Red Velvet Brownies Recipe

If you’re crazy about that signature cocoa-vanilla tang and plush, fudgy texture, these Red Velvet Brownies are about to steal your heart! They’re everything you love about classic red velvet cake—but baked in a thick, decadent bar form, complete with a swoop of creamy, dreamy cream cheese frosting on top. Every bite is a celebration, and believe me: you’ll want to share (or maybe not!) every last crumb.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s talk shop: every ingredient in these Red Velvet Brownies serves a delicious purpose. From the splash of vinegar and cocoa for that classic tang, to the dreamy cream cheese frosting on top, this list keeps things simple so each bite is perfectly rich, smooth, and unforgettable.

• Unsalted Butter: Creates a rich base and keeps the brownies ultra-moist. Melting it ensures a shiny, dense crumb.
• Granulated Sugar & Light Brown Sugar: A mix for depth of sweetness and a lovely hint of caramel flavor.
• Large Eggs + Egg Yolk: Add structure and unbeatable richness; the extra yolk makes everything just a bit more decadent.
• Vanilla Extract: Essential for that true red velvet flavor—don’t skimp!
• Vegetable Oil: The key to fudgy, chewy brownies rather than cake-like bars.
• Cocoa Powder: Use unsweetened—this gives our brownies their signature, gentle chocolate undertone.
• All-purpose Flour: Just enough to hold things together without making the brownies dry.
• Vinegar: Classic in red velvet, this reacts with the cocoa and boosts the cake’s tang (don’t worry, you won’t taste it directly).
• Cornstarch: Makes the crumb silky-smooth and gives the brownies their signature soft bite.
• Salt: Enhances every other flavor—trust me, you’ll taste the difference.
• Red Food Coloring: Gel or liquid—whatever you use, this ensures that unmistakable, gorgeous red hue.
• White Chocolate Chips (optional): For little puddles of creamy sweetness throughout every bite.
• Cream Cheese & Unsalted Butter (for the frosting): The backbone of a tangy, fluffy whipped topping.
• Powdered Sugar: Sweetens and thickens the frosting—don’t skip sifting for luscious results!

Variations

Red Velvet Brownies are wonderfully easy to adapt no matter what you have on hand or how you want to personalize them. Don’t be afraid to play with the flavor, color, or toppings—these brownies are as flexible as they are delicious!

• Gluten-Free: Swap the all-purpose flour for a high-quality gluten-free flour blend—just be sure it includes xanthan gum for best texture.
• Chocolate Swirl: Drizzle melted bittersweet or semisweet chocolate over the frosting for a visually stunning finish and extra richness.
• Nuts or Chocolate Chunks: Gently fold in toasted pecans, walnuts, or your favorite chocolate chunks for a bit of crunch and new texture.
• Berry Boost: Scatter fresh raspberries on top of the batter before baking for juicy pops of flavor and color.

How to Make Red Velvet Brownies

Step 1: Prep Your Baking Pan and Oven

Start by lining a 9-inch square cake pan with parchment paper (this will save you so much mess later) and preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C). If using a fan-assisted oven, set it to 160°C. Having everything ready ensures even baking and easy removal after your brownies have cooled.

Step 2: Melt the Butter and Combine Sugars

Melt your unsalted butter in short bursts in the microwave until liquid but not hot. Then, in a large bowl, whisk it together with the granulated and brown sugars. This combo creates a rich, caramel-like foundation for your Red Velvet Brownies.

Step 3: Mix in Eggs, Vanilla, and Oil

Add the eggs, extra yolk, and vanilla extract. Whisk gently—this isn’t about whipping air in; we’re going for dense, chewy brownies here. Next, drizzle in the vegetable oil and cocoa powder, combining it all until you have a smooth, silken batter.

Step 4: Color That Batter Red

Spoon a small portion of batter into a separate bowl, stir in the red food coloring until you see nothing but vibrant, even color, then pour this back into your main bowl and gently stir. This extra step keeps the color bright and evenly distributed—no streaks!

Step 5: Fold in Dry Ingredients

Switch to a spatula or wooden spoon and gently fold in the flour, cornstarch, and salt. Mix just until you don’t see any white streaks—overmixing can make them tough. Next, stir in the vinegar for that signature red velvet tang and, if you like, add white chocolate chips.

Step 6: Bake and Cool

Scrape the batter into your prepared pan, smoothing the top. Bake for 20–25 minutes, watching for a skewer with a few damp crumbs (not raw batter!) when tested. Let the brownies cool completely in the pan—this makes them easier to frost and slice.

Step 7: Make and Spread the Cream Cheese Frosting

Blend the room-temp cream cheese and butter until smooth and fluffy. Gradually add the powdered sugar (start slow—no powdered sugar clouds!), then beat in vanilla until spreadable and creamy. Once brownies are cool, lavishly spread with frosting and slice into squares.

How to Serve Red Velvet Brownies

Garnishes

The red-and-white combo looks showstopping on its own, but don’t be shy about adding a final flourish! Try a sprinkling of red velvet cake crumbs, white chocolate curls, or even a light dusting of cocoa powder for an elegant touch on your Red Velvet Brownies. Fresh berries are always lovely, too.

Side Dishes

These brownies are pure indulgence solo, but a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream on the side is downright swoon-worthy. For a fancy brunch, serve alongside hot coffee or a cappuccino to balance out the sweetness.

Creative Ways to Present

Cut your Red Velvet Brownies into tiny bites for party trays, or layer in dessert parfaits with more frosting and berries. For special occasions, use cookie cutters to make heart or star shapes—everyone loves a pretty brownie!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store leftover Red Velvet Brownies in an airtight container in the refrigerator, thanks to the cream cheese frosting. They’ll keep their just-baked texture and flavor for up to five days—perfect for snacking all week!

Freezing

To freeze, simply wrap brownies tightly (preferably un-frosted) in plastic wrap, then in foil. They’ll stay fresh for up to three months. When you’re ready for a treat, thaw overnight in the fridge, then frost right before serving.

Reheating

If you love a gooey, slightly warm brownie, pop a piece in the microwave for just 10–15 seconds—just be careful with the frosting! This brings those incredible red velvet flavors back to life.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

Trust me—once you invite Red Velvet Brownies into your baking rotation, they’ll make every occasion feel like a party. If you’re looking for the ultimate way to share some love (or just treat yourself), this is your go-to recipe. Give them a try, and don’t be surprised when everyone asks for seconds!

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