Red Velvet Brownies Recipe

Red Velvet Brownies are everything a dessert lover dreams about: fudgy, vibrant, and bursting with flavor. Imagine the classic charm of red velvet, but with the decadent richness of a brownie—each bite delivers a beautiful balance of cocoa and sweetness, finished off with a signature scarlet hue that truly makes these brownies irresistible! Whether you’re baking for a holiday, a party, or simply as a treat for yourself, these Red Velvet Brownies are sure to steal the show and become a beloved staple in your baking repertoire.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of these Red Velvet Brownies is how each everyday ingredient brings something special to the table. From their moist texture to that iconic red color and subtle cocoa flavor, these simple staples combine to make dessert magic. Here’s what you’ll need, and why each one matters:

• Butter (melted): Adds richness, moisture, and helps create that perfect fudgy texture that makes brownies so crave-worthy.
• Semi-sweet chocolate bar (chopped): Melting real chocolate in the batter delivers deep chocolate flavor without overpowering the “red velvet” essence.
• Granulated sugar: Sweetens the brownies and helps form that lovely shiny, crinkled top we all love.
• Large eggs: Bind everything together and give the brownies their tender, chewy bite.
• Vanilla extract: Boosts all the other flavors and rounds out any bitterness from the cocoa.
• White vinegar: Reacts with the cocoa to deepen the red color and provide a subtle tang—classic for red velvet!
• Red gel food coloring: The secret to that iconic, bold red hue that’s instantly recognizable.
• Unsweetened cocoa powder: Gives just enough chocolate flavor while letting the red color shine through.
• All-purpose flour: The structure behind the dreamy brownie crumb.
• Salt: Enhances all the flavors and keeps the brownies from tasting flat.
• White chocolate chips (optional): Adds creamy pops of sweetness—whether mixed in or melted and drizzled on top, they’re the perfect finishing touch.

How to Make Red Velvet Brownies

Step 1: Prep Your Pan and Preheat

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F—this ensures the brownies bake evenly from the moment they go in. Line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving a little overhang for easy removal later. This little step makes all the difference when it comes to neat, clean squares!

Step 2: Melt Butter and Chocolate

Grab a large microwave-safe bowl and combine your melted butter and chopped semi-sweet chocolate. Microwave in 30-second bursts, stirring each time, until the chocolate is smooth and glossy. The combination of real chocolate and butter is what gives Red Velvet Brownies their unbeatable texture!

Step 3: Mix Wet Ingredients

Add the granulated sugar to the melted chocolate mixture and stir well—it might look a little grainy, but that’s perfect for brownies. Beat in the eggs, one at a time, mixing after each addition for a silky batter. Next, stir in the vanilla extract, white vinegar, and that splash of red gel food coloring until your batter becomes a gorgeous, vivid shade of red.

Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, sift together the cocoa powder, all-purpose flour, and salt. This step helps avoid any lumps and ensures an even mix. Folding in these dry ingredients is what will bring the brownie batter together and give it its classic red velvet taste and feel.

Step 5: Bring It All Together

Gradually add the dry ingredients to your wet mixture, stirring just until everything is incorporated—don’t overmix, or the brownies may turn cakey! If you’re feeling extra indulgent, fold in some white chocolate chips at this point for little bursts of creamy sweetness in every bite.

Step 6: Spread and Bake

Pour the luscious batter into your prepared pan and gently spread it into an even layer. Bake on the center rack for 30 to 35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the middle comes out with just a few moist crumbs. That’s the trick to perfectly fudgy Red Velvet Brownies!

Step 7: Cool and Slice

Allow the brownies to cool completely in the pan before lifting them out using the parchment overhang. This waiting game is absolutely worth it—the brownies need to set up so you get sharp, beautiful squares instead of a crumbled mess.

Step 8: Optional White Chocolate Drizzle

If you want to go the extra mile, melt some white chocolate and drizzle it over the cooled brownies. Let it set before slicing: not only does this add a gorgeous visual contrast, but it brings everything together for that true red velvet brownie experience!

How to Serve Red Velvet Brownies

Garnishes

One of the easiest ways to elevate Red Velvet Brownies is with thoughtful garnishes. A dusting of powdered sugar, a drizzle of melted white chocolate, or a delicate sprinkle of red or pink sprinkles can add just the right amount of flair. If you really want to indulge, top each square with a swirl of cream cheese frosting and a fresh raspberry for a bakery-worthy look—and taste!

Side Dishes

Pairing desserts can be such fun! For these rich, colorful brownies, a scoop of vanilla ice cream is always a hit. A dollop of whipped cream or a handful of fresh berries also pairs beautifully, cutting through the richness and adding a clean, refreshing flourish. For special occasions, set out a platter with different fruits and chocolate sauces so everyone can build their own dream dessert plate.

Creative Ways to Present

Presentation is half the excitement with Red Velvet Brownies! Try cutting them into heart shapes for Valentine’s Day, or bite-sized squares for parties and holiday trays. Stack them in a tower with layers of white chocolate or cream cheese filling, or serve them in cupcake liners for convenient, adorable grab-and-go treats at gatherings.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

To keep your Red Velvet Brownies as fresh as the day you baked them, store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. If you live somewhere especially warm, you can store them in the fridge, but be sure to let them come to room temperature before serving for the best flavor and texture.

Freezing

Want to save some for later? These brownies freeze beautifully! Wrap each square individually in plastic wrap, then place them in a zip-top bag or airtight container. Pop them in the freezer for up to three months. When you’re ready to enjoy, just thaw the brownies at room temperature or give them a gentle warm-up in the microwave.

Reheating

For that just-baked feel and a gooey texture, you can quickly microwave a brownie square for about 10-15 seconds. If serving a crowd, pop the entire batch (in the pan) into a low oven for a few minutes. Drizzle with a fresh splash of melted white chocolate to revive the flavors and impress all over again.

FAQs

What makes Red Velvet Brownies different from regular brownies?

Red Velvet Brownies blend the best of both worlds: the mild cocoa and tang of classic red velvet cake, combined with the rich, dense, fudgy texture typical of brownies. Plus, that stunning red color and creamy white chocolate make them really stand out!

Do I have to use gel food coloring, or can I substitute it?

Gel food coloring is highly recommended because it delivers vibrant color with just a small amount, and won’t alter the texture of the brownies. Liquid food coloring can work, but may require more and could thin the batter slightly, so adjust with a touch more flour if needed.

Can I double the recipe for a larger crowd?

Absolutely! Simply double all of the ingredients and bake in a 9×13-inch pan. Baking time may be slightly longer, so begin checking at the 35-minute mark and look for those telltale moist crumbs on the toothpick test.

What’s the purpose of adding white vinegar?

The vinegar reacts with the cocoa powder and baking soda (if used in other recipes), enhancing both the flavor and the brilliant red color. This subtle tang is a hallmark of anything “red velvet” and shouldn’t be skipped!

How do I keep my Red Velvet Brownies from overbaking?

Start checking your brownies a few minutes before the stated baking time. Insert a toothpick into the center—if it comes out with moist crumbs (not raw batter), they’re done. Overbaking can make them dry, so keep a close eye near the end!

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly special about sharing homemade Red Velvet Brownies with friends and family—the color, the flavor, the fudgy texture, and the smiles they bring. Whip up a batch soon, and you might just find they become your most-requested treat for every occasion!

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