Red Velvet Brownies Recipe: A Perfectly Decadent Twist on a Classic Favorite

Red velvet cake has long been a beloved dessert, famous for its rich flavor, eye-catching color, and smooth cream cheese frosting. But what if you could take that same delightful flavor and put a unique twist on it? Enter: red velvet brownies! Combining the best of both worlds, these red velvet brownies bring the intense, velvety flavor of red velvet cake into the chewy, indulgent goodness of brownies.

In this blog post, we’ll walk you through a simple yet indulgent red velvet brownies recipe that will have you reaching for seconds. Whether you’re planning for a special occasion or just looking for a fun treat to bake on a lazy weekend, these brownies are sure to impress.

Ingredients You’ll Need for Red Velvet Brownies

Before you start baking, make sure you have all the necessary ingredients. The best part about this red velvet brownies recipe is that most of the ingredients are pantry staples, so there’s no need to make an extra trip to the store!

For the Brownies:

• 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, melted
• 2 cups granulated sugar
• 4 large eggs
• 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
• 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tablespoon cocoa powder (unsweetened)
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 2 tablespoons red food coloring (gel or liquid)
• 1 cup white chocolate chips (optional but highly recommended for added richness)

For the Cream Cheese Frosting:

• 8 oz cream cheese, softened
• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 ½ cups powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Step-by-Step Instructions for the Best Red Velvet Brownies

Now that you have your ingredients ready, let’s get baking! Follow these steps to make a batch of mouthwatering red velvet brownies that are sure to leave you and your guests craving more.

Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Baking Pan

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan with butter or line it with parchment paper. This will help your brownies come out easily after baking, ensuring that you don’t lose any of that deliciousness.

Step 2: Mix the Wet Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the melted butter and granulated sugar until smooth and creamy. You can do this by hand or with an electric mixer if you prefer. Once the mixture is well combined, add the eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition. After all the eggs are incorporated, add the vanilla extract and continue mixing until everything is smooth.

Step 3: Add the Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, unsweetened cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt. Slowly add this dry mixture into the wet ingredients, stirring just until combined. Be careful not to overmix; this ensures your brownies stay soft and fudgy!

Step 4: Add the Red Food Coloring

Now for the signature red velvet color! Add red food coloring to the batter and mix it in until the color is evenly distributed. Don’t be shy with the food coloring – it’s what gives these brownies their distinctive, rich red hue.

Step 5: Stir in White Chocolate Chips (Optional)

For a little extra richness and texture, fold in the white chocolate chips. This step is optional, but they add a luxurious sweetness that complements the tang of the cream cheese frosting and the richness of the red velvet flavor. You can also swap out the white chocolate chips for dark chocolate or semi-sweet chocolate chips if that’s your preference.

Step 6: Bake the Brownies

Pour the batter into the prepared pan, spreading it evenly with a spatula. Bake the brownies in the preheated oven for about 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with just a few moist crumbs (not wet batter). The top of the brownies should be slightly cracked, and the edges will begin to pull away from the pan.

Once done, remove the brownies from the oven and let them cool completely in the pan on a wire rack. You’ll want to let them cool so they set up properly and slice neatly when you cut into them.

Step 7: Prepare the Cream Cheese Frosting

While the brownies are cooling, let’s prepare the cream cheese frosting. In a large bowl, beat together the cream cheese and butter until smooth and creamy. Add the powdered sugar in small increments, continuing to beat the frosting until it’s light and fluffy. Stir in the vanilla extract for that classic flavor.

Step 8: Frost the Brownies

Once the brownies are completely cool, spread a generous layer of the cream cheese frosting on top. Use an offset spatula or butter knife to smooth it out evenly. For an added touch, you can sprinkle a little extra cocoa powder on top, or even a few white chocolate chips to match the flavor inside.

Step 9: Slice and Serve

Allow the frosting to set for a few minutes before cutting the brownies into squares. These red velvet brownies are rich and decadent, so cut them into bite-sized pieces to ensure everyone gets a chance to enjoy them!

Tips for the Best Red Velvet Brownies

• Don’t Overmix: When combining the dry and wet ingredients, make sure you mix just enough to incorporate everything. Overmixing can lead to dense and tough brownies.
• Food Coloring Tip: If you’re using gel food coloring, a little goes a long way. Start with a small amount and add more until you get the desired shade of red. If using liquid food coloring, you may need a bit more to achieve the same effect.
• Customize Your Toppings: Feel free to get creative with toppings! You could add crushed nuts, sprinkles, or even a drizzle of extra melted white chocolate on top of the cream cheese frosting.

Why You’ll Love This Red Velvet Brownies Recipe

There are so many reasons why this red velvet brownies recipe is a must-try. For starters, they’re a perfect blend of two beloved desserts – the richness of a brownie paired with the iconic flavor of red velvet cake. The texture is incredibly fudgy, and the tangy cream cheese frosting complements the sweetness of the brownies beautifully.

Whether you’re baking for a holiday, a birthday, or just because you want something special to enjoy at home, these red velvet brownies are a showstopper. They’re easy to make, visually stunning, and absolutely delicious!

Final Thoughts on Red Velvet Brownies

Incorporating the irresistible flavors of red velvet cake with the chewy, indulgent texture of brownies, this recipe creates a dessert that’s hard to beat. If you’re a fan of rich, flavorful desserts that look as good as they taste, this red velvet brownies recipe is sure to become a favorite in your baking repertoire.

So, the next time you’re in the mood for something sweet and decadent, skip the usual and try something new – your taste buds will thank you! Happy baking!