Red Velvet Brownies are the perfect fusion of the beloved red velvet cake and rich, fudgy brownies. With their vibrant red hue and a hint of cocoa flavor, these brownies offer a moist, velvety texture that is bound to leave you craving more.

Why You Will Love This Recipe

• Decadent Texture: These brownies strike the perfect balance between being rich, fudgy, and slightly chewy, creating a melt-in-your-mouth experience.
• Beautiful Color: The vibrant red color of these brownies adds a fun, festive touch to any dessert table.
• Simple Ingredients: Made with basic pantry staples, you can whip up a batch of these red velvet brownies without any hassle.
• Cream Cheese Frosting: The tangy, sweet cream cheese frosting on top complements the deep cocoa flavor, taking these brownies to the next level.
• Versatile: These brownies are perfect for holidays, birthdays, or just as a special treat to enjoy any time of the year.

Tips and Tricks

Don’t Overmix the Batter: When mixing the dry and wet ingredients, be careful not to overmix. This can cause the brownies to be dense rather than fudgy. Stir until just combined for the best texture.

Add Extra Red Coloring for a Deeper Hue: If you want your red velvet brownies to have an even more striking color, feel free to add more food coloring. However, be cautious not to overdo it, as too much can affect the flavor.

Use Room Temperature Ingredients for Frosting: For the creamiest frosting, make sure the cream cheese and butter are softened to room temperature. This helps them combine smoothly, preventing any lumps.

Bake at the Right Temperature: Make sure your oven is fully preheated to the correct temperature before placing your brownies in. An oven that’s too cool or too hot can affect the texture of the brownies.

Check for Doneness Early: Ovens can vary, so keep an eye on your brownies as they bake. Start checking around 20 minutes to avoid overbaking.

Variations

• Add Chocolate Chips: For a more indulgent twist, fold in a handful of chocolate chips into the brownie batter before baking. This will add extra richness and gooey texture.
• Frost with Ganache: If you prefer a more decadent frosting, top your brownies with a glossy chocolate ganache instead of cream cheese frosting.
• Add Nuts: Chopped walnuts or pecans can be added to the brownie batter for some crunch. This contrast in texture works wonderfully with the soft and creamy frosting.
• Vegan Red Velvet Brownies: You can substitute the eggs with flax eggs (1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tablespoons of water for each egg) and replace the butter with vegan butter. For the frosting, opt for a dairy-free cream cheese substitute.

How to Serve

Red Velvet Brownies can be served in a variety of ways, making them perfect for any occasion. Serve them as-is, with their tangy cream cheese frosting, or get creative with additional toppings. Here are a few ideas:

• Serve Warm with Ice Cream: Heat the brownies slightly in the microwave and top with a scoop of vanilla or chocolate ice cream for an extra indulgent dessert.
• Add Fresh Fruit: Fresh berries, such as strawberries or raspberries, make a great complement to the sweet and tangy flavors of red velvet brownies.
• Drizzle with Chocolate Syrup: For a richer, more chocolatey experience, drizzle a little chocolate syrup over the brownies before serving.
• For Special Occasions: These brownies are great for holidays like Valentine’s Day, Christmas, or birthdays. Their festive color makes them perfect for a themed dessert spread.

How to Store

• In the Refrigerator: Store any leftover red velvet brownies in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Make sure the frosting doesn’t get squished by placing a piece of parchment paper or wax paper over the top of the brownies before sealing the container.
• In the Freezer: To freeze, cut the brownies into squares and place them in a single layer on a baking sheet. Freeze until firm, then transfer them to a freezer-safe container or bag. They’ll stay fresh in the freezer for up to 2 months. Let them thaw at room temperature before serving or heat them up slightly in the microwave for a warm treat.

Recipe FAQs

1. Can I use a different type of frosting for these brownies? Absolutely! While cream cheese frosting is the classic choice, you can substitute it with buttercream, whipped cream, or even a chocolate ganache if you prefer.

2. How do I make sure the brownies stay moist? The key to moist brownies is not overbaking them. Start checking them after 20 minutes, and remove them as soon as a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with a few moist crumbs. Let them cool completely before frosting.

3. Can I make these brownies ahead of time? Yes, you can make these brownies a day or two ahead of time. Just store them in an airtight container in the fridge, and they’ll stay fresh. Frost them just before serving for the best results.

4. Can I use a box mix for these brownies? While a box mix can save time, making brownies from scratch gives you complete control over the flavor and texture. If you’re short on time, however, you can mix in red food coloring to a box brownie mix and top with cream cheese frosting for a quicker version.

5. Can I make these brownies without food coloring? While food coloring is what gives these brownies their signature red hue, you can skip it if you prefer. The flavor will still be delicious, but you won’t get that vibrant color.

Final Thoughts

Red Velvet Brownies offer the perfect combination of rich flavor and a stunning visual appeal. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply treating yourself, these brownies are sure to satisfy any sweet tooth. Their velvety texture, paired with the tangy cream cheese frosting, creates a dessert that’s truly irresistible.

Try other brownie recipes:

• Pecan Pie Brownies
• Lemon Brownies
• Cosmic Brownies