These Red Velvet Brownies are the perfect indulgence for any occasion. With a rich, fudgy texture and the vibrant hue of red velvet, they’re as stunning to look at as they are delicious to eat. Topped with a creamy layer of tangy cream cheese frosting, every bite offers a perfect balance of sweetness and richness.
Whether you’re celebrating Valentine’s Day, hosting a party, or simply treating yourself, these brownies are an absolute showstopper. Their moist, chewy texture combined with the decadent frosting makes them a standout dessert that’s sure to impress anyone who tries them!
Full Recipe:
For the Brownies:
- 85g unsalted butter (¾ stick), melted
- 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
- ¼ cup (55g) light brown sugar
- 3 large eggs + 1 egg yolk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ⅓ cup (72g) vegetable oil
- ¼ cup (25g) Dutch-processed cocoa powder
- ¾ cup (90g) all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon vinegar (white wine or regular white)
- ½ teaspoon red gel food coloring
- ¾ cup white chocolate chips (optional)
For the Cream Cheese Frosting:
- 114g (4 oz) cream cheese, softened
- 85g (¾ stick) unsalted butter, softened
- 4 cups (480g) powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Directions:
- Preheat your oven to 335°F (170°C) and line a 9-inch square cake pan with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, whisk melted butter with granulated and light brown sugar until smooth.
- Add eggs, egg yolk, and vanilla extract. Mix gently without incorporating too much air.
- Whisk in vegetable oil and cocoa powder until fully combined.
- In a small bowl, mix 2 tablespoons of batter with red gel food coloring until smooth. Add back to the main batter and mix until fully incorporated.
- Switch to a spatula and fold in flour, cornstarch, and salt until just combined.
- Stir in vinegar to achieve the classic red velvet tang. Add white chocolate chips, if desired.
- Pour batter into the prepared pan and bake for 20-25 minutes. A toothpick should come out with moist crumbs. Cool completely before frosting.
To make the frosting:
- Beat softened butter and cream cheese together until smooth and creamy.
- Gradually add powdered sugar, mixing on low speed until incorporated. Then beat on high speed until fluffy.
- Mix in vanilla extract. Spread evenly over cooled brownies.
Slice into 16 squares and serve!
Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cooking Time: 25 minutes | Total Time: 40 minutes
Calories: 367 kcal per serving | Servings: 16 brownies
The Ultimate Guide to Red Velvet Brownies
Red Velvet Brownies are the ultimate dessert for those who love a little indulgence with a touch of elegance. Combining the rich, velvety flavor of classic red velvet cake with the chewy, fudgy texture of brownies, this recipe creates a unique treat that is as delightful to eat as it is visually stunning. Perfect for holidays, birthdays, or a cozy night in, these brownies bring joy to any occasion.
Why Red Velvet Brownies Stand Out
Red velvet desserts have a timeless charm, and these brownies are no exception. What makes them special is the balance between the slightly tangy red velvet flavor and the deep richness of chocolate, which comes from the cocoa powder. The addition of cream cheese frosting on top adds a luscious creaminess that complements the chewy texture of the brownie. This combination is truly indulgent, making these brownies a favorite for dessert lovers everywhere.
The Perfect Balance of Texture and Flavor
Achieving the ideal texture is crucial when it comes to brownies, and this recipe delivers perfection. The addition of cornstarch gives the brownies a slightly chewy texture, while the use of both butter and vegetable oil ensures that they remain moist. The result is a dessert that is neither too cakey nor overly gooey but hits that sweet spot right in between.
The flavor is another standout feature. With its light chocolate undertones from the cocoa powder and a signature tang from the vinegar, these brownies encapsulate everything you love about red velvet desserts. The cream cheese frosting, with its smooth and slightly tangy profile, ties everything together beautifully.
Ideal Occasions to Serve Red Velvet Brownies
These brownies are versatile and suitable for almost any occasion. Their striking red color makes them an excellent choice for Valentine’s Day, Christmas, or even a Fourth of July party. The rich flavors and attractive appearance also make them a hit at birthday celebrations, bridal showers, and potlucks. Because they’re easy to slice and serve, they’re a practical choice for gatherings of any size.
Even if there’s no special occasion, Red Velvet Brownies are perfect for satisfying a sweet tooth. Whether paired with a cup of coffee on a quiet afternoon or served as a decadent dessert after dinner, they’re always a treat worth indulging in.
Tips for Getting the Best Results
To ensure your Red Velvet Brownies turn out perfectly every time, keep these tips in mind:
- Measure Ingredients Precisely: Baking is a science, and even small changes in measurements can drastically affect the final product. Using a kitchen scale ensures accuracy, especially when it comes to flour, which can be easily over-measured with cups.
- Use Gel Food Coloring: For that classic vibrant red hue, gel food coloring works best. It’s more concentrated than liquid coloring and won’t affect the consistency of the batter.
- Don’t Overmix the Batter: Incorporating too much air into the batter can make the brownies more cake-like. Mix until just combined for a dense, fudgy texture.
- Avoid Overbaking: Keep a close eye on the brownies as they bake. Overbaking can result in a dry texture. Remove them from the oven as soon as a toothpick comes out with moist crumbs.
- Cool Completely Before Frosting: For the smoothest application of cream cheese frosting, make sure the brownies are completely cooled. This prevents the frosting from melting and ensures clean, sharp edges when slicing.
Variations and Customizations
One of the best things about this recipe is how adaptable it is. Here are a few ideas to put your own twist on the classic Red Velvet Brownies:
- Cheesecake Swirl: Instead of frosting the brownies, try swirling a cheesecake mixture into the batter before baking for a stunning marbled effect and a deliciously tangy flavor.
- Add Mix-Ins: Incorporate white chocolate chips, milk chocolate chunks, or even chopped nuts into the batter for added texture and bursts of flavor.
- Holiday-Themed Decorations: Sprinkle festive toppings like colored sugar, edible glitter, or heart-shaped sprinkles over the frosting to make the brownies even more eye-catching.
Storage Tips
Proper storage is essential to maintaining the freshness and flavor of these brownies. Once frosted, they should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator, where they’ll stay fresh for up to five days. If you prefer to prepare the brownies ahead of time, bake and store them unfrosted at room temperature. Frost just before serving for the best presentation.
For longer storage, the brownies can be frozen. Wrap each piece individually in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe container. When you’re ready to enjoy them, simply thaw at room temperature and add frosting if desired.
The History Behind Red Velvet Desserts
Red velvet has a rich history that adds to its allure. The flavor originated during the early 20th century, when cooks discovered that combining cocoa powder with acidic ingredients like vinegar created a naturally reddish hue in baked goods. Over time, the red color was enhanced with food coloring, and the flavor profile became synonymous with celebrations and indulgence.
Incorporating red velvet into brownies is a relatively modern innovation, but it carries forward the same sense of decadence and occasion that red velvet cake is known for. Today, Red Velvet Brownies are a beloved treat that continues to evolve and delight dessert enthusiasts.
Conclusion
Red Velvet Brownies are the epitome of indulgence, combining rich, tangy, and chocolatey flavors with a fudgy texture that’s hard to resist. Whether you’re baking for a special event, impressing guests, or simply treating yourself, this recipe is a surefire way to satisfy cravings and create lasting memories.
Their vibrant appearance, paired with the smooth cream cheese frosting, makes them a showstopper on any dessert table. By following the tips and variations mentioned above, you can customize the recipe to suit your taste and occasion. Give these brownies a try, and experience the magic of red velvet in a whole new way!