If you are on the hunt for a dessert that perfectly marries the deep, chocolatey richness of brownies with the bright, festive charm of red velvet, then these Red Velvet Brownies are your new best friend. They combine a velvety texture, a lovely hint of cocoa, and that signature red hue, all topped with the creamiest, dreamy cream cheese frosting. Every bite feels like a celebration, making these brownies a fantastic treat for any occasion or simply to brighten up an ordinary day.

Red Velvet Brownies Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of these Red Velvet Brownies lies in their simple, quality ingredients. Each one plays a critical part in building that tender crumb, bold color, and luscious flavor you crave. From creamy butter to just the right touch of cocoa and red food coloring, every element counts.

Butter (¾ cup melted): This adds richness and moisture, ensuring your brownies are soft and indulgent.
Light brown sugar (¾ cup): Gives a subtle caramel depth and contributes to a chewy texture.
Granulated sugar (1 cup): Balances the sweetness and helps with structure.
Eggs (2): Bind everything together and lend a tender crumb.
Vanilla extract (1 tbsp): Enhances all the other flavors with its warm aroma.
Liquid red food coloring (½ tsp): Creates that iconic red velvet color – adjust based on your preference.
White vinegar (1½ tsp): Reacts with the baking components to give a slight tang and tender texture.
Cocoa powder (¼ cup): Delivers subtle chocolate notes essential to red velvet.
Salt (¼ tsp): Balances sweetness and deepens flavors.
All-purpose flour (1 cup + 3 tbsp): Provides structure while keeping the brownies soft and chewy.
Cream cheese (4 oz, room temperature): The star of the frosting with its tangy creaminess.
Butter for frosting (¼ cup, softened): Adds smoothness and richness to the frosting.
Powdered sugar (1½–2 cups): Sweetens and thickens the frosting to a luscious consistency.
Cornstarch (2 tbsp, optional for dairy-free): Helps thicken dairy-free frosting for the perfect spreadability.

How to Make Red Velvet Brownies

Step 1: Prepare and Mix Your Wet Ingredients

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F and lining an 8×8 square pan with parchment paper, leaving plenty of overhang to lift the brownies out once baked. Next, melt the butter gently—either in the microwave or on the stove—and whisk it together with both brown and granulated sugars in a bowl until it forms a paste that easily pulls away from the sides. This step sets the stage for that perfect chewy texture we’re aiming for.

Step 2: Add Eggs, Vanilla, Vinegar, and Red Food Coloring

Incorporate your eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract, vinegar, and the vibrant red food coloring. The vinegar is a classic red velvet addition, lending just the right tang and helping the cocoa powder shine. Feel free to adjust the red color intensity by adding more food coloring if you’re craving a more vivid red!

Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients and Mix

In a separate bowl, whisk together cocoa powder, salt, and flour ensuring even distribution. Gradually fold these dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined—overworking can make your brownies tough, and we want nothing but tender goodness. Your batter should be smooth with that rich red color peeking through.

Step 4: Bake to Perfection

Pour your batter into the prepared pan and smooth it out with a spatula. Bake for 30-40 minutes, but start checking at 30 minutes with a toothpick inserted in the center. You want a few moist crumbs clinging to the toothpick but no wet batter—that’s your cue that the brownies are perfectly fudgy and ready to cool.

Step 5: Prepare the Cream Cheese Frosting

While the brownies cool completely, whip together the cream cheese, softened butter, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt until velvety smooth. Slowly add powdered sugar until your frosting reaches a thick but spreadable consistency. If you opt for a dairy-free version, stir in cornstarch to thicken. Refrigerate the frosting until it’s time to spread it on the cooled brownies.

How to Serve Red Velvet Brownies

Garnishes

Adding a finishing touch can elevate your Red Velvet Brownies to something truly special. Consider dusting the tops with a light sprinkle of cocoa powder or finely grated white chocolate to complement the frosting. Fresh berries or even a few edible rose petals bring a beautiful visual contrast and add delicate bursts of flavor.

Side Dishes

Serve these brownies alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of freshly whipped cream to balance their rich texture. A cup of strong coffee or a smooth latte pairs wonderfully, cutting through the sweetness and enhancing the chocolate notes. For a more festive touch, pour yourself a glass of cold milk or even a creamy hot chocolate.

Creative Ways to Present

If you’re looking to impress at a party, cut the brownies into bite-sized squares and place them in decorative paper liners. Layer them in a clear glass trifle bowl alternating with whipped cream and fresh strawberries for a stunning dessert presentation. You can also drizzle melted white chocolate or caramel sauce over the frosted brownies for an extra-special treat that’s impossible to resist.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once frosted, Red Velvet Brownies should be stored in the refrigerator to keep the cream cheese frosting looking fresh and delicious. Wrapped tightly or kept in an airtight container, these brownies will stay moist and flavorful for 3-4 days. If you prefer, the unfrosted brownies can be stored at room temperature, tightly covered, to keep their tender texture intact.

Freezing

To freeze, cut the brownies into individual portions either before or after frosting. For best results, freeze the unfrosted brownies wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and foil. When ready to enjoy, thaw them at room temperature and add frosting freshly made or saved separately in the fridge. This way, you maintain that creamy frosting texture without any frosting melting during freezing.

Reheating

If you want to warm up your brownies, a quick zap in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds makes them wonderfully soft and gooey again. Avoid overheating, especially with frosted brownies, or the frosting might melt and lose its creaminess. A brief warming brings back that fresh-baked feeling and melts the cream cheese frosting ever so slightly, creating pure indulgence.

FAQs

Can I make these Red Velvet Brownies dairy-free?

Absolutely! Use dairy-free butter and cream cheese alternatives and add cornstarch in the frosting to help thicken it. The brownies will still be moist and flavorful, and the frosting will remain creamy.

What if I don’t have red food coloring?

You can try using natural substitutes like beet juice or powder, but keep in mind these might slightly alter the flavor and color intensity. For that classic red velvet look, liquid or gel food coloring works best.

Why is vinegar used in Red Velvet Brownies?

The vinegar reacts with the cocoa powder and other ingredients to activate the leavening agents, helping create a tender texture and that subtle tang typical to traditional red velvet desserts.

Can I double the recipe for a larger batch?

Yes! Simply double all the ingredients and bake in a 9×13-inch pan. Keep an eye on the baking time, as it may vary slightly—start checking around 20-25 minutes.

How can I tell when the brownies are perfectly baked?

Look for a crinkly top with edges pulling away from the pan and test with a toothpick—the center should have a few moist crumbs but no raw batter. This ensures fudgy, tender brownies rather than dry ones.

Final Thoughts

These Red Velvet Brownies have a magical way of combining deep chocolate flavor with that playful red velvet charm that feels like a warm hug in dessert form. Whether you’re making them for special guests or treating yourself, I promise they’ll quickly become a beloved favorite. Give them a try and enjoy every luscious, cream cheese-frosted bite!