The Best Fudgy Red Velvet Brownies Recipe

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These fudgy red velvet brownies combine the rich, indulgent flavor of red velvet cake with the chewy texture of a brownie, creating the ultimate dessert experience. The vibrant red color and the hint of cocoa and cream cheese make them a standout treat. Perfect for any occasion, whether it's a festive gathering or a cozy night in, these brownies offer the best of both worlds—decadent and delightful.

Ingredients

• 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour

• ½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder

• 1 teaspoon baking powder

• ½ teaspoon salt

• ½ cup unsalted butter, melted

• 1 cup granulated sugar

• 2 large eggs

• 2 teaspoon vanilla extract

• 2 tablespoon red food coloring

• ½ cup buttermilk

• 4 oz cream cheese, softened

• ½ cup powdered sugar

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

(Tip: You'll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease or line a 9x9-inch baking pan with parchment paper.

2. In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt.

3. In another bowl, beat together the melted butter and granulated sugar until smooth.

4. Add the eggs, one at a time, and mix until combined. Then add the vanilla extract and red food coloring.

5. Alternate adding the dry ingredients and buttermilk, mixing until smooth after each addition.

6. Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and spread evenly.

7. In a separate bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth.

8. Drop spoonfuls of the cream cheese mixture over the brownie batter, and use a toothpick or knife to swirl the two together for a marbled effect.

9. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out mostly clean, with a few moist crumbs.

10. Allow the brownies to cool completely in the pan before cutting into squares.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 16 brownies

• Prep Time: 15 minutes

• Cook Time: 30-35 minutes

• Total Time: 45-50 minutes

Variations

• Cream Cheese Swirl: Add more cream cheese to the swirl for an extra creamy bite.

• Toppings: Top with a dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of white chocolate for added sweetness.

• Frosting: You can add a layer of cream cheese frosting on top for even more decadence.

• Nutty Version: Add chopped pecans or walnuts into the batter for a crunchy contrast to the rich, fudgy texture.

• Gluten-Free: Replace the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend for a gluten-free version.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store these brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3-4 days. You can also refrigerate them for up to a week to preserve freshness.

• Reheating: Warm individual brownies in the microwave for 10-15 seconds for a fresh, fudgy taste. Alternatively, heat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes.

FAQs

How do I make sure my red velvet brownies stay fudgy?

To ensure your brownies remain fudgy, be careful not to overbake them. The brownies are done when a toothpick comes out with a few moist crumbs. Also, using buttermilk helps keep them moist.

Can I use regular food coloring instead of red food coloring?

You can, but the classic red velvet look is achieved with red food coloring. If you prefer not to use it, the flavor will still be delicious, but the visual effect will be different.

Can I substitute buttermilk for regular milk?

Buttermilk provides a tangy flavor that balances the richness of the brownies. If you don’t have buttermilk, you can substitute with regular milk, but the texture and flavor may differ slightly.

What if I don’t have cream cheese for the swirl?

You can substitute the cream cheese with sour cream for a similar tangy flavor or omit the swirl altogether for a simple red velvet brownie.

Can I freeze these brownies?

Yes, you can freeze these brownies. Wrap them in plastic wrap and foil, then store them in an airtight container or freezer bag for up to 2-3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.

How can I make these brownies extra rich?

To make the brownies extra rich, try adding chocolate chips to the batter or using a combination of butter and oil for an even fudgier texture.

Can I make these brownies in a different-sized pan?

Yes, you can adjust the baking time depending on the size of the pan. A larger pan will result in thinner brownies, while a smaller pan will make them thicker and may require additional baking time.

Are these brownies suitable for people with dietary restrictions?

These brownies contain dairy and eggs, so they are not suitable for those with dairy or egg allergies. However, you can make substitutes (such as using a dairy-free butter and egg replacer) to accommodate dietary needs.

How do I get that perfect swirl effect with the cream cheese?

When adding the cream cheese mixture to the brownie batter, don’t overmix. Use a toothpick or knife to swirl the mixture gently for a marbled effect.

Can I add a frosting to these brownies?

Yes, adding a cream cheese frosting would complement the flavors of these red velvet brownies beautifully. Spread a thin layer on top once they are completely cooled.

Conclusion

These fudgy red velvet brownies are a treat for any occasion. With their rich, moist texture and the perfect combination of cocoa and cream cheese, they’re sure to be a hit with everyone who tries them. Whether you enjoy them plain or dressed up with frosting and toppings, this recipe is a must-try for any red velvet lover!

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The Best Fudgy Red Velvet Brownies Recipe

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These fudgy red velvet brownies combine the rich, indulgent flavor of red velvet cake with the chewy texture of a brownie, creating the ultimate dessert experience. The vibrant red color and the hint of cocoa and cream cheese make them a standout treat.

• Author: Janet
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30-35 minutes
• Total Time: 45-50 minutes
• Yield: 16 brownies
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

1 ½ cups all-purpose flour

½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder

1 tsp baking powder

½ tsp salt

½ cup unsalted butter, melted

1 cup granulated sugar

2 large eggs

2 tsp vanilla extract

2 tbsp red food coloring

½ cup buttermilk

4 oz cream cheese, softened

½ cup powdered sugar

1 tsp vanilla extract

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease or line a 9x9-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
2. In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt.
3. In another bowl, beat together the melted butter and granulated sugar until smooth.
4. Add the eggs, one at a time, and mix until combined. Then add the vanilla extract and red food coloring.
5. Alternate adding the dry ingredients and buttermilk, mixing until smooth after each addition.
6. Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and spread evenly.
7. In a separate bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth.
8. Drop spoonfuls of the cream cheese mixture over the brownie batter, and use a toothpick or knife to swirl the two together for a marbled effect.
9. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out mostly clean, with a few moist crumbs.
10. Allow the brownies to cool completely in the pan before cutting into squares.

Notes

• To ensure your brownies remain fudgy, be careful not to overbake them. The brownies are done when a toothpick comes out with a few moist crumbs.
• If you prefer not to use red food coloring, the flavor will still be delicious, but the visual effect will be different.
• For an extra rich brownie, add chocolate chips to the batter or use a combination of butter and oil.
• Store the brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3-4 days, or refrigerate for up to a week.
• For a gluten-free version, substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 brownie
• Calories: 290
• Sugar: 25g
• Sodium: 150mg
• Fat: 18g
• Saturated Fat: 9g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 31g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 3g
• Cholesterol: 45mg