Looking for a rich, indulgent dessert that’s both festive and incredibly easy to make? Fudgy Red Velvet Brownies are the answer! These homemade brownies combine the classic flavor of red velvet cake with the gooey, fudgy texture of brownies, making them a perfect treat for any occasion. Whether you’re serving them on Valentine’s Day, Christmas, or just because, these red velvet brownies will undoubtedly impress everyone with their vibrant color and irresistible taste. And for an added indulgence, you can top them with a homemade cream cheese frosting!
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Why You’ll Love These Fudgy Red Velvet Brownies
Fudgy Red Velvet Brownies are the ultimate dessert for anyone who loves rich, chocolatey treats with a twist. Here’s why this recipe stands out:
- Simple to Make: Unlike boxed mixes, these red velvet brownies are made from scratch with everyday ingredients. Plus, they come together in just 30 minutes!
- Perfect for Holidays and Special Occasions: Their striking red hue makes these brownies ideal for Valentine’s Day, Christmas, or any festive gathering.
- Irresistible Texture and Flavor: Expect a moist, fudgy texture that melts in your mouth with every bite. If you love the flavor of red velvet cake, these brownies will not disappoint.
Ingredients for Fudgy Red Velvet Brownies
Here’s what you’ll need to make these delicious red velvet brownies:
- All-purpose flour: Provides the structure and texture of the brownies.
- Unsweetened cocoa powder: Adds a deep chocolate flavor to balance the red velvet flavor.
- Sea salt: Enhances the overall flavor and helps balance the sweetness.
- Brown sugar: Brings moisture and a fudgy texture to the brownies.
- Granulated sugar: Adds sweetness and helps with the perfect texture.
- Unsalted butter: A key ingredient for the chewy and moist texture of these brownies.
- Large eggs: Binds the ingredients together and adds richness.
- Vanilla extract: Adds a subtle depth of flavor to complement the red velvet taste.
- Red gel food coloring: Gives the brownies their iconic red color.
- Milk chocolate chunks: For a burst of rich chocolate in every bite.
Optional for Cream Cheese Frosting:
- Powdered sugar: Sweetens the frosting and gives it a smooth texture.
- Cream cheese: Adds a tangy richness to the frosting that pairs perfectly with the sweet brownies.
- Unsalted butter: Creams with the cream cheese for a smooth frosting consistency.
- Vanilla extract and a pinch of sea salt: To balance the sweetness of the frosting.
Alternative Ingredient Suggestions
If you’re looking for ingredient alternatives or need to cater to dietary preferences, here are a few options:
- Gluten-Free Flour: Swap all-purpose flour for a gluten-free blend to make these brownies gluten-free.
- White Chocolate Chips: For a sweeter, more indulgent twist, try using white chocolate chips instead of milk chocolate chunks.
- Dairy-Free Butter and Cream Cheese: To make these brownies dairy-free, substitute with plant-based butter and dairy-free cream cheese.
Step-by-Step Instructions for Fudgy Red Velvet Brownies
Follow these easy steps to make your Fudgy Red Velvet Brownies:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line an 8×8 baking pan with parchment paper.
- Mix the wet ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the melted butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar. Stir until well combined. Add the eggs, vanilla extract, and red gel food coloring. Mix thoroughly until the batter is smooth.
- Add the dry ingredients: Sift together the flour, cocoa powder, and sea salt. Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until fully combined.
- Incorporate the chocolate: Roughly chop the milk chocolate bar or add chocolate chips. Stir them into the batter.
- Bake the brownies: Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and spread it out evenly. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the edges are set but the center is slightly soft when tested with a toothpick.
- Cool and slice: Allow the brownies to cool completely in the pan before cutting into squares.
Optional: Make Cream Cheese Frosting
- In a bowl, beat softened cream cheese and unsalted butter until smooth using a hand mixer or stand mixer.
- Add powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and a pinch of sea salt. Continue to mix until the frosting is smooth and creamy.
- Spread the cream cheese frosting over the cooled brownies.
Tips & Tricks for Perfect Fudgy Red Velvet Brownies
To ensure your Fudgy Red Velvet Brownies turn out perfectly every time, keep these tips in mind:
- Room temperature ingredients: Using room temperature eggs and butter helps them incorporate more easily into the batter.
- Accurate flour measurement: Spoon and level your flour to avoid adding too much, which can result in dry brownies.
- Don’t overmix: Stir the batter just until combined to avoid incorporating too much air and making the brownies too cakey.
- Check doneness: The toothpick test is crucial—aim for a few moist crumbs on the toothpick for a fudgy texture. If you prefer cakier brownies, let the toothpick come out clean.
Pairing Ideas and Variations
These Fudgy Red Velvet Brownies are perfect on their own, but here are some creative ways to elevate them:
- Serve with Ice Cream: A scoop of vanilla or chocolate ice cream on top adds a creamy contrast to the fudgy texture.
- Toppings: Add a sprinkle of powdered sugar or a drizzle of white chocolate for extra sweetness.
- Variations: Add white chocolate chips for a sweeter twist or try making a more cake-like brownie by adding an extra egg.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
- Storing Leftovers: Keep leftover brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days (without frosting). If you’ve added frosting, refrigerate them to maintain freshness.
- Freezing: To freeze, slice the brownies into squares, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap, and store in a freezer-safe bag. They can be frozen for up to 6 weeks. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator or on the counter.
Health Benefits and Seasonal Appeal
These Fudgy Red Velvet Brownies, with their rich cocoa flavor and cream cheese frosting, are a delightful treat perfect for the winter months, particularly around Valentine’s Day and Christmas. While indulgent, they offer a slightly lighter take on traditional chocolate desserts due to the addition of buttermilk and vinegar, which enhance the texture and flavor. Share them with loved ones during special occasions for a festive, delicious experience!
Enjoy these irresistible Fudgy Red Velvet Brownies as the ultimate dessert for any occasion. Whether you’re baking for a holiday, a celebration, or simply a sweet treat for yourself, these brownies are sure to be a hit!
Conclusion: Why Fudgy Red Velvet Brownies Are a Must-Try
These Fudgy Red Velvet Brownies are the perfect combination of rich, indulgent chocolate and the vibrant, tangy red velvet flavor we all love. With a fudgy, moist texture and the option to add a creamy, tangy cream cheese frosting, they’re sure to become a favorite in your dessert repertoire. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion like Valentine’s Day or just craving a delicious treat, these brownies are easy to make, visually stunning, and absolutely irresistible. Enjoy them fresh from the oven or with a scoop of ice cream—either way, they’re bound to be a hit!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What makes Fudgy Red Velvet Brownies different from regular brownies?
Fudgy Red Velvet Brownies have a lighter, more delicate texture than traditional brownies, thanks to the addition of buttermilk and vinegar, which are characteristic of red velvet flavor. They also have a subtle cocoa taste with a slight tang from the vinegar, giving them a unique flavor profile compared to classic chocolate brownies.
2. Can I make Fudgy Red Velvet Brownies ahead of time?
Yes, you can definitely make these brownies ahead of time. Once cooled, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. If you’ve added cream cheese frosting, refrigerate them to keep the frosting fresh. They can also be frozen for up to 6 weeks—just be sure to wrap them tightly before freezing.
3. How can I make these brownies even more decadent?
To make your Fudgy Red Velvet Brownies even more decadent, try adding a handful of white chocolate chips or drizzling extra chocolate or cream cheese frosting on top. You can also serve them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for an extra indulgent treat.
More Relevant Recipes
- Pumpkin Cheesecake Bars: These creamy pumpkin cheesecake bars offer a decadent fall-inspired dessert with a smooth, velvety filling, similar to the rich, indulgent nature of red velvet brownies. Perfect for holiday gatherings or as a cozy treat on a chilly day.
- Pumpkin Pie Dip: This no-bake pumpkin pie dip is a simple yet delightful dessert that combines the flavors of pumpkin and spice. If you’re a fan of rich and creamy textures, this is a great alternative or addition to your dessert table alongside red velvet brownies.
- Apple Pecan Fall Salad: For a lighter complement to your brownies, this fresh, crunchy salad with sweet apples and toasted pecans brings a refreshing balance to the richness of fudgy red velvet brownies. A perfect side for a fall-themed meal.
Fudgy Red Velvet Brownies
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 9 brownies
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Fudgy Red Velvet Brownies are a rich, decadent dessert that combines the smooth, chocolatey flavor of red velvet cake with the gooey, fudgy texture of a brownie. Perfect for special occasions, these brownies are easy to make and absolutely delicious, topped with an optional cream cheese frosting for extra indulgence.
Ingredients
- 1 cup All-purpose flour, spooned and leveled
- 1/3 cup Unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/4 tsp Sea salt
- 1/2 cup Brown sugar
- 1/3 cup Granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup Unsalted butter, melted
- 2 Large eggs, room temperature
- 2 tsp Vanilla extract
- 1 tbsp Red gel food coloring
- 1/2 cup Milk chocolate chunks or chocolate chips
- For Cream Cheese Frosting (optional):
- 1/2 cup Powdered sugar
- 4 oz Cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup Unsalted butter, softened
- 1 tsp Vanilla extract
- Pinch of sea salt
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line an 8×8 baking pan with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, combine melted butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar. Stir until well combined. Add the eggs, vanilla extract, and red gel food coloring. Mix thoroughly until the batter is smooth.
- Sift together flour, cocoa powder, and sea salt. Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until fully combined.
- Roughly chop milk chocolate or use chocolate chips. Stir them into the batter.
- Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and spread evenly. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until the edges are set but the center is slightly soft when tested with a toothpick.
- Allow the brownies to cool completely in the pan before slicing.
- If using cream cheese frosting, beat the softened cream cheese and unsalted butter until smooth. Add powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. Mix until creamy, then spread over the cooled brownies.
Notes
- Use room-temperature ingredients for easier mixing.
- Spoon and level the flour to avoid dry brownies.
- Do not overmix the batter to keep the texture fudgy.
- Let the brownies cool completely before slicing to avoid crumbling.
- If using frosting, ensure brownies are fully cooled to prevent melting the frosting.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 brownie
- Calories: 200
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 85mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 23g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 40mg