Red Velvet Brownies: Fudgy, Festive, and Unforgettable

When it comes to desserts that combine visual appeal with indulgent flavor, Red Velvet Brownies steal the show. With their deep red hue, fudgy texture, and signature hint of cocoa, these brownies are perfect for holidays, date nights, bake sales, or anytime you want a treat that’s both stunning and satisfying.

Unlike traditional chocolate brownies, red velvet brownies are slightly tangy, lightly chocolatey, and often topped with a creamy swirl of cream cheese frosting or glaze. Whether served plain, marbled, or frosted, they’re guaranteed to impress.

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Why You’ll Love Red Velvet Brownies

❤️ Vibrant and beautiful, perfect for special occasions
🍫 Rich and fudgy with a subtle cocoa flavor
🧁 Pairs beautifully with cream cheese frosting
🕒 Easy to make in one bowl with simple ingredients
💌 Ideal for Valentine’s Day, Christmas, birthdays, or bridal showers

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What Are Red Velvet Brownies?

Red velvet brownies are a hybrid dessert that combines the classic texture of a brownie with the flavor profile of red velvet cake — which includes a touch of cocoa, vanilla, and a slight tang from vinegar or buttermilk. The result is a thick, chewy brownie with a gorgeous red color and subtle chocolate flavor.

They’re often enhanced with a cream cheese swirl or topped with cream cheese frosting, taking the decadence up a notch.

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Ingredients

This recipe makes a 9×9-inch pan (about 16 brownies).

For the Brownies:

• ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 tbsp red food coloring (gel preferred for deeper color)
• 1 tsp white vinegar
• ⅓ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• ¾ cup all-purpose flour
• ¼ tsp salt

Optional Cream Cheese Swirl:

• 4 oz cream cheese, softened
• ¼ cup granulated sugar
• 1 egg yolk
• ½ tsp vanilla extract

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How to Make Red Velvet Brownies

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Step 1: Preheat Oven and Prepare Pan

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×9-inch baking pan with parchment paper or lightly grease it for easy removal.

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Step 2: Mix the Brownie Batter

In a large bowl:

1. Whisk together melted butter and sugar until combined.
2. Add the eggs, vanilla, vinegar, and red food coloring. Mix until smooth.
3. Sift in the cocoa powder, flour, and salt. Fold the batter gently until fully incorporated. Do not overmix.

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Step 3: Add Optional Cream Cheese Swirl

If using:

1. In a separate bowl, beat together cream cheese, sugar, egg yolk, and vanilla until smooth.
2. Pour the brownie batter into the prepared pan and spread evenly.
3. Spoon dollops of the cream cheese mixture over the top and swirl with a knife for a marbled effect.

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Step 4: Bake

Bake for 28–32 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with a few moist crumbs. Do not overbake — slightly underdone keeps them fudgy!

Let the brownies cool completely before slicing.

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Step 5: Frost or Serve

Once cooled, you can:

• Frost with cream cheese frosting
• Dust with powdered sugar
• Serve plain with a glass of milk or scoop of ice cream

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Easy Cream Cheese Frosting (Optional)

If you want to top your brownies after baking, try this quick frosting:

Ingredients:

• 4 oz cream cheese, softened
• 2 tbsp butter, softened
• 1 cup powdered sugar
• ½ tsp vanilla extract
• 1–2 tbsp milk, if needed

Directions:

1. Beat cream cheese and butter until smooth.
2. Add powdered sugar and vanilla. Mix until fluffy.
3. Add milk to reach desired consistency.
4. Spread over cooled brownies and refrigerate before slicing.

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Tips for Success

✅ Use gel food coloring for a deeper red and less moisture
✅ Don’t overmix the batter — it can make brownies tough
✅ Check early — overbaking leads to dry texture
✅ Cool completely before frosting or cutting
✅ Store in the fridge if using cream cheese swirl or frosting

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Storage & Freezing

Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days if using cream cheese. Without it, room temp storage is fine for 2–3 days.

Freezer: Freeze sliced brownies for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temp or gently warm in the microwave.

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Variations

🍫 Red Velvet Cheesecake Brownies: Increase cream cheese swirl amount for more cheesecake flavor
🧁 Frosted Red Velvet Brownies: Frost fully with cream cheese frosting and decorate with sprinkles
🍬 Valentine’s Day Brownies: Cut into heart shapes with a cookie cutter
🌱 Dairy-Free Option: Use vegan butter and dairy-free cream cheese (texture may vary)
🍫 Chocolate Chip Version: Fold ½ cup of white or dark chocolate chips into the batter

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Nutrition Facts (Per Brownie, without frosting – approx.)

• Calories: 180
• Fat: 9g
• Carbs: 24g
• Sugar: 15g
• Protein: 2g
• Fiber: 1g

Nutritional content may vary with toppings and variations.

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When to Serve Red Velvet Brownies

These eye-catching treats are a hit for any event:

🎁 Holiday Cookie Exchanges
💘 Valentine’s Day Desserts
🎂 Birthday Treat Tables
🧁 Bridal or Baby Showers
🍷 Girls’ Night In with wine and sweets
🍽️ After-dinner treat for special guests

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Why Red Velvet Brownies Work

✅ They combine the best parts of two desserts
✅ Super simple — no mixer required
✅ Visually impressive with little effort
✅ Perfect balance of chocolate and vanilla
✅ Customizable with frosting, chips, or swirls

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I double this recipe?

Yes! Use a 9×13-inch baking dish and increase the bake time by 5–8 minutes.

Do I need to use vinegar?

Vinegar reacts with cocoa and enhances the red color and slight tang. You can skip it, but it’s part of authentic red velvet flavor.

What kind of cocoa powder should I use?

Use unsweetened natural cocoa for best results. Dutch-process cocoa can make the red color duller.

Can I use a boxed brownie mix?

Yes — add a tablespoon of red food coloring and reduce the cocoa slightly for a shortcut version.

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Final Thoughts: Elegant, Easy, and Always a Hit

Red Velvet Brownies are more than just a pretty dessert — they’re a showstopping treat with irresistible flavor. Whether you’re baking for a romantic dinner, special holiday, or just want a fun twist on the classic brownie, this recipe delivers fudgy texture, bold color, and rich flavor every time.

Once you try these, they’ll quickly become a go-to for celebrations, sweet gifts, and indulgent cravings alike.

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