If you’ve ever walked into a room filled with the warm, inviting scent of freshly baked brownies, you know the magic they bring. Now imagine those brownies with a twist—deep red color, creamy frosting, and a flavor that dances on your tongue. Yes, I’m talking about Red Velvet Brownies, the dessert that brings joy and an occasional sugar rush to any gathering. They’re as decadent as they are photogenic, making them perfect for any occasion from birthdays to just-because days.
Let me take you back to the first time I made these delightful treats. Picture this: my kitchen was filled with laughter and flour as my friends and I attempted to bake our way through a rainy Saturday afternoon. The result? A pan of gooey Red Velvet Brownies that not only saved our day but also became the star of our dessert table. Trust me; these beauties will make every moment feel special!
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- These Red Velvet Brownies are incredibly easy to prepare, making them perfect for last-minute cravings
- The rich chocolatey flavor pairs beautifully with a hint of vanilla
- Vibrant red color makes them visually stunning and perfect for celebrations
- Versatile enough to be served warm with ice cream or chilled as a snack
I remember the joy on my friends’ faces when they took their first bite. The combination of rich chocolate flavor and velvety texture had them begging for more!
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
Unsalted Butter: Use one stick for richness; it makes all the difference in flavor.
Sugar: Granulated sugar sweetens these brownies perfectly, balancing the cocoa’s bitterness.
Brown Sugar: It adds moisture and a lovely caramel undertone that keeps these brownies chewy.
Large Eggs: Fresh eggs provide structure and help bind everything together for a fudgy texture.
Vanilla Extract: Choose pure vanilla extract for an aromatic depth that’s absolutely irresistible.
Cocoa Powder: Use unsweetened cocoa powder to enhance the chocolate flavor without added sweetness.
Red Food Coloring: Gel food coloring gives you vibrant results without altering the brownie batter’s consistency.
All-Purpose Flour: Essential for structure; too much can lead to cakey brownies, so measure carefully.
Salt: A pinch of salt enhances all flavors and balances sweetness beautifully.
Chocolate Chips (optional): Fold in some chocolate chips for extra gooeyness if you dare!
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
How to Make Red Velvet Brownies
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease an 8×8 inch baking dish or line it with parchment paper for easy removal later.
Melt the Butter and Mix Sugars: In a medium saucepan over low heat, melt the butter until completely liquid. Remove from heat and stir in both sugars until well combined.
Add Eggs and Vanilla: Let the mixture cool slightly before whisking in eggs one at a time along with vanilla extract for added flavor.
Mix Dry Ingredients: In another bowl, combine cocoa powder, flour, and salt. Slowly add this dry mixture into your wet ingredients until just combined—no overmixing allowed!
Add Color: Stir in red food coloring until evenly distributed throughout the batter; it should look like a festive party waiting to happen!
Add Optional Chocolate Chips: If you’re feeling indulgent (and who isn’t?), fold in chocolate chips gently to keep that fudgy texture intact.
Bake: Pour your luscious batter into the prepared dish and smooth out evenly. Bake in preheated oven for about 25–30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out with moist crumbs.
Once these Red Velvet Brownies are out of the oven, let them cool slightly before cutting into squares. Feel free to top them with cream cheese frosting or enjoy them plain—either way, they’re sure to impress!
So there you have it—your guide to whipping up these delightful treats that will leave everyone asking for seconds! With their beautiful color and rich flavor profile, these Red Velvet Brownies are not just desserts; they’re experiences waiting to happen!
You Must Know
- Red velvet brownies bring a delightful twist to classic brownies, combining rich chocolate flavor with a hint of tanginess
- Their vibrant color and soft texture make them an eye-catching treat for any occasion
- Perfect for impressing guests or indulging yourself!
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by melting the butter and chocolate together. Once cooled, mix in eggs and sugar before gently folding in dry ingredients to maintain that fudgy texture.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to add white chocolate chips or nuts for extra texture. A sprinkle of sea salt on top enhances the sweetness beautifully.
Storing & Reheating
Store brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to five days. Reheat in the microwave for a few seconds before serving for that fresh-baked taste.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- Use high-quality cocoa powder for deeper chocolate flavor; it makes all the difference
- Avoid overmixing once you add flour, as this can lead to tough brownies
- Always let them cool completely before cutting to achieve clean edges
Sharing these red velvet brownies with friends made my birthday unforgettable last year; their smiles were worth every bit of effort!
FAQ
What makes red velvet brownies different from regular brownies?
Red velvet brownies have a unique flavor profile enhanced by buttermilk and cocoa.
Can I freeze red velvet brownies?
Yes, wrap them tightly and freeze for up to three months without losing quality.
What should I serve with red velvet brownies?
Pair them with vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for extra indulgence.
Indulge in Decadent Red Velvet Brownies
Experience the magic of Red Velvet Brownies, a delightful twist on the classic treat. With their deep red hue, creamy frosting, and rich chocolate flavor, these brownies are sure to impress at any gathering. Easy to make and perfect for sharing, they bring joy and sweetness to every occasion.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: Makes approximately 16 brownies 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 1 stick unsalted butter (113g)
- 1 cup granulated sugar (200g)
- 1/2 cup brown sugar (100g)
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
- 1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder (40g)
- 1 cup all-purpose flour (125g)
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 oz red gel food coloring
- Optional: 1/2 cup chocolate chips (90g)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease an 8×8 inch baking dish or line it with parchment paper.
- Melt the butter in a medium saucepan over low heat. Remove from heat and mix in granulated and brown sugars until smooth.
- Allow the mixture to cool slightly before whisking in eggs one at a time and adding vanilla extract.
- In another bowl, combine cocoa powder, flour, and salt. Gradually add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients until just combined.
- Stir in red food coloring until evenly mixed. If using, gently fold in chocolate chips.
- Pour the batter into the prepared dish, smooth it out, and bake for 25–30 minutes or until a toothpick comes out with moist crumbs.
- Let cool slightly before cutting into squares.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 brownie (58g)
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 19g
- Sodium: 105mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 31g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
Keywords: For added texture, consider folding in white chocolate chips or nuts. A sprinkle of sea salt on top enhances sweetness. Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to five days.
