Red Velvet Brownies Recipe

The Ultimate Red Velvet Brownies Recipe: Fudgy & Divine

Decadent red velvet brownies dance between classic chocolate indulgence and southern charm.

Layers of rich cocoa mingle with vibrant crimson hues, creating a dessert that catches every eye.

Smooth cream cheese frosting adds a luxurious complement to the dense, velvety base.

Soft yet intense, these brownies promise a delightful twist on traditional treats.

Chocolate lovers will appreciate the deep, complex flavor profile that emerges from each carefully crafted bite.

Home bakers can easily master this simple yet impressive dessert that looks as stunning as it tastes.

Whip up this show-stopping confection and watch everyone’s eyes light up with excitement.

Red Velvet Brownies Recipe Questions Answered

  • Why use red food coloring in this recipe?

Red food coloring gives the brownies their signature vibrant red color, creating the classic red velvet appearance and visual appeal that makes these brownies unique and attractive.

  • Can I use natural food coloring instead?

Yes, you can substitute artificial red food coloring with natural alternatives like beetroot powder or concentrated beet juice, which will provide a similar red hue with a more natural ingredient.

  • What makes these brownies different from regular chocolate brownies?

These red velvet brownies incorporate cocoa powder, white chocolate, and red food coloring, creating a richer, more luxurious flavor profile compared to traditional chocolate brownies, with a tender, velvety texture.

Why Red Velvet Brownies Recipe Steal The Show

  • Craft Colorful Dessert: Impress guests with a stunning red velvet brownie that stands out on any dessert table with its vibrant crimson color and decadent cream cheese frosting.
  • Make in Minutes: Prepare this delightful treat quickly with simple ingredients and straightforward steps, perfect for bakers of all skill levels who want a delicious chocolate-based dessert.
  • Crowd-Pleasing Sweet: Guaranteed to win hearts at potlucks, family gatherings, or birthday parties, these brownies combine the rich flavor of chocolate with the classic charm of red velvet cake.
  • Customizable Indulgence: Easily adapt the recipe by adjusting food coloring intensity or adding extra toppings like chocolate chips or chopped nuts to make the dessert uniquely yours.

What You’ll Need For Red Velvet Brownies Recipe

Dry Ingredients:
  • All-Purpose Flour: A key base that provides structure to the brownies.
  • Cocoa Powder: Adds rich chocolate flavor and deep color to the dessert.
  • Baking Powder: Helps the brownies rise and become light and fluffy.
  • Salt: Enhances the overall flavor of the brownies.
Wet Ingredients:
  • Eggs: Bind the ingredients together and provide moisture.
  • White Sugar, Brown Sugar: Create sweetness and contribute to the brownie's texture.
  • Vegetable Oil: Ensures the brownies remain moist and tender.
  • Red Food Coloring: Gives the classic red velvet color to the brownies.
  • Vanilla Extract: Adds a warm, sweet flavor to the dessert.
Topping and Binding Ingredients:
  • White Chocolate, Butter: Melted together to create a rich, smooth base.
  • Cream Cheese, Butter: Whipped to make a creamy, tangy frosting.
  • Powdered Sugar: Sweetens and thickens the cream cheese frosting.
  • Vanilla Extract: Enhances the flavor of the frosting.

How To Bake Red Velvet Brownies Recipe

Step 1: Prep the Baking Space

Preheat the oven to a toasty 350F. Grab your 9×13-inch baking pan and give it a generous coating of grease or line it with parchment paper for easy brownie removal.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

Grab a medium bowl and whisk together:
  • Flour
  • Baking powder
  • Salt
  • Cocoa powder

Set this magical dry mixture aside for now.

Step 3: Create Wet Ingredient Base

In a separate bowl, blend eggs, sugar, and brown sugar until they transform into a light, fluffy cloud. Pour in oil, vibrant red food coloring, and vanilla extract. Mix until everything looks perfectly combined.

Step 4: Melt Chocolate Magic

Combine white chocolate and butter in a microwave-safe bowl. Zap in short bursts, stirring every 20-30 seconds until silky smooth. Let it cool slightly, then gently fold into the egg mixture.

Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry

Slowly add dry ingredients to the wet mixture. Stir just until everything comes together – don’t overmix!

Step 6: Prepare for Baking

Pour the batter into the prepared pan. Spread evenly with a spatula, creating a beautiful red canvas.

Step 7: Bake to Perfection

Slide the pan into the oven and bake for 30-35 minutes. Check doneness by inserting a toothpick – it should come out with a few moist crumbs.

Step 8: Cool Down

Let the brownies cool completely in the pan, sitting on a wire rack. Patience is key here!

Step 9: Whip Up Cream Cheese Frosting

Beat together:
  • Softened butter
  • Cream cheese

Mix until smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar and vanilla, beating until the frosting becomes fluffy and irresistible.

Step 10: Frost and Finish

Once brownies are totally cool, spread the cream cheese frosting in an even, luxurious layer across the top.

Step 11: Slice and Serve

Cut into squares and watch everyone’s eyes light up with delight!

Tips To Get Red Velvet Brownies Recipe Just Right

  • Use high-quality cocoa powder for rich, deep chocolate flavor that elevates the red velvet taste.
  • Ensure food coloring is gel-based for vibrant red color without watering down the batter.
  • Cool brownies completely before frosting to prevent melting and maintain clean, crisp edges.
  • Mix dry ingredients gently to avoid tough brownies – overmixing develops excess gluten.
  • Store cream cheese frosting-topped brownies in refrigerator for up to 5 days in airtight container.

New Flavors To Try In Red Velvet Brownies Recipe

  • Chocolate Chip Crunch: Add a cup of chocolate chips and chopped walnuts to the batter for extra texture and rich flavor.
  • Espresso Red Velvet: Mix in 1-2 tablespoons of instant espresso powder to enhance the chocolate notes and create a deeper taste profile.
  • Salted Caramel Drizzle: After frosting, drizzle homemade salted caramel sauce over the brownies for a decadent touch.
  • Raspberry Red Velvet: Swirl fresh raspberry preserves into the batter before baking, creating bursts of fruity flavor throughout the brownies.

Best Things To Eat With Red Velvet Brownies Recipe

  • Pair Decadent Dessert Wine: Select a sweet moscato or port wine to complement the rich, velvety red velvet brownies, enhancing their deep chocolate notes and creamy texture.
  • Create Contrasting Coffee Experience: Brew a strong espresso or dark roast coffee to cut through the sweetness, providing a bold counterpoint that highlights the brownies' intense flavors.
  • Match Creamy Beverage Companion: Serve cold milk or a vanilla milkshake alongside the brownies, creating a smooth, refreshing balance that softens the dessert's richness and adds a cool, silky dimension.
  • Elevate with Flavor-Boosting Garnish: Sprinkle crushed pistachios or toasted almonds on top of the brownies, introducing a nutty crunch that adds textural complexity and enhances the overall taste experience.

How To Store Red Velvet Brownies Recipe The Easy Way

  • Store covered in an airtight container for up to 5 days. Seal brownies tightly to prevent drying out and absorbing other food odors.
  • Wrap individual brownies or whole pan in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil. Freeze for 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in refrigerator before serving.
  • Warm individual brownie slices for 10-15 seconds on medium power. Check temperature to avoid overheating and maintain soft texture.
  • Remove brownies from refrigerator 30 minutes before serving to restore original softness and bring back cream cheese frosting's creamy consistency.
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Red Velvet Brownies Recipe

Red Velvet Brownies Recipe


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4.9 from 29 reviews

  • Total Time: 50-55 minutes
  • Yield: 16 1x

Description

Indulgent red velvet brownies merge classic Southern charm with rich chocolate decadence, creating a luxurious dessert that melts hearts. Crimson layers of velvety goodness promise pure bliss for chocolate enthusiasts seeking a memorable sweet experience.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 4 large eggs
  • 1 1/4 cups sugar
  • 3/4 cup brown sugar
  • 1 1/2 cups flour
  • 1/2 cup butter
  • 1/2 cup oil
  • 8 ounces (226 grams) white chocolate

Chocolate and Coloring Ingredients:

  • 1/4 cup cocoa powder
  • 2 teaspoons to 1 tablespoon red gel food coloring

Seasoning Ingredients:

  • 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
  • 3/4 teaspoon salt
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract

Instructions

  1. Prepare the oven at 350F (175C) and line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper or grease thoroughly.
  2. Sift together flour, baking powder, salt, and cocoa powder in a medium mixing bowl, then set aside.
  3. In a separate large bowl, vigorously whisk eggs with white and brown sugars until the mixture becomes pale and aerated.
  4. Incorporate oil, red food coloring, and vanilla extract into the sugar mixture, blending until uniform in color and texture.
  5. Carefully melt white chocolate and butter in a microwave-safe bowl, stirring at 20-second intervals until completely smooth and glossy.
  6. Allow the melted chocolate mixture to cool slightly, then gently fold into the egg mixture.
  7. Gradually fold dry ingredients into the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined to prevent overmixing.
  8. Transfer batter into the prepared pan, using a spatula to distribute evenly and create a level surface.
  9. Bake for 30-35 minutes, checking doneness by inserting a toothpick that should emerge with a few moist crumbs.
  10. Remove from oven and let brownies cool completely on a wire rack within the pan.
  11. Prepare cream cheese frosting by whipping butter and cream cheese until silky and well-integrated.
  12. Gradually add powdered sugar and vanilla, beating until the frosting becomes light and fluffy.
  13. Once brownies are entirely cooled, spread frosting evenly across the surface.
  14. Slice into square portions and serve at room temperature.

Notes

  • Swap natural red food coloring like beetroot juice for a healthier alternative to artificial coloring.
  • Use gluten-free flour blend to make these brownies suitable for those with gluten sensitivities.
  • Chill brownies before cutting for cleaner, more precise square edges and prevent crumbling.
  • Add extra texture by sprinkling chopped nuts or dark chocolate chips into the batter before baking for enhanced flavor complexity.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30-35 minutes
  • Category: Desserts, Snacks
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 16
  • Calories: 259
  • Sugar: 20 g
  • Sodium: 134 mg
  • Fat: 14 g
  • Saturated Fat: 6 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
  • Trans Fat: 0.2 g
  • Carbohydrates: 33 g
  • Fiber: 1.5 g
  • Protein: 3 g
  • Cholesterol: 51 mg
Samantha Lee

Samantha Lee

Recipe Developer & Content Creator

Expertise

Plant-based and vegetarian recipes, Recipe testing and development, Food blogging and digital content creation, Culinary education and workshops​

Education

Oregon Culinary Institute (Portland, OR)

  • Program: Diploma in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: Emphasized plant-based cooking, global cuisines, and recipe testing methodologies.​

Samantha sees cooking like painting, every fresh herb, every juicy tomato, a new splash of color on a canvas.
After graduating from Oregon Culinary Institute, she blended her love of global cuisines and plant-based cooking into recipes that feel fresh, fearless, and full of heart.
Samantha’s kitchen is a place where comfort food gets a modern remix and every meal feels like a little adventure. When she’s not cooking, she’s out exploring farmers’ markets, sketching new recipe ideas, or getting her hands dirty in a community garden.

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