Name: Red Velvet Brownies
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: For the Brownies:; 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted; 1 cup granulated sugar; 2 large eggs; 2 teaspoons vanilla extract; 1 tablespoon red food coloring; 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 3/4 cup all-purpose flour; For the Cream Cheese Frosting:; 4 ounces cream cheese, softened; 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened; 1 cup powdered sugar; 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

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Rich and fudgy red velvet brownies with a vibrant color and a hint of cocoa, topped with a creamy layer of cream cheese frosting for the perfect indulgent treat.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

These Red Velvet Brownies combine the beloved flavor profile of red velvet cake with the dense, fudgy texture of a classic brownie. The striking red color makes them perfect for Valentine's Day, Christmas, or any celebration that calls for something special. The tangy cream cheese frosting creates a beautiful contrast against the deep red brownie base, delivering a balanced bite that's not too sweet. They're simple enough for baking beginners yet impressive enough to serve to guests. Whether you're a devoted red velvet fan or trying this classic flavor for the first time, these brownies deliver pure decadence in every bite.

Ingredients

(Tip: You'll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Unsalted butter brings richness and moisture to these brownies, creating that fudgy texture we all crave. It also adds a depth of flavor that vegetable oil just can't match.

Granulated sugar not only sweetens the brownies but helps create that shiny, crackly top that's characteristic of perfect brownies.

Eggs provide structure, richness, and help bind the ingredients together. They're essential for that dense, fudgy texture rather than a cakey consistency.

Vanilla extract adds warmth and depth to both the brownie base and the cream cheese frosting, enhancing the overall flavor profile.

Red food coloring gives these brownies their signature vibrant hue. You can adjust the amount for a deeper or lighter red, depending on your preference.

Unsweetened cocoa powder provides that subtle chocolate flavor that's distinctive to red velvet. It's not meant to be overpowering but rather a complementary background note.

Salt enhances all the flavors and balances the sweetness. Don't skip it – even in sweet recipes, it's essential.

All-purpose flour provides structure while still allowing for a tender crumb. Be careful not to overmix once the flour is added to avoid tough brownies.

Cream cheese is the star of the frosting, providing that signature tanginess that pairs perfectly with the sweet, chocolatey base.

Powdered sugar creates a smooth, sweet frosting without the grittiness that can come from granulated sugar.

Directions

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8x8-inch baking pan with parchment paper and lightly grease it.
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the melted butter and granulated sugar until well combined.
Add the eggs, vanilla extract, and red food coloring, and whisk until smooth.
Sift in the cocoa powder, salt, and all-purpose flour. Fold the ingredients together with a spatula until just combined; do not overmix.
Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and smooth out the top.
Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the edges are set and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with a few moist crumbs. Allow the brownies to cool completely.
For the Frosting: In a medium bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese and butter until smooth.
Add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract, and continue to mix until the frosting is creamy and fluffy.
Spread the frosting evenly over the cooled brownies.
Slice into squares and serve.

Servings and Timing

This recipe makes 9 generous brownies, though you can cut them smaller for more servings if desired. Each brownie contains approximately 220 calories.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes (plus cooling time)

These brownies are perfect for a dinner party dessert, a holiday treat, or simply to satisfy a weeknight sweet craving.

Variations

White Chocolate Swirl: Melt ½ cup of white chocolate chips and swirl it into the batter before baking for an extra layer of flavor and visual appeal.
Chocolate Chip Red Velvet: Fold in ½ cup of semi-sweet chocolate chips to the batter for extra chocolatey goodness.
Red Velvet Cheesecake Brownies: Instead of frosting the top, prepare a cheesecake layer with 8 oz cream cheese, ¼ cup sugar, 1 egg, and ½ teaspoon vanilla. Pour over the brownie batter and swirl gently before baking.
Nutty Red Velvet: Add ½ cup of chopped walnuts or pecans to the batter for a delightful crunch.
Natural Red Velvet: Replace artificial food coloring with 2 tablespoons of beet powder for a naturally colored treat.
Peppermint Red Velvet: Add ¼ teaspoon of peppermint extract to the brownie batter and sprinkle crushed candy canes on top of the frosting for a festive holiday version.

Storage/Reheating

Room Temperature Storage: Store frosted brownies in an airtight container for up to 2 days. Place a piece of wax paper between layers if stacking.

Refrigerator Storage: For longer freshness, store brownies in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. The cool temperature will also firm up the frosting, giving it a slightly different texture that many people enjoy.

Freezer Storage: These brownies freeze beautifully for up to 3 months. Wrap individual squares in plastic wrap and then place in a freezer-safe container or bag. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before serving.

Reheating: If you prefer your brownies warm, microwave an unfrosted portion for 10-15 seconds. Note that the cream cheese frosting shouldn't be heated, so it's best to freeze unfrosted brownies if you plan to reheat them later.

Make Ahead: You can prepare the brownie base up to 2 days in advance and add the frosting just before serving for the freshest taste.

FAQs

How do I know when my brownies are done?

The edges should be set and slightly pulling away from the sides of the pan, while the center should still be slightly soft. A toothpick inserted in the center should come out with a few moist crumbs, not completely clean (which would indicate overbaking) or with wet batter (underbaking).

Can I use a different size baking pan?

Yes, but it will affect baking time and brownie thickness. A 9x9-inch pan will yield thinner brownies that bake faster, while a 9x13-inch pan would require doubling the recipe.

Why did my brownies turn out cakey instead of fudgy?

Overmixing the batter after adding flour develops gluten, which creates a cakey texture. Also, overbaking can dry them out. For fudgy brownies, mix just until ingredients are combined and slightly underbake.

Can I make these without red food coloring?

Absolutely. You can omit the food coloring entirely for chocolate brownies, use beet powder for natural coloring, or try other natural food dyes. The taste will remain delicious.

How can I get clean cuts when slicing brownies?

Chill the frosted brownies for at least 30 minutes before cutting. Use a sharp knife dipped in hot water and wiped clean between cuts for the cleanest edges.

Can I make these brownies gluten-free?

Yes, simply substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend designed for baking. The texture may be slightly different but still delicious.

My cream cheese frosting is too runny. How can I fix it?

Make sure your cream cheese and butter are just softened, not melted. If your frosting is still too runny, add more powdered sugar a tablespoon at a time until it reaches the desired consistency, or chill it briefly before spreading.

Can I add the frosting while the brownies are still warm?

No, the brownies must be completely cooled before adding frosting, otherwise, the frosting will melt and become runny. For best results, allow at least 1-2 hours of cooling time.

How do I achieve that perfect red color without using too much food coloring?

Start with a Dutch-processed cocoa powder which is darker than natural cocoa, requiring less red coloring for contrast. Use gel food coloring instead of liquid for more intense color with less product. Mix the coloring with the wet ingredients thoroughly before adding dry ingredients.

Are these brownies suitable for a holiday gift?

These brownies make excellent gifts! For best presentation, place them in a decorative tin with parchment paper between layers. They travel well and the vibrant red color makes them perfect for Valentine's Day, Christmas, or other special occasions.

Conclusion

These Red Velvet Brownies offer the perfect balance of chocolatey richness, striking color, and creamy tang from the frosting. They bring together the best elements of cake and brownies in one irresistible treat. Whether you're baking for a special occasion or simply want to indulge your sweet tooth, this recipe delivers consistent results with minimal effort. The contrast between the fudgy, red-hued base and the smooth cream cheese topping creates a dessert that's as beautiful as it is delicious. Don't be surprised if these become your new go-to brownie recipe – they have a way of disappearing quickly whenever they're served!