Why You’ll Love This Red Velvet Brownies
Imagine pulling a tray of soft, fudgy red velvet brownies from your oven, their vibrant color and rich taste making them a hit at any gathering. This red velvet brownies recipe is perfect for home bakers who want something simple yet special, blending the classic charm of chocolate brownies with the unique twist of red velvet cake. You’ll appreciate how these moist brownies bring a burst of flavor that’s both indulgent and easy to make, appealing to busy parents and baking enthusiasts alike.
One reason to try this recipe is its ease of preparation, which makes it straightforward and quick, ideal even for novice bakers with simple steps and minimal ingredients for delicious results without a long wait. Another plus is the health benefits, as these brownies pack antioxidants and essential nutrients from quality cocoa and wholesome ingredients, offering a treat that balances indulgence with wellness. Plus, their versatility allows easy tweaks for various dietary needs, like vegan or gluten-free options, without losing that distinctive flavor of tangy cream cheese swirl and deep red velvet cocoa for a perfect sweet balance.
To dive deeper into how chocolate can fit into a healthy lifestyle, check out this resource on the benefits of chocolate. These brownies stand out because they combine rich, moist textures with options for personalization, making them a go-to for food enthusiasts and newlyweds looking to create memorable moments.
Jump To
- 1. Why You’ll Love This Red Velvet Brownies
- 2. Essential Ingredients for Red Velvet Brownies
- 3. How to Prepare the Perfect Red Velvet Brownies: Step-by-Step Guide
- 4. Dietary Substitutions to Customize Your Red Velvet Brownies
- 5. Mastering Red Velvet Brownies: Advanced Tips and Variations
- 6. How to Store Red Velvet Brownies: Best Practices
- 7. FAQs: Frequently Asked Questions About Red Velvet Brownies
- 8. Red Velvet Brownies
Essential Ingredients for Red Velvet Brownies
Gathering the right ingredients is key to making red velvet brownies that are rich and moist, just like in this easy red velvet brownies recipe. Using precise measurements ensures the fudgy texture we all love, so let’s break down what you’ll need for both the brownies and the cream cheese frosting. I’ll list them out clearly so you can follow along without any confusion.
Ingredients for the Brownies
- 85g unsalted butter
- 200g granulated sugar
- 55g light brown sugar
- 3 large eggs
- 1 large egg yolk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 72g vegetable oil (80ml)
- 25g Dutch-processed cocoa powder
- 90g all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon vinegar (white wine or regular white)
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon red gel food coloring
- ¾ cup white chocolate chips (optional)
Ingredients for the Cream Cheese Frosting
- 114g cream cheese
- 85g unsalted butter
- 480g powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
This setup covers everything for a full batch, making it simple for home cooks and working professionals to adapt. For instance, if you’re exploring more cream cheese ideas, try this blueberry cream cheese crumb cake recipe on our site for another tasty twist.
How to Prepare the Perfect Red Velvet Brownies: Step-by-Step Guide
Getting started with this red velvet brownies recipe is exciting, as it leads to rich and moist chocolate treats that everyone will enjoy. Begin by preheating your oven and preparing your pan, then follow these steps for how to make red velvet brownies that turn out just right. This guide keeps things simple, perfect for students or busy parents who need quick yet rewarding baking sessions.
- Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C, 160°C fan-assisted) and line a 9-inch square pan with parchment paper.
- Melt the butter completely in short increments.
- Combine melted butter with granulated and light brown sugar; whisk to combine.
- Add eggs, egg yolk, and vanilla extract; mix gently without incorporating air.
- Stir in vegetable oil and cocoa powder until combined without whisking in air.
- Mix a few tablespoons of batter with red gel food coloring until smooth, then add back to main batter and combine thoroughly.
- Fold in the dry ingredients flour, cornstarch, and salt using a spatula or wooden spoon until smooth and lump-free.
- Stir in the vinegar thoroughly.
- Fold in white chocolate chips if using.
- Pour batter into the prepared pan and bake for 20-25 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean or with moist crumbs.
- Cool completely before frosting.
Once your brownies are baked, move on to the cream cheese frosting. Beat cream cheese and unsalted butter at room temperature until smooth and creamy, then gradually add powdered sugar while mixing slowly to reduce dust, and beat at high speed until fluffy. Finally, mix in vanilla extract briefly, spread frosting evenly over fully cooled brownies, cut into 16 pieces, and serve. This process takes about 10 minutes prep, 30 minutes bake time, and 40 minutes total, making it an easy red velvet brownies recipe for any day.
Dietary Substitutions to Customize Your Red Velvet Brownies
Making these red velvet brownies work for your needs is simple, especially if you’re a diet-conscious individual or food enthusiast exploring variations. For example, you can swap eggs with flax or chia seeds mixed with water for vegan diets, or use plant-based butter instead of dairy butter to keep things creamy. These changes help maintain the moist brownies’ texture while fitting different lifestyles.
Incorporate beetroot powder as a natural alternative to red food coloring for a healthier hue, or opt for vegan cream cheese in the frosting to handle allergies. To adjust sweetness, try agave syrup or maple syrup in place of traditional sugar, ensuring your rich and moist chocolate brownies stay delicious. Seniors and travelers might appreciate these tweaks for portable, customized treats that align with how to make red velvet brownies just right for them.
Mastering Red Velvet Brownies: Advanced Tips and Variations
Taking your red velvet brownies to the next level involves some pro techniques that enhance the fudgy texture and flavor, turning a basic recipe into something truly special. Use room temperature ingredients for a smoother batter, and gently tap the pan to remove air bubbles for even baking results. These tips can make a big difference in your moist brownies, perfect for baking enthusiasts who love experimenting.
- Try adding espresso powder for deeper chocolate notes or a dash of cinnamon for added warmth in your red velvet brownies recipe.
- Garnish with powdered sugar, chopped nuts, or even edible flowers to boost visual appeal before serving.
- Prepare the batter ahead and refrigerate it overnight for fresh bakes whenever you need them.
- For a fun twist, swirl in a cheesecake mixture made from cream cheese, egg, and sugar before baking to mix things up.
Dutch-processed cocoa powder really boosts the chocolate flavor, and avoiding overmixing keeps the texture just right. If you’re curious about more chocolate treats, our triple chocolate cake offers another way to enjoy rich desserts.
How to Store Red Velvet Brownies: Best Practices
Keeping your red velvet brownies fresh is easy with the right storage methods, helping them stay moist and tasty for days. Store frosted brownies in an airtight container in the fridge for up to five days, or keep unfrosted ones wrapped at room temperature. This works well for working professionals who bake in advance.
For longer storage, freeze individual squares tightly wrapped for up to three months and thaw overnight. Reheating in the microwave for 10-15 seconds restores that soft feel, and meal prepping in bulk makes these brownies a convenient option for busy parents or students on the go.
FAQs: Frequently Asked Questions About Red Velvet Brownies
What makes red velvet brownies different from regular brownies?
Red velvet brownies combine the rich, fudgy texture of traditional brownies with the tangy flavor and vibrant color of red velvet cake. Unlike regular brownies, they include ingredients like cocoa powder, vinegar, and red food coloring to create that signature red hue and slight tang. They are often topped with a smooth cream cheese frosting, adding a creamy contrast that sets them apart from standard brownies.
Why is vinegar added to red velvet brownie recipes?
Vinegar plays an important role in red velvet brownies by reacting with the baking soda to help the batter rise and develop a tender texture. It also enhances the classic tangy flavor unique to red velvet desserts. Without vinegar, the brownies might miss the characteristic balance of sweet and slightly acidic notes that define red velvet.
Can I use liquid red food coloring instead of gel food coloring for red velvet brownies?
Gel food coloring is recommended for red velvet brownies because it provides a more vibrant and concentrated color without adding extra liquid to the batter. Liquid food coloring tends to be weaker and can dilute the batter’s consistency, resulting in a less bright color and potentially affecting the texture.
How should I store red velvet brownies with cream cheese frosting to keep them fresh?
To keep red velvet brownies with cream cheese frosting fresh, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. This prevents the frosting from spoiling and helps maintain the brownies’ moist texture. Properly refrigerated, they will stay good for up to five days. Before serving, you can bring them to room temperature for a softer texture.
How can I make smooth cream cheese frosting for red velvet brownies?
For smooth cream cheese frosting, use both the cream cheese and butter at room temperature before mixing. Beat them together with an electric mixer until fully combined and creamy, which helps avoid lumps. Adding powdered sugar gradually and mixing well will create a silky texture perfect for spreading evenly over the brownies.
Red Velvet Brownies
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 16 servings 1x
Description
🍫 Experience the perfect fusion of classic red velvet and rich brownie in one decadent treat that delivers restaurant-quality flavor at home
🍰 Indulge in moist, fudgy brownies with vibrant red color and luxurious cream cheese frosting that will impress any chocolate lover
Ingredients
85g unsalted butter
200g granulated sugar
55g light brown sugar
3 large eggs
1 large egg yolk
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
72g vegetable oil (80ml)
25g Dutch-processed cocoa powder
90g all-purpose flour
1 tablespoon vinegar (white wine or regular white)
1 tablespoon cornstarch
¼ teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon red gel food coloring
¾ cup white chocolate chips (optional)
114g cream cheese
85g unsalted butter
480g powdered sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
1-Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C, 160°C fan-assisted) and line a 9-inch square pan with parchment paper.
2-Melt the butter completely in short increments.
3-Combine melted butter with granulated and light brown sugar; whisk to combine.
4-Add eggs, egg yolk, and vanilla extract; mix gently without incorporating air.
5-Stir in vegetable oil and cocoa powder until combined without whisking in air.
6-Mix a few tablespoons of batter with red gel food coloring until smooth, then add back to main batter and combine thoroughly.
7-Fold in the dry ingredients flour, cornstarch, and salt using a spatula or wooden spoon until smooth and lump-free.
8-Stir in the vinegar thoroughly.
9-Fold in white chocolate chips if using.
10-Pour batter into the prepared pan and bake for 20-25 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean or with moist crumbs.
11-Cool completely before frosting.
Notes
🎂 Use precise measurements with a kitchen scale to achieve fudgy texture – too much flour will make the brownies cakey
🍯 Dutch-processed cocoa powder enhances chocolate flavor for a richer taste experience
❄️ Refrigerate frosted brownies in an airtight container for up to five days; unfrosted brownies can be stored tightly wrapped at room temperature
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cooling time: 1 hour
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 brownie
- Calories: 367
- Sugar: 51g
- Sodium: 149mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0.4g
- Carbohydrates: 57g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
Keywords: Red Velvet Brownies, Chocolate Brownies, Cream Cheese Frosting, Rich Dessert