Red velvet brownies recipe combine the luxurious flavor of chocolate with the vibrant visual appeal of red velvet cake. This guide walks you through crafting moist, delicious brownies from scratch with a tangy cream cheese frosting to elevate the experience.
Explore the best baking practices with our step-by-step instructions, tips for variations, and FAQs.
What Are Red Velvet Brownies?
Red velvet brownies recipe are a dessert sensation—a hybrid between classic brownies and red velvet cake. Known for their iconic red hue, subtle cocoa flavor, and creamy frosting, they’ve become a favorite at gatherings and holidays.
Learn more about their rich history and other decadent desserts in The Most Delicious Cake in the World.
Equipment Needed for Red Velvet Brownies
Gather the following tools before you begin to ensure a smooth baking experience:
- Mixing bowls for wet and dry ingredients.
- Measuring cups and spoons for precision.
- A 9×13-inch baking pan, ideally lined with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
- Whisk or stand mixer for thorough blending.
For a complete beginner’s guide to baking, visit How to Bake a Cake Step-by-Step.
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need for the perfect batch:
For the Brownies:
- 1 cup melted butter
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 2 tablespoons red food coloring
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 teaspoons white vinegar
- 4 large eggs
- 1 1/3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
For the Frosting:
- 8 oz cream cheese (softened)
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Step-by-Step Instructions for Red Velvet Brownies
Preparing the Batter
- Melt the butter
- Use a microwave or a small pot on the stovetop to melt 1 cup of butter. If using a microwave, heat in 20-second intervals, stirring each time, until fully melted. Let it cool slightly to avoid cooking the eggs in the next step.
- Combine butter, sugar, and cocoa powder
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the melted butter, 2 cups of sugar, and 1/3 cup of unsweetened cocoa powder. Whisk until the mixture is smooth and the cocoa powder is fully dissolved. This forms the base of the batter, giving it the rich chocolate flavor.
- Add the wet ingredients
- Stir in 2 tablespoons of red food coloring, 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract, and 2 teaspoons of white vinegar.
- Why these ingredients?
- Food coloring gives the brownies their signature red hue.
- Vanilla extract enhances the flavor.
- Vinegar reacts with the cocoa and baking ingredients to create a moist and tender texture.
- Why these ingredients?
- Stir in 2 tablespoons of red food coloring, 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract, and 2 teaspoons of white vinegar.
- Add the eggs
- Crack 4 large eggs, one at a time, into a separate small bowl to check for shell fragments or freshness. Then, beat each egg lightly with a fork before adding it to the batter. Stir well after adding each egg to ensure it is fully incorporated.
Incorporating the Dry Ingredients
- Mix the dry ingredients
- In another bowl, combine 1 1/3 cups of all-purpose flour and 1/4 teaspoon of salt. Mixing the dry ingredients separately prevents lumps from forming when added to the wet mixture.
- Combine wet and dry ingredients
- Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, about one-third at a time. Use a spatula or wooden spoon to fold the ingredients together gently. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the brownies dense instead of tender.
Baking the Brownies
- Pour the batter into the pan
- Pour the prepared batter into the lined or greased pan. Use a spatula to spread it evenly into all corners, smoothing the surface for uniform baking.
- Place the pan in the oven
- Put the pan on the middle rack of the preheated oven. The middle rack ensures the heat circulates evenly around the pan.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes
- Set a timer for 30 minutes. After this time, check if the brownies are done by inserting a toothpick or knife into the center.
- If it comes out with wet batter: Bake for an additional 3-5 minutes.
- If it comes out with a few moist crumbs: The brownies are ready. Avoid overbaking, as this can dry them out.
- Set a timer for 30 minutes. After this time, check if the brownies are done by inserting a toothpick or knife into the center.
- Cool completely in the pan
- Remove the pan from the oven and place it on a cooling rack or a heat-safe surface. Let the brownies cool for at least 1 hour. They need to be completely cool before adding frosting to prevent it from melting.
Making the Cream Cheese Frosting
- Prepare the cream cheese and butter
- Take 8 oz of cream cheese and 1/2 cup of unsalted butter out of the fridge 30 minutes before use to let them soften. Softened ingredients mix more smoothly and create a creamy frosting.
- Beat the cream cheese and butter
- In a medium mixing bowl, use a hand mixer or stand mixer to beat the cream cheese and butter together until smooth and fluffy. This should take about 2-3 minutes on medium speed.
- Add powdered sugar gradually
- Sift 2 cups of powdered sugar to remove any lumps, then add it gradually to the cream cheese mixture. Beat on low speed initially to avoid a sugar cloud, then increase to medium speed. This makes the frosting light and airy.
- Mix in vanilla extract
- Add 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract and beat for another minute to blend the flavor evenly.
- Spread the frosting
- Once the brownies are completely cool, use a spatula or butter knife to spread the frosting evenly over the top. You can swirl the frosting for a decorative look.
Tips for Success:
- Read the recipe fully before starting: Understanding each step helps you prepare better.
- Measure accurately: Baking is a science. Use proper measuring cups for dry and liquid ingredients.
- Set a timer for each step: This keeps you on track and prevents overbaking.
With this detailed guide, even a novice baker can achieve delicious, picture-perfect red velvet brownies. 😊
Tips for Perfect Brownies
Here’s how to ensure your brownies turn out perfectly, even if it’s your first time baking.
1. Don’t Overmix the Batter
- After adding the dry ingredients (flour and salt) to the wet ingredients, mix just until combined. Overmixing develops gluten, which can make your brownies dense and tough instead of tender and chewy.
- How to tell you’ve mixed enough: When you no longer see streaks of flour in the batter, stop stirring.
2. Choose High-Quality Cocoa Powder
- The cocoa powder you use plays a significant role in the flavor. Opt for unsweetened Dutch-processed cocoa powder if possible, as it delivers a richer and smoother chocolate taste.
- Beginner tip: If you’re unsure, check the label for “natural cocoa” or “Dutch-processed.”
3. Use the Right Size Pan
- A 9×13-inch baking pan is ideal for this recipe. Using a smaller or larger pan can alter the thickness of your brownies and affect baking time.
- Tip: If using a smaller pan, expect thicker brownies and increase the baking time slightly.
4. Check Doneness the Right Way
- Start testing your brownies for doneness at the 30-minute mark:
- Insert a toothpick into the center.
- If it comes out with wet batter: Bake for a few more minutes.
- If it has a few moist crumbs: They’re done.
- If it’s completely clean: You may have overbaked them.
- Remember: Brownies will continue to set as they cool, so it’s better to slightly underbake than to overbake.
5. Let the Brownies Cool Completely
- Cooling is essential for clean cuts and a better texture. Warm brownies are too soft and may crumble when sliced.
- Beginner tip: Cool the brownies in the pan for about an hour, then chill them in the fridge for 30 minutes before cutting.
6. Use Room Temperature Ingredients
- For the frosting, ensure your cream cheese and butter are softened to room temperature before mixing. This makes the frosting smoother and easier to spread.
- How to soften butter quickly: Cut it into smaller pieces and leave it at room temperature for 15-20 minutes.
7. Chill Before Slicing
- After frosting, chill the brownies for 20-30 minutes. This helps the frosting firm up and makes slicing easier.
- Tip: Use a sharp knife dipped in warm water, wiping it clean between cuts, for neat slices.
8. Customize to Your Taste
- Add-ins like chocolate chips, nuts, or a cheesecake swirl can elevate your brownies. Just fold them into the batter before pouring it into the pan.
- Explore variations, like those mentioned in the Red Velvet Cheesecake Brownies Recipe, for inspiration.
9. Avoid Common Mistakes
- Skipping parchment paper: This makes removing brownies from the pan much harder. Use parchment paper with a slight overhang for easy lifting.
- Measuring improperly: Use the scoop-and-level method for dry ingredients to avoid packing too much flour, which can make brownies dry.
By following these detailed tips, you’ll bake Red velvet brownies recipe that are not only delicious but also visually stunning and perfect for any occasion. 😊
Variations
- Cheesecake Swirl: Add dollops of cream cheese mixture to the batter and swirl with a knife before baking. Learn how in Red Velvet Cheesecake Brownies Recipe.
- Nutty Delight: Add chopped walnuts or pecans for a crunch.
- Gluten-Free Option: Use almond or oat flour as a substitute for all-purpose flour.
FAQs About Red Velvet Brownies
What makes Red velvet brownies recipe red?
The vibrant red hue comes from a combination of food coloring and acidic ingredients like vinegar and buttermilk.
How do I store red velvet brownies?
Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week.
Can I freeze red velvet brownies?
Yes! Wrap individual slices in plastic wrap and store in a freezer-safe container for up to three months.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
- Calories: 280
- Fat: 12g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Protein: 3g
Conclusion
Creating Red velvet brownies recipe is an art of blending rich flavors and vivid colors. By following this guide, you’ll have a dessert perfect for any occasion. Explore more delightful recipes, such as cheesecake brownies and birthday cake ideas, by browsing our related content on Baking Joys.
Happy Baking! 🎉