Dreamy Red Velvet Brownies Recipe: A Sweet Treat for All

Decadent red velvet brownies bring a luxurious twist to classic chocolate desserts.

Soft crimson layers melt in your mouth with rich, velvety texture.

Cocoa and cream cheese create a stunning contrast of flavors.

Southern bakers have long cherished this indulgent treat for special occasions.

Chocolate lovers will appreciate the delicate balance between fudgy and cakey consistency.

Baking these brownies takes minimal effort but delivers maximum satisfaction.

Let’s dive into a recipe that promises to impress even the most discerning sweet tooth.

All About Red Velvet Brownies

• Impress family and friends with a visually stunning dessert that combines rich chocolate flavor and tangy cream cheese swirls, making it ideal for gatherings and potlucks.
• Enjoy these brownies as a decadent afternoon snack, elegant dessert after dinner, or special occasion treat that suits multiple settings from casual to celebratory.
• Create an extraordinary dessert using common pantry staples and just a few extra ingredients, transforming basic components into a restaurant-worthy delicacy without complicated techniques.

Red Velvet Brownies Ingredient List

Main Ingredients:

• Butter: A rich and creamy ingredient that provides moisture and depth of flavor to the brownies.
• Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps create a tender texture in the brownies.
• Eggs: Bind the ingredients together and contribute to the brownies' structure.
• Flour: The primary dry ingredient that gives structure to the brownies.

• Cocoa Powder: Delivers the deep chocolate flavor and dark color to the brownies.

• Red Food Coloring: Creates the signature vibrant red color of red velvet desserts.
• Vanilla Extract: Enhances the overall flavor profile with its warm, sweet essence.

• Baking Powder: Helps the brownies rise and become light and fluffy.
• Salt: Balances the sweetness and intensifies the other flavors.

• Cream Cheese: Provides a tangy, rich swirl that complements the chocolate base.
• Sugar: Sweetens the cream cheese mixture.
• Egg Yolk: Adds richness and helps bind the cream cheese swirl.

Red Velvet Brownies Baking Steps

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Get your oven ready by heating it to 350°F.

Grab an 8×8-inch baking pan and line it with parchment paper, making sure some paper hangs over the edges so you can easily lift out the brownies later.

Step 2: Create the Brownie Base

Melt butter in a saucepan over low heat.

Take it off the stove and mix in sugar until smooth.

Add eggs one by one, stirring well after each addition.

Pour in vanilla and red food coloring, creating a vibrant mixture.

• Flour
• Cocoa powder
• Baking powder
• Salt

Whisk the dry ingredients in a separate bowl.

Slowly fold them into the wet mixture, stirring just until everything comes together.

Step 3: Whip Up the Cream Cheese Swirl

Grab a bowl and beat cream cheese until silky smooth.

• Sugar
• Egg yolk
• Vanilla extract

Blend until the mixture is perfectly combined and creamy.

Step 4: Layer and Swirl the Brownies

Pour the brownie batter into the prepared pan, spreading it evenly.

Dollop spoonfuls of cream cheese mixture across the top.

Use a knife to create beautiful swirls, mixing the cream cheese into the red batter.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Slide the pan into the preheated oven.

Bake for 25-30 minutes.

Check doneness by inserting a toothpick – it should come out with just a few moist crumbs.

Step 6: Cool and Slice

Let the brownies cool completely in the pan.

Once cooled, lift out using the parchment paper edges and cut into delicious squares.

Key Tips for Red Velvet Brownies

• Gently drag a knife or toothpick through the cream cheese and brownie batter to create beautiful, intricate marbling patterns without overmixing.
• Add an extra drop of red food coloring for a more vibrant red velvet hue, ensuring the color remains rich and appetizing.
• Check brownies at the 25-minute mark and remove from oven when a few moist crumbs cling to the toothpick for ultra-fudgy texture.
• Refrigerate brownies for 30 minutes before slicing to achieve clean, precise edges and prevent crumbling.

Storing Red Velvet Brownies Properly

• Store brownies in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Wrap each brownie individually in plastic wrap to maintain moisture and prevent drying out.
• Place brownies in a freezer-safe container, separating layers with parchment paper. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
• Warm individual brownies for 10-15 seconds on medium power. Check temperature and add seconds if needed to prevent overheating.
• Warm brownies at 325F for 5-7 minutes, covering with foil to prevent edges from becoming too crisp. Remove foil for the last minute to restore slight crispness.

Pairing Red Velvet Brownies with Treats

• Pair Creamy Vanilla Ice Cream: Rich, velvety vanilla ice cream complements the deep chocolate and tangy cream cheese swirl, creating a luxurious contrast in temperatures and textures.
• Sip Bold Red Wine: A glass of full-bodied red wine like Cabernet Sauvignon enhances the brownie's rich cocoa notes, providing a sophisticated adult dessert experience.
• Match Fresh Raspberry Coulis: Tart raspberry sauce drizzled over the brownies adds bright acidity that cuts through the dessert's richness, bringing a vibrant fruity dimension.
• Enjoy Espresso Martini: The strong coffee and smooth vodka in an espresso martini perfectly balance the sweet brownie, offering a decadent after-dinner treat with sophisticated flair.

Red Velvet Brownies Recipe Variations

• Gluten-Free Version: Replace all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend and ensure cocoa powder is certified gluten-free for celiac and gluten-sensitive bakers.
• Vegan Red Velvet Brownies: Substitute butter with coconut oil, eggs with flax eggs (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons water per egg), and cream cheese with dairy-free cream cheese alternative.
• Low-Sugar Alternative: Use monk fruit sweetener or stevia in place of sugar, reducing overall sugar content while maintaining sweet flavor profile. Consider adding mashed banana or applesauce to maintain moisture.
• Keto-Friendly Option: Swap regular flour with almond flour, replace sugar with erythritol, use unsweetened cocoa powder, and incorporate cream cheese for fat content while reducing carbohydrate count.

FAQs

• What gives red velvet brownies their distinctive color?

The red food coloring creates the signature vibrant red hue, which is a classic characteristic of red velvet desserts.

• How can I achieve the perfect cream cheese swirl?

Ensure the cream cheese is softened and at room temperature, then use a knife or toothpick to gently create swirling patterns across the brownie batter before baking.

• Can I reduce the amount of food coloring?

Yes, you can use less food coloring or even natural alternatives like beetroot powder to achieve a softer red color while maintaining the same delicious flavor.

• What makes the texture of these brownies unique?

The combination of melted butter, cocoa powder, and cream cheese creates a rich, fudgy texture that’s both moist and dense, setting these brownies apart from traditional chocolate brownies.

Red Velvet Brownies Recipe

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4.9 from 26 reviews

• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 16 1x

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Description

Indulgent Red Velvet Brownies blend rich chocolate with a velvety crimson allure, promising pure dessert bliss. Chocolate lovers discover a luxurious treat that melts seamlessly between decadence and comfort, satisfying sweet cravings with each sinful bite.

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Ingredients

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Red Velvet Brownies Ingredients:

Main Ingredients:

• 1 cup (240 ml) all-purpose flour
• 1/4 cup (25 g) unsweetened cocoa powder
• 2 large eggs
• 1 cup (200 g) granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup (113 g or 1 stick) unsalted butter

Flavoring and Coloring:

• 1 tablespoon red food coloring (gel or liquid)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Cream Cheese Topping:

• 4 ounces (113 g) cream cheese, softened
• 1/4 cup (50 g) granulated sugar
• 1 large egg yolk
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

Leavening and Seasoning:

• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt

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Instructions

1. Initiate oven preparation at 350F (175C) and meticulously line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper, ensuring slight overhang for effortless removal.
2. Gently melt butter in a medium saucepan over low heat, then remove from flame and integrate sugar thoroughly until uniform consistency develops.
3. Incorporate eggs individually into butter-sugar mixture, whisking after each addition to maintain smooth texture. Introduce vanilla extract and red food coloring, blending until vibrant crimson emerges.
4. In a separate mixing vessel, combine flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt through gentle whisking, creating uniform dry ingredient mixture.
5. Gradually fold dry ingredients into wet mixture, stirring minimally to prevent overworking the batter, maintaining delicate brownie texture.
6. Separately, whip cream cheese until silky smooth, then fold in sugar, egg yolk, and vanilla extract, creating a luxurious cream cheese swirl.
7. Transfer brownie batter into prepared pan, spreading evenly with a spatula to ensure consistent depth.
8. Strategically dollop cream cheese mixture across brownie surface, then use a knife to create elegant marbled patterns by gently dragging through both batters.
9. Position pan in preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, monitoring until a toothpick emerges with minimal moist crumbs.
10. Remove from oven and allow complete cooling on wire rack before slicing into precise squares for serving.

Notes

• Use high-quality cocoa powder for a rich, deep chocolate flavor that enhances the red velvet taste.
• Ensure ingredients are at room temperature to create a smoother, more consistent batter that blends easily.
• Avoid overmixing the batter to prevent tough, dense brownies; stop stirring as soon as dry ingredients are incorporated.
• For a gluten-free version, substitute all-purpose flour with almond flour or a gluten-free baking blend, maintaining the same measurement.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Desserts, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 16
• Calories: 220
• Sugar: 14 g
• Sodium: 150 mg
• Fat: 10 g
• Saturated Fat: 6 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 31 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 3 g
• Cholesterol: 50 mg