Fudgy Red Velvet Brownies | Easy & Decadent Dessert
Biting into a fudgy red velvet brownie feels like the best of both worlds—decadent chocolate richness paired with the striking elegance of classic red velvet. With their deep crimson hue, soft yet chewy texture, and that irresistible hint of cocoa, these brownies are more than just dessert; they’re a showstopper. Whether you’re baking for Valentine’s Day, the holidays, or simply to treat yourself, fudgy red velvet brownies bring both beauty and flavor to the table.
Unlike traditional brownies that rely solely on chocolate, red velvet gets its signature flavor from a balance of cocoa, vanilla, and a slight tang that keeps every bite from being overly sweet. Add in a perfectly fudgy middle with slightly crisp edges, and you’ve got a dessert that looks bakery-worthy but is easy enough to whip up at home. These brownies are perfect for gifting, sharing, or dressing up your dessert spread when you want something a little more eye-catching.
Ingredients Needed
Here’s a breakdown of the ingredients along with approximate calorie counts:
| Ingredient | Amount | Calories |
|---|---|---|
| All-purpose flour | 1 cup | 455 |
| Unsweetened cocoa powder | 2 tbsp | 25 |
| Granulated sugar | 1 cup | 770 |
| Unsalted butter, melted | ½ cup (1 stick) | 810 |
| Large eggs | 2 | 140 |
| Vanilla extract | 2 tsp | 25 |
| Red food coloring | 1 tbsp | ~15 |
| Salt | ¼ tsp | 0 |
| White vinegar | 1 tsp | 3 |
| Optional cream cheese swirl (cream cheese + sugar) | ~200 |
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
- Preheat and prepare
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Grease or line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
- Mix wet ingredients
- In a large bowl, whisk together melted butter, sugar, eggs, vanilla extract, and red food coloring until smooth.
- Add dry ingredients
- Sift in flour, cocoa powder, and salt. Stir gently until just combined—avoid overmixing to keep brownies fudgy.
- Add tangy touch
- Stir in vinegar. This helps enhance the red velvet flavor and keeps the brownies tender.
- Optional swirl
- For cream cheese brownies, mix softened cream cheese with a little sugar. Dollop on top of the batter and swirl gently with a knife.
- Bake
- Pour batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top.
- Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out with a few moist crumbs.
- Cool and serve
- Allow brownies to cool completely before slicing into neat squares.
Tips for Customizing the Recipe
- Extra fudgy: Add ½ cup of chocolate chips to the batter.
- Lighter version: Replace half the butter with Greek yogurt or unsweetened applesauce.
- Gluten-free: Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.
- Frosted brownies: Top with cream cheese frosting for a bakery-style finish.
- Festive touch: Sprinkle with white chocolate shavings, powdered sugar, or Valentine’s-themed sprinkles.
Nutritional Information (per brownie, based on 12 servings)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | ~200 |
| Protein | 2 g |
| Carbohydrates | 25 g |
| Fat | 10 g |
| Fiber | 1 g |
| Sugar | 18 g |
Serving Suggestions
- Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent dessert.
- Cut into bite-sized squares and arrange on a platter for parties or potlucks.
- Drizzle with melted white chocolate for an elegant presentation.
- Pair with coffee or a glass of cold milk for a cozy treat.
- Wrap individually in parchment and tie with ribbon for edible gifts.
Fudgy Red Velvet Brownies
2 brownies
servings15
minutes25
minutes200
kcalIngredients
1 cup all-purpose flour
2 tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder
1 cup granulated sugar
½ cup unsalted butter, melted
2 large eggs
2 tsp vanilla extract
1 tbsp red food coloring
1 tsp white vinegar
¼ tsp salt
Optional: 4 oz cream cheese + 2 tbsp sugar (for swirl)
Directions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease or line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, whisk together melted butter, sugar, eggs, vanilla, and red food coloring until smooth.
- Sift in flour, cocoa powder, and salt. Stir gently until just combined.
- Mix in vinegar. (This helps give red velvet its signature flavor.)
- Optional: For a cream cheese swirl, beat cream cheese with sugar until smooth, then dollop onto the batter and swirl with a knife.
- Pour batter into the prepared pan, smoothing the top.
- Bake for 25–30 minutes, until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with a few moist crumbs.
- Cool completely before slicing into squares.
Recipe Video
Notes
- Food coloring: Gel food coloring works best for a vibrant red hue without adding too much liquid.
Texture tip: For fudgy brownies, pull them out of the oven when a toothpick has moist crumbs—avoid waiting until it’s completely clean.
FAQs
1. What makes red velvet brownies different from regular brownies?
Red velvet brownies have less cocoa than classic brownies, which gives them a lighter chocolate flavor. They also include red food coloring, vanilla, and a slight tang (from vinegar or buttermilk) that creates their signature red velvet taste.
2. Do I have to use red food coloring?
No, it’s optional. The food coloring is mostly for appearance, so you can leave it out if you prefer. The brownies will still taste delicious, just without the bright red color.
3. Can I make fudgy red velvet brownies without cocoa powder?
Cocoa is essential for that subtle chocolate flavor. Without it, the brownies will lose their “red velvet” identity and taste more like vanilla bars.
4. How do I keep my brownies fudgy instead of cakey?
Avoid overbaking and check with a toothpick early—pull them out when moist crumbs still cling to the toothpick. Overmixing the batter can also make brownies more cake-like.
5. Can I add frosting to these brownies?
Yes! Cream cheese frosting is the most popular choice for red velvet desserts. Spread a layer over cooled brownies or use a cream cheese swirl baked right into the batter.
Conclusion
Fudgy red velvet brownies are more than just a dessert—they’re a delightful combination of rich flavor, striking color, and comforting texture. Each bite offers that melt-in-your-mouth fudginess with a touch of cocoa and vanilla that makes red velvet so beloved. Perfect for celebrations or simple weeknight baking, these brownies prove that elegance and indulgence can come from the simplest ingredients.
