If you’re a fan of both rich chocolate brownies and the classic red velvet cake, you’re about to meet your new obsession: Fudgy Red Velvet Brownies. These dreamy bars blend all the cocoa essence you crave with a velvety red hue and a texture that’s absolutely irresistible—dense, moist, and delightfully rich. Every bite tastes like a celebration, and you don’t need to be a baking whiz to whip up a batch. With just a handful of pantry staples and a burst of vibrant color, this recipe delivers a stunning dessert that always turns heads (and draws rave reviews) at any gathering.
Ingredients You’ll Need
You won’t believe how straightforward the ingredients list is—classic pantry staples plus a couple of richly flavored touches make these Fudgy Red Velvet Brownies uniquely delicious. Each one has a job, whether it’s lending structure, deep flavor, or that show-stopping red color.
- Unsalted butter, melted: Gives the brownies their fudgy richness and keeps the texture moist all the way through.
- Granulated sugar: Sweetens the brownies and helps create that crave-worthy chewy top.
- Large eggs: Bind everything together for structure and add a touch of extra shine to the finish.
- Red food coloring: Essential for that iconic red velvet look—go bold for the most dramatic effect.
- Vanilla extract: Adds aroma and depth, balancing out the cocoa for complex flavor.
- Unsweetened cocoa powder: Brings the distinct chocolatey note and complements the sweetness beautifully.
- All-purpose flour: Just enough to hold the brownies together without sacrificing fudginess.
- Salt: Enhances all the flavors and keeps the sweetness in check.
- White vinegar: A classic red velvet trick that reacts with cocoa for a subtle tang and classic crumb.
- White chocolate chips or chunks (optional): For pops of sweet creaminess in every bite—highly recommended if you want to take things over the top.
How to Make Fudgy Red Velvet Brownies
Step 1: Prep the Pan and Preheat the Oven
Start by cranking your oven up to 350°F (175°C) so it’s nice and hot by the time you’re ready. Line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper, making sure the edges overhang a bit—this makes lifting your Fudgy Red Velvet Brownies out a total breeze later on (and means flawless slicing every time).
Step 2: Whisk Butter and Sugar
In a large mixing bowl, combine your melted butter and sugar. Whisk until the mixture is silky-smooth and a little lighter in color—this step helps create that glossy top we all love on brownies.
Step 3: Add Eggs, Food Coloring, and Vanilla
Add the eggs, red food coloring, and vanilla extract straight into the butter-sugar mixture. Whisk vigorously until fully combined and the batter is an absolutely striking red, with no streaks or unmixed bits.
Step 4: Sift and Stir in the Dry Ingredients
Place a fine-mesh sieve over your bowl and sift in the cocoa powder, all-purpose flour, and salt. Stir everything together gently with a spatula (not a whisk!) until just incorporated. Avoid overmixing—this is the secret to ultimate fudginess.
Step 5: Finish the Batter
Add the white vinegar and give the batter one final gentle stir. Now’s the time to fold in the white chocolate chips or chunks if you’re using them. These melty pockets of sweetness are what set these Fudgy Red Velvet Brownies apart.
Step 6: Spread, Bake, and Cool
Pour your lush red batter into the prepared pan and spread it evenly into the corners. Pop into the preheated oven and bake for 25 to 28 minutes—pull them out when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with a few moist crumbs clinging to it. Don’t overbake! Let the brownies cool completely in the pan before lifting them out and slicing into decadent squares.
How to Serve Fudgy Red Velvet Brownies
Garnishes
Presentation is half the fun! Dust your brownies with a little powdered sugar, or add an extra flourish with cream cheese frosting piped on top. Even a shower of chocolate shavings or a drizzle of melted white chocolate can turn these bars into a true showstopper.
Side Dishes
Pairing these indulgent Fudgy Red Velvet Brownies with a scoop of vanilla ice cream is always a hit, or serve them alongside fresh berries to add a bright, fresh contrast. They also play nicely with a dollop of lightly whipped cream or a tall glass of cold milk.
Creative Ways to Present
Try cutting the brownies into heart shapes using a cookie cutter for Valentine’s Day, or stack them high on a tiered dessert tray for parties. Little squares make perfect edible gifts as well—just wrap them in wax paper and tie with a ribbon for instant brownie love.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Fudgy Red Velvet Brownies can be kept at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Lay a sheet of parchment between layers if you’re stacking them so they stay picture-perfect and never stick together.
Freezing
These brownies freeze like a dream! Just wrap individual squares tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer bag or airtight container. They’ll keep in the freezer for up to 2 months—ready to answer chocolate cravings any time.
Reheating
For that just-baked warmth, simply pop a brownie square in the microwave for 10 to 15 seconds. The center goes soft and gooey (especially if you included chocolate chips) with the aroma of fresh-baked goodness every time.
FAQs
Can I use natural cocoa powder instead of Dutch-processed?
Absolutely! Either type Dessert. Your Fudgy Red Velvet Brownies will be delicious either way.
What can I substitute for red food coloring?
If you prefer a natural option, you can use beet juice, though the color may be less vivid. Or, simply skip it—the brownies will still have a fantastic taste, just minus the classic red hue.
Why add vinegar to brownies?
The vinegar reacts with both the cocoa powder and the baking soda (if present), creating that signature red velvet tang and tender crumb. It’s a traditional step that really makes a difference in flavor and texture.
How do I know when the brownies are done?
The edges will look set, but the center should still be just a touch gooey. Test with a toothpick: if it comes out with moist crumbs rather than wet batter, your Fudgy Red Velvet Brownies are ready to cool.
Can I double this recipe?
You sure can—just bake in a 9×13-inch pan and increase the baking time by about 5 to 10 minutes, checking for doneness. You’ll have plenty of brownies to share, or save for later (if you can resist)!
Final Thoughts
If you’ve ever found yourself torn between a classic brownie and a slice of red velvet cake, these Fudgy Red Velvet Brownies are your shortcut to dessert bliss. They’re easy, strikingly beautiful, and every bite is pure indulgence. Don’t wait for a special occasion—gather your pantry staples and whip up a batch soon. Trust me, your friends and family will thank you!
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Fudgy Red Velvet Brownies Recipe
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 16 brownies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the rich and decadent flavors of these Fudgy Red Velvet Brownies. A perfect blend of chocolate and red velvet goodness in every bite.
Ingredients
For the Brownies:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tablespoon red food coloring
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 3/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon white vinegar
- 1/2 cup white chocolate chips or chunks (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together melted butter and sugar until smooth. Add eggs, red food coloring, and vanilla extract, whisk until combined.
- Add Dry Ingredients: Sift in cocoa powder, flour, and salt. Stir until just combined. Fold in white vinegar and white chocolate chips.
- Bake: Pour batter into pan and bake for 25 to 28 minutes. Cool before slicing into squares.
Notes
- For an extra decadent twist, swirl in cream cheese before baking.
- Store brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 brownie
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 13g
- Sodium: 85mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 35mg
