If you think of decadent treats that instantly become the star of any dessert table, Red Velvet Brownies are absolutely at the top of my list. These stunning brownies are everything I adore about red velvet with their signature crimson hue, a soft, fudgy bite, and that irresistibly tangy cream cheese swirl. They’re wonderful for holidays or any day you’re craving something that turns the ordinary into a celebration. Whether you’re a lifelong red velvet fanatic or new to the craze, this recipe guarantees a wow-factor—both in taste and in looks—every single time.

Red Velvet Brownies Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Red Velvet Brownies come together with a handful of classic baking staples, plus a few must-have extras for their iconic color and flavor. Each plays a special role, so don’t skip or swap unless absolutely necessary for the full effect and best results.

Unsalted butter (½ cup, melted): Gives the brownies their rich taste and moist, fudgy crumb; using melted butter makes mixing easy and gives the brownies that signature texture.
Granulated sugar (1 cup + ¼ cup): Essential sweetness for both the brownie and the cream cheese swirl; helps with that beautiful shiny top crust.
Vanilla extract (1 tsp + ½ tsp): Rounds out the flavors and brings warmth to every bite—don’t skimp on real vanilla if you can help it.
Salt (¼ tsp): A little goes a long way for depth and balance.
Red food coloring (1 tbsp): The unmistakable pop of red that distinguishes Red Velvet Brownies—gel food color works best for vibrancy.
White vinegar (1 tsp): The secret touch! Vinegar is classic in red velvet recipes, bringing a mild tang and helping with that rich color.
Eggs (2 large + 1 yolk): Two for the brownies to bind and create chew, and an extra yolk for a creamy, dreamy swirl.
Unsweetened cocoa powder (¼ cup): Adds that hint of cocoa flavor so essential to red velvet; use natural, not Dutch-processed, for best results.
All-purpose flour (¾ cup): The simple structure-builder that keeps brownies plush yet sturdy enough for slicing.
Semi-sweet chocolate chips (½ cup, optional): For melty chocolate pockets in every bite—an optional upgrade, but highly recommended.
Cream cheese (8 oz, softened): The creamy swirl that puts these brownies entirely over the top; be sure it’s really soft so the swirl is dreamy and smooth.
Granulated sugar (¼ cup, for swirl): Specifically for the tangy cream cheese swirl—just the right touch of sweetness against the brownie.
Egg yolk (1 large, for swirl): Makes the cream cheese component luscious and thick.
Vanilla extract (½ tsp, for swirl): Enhances the flavor of the cream cheese swirl, tying everything together.

How to Make Red Velvet Brownies

Step 1: Prep Your Pan and Oven

Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While the oven heats, line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper, allowing a bit of overhang on two sides for easy removal. This not only guarantees your brownies won’t stick, but also gives picture-perfect edges when you slice them.

Step 2: Whisk Together Wet Ingredients

In a large bowl, whisk together the melted butter, 1 cup sugar, vanilla extract, salt, red food coloring, and vinegar until smooth and silky. This vibrant red mixture is the foundation of everything delicious that’s about to happen, and whisking here ensures your color and flavor are evenly distributed.

Step 3: Add the Eggs

Crack your eggs in—one at a time—and whisk thoroughly after each addition until everything is glossy and well blended. This helps to create a dense yet tender brownie, while also keeping the batter velvety and cohesive.

Step 4: Incorporate the Dry Ingredients and Chips

Sift in the unsweetened cocoa powder and all-purpose flour right over the wet mixture. Gently fold everything together just until you no longer see dry streaks. If you’re adding chocolate chips, now’s the time to fold them in—every bite will thank you with a little extra surprise meltiness.

Step 5: Create the Cream Cheese Swirl

In a separate small bowl, beat the softened cream cheese, ¼ cup sugar, egg yolk, and ½ teaspoon vanilla until completely smooth and creamy. This swirl is the magic touch that makes Red Velvet Brownies so addicting, balancing the cocoa richness with a tangy contrast.

Step 6: Assemble and Swirl

Pour the brownie batter into your prepared pan, saving about ¼ cup of the mixture for swirling. Gently dot spoonfuls of the cream cheese mixture over the brownie layer, then use your reserved batter to add small dollops across the surface. Grab a butter knife and gently drag it through the batter in figure-eight motions to create a gorgeously marbled pattern. Don’t over-swirl—less is more for distinct, dramatic swirls!

Step 7: Bake and Cool

Slide the pan into the oven and bake for 28 to 32 minutes. Your Red Velvet Brownies are done when a toothpick poked into the center comes out with a few moist crumbs (not wet batter). The magic happens as they set—let them cool completely in the pan before lifting them out and slicing so the swirl holds its wow-worthy appearance.

How to Serve Red Velvet Brownies

Garnishes

A dusting of powdered sugar adds a snowy touch that is simply beautiful against the deep red and cream swirl. For special occasions, try a sprinkle of mini chocolate chips, white chocolate curls, or even fresh berries on the plate—each makes your brownies look bakery-worthy.

Side Dishes

These brownies are stars on their own, but if you want to build a dessert plate, add a scoop of vanilla or raspberry ice cream, a swirl of lightly whipped cream, or a handful of tart cherries. The creamy and fruity accents complement both the brownie and cheese swirl layers.

Creative Ways to Present

Cut your Red Velvet Brownies into fun shapes using heart or star cookie cutters for holidays and parties. You can even stack bite-sized pieces on a skewer for a brownie kabob, or layer cubes in mini jars with whipped cream as beautiful parfaits. For gifting, wrap individually in parchment with a pretty bow—trust me, these never fail to impress!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Red Velvet Brownies keep wonderfully for up to 5 days when stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The flavors meld and the swirl stays luscious, making them an ideal make-ahead treat for parties or lazy weekends.

Freezing

To freeze, cool completely and slice the brownies. Wrap each square individually in plastic wrap, then pop the bundles into a freezer bag or airtight container. They’ll stay fresh for up to 2 months, ready for whenever a craving hits—just thaw overnight in the fridge or for an hour on the counter.

Reheating

If you love warm brownies, a quick 10-second zap in the microwave revives their fudgy glory. Serve immediately—maybe with a little scoop of ice cream for pure bliss!

FAQs

Can I double the recipe for a larger batch?

Absolutely! Just double all ingredients and bake in a 9×13-inch pan. The bake time may need to increase by 5–10 minutes; start checking with a toothpick at the 30-minute mark.

Can I make Red Velvet Brownies without food coloring?

Yes, but you’ll lose the iconic vivid color. If you prefer a natural version, skip the coloring—your brownies will still taste fabulous, just without the classic red hue.

What’s the secret to perfect swirls?

Use a butter knife to gently drag and swirl the cream cheese and brownie batters together—less swirling results in dramatic, well-defined patterns. Go slowly, and don’t over-mix for best visual appeal.

Can I use Dutch-processed cocoa powder instead?

Natural cocoa powder is traditional for red velvet flavor and color, but Dutch-processed will work if it’s all you have. The taste and color will be slightly different, but still delicious!

Why do I need to add vinegar?

Vinegar is a classic touch in red velvet recipes. It interacts with baking ingredients to enhance the color and gives the brownies their subtle tang—don’t skip this if you want authentic Red Velvet Brownies.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly special about Red Velvet Brownies, and making them at home is a joyful little project I hope you’ll dive into soon. With their eye-catching swirls and tangy-sweet flavor, they transform any day into an occasion. Give this recipe a try and see for yourself just how rewarding every bite can be!

Red Velvet Brownies Recipe

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4.6 from 26 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 45 minutes
Yield: 16 brownies 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Indulge in these decadent Red Velvet Brownies with a luscious cream cheese swirl for the ultimate dessert experience.

Ingredients

Scale

Brownie Batter:

1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
1 cup granulated sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 tablespoon red food coloring
1 teaspoon white vinegar
2 large eggs
1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
3/4 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips (optional)

Cream Cheese Swirl:

8 oz cream cheese, softened
1/4 cup granulated sugar
1 large egg yolk
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

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Instructions

Preheat Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
Prepare Brownie Batter: In a large bowl, whisk together melted butter, 1 cup sugar, vanilla, salt, red food coloring, and vinegar until well combined. Whisk in eggs one at a time. Sift in cocoa powder and flour, mixing until just combined. Fold in chocolate chips if using. Pour batter into prepared pan, reserving 1/4 cup for swirling.
Make Cream Cheese Swirl: In a separate bowl, beat cream cheese, 1/4 cup sugar, egg yolk, and 1/2 teaspoon vanilla until smooth. Drop spoonfuls of cream cheese mixture over brownie batter, then add dollops of reserved batter. Swirl with a knife for a marbled effect.
Bake: Bake for 28–32 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with a few moist crumbs. Cool completely before slicing.