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Some days, you just need a treat that looks fancy but doesn’t take a ton of effort, right? That’s where my Red Velvet Brownies come in. They’re the perfect blend of fudgy brownies and that unique red velvet flavor everyone loves. They’re easy enough for even your busiest days. I’m talking about a few basic ingredients and a little bit of love, and you’ve got yourself a showstopper dessert!
Enjoy these brownies all on their own or top them with decadent cream cheese icing that is synonymous with the classic red velvet combo!
Even though I’m all about using convenient, easy items when I can, this is one of those recipes where you skip the box mix and go for homemade. Don’t worry—these Red Velvet Brownies are still easy enough to whip together, and trust me, the difference is worth it.
You’ll get that perfect, fudgy brownie texture with just a few simple ingredients. The rich cocoa and the hint of vinegar give them that signature red velvet flavor, while keeping them super moist and decadent. (this could also go in the why are recipe instead)
The best part of making them from scratch is the satisfaction of knowing you did it all yourself! These brownies are delicious on their own, but they’re also the perfect base for a little extra flair. I love adding a swirl of homemade cream cheese frosting for that perfect mix of tangy and sweet. They don’t just look impressive; they taste like you’ve spent hours in the kitchen, but we both know they’re actually super simple to whip up!
They’re perfect for special occasions like Valentine’s Day or Christmas, with that festive red color and rich flavor. But let’s be real—they’re just as amazing when you’re simply craving something indulgent on a regular day. Whether for a holiday or a self-care treat, these brownies will make any moment feel special! (Or this could move up to replace why our recipe –Perfect for holidays or a special treat)
Why you’ll love this Red Velvet Brownies Recipe!
- Simple Recipe – Brownie recipes are pretty straightforward and simple.
- Delicious and Fudgy – This recipe is all thats fudgy delicious in a brownie while giving you that red velvet cake flavor.
- Perfect for holidays or a special treat – Looking for something red for your Valentine or at Christmas this is just the treat. Although, this is so good you’ll be making it year round!
Red Velvet Brownie Ingredient Notes
You will likely find you have most of these ingredients in your pantry!
Icing Ingredient Notes
This recipe is delicious with or without cream cheese icing. To put a classic spin on red velvet make this simple frosting.
How to make Red Velvet Brownies
✱ Be sure to see the recipe card below for exact ingredients and full recipe instructions!
Step 1 | Prepare Pan and Oven
Preheat oven to 350° and line baking pan with parchment paper with sides hanging over. Spray parchment paper and sides of the pan. If you don’t have parchment paper spray the entire pan with cooking spray or butter or grease pan.
Step 2 | Mix ingredients
In a large bowl melt butter at 30-second intervals until melted. In another bowl beat eggs until just combined. Add cocoa, sugar, vanilla, food coloring, and vinegar to butter and mix.
Pour in eggs and mix until combined.
Add in flour and fold in with a spatula until just combined. Then pour into prepared pan.
Step 3 | Bake
Bake for 20 to 30 minutes until done and toothpick comes out mostly clean.
Let completely cool
Step 4 | Add icing if desired
For icing/frosting beat softened butter and cream cheese together until light and fluffy.
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Add in powdered sugar and vanilla. I like to add in the powdered sugar a cup at a time so that it doesn’t get everywhere. Start mixing slow and then turn up to medium until combined.
Variations and Substitutions:
- Use green food coloring and make these for St. Patrick’s Day!
- Add 1 cup of white chocolate chips to the batter instead of frosting them.
- You can warm the brownies and serve them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a really sweet treat! Add a dollop of whipped cream and then drizzle with a little chocolate or caramel to put them over the top.
- These are also delicious as Red Velvet Brownie Cups or Bites.
- For Halloween drizzle on some red food coloring or gel icing and some edible eyeball or Halloween eyeball candies. You can even place toy spider rings or any spooky candy.
Tips
- Do not over mix the batter. This will put more air in the batter and they won’t be as fudgy in texture. If you want a more cake like brownie really whip the eggs to incorporate more air. For a fudgy browny light whip the eggs.
- Don’t overbake. This is so important if you want a chewy fudge-like brownie.
- If your oven cooks unevenly, about 15 minutes into the cook time just rotate the pan for an even bake.
- Fully cool your brownies before you cut them for nice beautiful slices.
- Want to make a smaller batch? Cut the recipe in half and bake in an 8 X 8 pan. Just check at the 20 minute mark. They really will likely cook in the same timeframe as this recipe, since you are using a smaller pan.
How to Store this Recipe for Red Velvet Brownies
Storage:
- If you are not icing the brownies they can be stored at room temperature for 3 days.
- If icing they need to be stored in the refrigerator. Iced or uniced brownies can be store in the refrigerator for up to 6 days.
Freezing:
Brownies will freeze well for up to 2 months.
- Double wrap these red velvet brownies with freezer safe wrap, or single wrap and place in a freezer-safe zip bag. Brownies may be frozen whole or in individual slices.
- Allow to thaw in the refrigerator overnight.
FAQs for making Red Velvet Brownies from Scratch
Yes, you can. Use a 4 ounce of bittersweet chocolate baking bar. Just chop and melt in the microwave in 30-second intervals. Then mix in with sugar and butter mixture in place of the cocoa.
Using a warm sharp blade or bench/dough scraper works great.
Let the brownies completely cool. You can even chill in the refrigerator for even more even slices.
Yes, start with about 1 ½ teaspoons and add up 3 teaspoons depending on desired color.
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Red Velvet Brownies
Ingredients
Red Velvet Brownies
- 1 cup butter
- 2 cups sugar
- ½ cup cocoa powder
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 ounce red food coloring
- 1 teaspoon white vinegar
- 4 large eggs
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- ⅛ teaspoon kosher salt
Cream Cheese Icing
- 8 ounces block cream cheese, room temperature
- ½ cup butter, room temperature (1 stick)
- 3 to 4 cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
Red Velvet Brownies
- Preheat oven to 350°F. Spray a 9 x 13 baking pan with nonstick spray. You can also line with parchment paper, allowing some to hang over the long side of the dish to easily remove brownies (spray paper as well) if desired.
- In a small bowl, beat eggs together. Set aside.
- In a large microwave-safe bowl, melt butter in 30-second increments until melted. Stir in sugar, cocoa powder, vanilla extract, salt, food coloring, and vinegar until combined. Whisk in the eggs and then fold in the flour until completely incorporated, but do not overmix.
- Pour batter into prepared baking pan and bake for 20 to 30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out mostly clean. Allow brownies to cool completely before icing and/or cutting.
Cream Cheese Icing
- Beat together the cream cheese and butter until smooth. Add the powdered sugar and vanilla and continue to beat until creamy. Frost the cooled brownies.
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Notes
Storage:
- If you are not icing the brownies they can be stored at room temperature for 3 days.
- If icing they need to be stored in the refrigerator. Iced or uniced brownies can be store in the refrigerator for up to 6 days.
Freezing:
Brownies will freeze well for up to 2 months.- Double wrap these red velvet brownies with freezer safe wrap, or single wrap and place in a freezer safe zip bag. Brownies may be frozen whole or in individual slices.
- Allow to thaw in the refrigerator overnight.
Nutrition Information
Nutritional Disclaimer
Soulfully Made is not a dietician or nutritionist, and any nutritional information shared is only an estimate. We recommend running the ingredients through an online nutritional calculator if you need to verify any information.
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Looking forward to mixing up a batch of these for this coming Valentine Day 2024.
I plan on using Cream Cheese Flavored Chocolate Chips in mine.
Thank you!
I love this recipe and I receive compliments each time I bake them for someone. Moist and Delicious, the brownie taste is there.
This recipe is a 10
Thank you so much, Jennifer! I am so glad you enjoy them and share them!
I am a terrible baker, I made these brownies and followed the exact recipe and they were fantastic! My boys didn’t even believe I made them!! ?? thank you! Saving this recipe!
Thank you, Ellen! I am so glad they were a hit and so happy to hear you will be making them again and again.