Red Velvet Brownies Recipe

These Red Velvet Brownies are an irresistibly decadent treat, bursting with the classic cocoa-kissed flavor and a gorgeous scarlet hue! Each bite is fudgy, chewy, and swirled with a hint of vanilla—all the best parts of red velvet cake, now in brownie form.

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

One of the best things about Red Velvet Brownies is that you probably have most of these ingredients on hand already. Each item is carefully chosen to create that perfect balance of moist crumb, deep chocolate flavor, and eye-catching color.

• Unsalted butter, melted: Adds rich flavor and creates that unmistakable fudgy texture; melting it gives you a glossy, dense brownie base.
• Semi-sweet chocolate bar (chopped): Deepens the cocoa notes without overpowering the red velvet signature taste—use a bar for ultra-smooth results.
• Granulated sugar: Not just for sweetness! Sugar also helps create those shiny, crackly brownie tops we all love.
• Large eggs: Eggs bind your brownies and give them body; be sure they’re at room temperature for best results.
• Vanilla extract: Adds warmth and that classic bakery aroma you expect from red velvet anything.
• White vinegar: A tiny splash, but it’s essential! Vinegar reacts with baking cocoa to intensify the red color and add a subtle tang.
• Red gel food coloring: For that bold, deeply saturated red—gel works best and won’t water down your batter.
• Unsweetened cocoa powder: The backbone of red velvet flavor, adding chocolate depth without overpowering.
• All-purpose flour: The structure-building powerhouse that keeps your brownies cohesive but still chewy.
• Salt: Just a bit brings all the sweet and chocolatey flavors to life.
• White chocolate chips (optional): These can be mixed into the batter or melted and drizzled on top for a beautiful, sweet finish.

Variations

Want to put your own spin on these Red Velvet Brownies? Feel free! This recipe is wonderfully flexible—perfect for adding personal touches, swapping ingredients to fit dietary needs, or just getting a little creative.

• Gluten-Free Brownies: Substitute a high-quality 1:1 gluten-free flour blend for the all-purpose flour; you’ll still get chewy, vibrant results.
• Vegan Red Velvet Brownies: Use plant-based butter, flax eggs, and dairy-free chocolate to make these brownies fully vegan without sacrificing taste.
• Cream Cheese Swirl: Drop spoonfuls of sweetened cream cheese onto the batter and swirl with a knife before baking for a true red velvet vibe.
• Extra Chocolatey: Amp up the decadence by adding dark or milk chocolate chips in addition to (or instead of) white chocolate chips.

How to Make Red Velvet Brownies

Step 1: Prep the Pan and Oven

Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F. Line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang for easy lifting later. Parchment not only guarantees a mess-free release, but it also helps your brownies cook and cool evenly—no more sticky corners!

Step 2: Melt the Butter & Chocolate

In a large microwave-safe mixing bowl, combine your melted butter and chopped semi-sweet chocolate. Microwave in 30-second bursts, stirring after each, until both are silky-smooth and fully melted. This step sets the stage for those rich, glossy, fudgy Red Velvet Brownies.

Step 3: Mix In Sugar and Wet Ingredients

Add the granulated sugar to the warm chocolate-butter mixture and stir until well-combined. Then, add eggs one at a time, mixing thoroughly after each addition to ensure that glossy, crackly crust. Finally, stir in the vanilla extract, white vinegar, and that bold red food coloring until the batter is vibrantly red and glossy.

Step 4: Sift and Incorporate Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, sift together the unsweetened cocoa powder, flour, and salt. Gradually add the dry mixture to your wet ingredients, folding gently just until combined. Be careful not to overmix—this is the secret to chewy, tender brownies! If you’re using white chocolate chips, fold them in now.

Step 5: Pour and Bake

Spread the batter evenly into your prepared pan and smooth the top with a spatula. Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with just a few moist crumbs attached (not raw batter). Resist slicing until completely cool for the cleanest cuts and best texture!

Step 6: Cool, Slice, and Garnish

Allow your brownies to cool fully in the pan—this helps the fudgy texture set. Once cool, lift them out using the parchment overhang and cut into 16 squares. For a finishing touch, drizzle with melted white chocolate and let it set for a gorgeous, bakery-style flourish!

How to Serve Red Velvet Brownies

Garnishes

A classic garnish for Red Velvet Brownies is a generous drizzle of melted white chocolate—it pops beautifully against the red and adds a lovely creamy sweetness. Alternatively, try a dusting of powdered sugar or a scattering of festive sprinkles for a playful touch.

Side Dishes

Pair these brownies with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, a handful of fresh berries, or even a dollop of whipped cream. They’re rich enough to shine solo, but these simple sides add brightness and contrast for a truly swoon-worthy dessert plate.

Creative Ways to Present

CUT brownies with a heart-shaped cookie cutter for Valentine’s Day or arrange them in a checkerboard pattern on a dessert platter. Stack squares between layers of cream cheese frosting to make mini brownie cakes—guaranteed to wow at parties!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep any leftover Red Velvet Brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If your kitchen is especially warm, they’ll last even longer stored in the refrigerator—just be sure to separate layers with parchment to keep them from sticking.

Freezing

These brownies freeze beautifully! Wrap individual squares tightly in plastic wrap and place in a freezer bag—they’ll stay delicious for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature or gently warm before serving for a bakery-fresh bite.

Reheating

For warm, gooey Red Velvet Brownies, microwave a serving for 8–10 seconds—that’s all it takes to revive the fudgy texture and melt any chocolate chips hiding inside. Don’t overheat or they may dry out.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

I truly hope you treat yourself to a batch of these Red Velvet Brownies soon—they’re the kind of cozy, impressive treat that makes any day a little more special. Don’t be surprised when they disappear fast (you might want to stash a few for yourself!). Enjoy every fudgy, beautiful bite!

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