Red Velvet Brownies | Ultimate Fudgy Treat Recipe

There’s something irresistible about red velvet brownies fresh from the oven. That deep ruby color, the soft cocoa scent, and the way the cream cheese frosting melts slightly as it hits the fudgy crumb—it’s dessert magic. In just about 40 minutes, you’ll have 16 moist squares that taste like love and comfort baked together. Let’s get started.

Why You’ll Love These Red Velvet Brownies

These red velvet brownies combine everything you adore about classic cake and rich chocolate bars. They’re dense, chewy, and perfectly balanced between cocoa depth and sweet tang. You’ll love how the Dutch-processed cocoa and vinegar create that signature flavor while keeping the texture fudgy. The best part? You only need basic ingredients and one bowl for the batter. The cream cheese frosting comes together in minutes and never fails soft, creamy, and a little tangy to balance the sweetness. Plus, that bold red hue always makes them look special, whether for Valentine’s Day, birthdays, or just because.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the brownies, gather butter, both granulated and brown sugar, eggs, vanilla extract, vegetable oil, Dutch-processed cocoa powder, flour, cornstarch, vinegar, salt, and red gel food coloring. The gel version gives that deep, even red without thinning the batter. Cornstarch keeps them tender, and vinegar enhances the red velvet tang.

You can fold in white chocolate chips for creamy bursts or leave them out for a more traditional bite. For the frosting, you’ll need cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract. The softened butter and cream cheese blend into a fluffy topping that spreads easily once the brownies cool completely.

How to Make Red Velvet Brownies

Step 1: Prepare the Pan and Mix the Wet Ingredients

Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C) and line an 8-inch square pan with parchment. Melt the butter and mix it with both sugars in a large bowl until glossy. Add the eggs, yolk, and vanilla, stirring gently to avoid adding air bubbles.

Step 2: Add Cocoa, Oil, Eggs, and Color

Stir in the oil and sifted cocoa powder. Scoop out a small portion of the batter, tint it with red gel coloring, then fold it back into the bowl for a uniform shade.

Step 3: Finish the Batter

Add flour, cornstarch, and salt, folding gently just until no streaks remain. Stir in vinegar and white chocolate chips if using. Spread the batter evenly in the pan.

Step 4: Bake for the Perfect Fudgy Texture

Bake 20–25 minutes until a toothpick shows moist crumbs. Cool fully before cutting—this helps the fudgy centers set beautifully and prevents crumbling.

How to Make the Cream Cheese Frosting

Beat softened cream cheese and butter together until creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar and whip until fluffy. Mix in vanilla, then spread evenly over the cooled brownies. To slice cleanly, chill them briefly and wipe your knife between cuts.

Tips for Perfect Texture and Color

Always measure flour with a scale for accuracy. Too much can turn fudgy brownies cakey. Avoid overmixing once you add dry ingredients. Use red gel food coloring for bold vibrancy, and keep ingredients at room temperature for smooth frosting. Each serving delivers about 367 calories with a balance of rich flavor and soft chew.

Variations and Customizations

Try adding white chocolate chips for contrast or swirl in a quick cheesecake layer using 8 oz cream cheese, 1 egg, and ⅓ cup sugar before baking. If you prefer a deeper cocoa tone, add an extra tablespoon of Dutch-processed cocoa. You can also try Zucchini Brownies with a rich, moist crumb or Peppermint Bark Brownies for a festive twist for seasonal inspiration.

Recommended Tools and Equipment

You’ll need an 8-inch square pan, a whisk, mixing bowls, spatula, and a kitchen scale. A scale ensures consistency, especially with flour and cocoa small differences can change the texture.

Storage and Make-Ahead Tips

Store frosted brownies in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Unfrosted ones can stay at room temperature. For clean cuts, chill slightly before slicing. You can freeze unfrosted squares wrapped tightly for up to a month.

FAQs

More Such Recipes

• Banana Bread Brownies packed with flavor
• Pumpkin Cheesecake Bars with creamy layers
• Easy Cherry Pie Bars perfect for dessert tables
• Pumpkin Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting
• Chocolate Pumpkin Cupcakes for holiday baking

Conclusion

These red velvet brownies prove that baking doesn’t need to be complicated to feel special. They’re fudgy, colorful, and rich with a hint of tang perfect for sharing or gifting. Once you make them, you’ll crave that soft crumb and creamy frosting again and again. For more ideas, check out my Pinterest or Facebook for easy dessert inspiration.

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