If you’ve been on the hunt for a rich, indulgent dessert that perfectly balances classic flavors with a twist, look no further than The Best Fudgy Red Velvet Brownies Recipe. These brownies combine the deep, velvety taste of traditional red velvet cake with the dense, gooey texture of your favorite fudgy brownies, all topped off with a luscious cream cheese swirl that melts in your mouth. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or just treating yourself on a cozy afternoon, these brownies will quickly become your go-to comfort dessert.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting ready to bake the best fudgy red velvet brownies is easier than you think because the ingredients are simple yet vital. Each one plays a unique role, from the buttery richness to the classic tang of buttermilk and that stunning red hue.
- Unsalted butter (1 cup or 2 sticks): Melted butter adds smoothness and richness, creating the perfect fudgy base.
- Granulated sugar (1 1/2 cups): Sweetens the brownies, helping them caramelize beautifully as they bake.
- Large eggs (3): Eggs bind the ingredients together and contribute to the fantastic fudgy texture.
- Vanilla extract (2 teaspoons): Enhances all the flavors and adds warmth and depth.
- Red food coloring (1 tablespoon liquid or 2 teaspoons gel): Gives the brownies that unmistakable vibrant red color.
- Buttermilk (1 tablespoon): Adds a delicate tang and helps tenderize the crumb; regular milk works too in a pinch.
- All-purpose flour (1 1/2 cups): The backbone of the structure, holding everything together just right.
- Unsweetened cocoa powder (1/4 cup): Offers a subtle chocolate note that perfectly complements the red velvet flavor.
- Baking powder (1/2 teaspoon): Gives a light lift, ensuring the brownies aren’t too dense.
- Salt (1/2 teaspoon): Balances sweetness and enhances all the other flavors.
- Cream cheese (8 oz, softened): For the irresistibly creamy swirl that takes these brownies over the top.
- Powdered sugar (1/4 cup): Sweetens the cream cheese without any graininess.
How to Make The Best Fudgy Red Velvet Brownies Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Pan
Start by heating your oven to 350°F (175°C)—the perfect temperature for baking luscious brownies. Grease a 9×9-inch baking pan, then line it with parchment paper. The parchment will make lifting those fudgy squares out a breeze, so no brownie gets left behind!
Step 2: Whisk Together the Butter and Sugar
In a large bowl, whisk the melted butter and granulated sugar until the mixture is smooth and combined. This step is essential because it melts the sugar slightly, creating a beautifully tender texture.
Step 3: Add Eggs and Flavorings
One by one, add the eggs, mixing thoroughly after each addition for full incorporation. Then stir in the vanilla extract, red food coloring, and buttermilk. The batter should start showing off its signature red velvet color and that lovely silky consistency.
Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt. Slowly add these dry ingredients to the wet batter, folding gently just until combined. Be careful not to overmix, or the brownies could get cakey instead of fudgy.
Step 5: Make the Cream Cheese Swirl
In a small bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with powdered sugar and a splash of vanilla extract until smooth and creamy. This luscious mixture is what will give your brownies that marbled, dreamy swirl on top.
Step 6: Assemble and Swirl the Mixture
Pour the brownie batter into your prepared pan and spread it evenly. Drop spoonfuls of the cream cheese mixture on top, then use a knife or skewer to gently swirl it into the red velvet base. The goal is a pretty, marbled effect that looks as good as it tastes.
Step 7: Bake Until Fudgy
Bake for 30 to 35 minutes, until the edges are set but the center is still slightly soft. A toothpick should come out with a few moist crumbs—avoid overbaking to keep that rich fudgy texture intact.
Step 8: Cool and Enjoy
Let your brownies cool completely in the pan before cutting into squares. This step helps everything set beautifully so you get perfect slices every time. Then it’s time to dig in and savor every bite of this ultimate indulgence.
How to Serve The Best Fudgy Red Velvet Brownies Recipe
Garnishes
Add a sprinkle of powdered sugar for a gentle snowy touch or some mini chocolate chips scattered on top right after baking for extra chocolate bursts with every bite. Fresh berries, like raspberries or strawberries, also pair wonderfully if you want to brighten things up.
Side Dishes
Serve alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream to balance the richness. A hot cup of coffee, dark roast tea, or even a glass of cold milk makes for a perfect pairing to complement these dense, luscious brownies.
Creative Ways to Present
Try cutting the brownies into small bite-sized pieces and serving them on a dessert platter with assorted toppings like chopped nuts, shredded coconut, or edible gold flakes for a fancy twist. You can also layer them in a dessert trifle with cream and berries for a stunning and decadent presentation.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, store your leftover brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. If you’re in a warmer climate, keeping them in the fridge helps retain freshness, though it might slightly firm up the texture.
Freezing
These brownies freeze beautifully. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and foil or place in an airtight freezer bag. They keep well for up to two months. To thaw, simply leave them in the fridge overnight or let them sit at room temperature for a few hours before enjoying.
Reheating
If you like your brownies warm, pop an individual piece in the microwave for 10 to 15 seconds or warm in a 300°F oven wrapped in foil for about 10 minutes. The creamy swirl gets extra melty and indulgent after warming up!
FAQs
Can I use regular milk instead of buttermilk?
Absolutely! While buttermilk adds a subtle tang that enhances the red velvet flavor, regular milk works just fine in a pinch and won’t dramatically change the texture.
What kind of food coloring should I use?
You can use liquid or gel food coloring. Gel tends to produce a more vivid red without thinning the batter, but liquid works perfectly well if that’s what you have on hand.
How do I know when the brownies are done?
Insert a toothpick in the center—it should come out with a few moist crumbs but not wet batter. This ensures the brownies stay fudgy and not dry or cakey.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, by swapping the all-purpose flour for a 1-to-1 gluten-free baking flour blend. Just be sure it contains xanthan gum for the best texture.
What if I don’t have cream cheese for the swirl?
You can skip the swirl or try using mascarpone or ricotta mixed with powdered sugar and vanilla. It won’t be quite the same but still deliciously creamy.
Final Thoughts
If you want to impress everyone with a decadent yet approachable dessert, I truly believe The Best Fudgy Red Velvet Brownies Recipe hits that sweet spot perfectly. It’s a wonderful way to enjoy familiar flavors in a new, fudgy form with a creamy swirl that will keep everyone coming back for more. So grab your mixing bowl and get ready for some serious brownie bliss!
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The Best Fudgy Red Velvet Brownies Recipe
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 16 servings 1x
Description
These fudgy red velvet brownies combine the rich, moist texture of traditional brownies with the vibrant color and subtle cocoa flavor of red velvet, topped with a luscious cream cheese swirl. Perfectly balanced in sweetness and packed with flavor, they make a delightful dessert for any occasion.
Ingredients
For the Brownies:
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, melted
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 3 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon red food coloring (or 2 teaspoons gel food coloring)
- 1 tablespoon buttermilk (or regular milk if unavailable)
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
For the Cream Cheese Swirl:
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Prepare the Oven and Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line a 9×9-inch baking pan with parchment paper to ensure easy removal of the brownies after baking.
- Make the Brownie Batter: In a large bowl, whisk together the melted butter and granulated sugar until smooth and well combined.
- Add Eggs and Flavorings: Mix in the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract, red food coloring, and buttermilk until the mixture is fully homogeneous.
- Mix the Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, unsweetened cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt. Gradually incorporate the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined to avoid overmixing. The batter should be thick.
- Prepare the Cream Cheese Swirl: In a small bowl, beat the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy, ensuring no lumps remain.
- Assemble the Brownies: Pour the brownie batter evenly into the prepared baking pan. Dollop spoonfuls of the cream cheese mixture over the top.
- Create Swirls: Using a knife or skewer, gently swirl the cream cheese mixture into the batter to create an attractive marbled effect.
- Bake the Brownies: Bake in the preheated oven for 30 to 35 minutes. Test doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center; it should come out mostly clean with a few moist crumbs attached. Avoid overbaking to maintain the fudgy texture.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the brownies to cool completely in the pan. Once cooled, cut into 16 squares and serve.
Notes
- Use parchment paper for easy removal and clean edges.
- Red food coloring can be substituted with gel food coloring for more intense color.
- Do not overmix the batter to keep the brownies fudgy.
- Let brownies cool completely before cutting to ensure clean slices.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to a week.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
