns these irresistible squares, promising a delightful treat you’ll savor with pure chocolate bliss.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 large eggs
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 (8-ounce) package cream cheese

Red Velvet Components:

• 2/3 cup unsalted butter
• 2 tablespoons cocoa powder
• 1 tablespoon red food coloring
• 1 teaspoon white vinegar
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

Seasoning and Stabilizers:

• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon fine sea salt
• 1/2 cup powdered sugar
• 1/3 cup unsalted butter
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• Pinch of fine sea salt

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Instructions

1. Prepare the oven environment by heating to 350°F and preparing an 8×8-inch baking dish with grease or parchment paper for easy extraction.
2. Carefully melt butter using microwave or stovetop, allowing slight cooling to prevent egg curdling during mixture.
3. Combine dry ingredients by whisking flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt in a medium bowl, setting mixture aside for later integration.
4. Create wet ingredient foundation by whisking eggs, then incorporating sugar, vanilla, vinegar, and red food coloring until achieving a smooth, uniform consistency.
5. Gradually introduce melted butter into wet ingredients, stirring continuously to maintain smooth texture.
6. Gently fold dry ingredients into wet mixture, mixing on low speed until just combined, avoiding overmixing while accepting minimal lumps.
7. Transfer batter evenly into prepared pan, using spatula to create uniform surface and smooth edges.
8. Bake for approximately 28 minutes, monitoring until toothpick inserted emerges with minimal moist crumbs, indicating perfect doneness.
9. Allow brownies to cool completely within pan placed on wire rack, ensuring proper temperature reduction.
10. Prepare cream cheese frosting by beating cream cheese and butter until achieving silky smooth texture.
11. Gradually integrate powdered sugar, initially mixing on low speed, then increasing to medium-high for fluffy consistency.
12. Enhance frosting with vanilla and salt, mixing thoroughly for balanced flavor profile.
13. Once brownies have reached room temperature, generously spread cream cheese frosting across entire surface.
14. Slice into precise squares, presenting a delectable dessert ready for immediate enjoyment.

Notes

• Ensure butter is cooled before mixing to prevent egg curdling and maintain smooth batter texture.
• Use gel food coloring for more vibrant red color without altering liquid consistency.
• Check brownies early to prevent overbaking, which can lead to dry, crumbly texture.
• Chill brownies before cutting for cleaner, more precise slices and easier frosting application.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 28 minutes
• Category: Desserts, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 16
• Calories: 190
• Sugar: 14 g
• Sodium: 150 mg
• Fat: 9 g
• Saturated Fat: 5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 25 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 2 g
• Cholesterol: 40 mg