Red Velvet Brownies

Red Velvet Brownies are a decadent treat that combines the rich, velvety texture of brownies with the bold, beautiful color and flavor of red velvet cake. These brownies are dense and fudgy, with just a hint of cocoa and a slight tanginess from the buttermilk, giving them that signature red velvet taste. The creamy cream cheese swirl on top adds an extra layer of indulgence, making every bite rich, smooth, and irresistible.

I first made Red Velvet Brownies when I wanted to try something different from the traditional red velvet cake. The dense, fudgy texture of the brownies perfectly complements the tangy cream cheese topping, and the vibrant red color makes them a showstopper at any occasion. Whether for a party, a holiday, or a simple indulgence, these brownies are sure to be a hit.

What I love most about Red Velvet Brownies is how easy they are to make, yet they look and taste so impressive. You can keep it simple with just the cream cheese swirl, or you can add chocolate chips, nuts, or even drizzle them with a bit of white chocolate for added flair. These brownies are a perfect blend of rich flavors and textures, making them a delightful and satisfying dessert for any event.

Perfect for:

Celebratory events
Holiday gatherings
Birthdays
Red velvet and chocolate lovers
Sweet tooth cravings

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Here are 10 reasons why these Red Velvet Brownies will become your new favorite dessert:

Rich, Flavorful Brownie Base: The cocoa powder and buttermilk in the batter create a decadent red velvet flavor.
Creamy Frosting: The smooth cream cheese frosting adds the perfect tangy contrast to the sweet brownies.
Moist and Fudgy Texture: These brownies are soft, gooey, and just the right level of richness.
Vibrant Color: The striking red color of the brownies makes them eye-catching and festive.
Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a birthday, anniversary, or holiday, these brownies make any celebration sweeter.
Easy to Make: With simple ingredients, this recipe is straightforward and quick to whip up.
Make-Ahead Dessert: These brownies can be prepared a day in advance, making them ideal for busy celebrations.
Customizable Toppings: You can top these brownies with chocolate chips, sprinkles, or a dusting of cocoa powder for a personalized touch.
Gorgeous Presentation: These brownies are visually stunning, making them an ideal dessert to showcase at any gathering.
Perfectly Balanced Sweetness: The cream cheese frosting gives a tangy balance to the sweetness of the brownie base.

Preparation and Cooking Time

Total Time: 2 hours (including chilling time)
Preparation Time: 20 minutes
Cooking Time: 30 minutes
Chilling Time: 1 hour
Servings: 16 servings
Calories per serving: Approximately 350-400 calories
Key Nutrients: Protein: 4g, Carbs: 45g, Fat: 20g

Ingredients

For the Brownie Base:

1 cup all-purpose flour
½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1 teaspoon baking powder
¼ teaspoon salt
½ cup unsalted butter, melted
1 cup granulated sugar
2 large eggs
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
2 tablespoons buttermilk
2 tablespoons red food coloring

For the Cream Cheese Frosting:

8 oz cream cheese, softened
¼ cup unsalted butter, softened
2 cups powdered sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Ingredient Highlights

Buttermilk: Adds tang and moisture to the brownie base, enhancing the red velvet flavor.
Red Food Coloring: Gives the brownies their signature bright red hue.
Cream Cheese: Provides a smooth, tangy frosting that complements the sweetness of the brownies.
Unsweetened Cocoa Powder: Balances the sweetness and deepens the chocolate flavor.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Make the Brownie Base:

Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt.
Combine Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together melted butter, sugar, eggs, vanilla, buttermilk, and food coloring until smooth.
Add Dry to Wet: Gradually fold in the dry ingredients until fully combined.
Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Allow the brownies to cool completely in the pan.

Prepare the Cream Cheese Frosting:

Beat Butter and Cream Cheese: In a medium bowl, beat the softened butter and cream cheese together until smooth and creamy.
Add Sugar and Vanilla: Gradually mix in powdered sugar and vanilla extract, beating until light and fluffy.

Assemble the Brownies:

Frost the Brownies: Once the brownies are completely cooled, spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over the top using a spatula.
Chill: Refrigerate the brownies for 1 hour to allow the frosting to set.

Serve:

Slice and Serve: Cut the brownies into squares and serve chilled or at room temperature.

How to Serve

Here are 10 serving suggestions for Red Velvet Brownies:

As a Celebration Dessert: Serve these brownies at birthdays or holiday parties for a festive touch.
With a Scoop of Ice Cream: Pair with vanilla or cream cheese ice cream for a decadent treat.
For an Afternoon Treat: Enjoy a square of these brownies with your afternoon coffee or tea.
As a Sweet Gift: Package these brownies in a gift box and present them to loved ones.
For Special Occasions: Serve at weddings, anniversaries, or holiday dinners for a memorable dessert.
With Fresh Berries: Garnish with fresh raspberries or strawberries for a pop of color and sweetness.
For an Elegant Party: Serve them on a cake stand for a sophisticated touch at dinner parties.
With Whipped Cream: Add a dollop of freshly whipped cream on top for extra indulgence.
With a Glass of Milk: Pair with a tall glass of cold milk for the ultimate treat.
As a Coffee Companion: Serve alongside a cup of coffee for a perfect dessert experience.

Additional Tips

Cool Completely Before Frosting: Ensure the brownies are completely cool before applying the frosting to prevent it from melting.
Even Frosting: Use an offset spatula to smooth the frosting evenly across the brownies.
Chill for Best Texture: Refrigerating the brownies after frosting allows the flavors to meld and the frosting to firm up.
Use Gel Food Coloring: Gel food coloring provides a richer, more vibrant color compared to liquid food coloring.
Room Temperature Ingredients: Allow the butter and cream cheese for the frosting to reach room temperature for smoother blending.

Recipe Variations

Nutty Brownies: Add chopped walnuts or pecans to the brownie batter for added texture and flavor.
Chocolate Frosting: For a twist, use a chocolate frosting instead of cream cheese frosting.
Vegan Red Velvet Brownies: Replace butter with coconut oil and use a dairy-free cream cheese alternative for the frosting.
Cheesecake Layer: Add a layer of cheesecake batter over the brownie base for a cheesecake-inspired twist.
Gluten-Free Option: Substitute regular flour with a gluten-free flour blend for a gluten-free version.
Mocha Red Velvet Brownies: Add a teaspoon of espresso powder to the brownie batter for a mocha flavor.

Special Equipment

8×8-inch Baking Pan: For a perfect-sized batch of brownies.
Electric Mixer: For making smooth and creamy frosting.
Spatula: To spread frosting evenly over the brownies.
Parchment Paper: For easy removal and cutting of the brownies.

FAQ Section

Can I use regular food coloring instead of gel?
Yes, but gel food coloring gives a deeper, richer color.
How long do these brownies last?
Store them in the fridge for up to 5 days in an airtight container.
Can I freeze Red Velvet Brownies?
Yes, you can freeze them for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before serving.
What can I substitute for buttermilk?
You can substitute with a mixture of 2 tablespoons of vinegar or lemon juice plus enough milk to make 1/4 cup.
Can I make this without frosting?
Yes, you can skip the frosting for a simpler version of red velvet brownies.
Can I add chocolate chips?
Yes, you can fold chocolate chips into the brownie batter for extra chocolatey goodness.
What can I use instead of cream cheese for frosting?
You can substitute with mascarpone cheese or a dairy-free cream cheese alternative.
How do I cut the brownies cleanly?
Use a sharp knife and wipe it between cuts for clean, neat slices.
Can I double the recipe?
Yes, you can double the ingredients and bake in a 9×13-inch pan.
What can I use instead of powdered sugar for frosting?
You can use granulated sugar, but the frosting may be slightly grainy.

Conclusion

These Red Velvet Brownies are a decadent twist on the classic red velvet cake, combining the rich, tangy flavor of red velvet with the dense, fudgy texture of brownies. With their deep red color and velvety texture, these brownies are perfect for any occasion, whether you’re hosting a celebration or just treating yourself to something special.

The magic of this recipe lies in the perfect balance of cocoa and buttermilk, which gives the brownies a subtle chocolate flavor and a slight tang. The red color is striking, achieved using food coloring, making these brownies a beautiful and vibrant treat. Topped with a swirl of cream cheese frosting, they become an irresistible dessert that’s both visually stunning and incredibly tasty.

I’d love to see your Red Velvet Brownies creations! Share your photos on Instagram and tag me—I can’t wait to see your beautiful, delicious brownies. Don’t forget to leave a comment and share any fun twists or toppings that made your brownies uniquely yours!