Fudgy Red Velvet Brownies | Eat Well With Lex (2024)

Fudgy red velvet brownies made from scratch, are a soft, decadent dessert with a tender, moist crumb. With an optional cream cheese frosting, this red velvet brownies recipe is bound to be a hit. Its vibrant red hue makes this sweet treat perfect for Valentine’s Day but it can also be enjoyed throughout the year as a delightful dessert.

For more brownie recipes, try my Easy Fudgy Brownies next!

These easy red velvet brownies are gooey, chewy, and chocolatey. If you’ve ever marveled at the taste of red velvet cake, then prepare to fall in love with these red velvet brownies with cocoa powder.

I have prepared this recipe with and without a quick homemade cream cheese frosting and while it’s delicious either way, I encourage you to slather some on for a finger-licking dessert that will have everyone reaching for another square!

Why This is the Best Red Velvet Brownies Recipe

• Easy to Make: Put down the Betty Crocker because these red velvet brownies do not require a cake mix. This dessert has simple ingredients and is ready in just 30 minutes.
• Perfect for Holidays: Get festive and serve this red-hued snack on Christmas or Valentine’s Day.
• Absolutely Delicious: These taste just like red velvet cake but are fudgy, moist, and compact. Take just one bite and you’ll be in pure bliss!

What is Red Velvet Flavor?

Red velvet is a flavor traditionally made with cocoa powder, vinegar, and buttermilk. The acid in vinegar and buttermilk alters the composition of classic chocolate cake.

Food coloring also changes the taste and texture of chocolate. It results in a milder cocoa flavor with a slight tartness. It is lighter and fluffier than chocolate cake.

Today, red velvet flavoring extends to red velvet cake, red velvet cupcakes, red velvet pancakes, red velvet cookies, and even red velvet brownies.

Ingredients

• All-purpose flour: Use it spooned and leveled because too much flour will dry out the brownies.
• Unsweetened cocoa powder: This provides that deep chocolate flavor we crave.
• Sea salt: To balance the other flavors.
• Brown sugar: For moist, fudgy brownies this is a must.
• Granulated sugar: For sweetness.
• Unsalted butter: Make sure it is melted before you add it to the other ingredients. This will give you a chewier, fudgier brownie.
• Large eggs: They act as a binding agent in this recipe. Use them at room temperature so they are easier to blend.
• Vanilla extract: This is an essential ingredient in most baked goods.
• Red gel food coloring: This gives the brownies that gorgeous red hue. This variety of food coloring is stronger than water-based food coloring.
• Milk chocolate chunks: Use chopped chocolate or chocolate chips.

Cream Cheese Frosting (Optional)

Although red velvet brownies are delicious on their own, cream cheese frosting provides a sweet, tangy pop of flavor that makes this dessert downright irresistible!

• Powdered sugar: For a sweet, smooth finish.
• Cream cheese: Make sure it is at room temperature so it is easy to mix. Get the block of cream cheese instead of the tub because the consistency is different.
• Unsalted butter
• Vanilla extract: For vanilla flavor.
• Pinch of sea salt: To balance the sweetness.

How to Make Red Velvet Brownies

Prepare the baking sheet: Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Line an 8×8 baking pan with parchment paper.

Combine the wet ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the melted butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar. Mix until combined.

Add the food coloring: Add the eggs and mix well. Then add the vanilla extract and food coloring.

Add the dry ingredients: Sift the flour, cocoa powder and sea salt into the same bowl. Fold with a spatula until everything is combined and the batter is smooth.

Add the chocolate: Roughly chop a chocolate bar or you can use chocolate chips. Add the chocolate to the batter.

Bake the brownies: Pour the batter into the lined baking pan and bake for 25-30 minutes or until the edges are set.

Cool and serve: Remove from the oven and allow it to cool completely before slicing.

If you are adding the cream cheese icing, make sure to allow the brownie to cool completely before.

Make Cream Cheese Frosting (Optional)

Add softened cream cheese and butter to a bowl and beat until smooth using a stand mixer or hand mixer.Then add the powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and salt and continue to beat until smooth and creamy. Finally, spread it on top of your cooled brownies.

Pro Tips

• Use room-temperature ingredients for easier mixing. If the ingredients are too cold and solid, they won’t incorporate as well.
• Spoon and level the flour for an accurate measure. Otherwise, you will end up with dry brownies.
• Don’t overbake the brownies. The longer the bake time, the dryer the brownies will be.
• Don’t overmix the batter. The more you mix, the more air gets in the batter which results in denser brownies.
• Allow the brownies to cool completely before slicing.

Variations

• Topping: Keep it simple and just add powdered sugar to the top of your red velvet brownies.
• Red Velvet Brownies with White Chocolate Chips: White chocolate chips make these brownies even sweeter. This is also a tasty alternative to red velvet brownies with cream cheese frosting.
• Cakey Brownies: For a more cake-like brownie, add an additional egg to this red velvet brownies recipe.

Can Red Velvet Brownies Be Made Ahead?

Storing Leftovers

Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature (without the cream cheese frosting) for up to 5 days. Refrigerate the frosting in an airtight container for up to 5 days.

To freeze, slice the red velvet brownies into squares, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap, and store them in a freezer-safe bag/container for up to 6 weeks. To defrost, thaw them in the fridge or on the counter overnight.

Common Questions

What makes a brownie fudgier?

The best way to ensure red velvet cupcakes are fudgy is to not overcook them. The edges should be set but the middle should still be a bit jiggly when it comes out of the oven.

Is red velvet just chocolate?

No. Red velvet contains chocolate flavor but it is not chocolate. It contains less cocoa powder than traditional chocolate cake.

How do I know when the red velvet brownies are done?

For fudgy red velvet brownies, do the toothpick test. You want the toothpick to be mostly clean with a few moist crumbs. For a cakier brownie, the toothpick should come out of the center of the brownie clean.

More Dessert Recipes:

Easy Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Bread

Peanut Butter Chocolate Crunch Bars

The Best Lemon Strawberry Cake

DID YOU MAKE THIS RECIPE?

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