Decadent Red Velvet Brownies Recipe

If you’ve ever found yourself torn between the classic decadence of brownies and the velvety charm of red velvet cake, Red Velvet Fudgy Brownies are your new must-try obsession. Rich with chocolate, impossibly moist, and capped with a dreamy cream cheese frosting, these brownies are an utterly swoon-worthy treat that’s just as gorgeous to serve as it is to devour!

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

These Red Velvet Fudgy Brownies are all about simple yet purposeful ingredients. Each addition, from high-quality chocolate to a swirl of red gel food coloring, plays a key role in shaping the flavor, texture, and show-stopping color of your brownies.

• 70% Cacao Dark Chocolate: The secret to deep, fudgy richness—choose good-quality chocolate for the most decadent brownies.
• Unsalted Butter: Adds buttery flavor and gives classic structure and moisture.
• Canola Oil: A touch of oil ups the fudginess and ensures every bite is super tender.
• Granulated Sugar: Sweetens the batter and contributes to those shiny, crackly tops.
• Light Brown Sugar: Adds subtle caramel undertones and even more moisture to the crumb.
• Large Eggs: Provide structure, lift, and give that brownie “bite.”
• Vanilla Bean Paste: Intensifies flavor and highlights the classic red velvet aroma.
• Red Gel Food Coloring: Essential for that bold, unmistakable red hue—gel color won’t water down your batter.
• White Vinegar: Just a splash lifts the tang and reacts with the cocoa, enhancing both flavor and color.
• All-Purpose Flour: Just enough for structure, but not so much that the brownies become cakey.
• Unsweetened Natural or Dutch Process Cocoa Powder: Delivers rich chocolate depth and signature red velvet notes.
• Cornstarch: The not-so-secret trick for extra softness and that melt-in-your-mouth texture.
• Fine Sea Salt: Balances sweetness and brings out the flavors.
• Cream Cheese Frosting: The perfect tangy, creamy topping that makes these brownies downright luxurious.

Variations

Part of the magic of these Red Velvet Fudgy Brownies is how easily you can adapt them to fit your mood, pantry, or dietary needs. Make them your own with one of these simple, irresistible variations!

• Swirl in White Chocolate: Drop dollops of white chocolate or cream cheese batter onto the unbaked brownies and swirl for a marbled effect.
• Gluten-Free Option: Substitute an all-purpose gluten-free flour blend for the regular flour—these brownies stay beautifully fudgy.
• Nutty Crunch: Add a handful of toasted pecans or walnuts to the batter for extra flavor and texture.
• Mocha Kick: Stir in a teaspoon of instant espresso powder with the cocoa for an ultra-rich, coffee-inflected twist.

How to Make Red Velvet Fudgy Brownies

Step 1: Prep Your Pan and Oven

Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (180°C). Grease and line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper, making sure a little hangs over the sides—this “sling” makes lifting out your Red Velvet Fudgy Brownies a breeze later on.

Step 2: Melt Chocolate with Butter and Oil

Chop your dark chocolate and place it in a small heatproof bowl. In a saucepan, cook butter and oil together just until they hit a vigorous simmer, then immediately pour this hot mixture over the chocolate. Let it sit a minute or two, then whisk until smooth and glossy—it’s the heart of your fudgy brownies!

Step 3: Whip Sugars and Eggs

Using your stand mixer or a large bowl with electric beaters, whip the granulated sugar, brown sugar, and eggs together on medium-high speed until the mixture looks pale and thick. This step dissolves the sugar and gives your brownies that gorgeous crackly top—don’t skip the full five minutes of mixing!

Step 4: Add Vanilla, Food Coloring, and Vinegar

Beat in the vanilla bean paste for a heady aroma, then add as much red gel food coloring as your heart desires (start with a few drops—you can always add more). Whisk in the white vinegar, which brightens both flavor and color.

Step 5: Combine Chocolate and Dry Ingredients

Fold your slightly cooled chocolate mixture into the egg and sugar base until everything is just combined. Next, gently add the flour, cocoa powder, cornstarch, and sea salt, taking care not to overmix—just a few streaks of flour left is perfect for super tender brownies.

Step 6: Bake and Deflate for the Perfect Texture

Pour the batter into your prepared pan, smooth the surface, and bake for 20 minutes. Here’s the fun part—remove the pan and slam it firmly on your counter a couple of times to deflate and even out the brownies, then return to the oven for another 5 to 10 minutes. You’re looking for set edges and a toothpick that comes out with moist, fudgy crumbs.

Step 7: Cool and Frost

Let the Red Velvet Fudgy Brownies cool completely in their pan for clean slices and maximum fudginess. Once they’re at room temperature, spread on a generous layer of cream cheese frosting and get ready for pure bliss!

How to Serve Red Velvet Fudgy Brownies

Garnishes

Nothing beats a cloud of lush cream cheese frosting, but you can level up your Red Velvet Fudgy Brownies with a sprinkle of chocolate shavings, a pinch of festive red sprinkles, or even a few freeze-dried raspberry bits for a tangy pop and beautiful contrast.

Side Dishes

Serve these brownies with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream or a latte for a truly indulgent treat. For a fun party spread, arrange them alongside fresh berries or citrus segments to balance the richness and brighten up the dessert table.

Creative Ways to Present

Cut your brownies into heart shapes for Valentine’s Day, layer square pieces in mini dessert glasses with whipped cream and strawberries, or stack them tall on a rustic wooden platter for an effortlessly chic look at parties or gatherings—they’re sure to steal the spotlight!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep your brownies ultra-fresh by storing them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to five days. The fudgy texture actually gets better as they rest, making them perfect for snacking or last-minute dessert cravings!

Freezing

Red Velvet Fudgy Brownies freeze beautifully, even with the cream cheese frosting. Wrap individual brownies or the whole slab tightly in plastic wrap and foil, then freeze for up to two months. Thaw overnight in the fridge, then bring to room temp for the ultimate treat whenever you need it.

Reheating

For that just-baked feel, gently warm a brownie (briefly!) in the microwave—10-15 seconds is all it takes to restore gooeyness. If your brownies are frosted, watch closely so the cream cheese topping doesn’t melt away.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

I hope you’re as excited as I am to whip up a batch of these Red Velvet Fudgy Brownies! They’re the kind of dessert that never fails to impress, but are easy enough to bake on a cozy weekday. Share them with friends, gift a few to neighbors, or simply indulge and savor every red, luscious bite—you deserve it!

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