If you’re a fan of rich chocolate desserts with a stunning pop of color, Red Velvet Brownies are about to steal your heart (and your taste buds)! These decadent bars blend the classic charm of red velvet cake with the irresistibly fudgy texture of brownies, all crowned with a luscious, tangy cream cheese frosting. Whether you’re baking for a celebration or just looking to treat yourself, Red Velvet Brownies deliver both style and substance in every bite—prepare yourself for compliments and requests for the recipe!

Red Velvet Brownies Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of Red Velvet Brownies lies in their simplicity—each ingredient is carefully chosen not just for flavor, but for the gorgeous color, fudgy bite, and that classic hint of tang. Gather these pantry staples and a few fridge essentials, and you’re on your way to baking brilliance.

Butter, melted: Gives the brownies their rich, dense texture—use dairy free if you wish!
Light brown sugar: Adds moisture and a hint of caramel sweetness for depth of flavor.
Granulated sugar: Balances out the brown sugar and maintains that classic brownie chew.
Eggs: Bind everything together and give structure to the fudgy bars.
Vanilla extract: Enhances the overall flavor and pairs beautifully with chocolate and cream cheese.
Liquid red food coloring: This is what gives Red Velvet Brownies their striking, signature color.
White vinegar: A traditional trick—slightly brightens the color and adds that subtle red velvet tang.
Cocoa powder: Brings the deep chocolate flavor, but don’t overdo—red velvet should be more vanilla-cocoa than pure chocolate.
Salt: Balances the sweetness and rounds out all the flavors.
All-purpose flour: The backbone of every good brownie, providing just the right amount of structure.
Cream cheese (for frosting): Make sure it’s room temperature for ultra-smooth, creamy results!
Butter (for frosting): Softened, so it blends seamlessly into the frosting—dairy free works too.
Powdered sugar: Sweetens and thickens the frosting to a dreamy, spreadable consistency.
Pinch of salt (for frosting): Tiny, but so important—brings out the tang in the cream cheese.
Cornstarch (for dairy free frosting): Optional, but especially helpful for structure if using dairy free cream cheese.

How to Make Red Velvet Brownies

Step 1: Prepare Your Pan and Preheat the Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F. Line an 8×8 square baking pan with parchment paper—leave a bit hanging over the edges. This simple step will make removing your Red Velvet Brownies a total breeze, so you can lift them out and slice clean, neat squares.

Step 2: Melt the Butter and Combine with Sugars

Melt your butter in the microwave or over the stove, then pour it into a medium bowl. Add both the light brown sugar and granulated sugar, and whisk them together. You want to keep going until the mixture looks like a thick, glossy paste that starts to pull away from the sides of the bowl—it’s the secret to that crave-worthy fudgy texture!

Step 3: Add the Wet Ingredients

Now, mix in the eggs, vanilla extract, white vinegar, and liquid red food coloring. This is where the magic (and that gorgeous color!) happens. Feel free to add a drop or two more red food coloring if you want an extra-vivid hue. Stir until everything is beautifully combined.

Step 4: Incorporate the Dry Ingredients

Sprinkle in your cocoa powder, salt, and all-purpose flour. Whisk gently until your brownie batter just comes together—don’t overmix! A few streaks are okay, and this ensures the Red Velvet Brownies stay luxuriously tender and soft.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Spread the batter into your prepared pan, making sure to scrape every last bit from the bowl. Bake for 30–40 minutes, starting to check at 30 minutes with a toothpick. For truly fudgy Red Velvet Brownies, look for a crinkly top and a toothpick that comes out with moist crumbs (not wet batter)—that means they’re just right. Don’t overbake!

Step 6: Make the Cream Cheese Frosting

While the brownies cool, whip up the cream cheese frosting. Beat together softened cream cheese, butter, vanilla, and a pinch of salt until creamy and smooth. Gradually blend in powdered sugar until the frosting is luscious and thick. If you’re making a dairy-free version, add cornstarch to help the texture and stability. Pop the finished frosting in the fridge until you’re ready to slather it on top.

Step 7: Frost and Slice

Wait until your brownies are completely cool (trust me, it’s worth the wait!), then generously spread the cream cheese frosting over the slab. Lift out using the parchment, slice into squares, and get ready for some serious swooning!

How to Serve Red Velvet Brownies

Garnishes

A sprinkle of mini chocolate chips, fresh berries for a pop of color, or even a light dusting of cocoa powder can elevate your Red Velvet Brownies into showstoppers. For a festive occasion, scatter a few edible rose petals or colorful sprinkles on top of the frosting—the contrast against the red velvet is irresistible!

Side Dishes

Pair your Red Velvet Brownies with a tall glass of cold milk, a scoop of vanilla ice cream, or a dollop of whipped cream for pure decadence. Planning a dessert board? These brownies play wonderfully alongside chocolate-dipped strawberries or a citrusy fruit salad to balance the richness.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve Red Velvet Brownies as bite-size cubes on a tiered dessert tray for parties, or stack them up and drizzle with melted chocolate for an over-the-top treat. You can even cut them with a heart-shaped cookie cutter for Valentine’s Day fun or assemble in parfait glasses layered with whipped cream for a jaw-dropping dessert presentation!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store leftover Red Velvet Brownies in an airtight container in the fridge to keep the cream cheese frosting fresh. They’ll stay moist and delicious for up to five days, perfect for sneaking a square whenever your sweet tooth strikes!

Freezing

For longer storage, freeze unfrosted brownies tightly wrapped in plastic and foil for up to two months. If you want to freeze frosted brownies, lay them in a single layer and let the frosting set before stacking. Thaw in the fridge overnight before serving.

Reheating

If you love your brownies just slightly warm, microwave individual pieces for about 10 seconds—just enough to take the chill off and revive that just-baked aroma, without melting the frosting completely.

FAQs

Can I make Red Velvet Brownies without food coloring?

Absolutely! The signature red hue is fun but not essential to the flavor. The brownies will taste just as amazing (with a more chocolatey brown color) if you skip the coloring or use a natural alternative like beet powder.

What’s the secret to keeping brownies fudgy?

The trick is to avoid overbaking! Pull the brownies from the oven when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with just a few moist crumbs. Overbaking will make them dry and cakey.

Can I double this recipe?

Yes! Simply double the ingredients and bake in a 9×13 pan. Keep an eye on the baking time—start checking at 30 minutes but know it may need a few extra minutes for the center to set.

Are Red Velvet Brownies gluten free or dairy free?

They can easily be adapted! Substitute your favorite 1:1 gluten free all-purpose flour blend, and use dairy free butter and cream cheese for the frosting. Cornstarch helps the dairy free frosting stay thick and creamy.

How do I get clean slices?

For neat, bakery-worthy Red Velvet Brownies, use a sharp knife wiped clean with a damp cloth between cuts. Chilling the brownies before slicing also helps you achieve those perfect squares.

Final Thoughts

These Red Velvet Brownies will win over anyone who takes a bite—trust me, they’re a total crowd-pleaser! Whether you’re surprising your family or wowing party guests, I can’t wait for you to try this recipe and add a little extra color (and a lot of joy) to your dessert lineup.