If there’s ever a dessert worth swooning over, it’s Red Velvet Brownies. Imagine a fudgy, chocolatey brownie with that unmistakable hint of cocoa, blushing with vibrant red color, and layered with a silky, tangy cream cheese frosting. These brownies are a total showstopper whether you’re baking for the holidays, a special birthday, or just because you want to treat yourself to something outrageously good.

Red Velvet Brownies Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

This list of ingredients is wonderfully simple, yet every element is carefully chosen to deliver the distinctive taste, luscious texture, and gorgeous hue that make Red Velvet Brownies so irresistible. Let’s take a quick look at how these staples come together for pure magic:

Butter (regular or dairy-free): Melting the butter gives these brownies that ultra-rich, soft crumb.
Light Brown Sugar: Adds a hint of caramel depth and helps keep the brownies nice and moist.
Granulated Sugar: Provides that classic, sweet backbone and helps the signature crackly top form.
Eggs: Bind everything together and give these brownies their creamy, fudgy texture.
Vanilla Extract: Rounds out the flavors and lets that red velvet taste shine.
Liquid Red Food Coloring: The secret to that stunning red color. Pick your favorite brand for the perfect shade.
White Vinegar: Reacts with the cocoa and helps create that subtle tangy bite.
Cocoa Powder: Brings the rich, chocolatey base we all crave in brownies.
Salt: Balances the sweetness and intensifies the chocolate flavor.
All-Purpose Flour: The structural backbone—just enough for soft brownies without sacrificing fudginess.
Cream Cheese (regular or dairy-free): For the dreamy frosting that takes these over the top.
Butter (softened, regular or dairy-free): Gives creaminess to the frosting and rounds it out perfectly.
Vanilla Extract (for frosting): Adds a fragrant, sweet note to the frosting.
Pinch of Salt (frosting): Highlights the tangy cream cheese flavor.
Powdered Sugar: Sweetens and thickens the frosting for that classic smooth swoop.
Cornstarch (only if dairy free): Optional thickener if using dairy-free cream cheese for a stable frosting.

How to Make Red Velvet Brownies

Step 1: Prep the Pan and Preheat

First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F. Grab an 8×8-inch square baking pan and line it with parchment paper, letting the paper hang over the sides—this handy trick will help you lift the brownies out effortlessly once they’re baked. Trust me, you’ll thank yourself when you’re ready to slice them!

Step 2: Melt the Butter

Pop your butter into the microwave or gently melt it on the stove. Pour the melted butter into a medium-sized mixing bowl. Warm butter creates a glossy batter and sets you up for those fudgy, melt-in-your-mouth Red Velvet Brownies we’re after.

Step 3: Mix in the Sugars

Add both the light brown sugar and granulated sugar directly into the bowl with your melted butter. Whisk them together vigorously until the mixture turns into a thick paste that pulls away cleanly from the edges. This step is the secret to a perfect, crackly top!

Step 4: Add Wet Ingredients

Next, add your eggs, vanilla extract, white vinegar, and that all-important red food coloring. Give it another good whisk—everything should look smooth and vibrantly red. If you want a deeper red, feel free to add a bit more coloring (the amount can vary by brand).

Step 5: Fold in Dry Ingredients

Now, sprinkle in the cocoa powder, salt, and flour. Gently whisk just until you see no streaks of dry flour—a minute or less. Over-mixing at this point can make the brownies tough, so keep it tender!

Step 6: Pour and Bake

Scrape that luscious, red velvet batter into your prepared pan. Smooth it into an even layer and pop it into the oven. Bake for 30-40 minutes, but start checking at 30 minutes. Insert a toothpick into the center—it should come out with a few moist crumbs, but not dripping with batter. That’s your sign for ultra-fudgy brownies!

Step 7: Cool and Frost

Let the brownies cool in the pan. While they’re cooling, whip up your cream cheese frosting. In a bowl or stand mixer, beat together the cream cheese, butter, vanilla, and a pinch of salt until creamy and smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar and, if using dairy-free cream cheese, a little cornstarch for that perfect spreadable texture. Once the brownies are fully cool, slather them with frosting and prepare for dessert bliss!

How to Serve Red Velvet Brownies

Garnishes

For that perfect finishing touch, sprinkle your Red Velvet Brownies with bright ruby-red sanding sugar, shaved chocolate, or mini chocolate chips. A few fresh raspberries scattered on top not only look stunning but play off the cream cheese frosting so nicely!

Side Dishes

Serve these brownies alongside a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for an all-out dessert experience. Pair with a hot cup of coffee or a cold glass of milk and you have pure comfort in every bite.

Creative Ways to Present

Stack frosted brownies on a tiered cake stand, cut into hearts with a cookie cutter for Valentine’s Day, or layer them in mason jars with extra whipped cream for a portable party treat. Your crowd will be wowed, guaranteed!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Red Velvet Brownies should be stored in an airtight container, either frosted or unfrosted. If already frosted, keep them in the refrigerator to maintain that luscious, creamy topping—just let them come to room temperature before digging in so the texture is perfect.

Freezing

Want to make them even further ahead? You can freeze these brownies (without the frosting) for up to two months! Simply wrap individual slices tightly in plastic wrap and pop them into a freezer-safe bag. When you’re ready, let them thaw at room temperature and frost just before serving for the best taste and texture.

Reheating

If you like your brownies slightly warm, zap them in the microwave for 10-15 seconds before enjoying. This makes the chocolate even more fragrant and the brownies extra decadent! Just don’t overdo it, especially if already frosted—the frosting is best enjoyed fresh and cool.

FAQs

Can I use gel food coloring instead of liquid?

Absolutely! Gel food coloring is more concentrated, so you’ll need less. Start with a tiny amount, then build up until you hit your desired shade of red for your Red Velvet Brownies.

What’s the best way to slice brownies for clean edges?

For picture-perfect slices, chill the brownies in the refrigerator before cutting and use a sharp knife wiped clean after every cut. This gives you bakery-style squares every time!

Can I make Red Velvet Brownies dairy free?

Yes! Simply use your favorite plant-based butter and cream cheese for the frosting. Don’t forget to add cornstarch to the frosting if needed to help it thicken up nicely.

Do I need to frost the brownies?

Not at all, though the tangy cream cheese frosting is truly the crowning glory. If you prefer less sweetness or want to pack the brownies for lunchboxes, you can skip the frosting and enjoy them plain or dusted with powdered sugar.

Why do Red Velvet Brownies sometimes turn out dry?

Typically, dryness comes from over-baking. Keep a close eye towards the end of the suggested baking time and use the toothpick test—when it comes out with moist crumbs, your brownies are just right!

Final Thoughts

There’s nothing quite like digging into a batch of homemade Red Velvet Brownies—each bite is fudgy, tangy, and beautifully festive. If you’ve never made them before, now is your chance! Treat yourself (and your loved ones) to a batch soon; I promise you’ll fall in love at first bite.