These Red Velvet Brownies are a dessert lover’s dream — chewy, chocolatey, and incredibly moist with that signature deep red hue. Combining the dense texture of classic brownies with the subtle tang of red velvet cake, these bars are perfect for Valentine’s Day, birthdays, or just a weekend baking project.
Each bite is rich and velvety, enhanced by a creamy swirl or frosting that makes them as stunning as they are delicious.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Fudgy, soft, and full of chocolate flavor
- Easy to make with simple pantry ingredients
- Perfect for holidays, parties, or gifts
- Beautiful red color with a smooth, crackly top
- Can be topped with cream cheese frosting or left plain
Recipe Overview
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Servings: 16 brownies
Ingredients
For the Brownies:
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tbsp red food coloring
- ⅓ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- ¾ cup all-purpose flour
- ¼ tsp salt
- 1 tsp white vinegar
Optional Cream Cheese Swirl:
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 1 egg yolk
- ½ tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat Oven:
Set oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang for easy removal. - Make the Brownie Batter:
In a large bowl, whisk together melted butter and sugar. Add eggs, vanilla, red food coloring, and vinegar; whisk until smooth. Stir in cocoa powder, flour, and salt until just combined — don’t overmix. - Optional Cream Cheese Swirl:
In a separate bowl, beat cream cheese, sugar, egg yolk, and vanilla until smooth. Dollop spoonfuls over brownie batter and swirl gently with a knife. - Bake:
Bake for 25–28 minutes, until edges are set and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with a few moist crumbs. - Cool & Slice:
Let brownies cool completely in the pan before slicing into squares.
Tips & FAQs
Can I frost these brownies?
Yes! A simple cream cheese frosting or drizzle of white chocolate complements them beautifully.
Can I use natural food coloring?
Beet powder or natural red coloring works great for a more subtle red hue.
How do I store them?
Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to a week.
Nutrition Summary
| Serving Size | Calories | Protein | Carbs | Fat | Sugar | Fiber |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 brownie | 210 | 3g | 25g | 10g | 17g | 1g |
Disclaimer: Nutrition values are approximate and vary based on ingredients used.
