Name: Red Velvet Brownies Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted; 1 cup granulated sugar; 2 large eggs; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1 tablespoon cocoa powder; 1 cup all-purpose flour; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 2 tablespoons red food coloring; 1/2 cup white chocolate chips (optional); 1/2 cup cream cheese, softened; 1/4 cup powdered sugar

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If you’re a fan of classic desserts with a vibrant new twist, Red Velvet Brownies are about to become your latest obsession. Imagine all the lush, cocoa-kissed flavor of red velvet cake packed into a dense, fudgy brownie, then studded and swirled with velvety cream cheese for the ultimate mouthwatering treat. This recipe brings together just the right balance of rich chocolate, tangy cream cheese, and that signature red hue, making these brownies a true showstopper for any occasion. Whether you’re baking for a celebration or simply indulging your sweet tooth, these Red Velvet Brownies are as gorgeous as they are irresistible.

Red Velvet Brownies Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

You’ll be amazed at how a handful of pantry staples come together to create something so special. Each ingredient pulls its weight, creating the texture, color, and decadent flavor Red Velvet Brownies are famous for.

Unsalted butter (1/2 cup, melted): Brings richness and gives the brownies their soft, fudgy center.
Granulated sugar (1 cup): Sweetens the brownies and helps achieve that perfectly crackly top.
Large eggs (2): Bind everything together, providing structure and giving a tender crumb.
Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Adds warmth and rounds out the flavors beautifully.
Cocoa powder (1 tablespoon): Just a touch of chocolate for that classic red velvet undertone.
All-purpose flour (1 cup): Forms the base, giving the brownies their satisfying bite.
Salt (1/4 teaspoon): Enhances every flavor and keeps the sweetness in check.
Red food coloring (2 tablespoons): Gives that unmistakable, vibrant red color—gel food coloring is best for an intense hue.
White chocolate chips (1/2 cup, optional): Add pops of creamy sweetness and extra decadence.
Cream cheese (1/2 cup, softened): Swirls create pockets of tangy, creamy delight in every bite.
Powdered sugar (1/4 cup): Sweetens the cream cheese swirl without any grittiness.

How to Make Red Velvet Brownies

Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Pan

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease an 8×8-inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal. This not only prevents sticking but also makes it a breeze to lift out your Red Velvet Brownies in perfect squares.

Step 2: Combine the Wet Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, stir together the melted unsalted butter and granulated sugar until the mixture is smooth and glossy. Add the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract and cocoa powder, mixing to create a rich chocolate base for your brownies.

Step 3: Add the Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour and salt. Gradually add these dry ingredients to your wet mixture, stirring gently until just combined. You don’t want to overmix, as this keeps your Red Velvet Brownies soft and fudgy.

Step 4: Color and Fold in Extras

Pour in the red food coloring and mix until the batter is evenly colored. The transformation is absolutely eye-catching! If you’re using white chocolate chips, fold them in now for sweet little bursts throughout your brownies.

Step 5: Layer and Swirl the Cream Cheese Mixture

Spoon half of the red velvet batter into your prepared pan, spreading evenly. In a small bowl, mix together the softened cream cheese and powdered sugar until creamy and smooth. Dollop spoonfuls of the cream cheese mixture over the batter, then cover with the remaining red velvet batter. Use a knife to gently swirl the layers together, creating beautiful marbled patterns.

Step 6: Bake the Brownies

Place your pan in the preheated oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes. You’ll know they’re done when a toothpick inserted near the center comes out with moist crumbs (not wet batter). Let the Red Velvet Brownies cool completely in the pan before cutting for the cleanest slices.

How to Serve Red Velvet Brownies

Garnishes

A little extra flair never hurts! Try dusting the tops with powdered sugar, drizzling melted white chocolate, or scattering extra white chocolate chips after baking. Even a simple handful of fresh berries on the side will add color and freshness to your Red Velvet Brownies.

Side Dishes

Pair your brownies with a scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream, a dollop of whipped cream, or even a sprinkle of toasted nuts for a bit of crunch. A hot cup of coffee or a cold glass of milk rounds out this treat perfectly.

Creative Ways to Present

Cut your Red Velvet Brownies into heart shapes for Valentine’s Day, stack them like a mini cake for birthdays, or wrap individual squares as pretty gifts for friends. Using cupcake liners or decorative boxes elevates these brownies for special occasions and makes sharing even sweeter.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep your Red Velvet Brownies fresh by placing them in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay delicious and moist for up to 3 days, making them perfect for make-ahead treats or next-day snacking.

Freezing

If you want to enjoy your brownies over a longer period, freeze them! Wrap individual squares in plastic wrap and then place in a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll keep for up to 2 months—just thaw at room temperature before serving for the best texture.

Reheating

To restore that “just-baked” feeling, warm a brownie in the microwave for just 10 to 15 seconds. The chocolate and cream cheese will become delightfully soft and gooey, almost like they’re fresh out of the oven.

FAQs

Can I use a different size pan?

Absolutely! If you use a larger pan, your Red Velvet Brownies will be thinner and may bake more quickly, so keep an eye on them. For thicker brownies, use a smaller pan, but remember to adjust the baking time accordingly.

Is there a substitute for red food coloring?

If you prefer a natural touch, try pureed beets or a natural red food coloring. The color may be less intense than using commercial gel food coloring, but you’ll still get a lovely hue in your Red Velvet Brownies.

Do I have to include the cream cheese swirl?

The cream cheese swirl is classic, but if you want a purely fudgy brownie, you can skip it! Or experiment with flavored spreads like Nutella or peanut butter for a fun twist on traditional Red Velvet Brownies.

Can I make these brownies gluten-free?

Yes! Substitute the all-purpose flour with an equal amount of your favorite 1:1 gluten-free baking mix. The texture may shift slightly, but the flavor and vivid color of these Red Velvet Brownies will still shine.

What’s the secret to perfectly moist brownies?

Don’t overbake! Check your brownies a little before the timer rings by inserting a toothpick in the center—look for moist crumbs, not raw batter. Cooling completely before cutting also helps them set into fudgy perfection.

Final Thoughts

These Red Velvet Brownies truly deliver everything you could want in a dessert: color, flavor, fun, and just a bit of decadence. Whether you’re new to baking or a brownie enthusiast, this recipe is sure to win you over. So grab your mixing bowl, share with someone you love, and let the compliments—and cravings—roll in!

Red Velvet Brownies Recipe

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4.6 from 5 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 45 minutes
Yield: 16 brownies 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Indulge in the rich, velvety goodness of these Red Velvet Brownies that are swirled with a cream cheese filling. These decadent treats are perfect for any chocolate lover!

Ingredients

Scale

Brownie Batter:

1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
1 cup granulated sugar
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 tablespoon cocoa powder
1 cup all-purpose flour
1/4 teaspoon salt
2 tablespoons red food coloring
1/2 cup white chocolate chips (optional)

Cream Cheese Swirl:

1/2 cup cream cheese, softened
1/4 cup powdered sugar

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Instructions

Preheat oven to 350°F. In a large bowl, mix melted butter and sugar until combined. Beat in eggs one at a time, then add vanilla extract and cocoa powder.
In a separate bowl, whisk together flour and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture. Stir in red food coloring until batter is evenly colored. Fold in white chocolate chips if using.
Pour half the batter into a greased 8×8-inch baking pan. In another bowl, mix softened cream cheese and powdered sugar until smooth.
Drop spoonfuls of cream cheese mixture over the batter, then pour the remaining red velvet batter on top. Use a knife to swirl the cream cheese mixture gently through the batter.
Bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out with moist crumbs. Cool completely before cutting into squares.