There’s something utterly magical about red velvet brownies that makes your taste buds dance in delight. Imagine biting into a soft, fudgy brownie with a rich, velvety texture and a hint of cocoa, topped off with a luscious cream cheese frosting. These delightful treats are not just desserts; they are an experience—a symphony of flavors that sings sweetly to your soul.
I remember the first time I made red velvet brownies for a family gathering. My cousin, the self-proclaimed dessert connoisseur, took one bite and dramatically declared it “life-changing.” Ever since then, I’ve been the hero of every family event—armed with this simple yet stunning recipe that’s perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a birthday bash or just a Tuesday night craving.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- These red velvet brownies are incredibly easy to prepare and perfect for both novice and experienced bakers alike
- The rich chocolate flavor combined with the vibrant color makes them visually striking and utterly irresistible
- With their creamy frosting on top, they’re sure to impress friends and family at any gathering
- You can even customize them by adding nuts or chocolate chips for extra indulgence!
I’ll never forget the wide-eyed excitement of my niece when I unveiled these brownies at her birthday party—definitely a moment worth capturing!

Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
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Unsalted Butter: Use high-quality butter for that rich flavor; it’s worth it!
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Granulated Sugar: This sweetens up the brownies while helping create that delightful crust.
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Brown Sugar: For extra moisture and a slight caramel flavor—trust me, you need both sugars.
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Large Eggs: Eggs help bind everything together; they’re essential for that fudgy texture.
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Vanilla Extract: A splash enhances all the flavors; use pure vanilla for the best results.
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Cocoa Powder: Unsweetened cocoa powder is pivotal here; it adds depth without overwhelming sweetness.
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All-Purpose Flour: Just the right amount will give you that perfect brownie texture—don’t overmix!
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Red Food Coloring: This is what turns regular brownies into show-stopping red velvet ones; don’t skimp on this!
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Salt: A pinch enhances flavors and balances sweetness beautifully.
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Cream Cheese Frosting: To top it off, you can make your own or buy pre-made; either works great here!
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make It Together
Preheat Your Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a baking pan to ensure those brownies slide right out when they’re done baking.
Melt Butter & Mix Sugars: In a medium saucepan over low heat, melt the unsalted butter until it’s completely liquid. Stir in granulated sugar and brown sugar until blended smoothly.
Add Eggs & Vanilla: Remove from heat and let cool slightly. Whisk in eggs one at a time, followed by vanilla extract until fully combined.
Sift Dry Ingredients Together: In another bowl, sift together cocoa powder, flour, salt, and food coloring. Gradually add this mixture to your wet ingredients until just combined—don’t overmix!
Pour Batter Into Pan & Bake: Pour your beautifully colored batter into the greased baking pan. Bake for about 25–30 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean from the center.
Cool & Frost Your Brownies : Once baked, allow cool to room temperature before frosting with your creamy cream cheese frosting. Slice into squares and serve!
Now you have an enchanting batch of red velvet brownies ready to charm everyone who lays eyes (and taste buds) on them!
You Must Know
- Red velvet brownies are not just visually stunning; they also combine rich chocolate with a hint of tanginess from cream cheese frosting
- The textures blend beautifully, creating a dessert that is both fudgy and decadent
- Perfect for any occasion, they will impress your guests!
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by preheating your oven and preparing your baking pan. Mix dry ingredients first, then incorporate wet ingredients for a smooth batter. This order ensures even blending and perfect results every time.

Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap out the vanilla extract for almond extract for an exciting twist. You can also add white chocolate chips or chopped nuts for extra texture and flavor.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. For reheating, simply pop them in the microwave for a few seconds to restore that gooey goodness.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- To achieve that perfect red hue, use high-quality cocoa powder
- Avoid overmixing the batter; this keeps your brownies fudgy and moist
- Remember to let them cool completely before slicing for cleaner edges and easier serving
I once brought these red velvet brownies to a potluck, and they disappeared faster than I could say “chocolate!” My friends still ask me to make them whenever we gather.

FAQ
What makes red velvet brownies different from regular brownies?
Red velvet brownies have a unique flavor profile with hints of cocoa and cream cheese.
Can I use a gluten-free flour substitute?
Yes, using gluten-free all-purpose flour works great in this red velvet brownies recipe.
How can I make my brownies more fudgy?
Add an extra egg yolk or reduce the baking time slightly for fudgier brownies.
Red Velvet Brownies
Red velvet brownies are a decadent treat that combines the rich flavors of cocoa with the tanginess of cream cheese frosting. These fudgy, vibrant brownies are perfect for any occasion, from birthday celebrations to cozy nights in. With their stunning appearance and irresistible taste, they’ll be the star of your dessert table, leaving everyone asking for seconds.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 12 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tbsp red food coloring
- 1/4 tsp salt
- Cream cheese frosting (store-bought or homemade)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a baking pan.
- Melt butter in a saucepan over low heat. Stir in granulated and brown sugars until smooth.
- Remove from heat, let cool slightly, then whisk in eggs one at a time and vanilla extract.
- In another bowl, sift together cocoa powder, flour, salt, and food coloring. Gradually add to wet ingredients until combined; do not overmix.
- Pour batter into the prepared pan and bake for 25–30 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Let cool before frosting with cream cheese frosting. Slice into squares and serve.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 200
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 50mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 40mg

