Rich, fudgy, and irresistibly vibrant, Red Velvet Brownies are the dessert you didn’t know you needed—until now. These delightful treats combine the best of both worlds: the deep cocoa flavor of brownies and the signature tangy sweetness of red velvet cake. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or just craving a fun, colorful dessert, this easy recipe checks all the boxes.
From casual bakers to dessert lovers, Red Velvet Brownies are perfect for anyone looking to whip up something unique and eye-catching. With a moist, chewy texture and stunning red hue, they’re a guaranteed hit at potlucks, parties, or even a cozy night in with tea or coffee. Let’s dive into how you can make the best-ever velvet brownies at home.
Table of Contents
What Are Red Velvet Brownies?
Red velvet brownies are a creative fusion of traditional brownies and red velvet cake. They offer the dense, chewy texture of a brownie but with the signature flavor of red velvet—mild cocoa with a slight tang, typically enhanced with a bit of vinegar or buttermilk and, of course, a touch of vibrant red coloring.
Unlike red velvet cake which is often topped with cream cheese frosting, red velvet brownies are more compact and can be served plain, dusted with powdered sugar, or even swirled with cheesecake (yes, we’ll show you how!).
Why You’ll Love This Easy Red Velvet Brownie Recipe
There’s a reason these brownies are considered a top pick in fun baking recipes and easy baking recipes. Here’s what makes them so lovable:
- One-bowl batter: Minimal cleanup and straightforward steps.
- Bold color and flavor: Visually striking and richly satisfying.
- Customizable: Add chocolate chunks, cream cheese swirls, or frosting.
- Perfect texture: A fudgy, moist bite every time—never cakey or dry.
- Freezer-friendly: Store for later or make ahead for events.
Whether you’re into cooking recipes desserts or looking for creative ways to use your pantry staples, this is a recipe worth bookmarking.
Ingredients for Red Velvet Brownies
To make the ultimate Red Velvet Brownies, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- 200g unsalted butter (melted)
- 250g caster sugar
- 100g light brown sugar
- 3 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon red food coloring (gel recommended)
- 1½ tablespoons cocoa powder
- 130g plain all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
Optional Cheesecake Swirl:
- 225g cream cheese, softened
- 60g granulated sugar
- 1 egg yolk
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
These quantities yield a batch of 12–16 brownies, depending on your cut size. The ingredients are pantry-friendly and easily found at most grocery stores.
Kitchen Equipment You’ll Need
Baking these brownies requires only a few essential kitchen tools:
- 8×8-inch or 9×9-inch square baking tin
- Mixing bowls (medium and large)
- Electric hand mixer or whisk
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Rubber spatula
- Parchment paper
- Knife or offset spatula for swirling (if using cheesecake mix)
The simplicity of the setup makes this recipe ideal for anyone who enjoys easy baking recipes with minimal fuss.
How to Make Red Velvet Brownies Step by Step
1. Preheat and Prepare
Preheat your oven to 170°C (340°F) fan or 180°C (350°F) conventional. Line your baking tin with parchment paper and lightly grease.
2. Melt the Butter and Combine Sugars
In a large mixing bowl, pour the melted butter and add both caster and light brown sugar. Whisk until smooth and slightly glossy.
3. Add Eggs, Vanilla, and Coloring
Beat in the eggs one at a time, then add the vanilla extract and red food coloring. Mix until fully combined and evenly red.
4. Add Dry Ingredients
Sift in the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt. Gently fold into the wet mixture using a spatula or whisk until you get a smooth, thick batter.
5. Pour into Pan
Transfer the batter into the prepared baking tin and smooth out the surface evenly.
6. Add Cheesecake Swirl (Optional)
Mix the cream cheese, sugar, egg yolk, and vanilla in a separate bowl. Drop spoonfuls over the brownie batter and use a knife or skewer to swirl into a marbled pattern.
7. Bake
Bake for 25–30 minutes or until the edges are set and a toothpick comes out with moist crumbs. Avoid overbaking to maintain a fudgy center.
8. Cool and Slice
Let the brownies cool in the tin before lifting out and slicing into squares.
Cheesecake Swirl Option: Turn Your Brownies into Velvet Cheesecake Bars
Want to elevate these brownies to the next level? Add a vanilla cheesecake swirl to turn them into red velvet cheesecake bars. The creamy tang of the cheesecake complements the rich red velvet flavor beautifully.
This twist makes your dessert more luxurious and turns simple sweet snack recipes into elegant treats worthy of any dessert table or gift box.
Expert Baking Tips for Perfect Red Velvet Brownies
- Use gel food coloring for a vibrant red tone without thinning the batter.
- Don’t overmix once the flour is added—mix just until incorporated to avoid a tough texture.
- Use good quality cocoa powder—it enhances the chocolate notes that define red velvet.
- Bake just until set—the center should look slightly underdone for that perfect fudgy bite.
- Chill before cutting if you want cleaner edges and neat squares.
Common Mistakes to Avoid in Brownie Baking
- Overbaking: This is the #1 culprit of dry brownies. Keep a close eye in the last few minutes.
- Uneven mixing: Failing to mix well can cause streaks of flour or uneven texture.
- Skipping parchment paper: Makes removing the brownies difficult and increases risk of breaking.
- Using too much coloring: Gel food coloring is strong; don’t overdo it or you’ll get a bitter aftertaste.
Avoiding these errors ensures a consistent, professional-quality batch every time.
Variations: Red Velvet Cake Bars, Cheesecake Filling, or Chocolate Chunks
Red velvet is a flexible base that invites creativity. Try these fun ideas:
- Add white chocolate chips for extra sweetness
- Top with cream cheese frosting for a red velvet cake bar vibe
- Make red velvet cookie bars by adding chopped nuts or cookies to the batter
- Swirl in Nutella or peanut butter for a decadent twist
- Layer with vanilla or chocolate frosting for a dessert bar look
With so many combinations, this recipe offers endless options for every kind of baker.
Serving Ideas for Red Velvet Brownies
Here are a few ways to make your Red Velvet Brownies extra special:
- Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream
- Dust with powdered sugar or drizzle with melted white chocolate
- Stack and tie with ribbon for edible gifts
- Cut into hearts or stars using cookie cutters for holidays
Presentation matters, especially with vibrant red desserts. Let these brownies shine!
Storage Tips: How to Keep Red Velvet Brownies Fresh
- Room temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Refrigerator: If using cream cheese swirl, keep chilled for up to a week.
- Freezer: Wrap individually and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature or microwave for a warm treat.
For best results, slice only what you need and keep the rest whole to preserve moisture.
Perfect Pairings for Red Velvet Brownies (No Alcohol)
Pair these brownies with a comforting, cozy drink:
- Hot chocolate or mocha
- Chai latte or spiced tea
- Iced milk with a hint of vanilla
- Berry smoothie or fresh fruit juice
- Creamy oat milk or coconut milk latte
The rich sweetness of the brownie balances beautifully with warm or chilled drinks, making it a perfect treat any time of day.
FAQs: Red Velvet Brownies and More Sweet Snack Recipes
Can I make these brownies without food coloring?
Yes. They’ll taste the same but won’t have the signature red hue. You can use natural beet powder for a milder tint.
Can I double this recipe?
Yes, simply use a 9×13-inch pan and adjust the baking time by 5–10 minutes.
Are red velvet brownies supposed to taste like chocolate?
They have a mild cocoa flavor, not as intense as chocolate brownies. The balance of vanilla and cocoa gives red velvet its signature taste.
Can I add frosting?
Absolutely! Cream cheese frosting pairs wonderfully with red velvet flavors.
Are these brownies suitable for gifting?
Yes! Once cooled, wrap individually or stack in boxes for gifting.
Conclusion + CTA: Bake, Share, and Subscribe
Whether you’re baking for friends, family, or just for yourself, Red Velvet Brownies bring a pop of color and indulgent flavor to your kitchen. Easy to prepare and impossible to resist, they’re a must-have addition to your collection of fun baking recipes and sweet snacks.
PrintDecadent Red Velvet Brownies: A Must-Try Recipe
Rich, fudgy, and irresistibly vibrant, Red Velvet Brownies are the dessert you didn’t know you needed—until now.
- Prep Time: 15
- Cook Time: 30
- Total Time: 45
- Category: Dessert
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 200g unsalted butter (melted)
- 250g caster sugar
- 100g light brown sugar
- 3 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon red food coloring (gel recommended)
- 1½ tablespoons cocoa powder
- 130g plain all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
Optional Cheesecake Swirl:
- 225g cream cheese, softened
- 60g granulated sugar
- 1 egg yolk
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 170°C (340°F) fan or 180°C (350°F) conventional. Line your baking tin with parchment paper and lightly grease.
In a large mixing bowl, pour the melted butter and add both caster and light brown sugar. Whisk until smooth and slightly glossy.
Beat in the eggs one at a time, then add the vanilla extract and red food coloring. Mix until fully combined and evenly red.
Sift in the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt. Gently fold into the wet mixture using a spatula or whisk until you get a smooth, thick batter.
Transfer the batter into the prepared baking tin and smooth out the surface evenly.
Mix the cream cheese, sugar, egg yolk, and vanilla in a separate bowl. Drop spoonfuls over the brownie batter and use a knife or skewer to swirl into a marbled pattern.
Bake for 25–30 minutes or until the edges are set and a toothpick comes out with moist crumbs. Avoid overbaking to maintain a fudgy center.
Let the brownies cool in the tin before lifting out and slicing into squares.
Notes
- Use gel food coloring for a vibrant red tone without thinning the batter.
- Don’t overmix once the flour is added—mix just until incorporated to avoid a tough texture.
- Use good quality cocoa powder—it enhances the chocolate notes that define red velvet.
- Bake just until set—the center should look slightly underdone for that perfect fudgy bite.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 12–16
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 1g
- Fat: 5g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 1g
Keywords: Velvet Brownies