Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Unique Flavor Combination: The subtle tanginess of red velvet paired with the fudgy richness of brownies creates a harmonious blend that’s both familiar and novel.
- Visually Appealing: The vibrant red hue makes these brownies a show-stopping addition to any dessert table.
- Simple Ingredients: Made with common pantry staples, this recipe doesn’t require any hard-to-find items.
- Versatile for Occasions: Whether it’s a festive holiday or a casual get-together, these brownies fit right in.
- Customizable: Easily adapt the recipe with mix-ins like white chocolate chips or a cream cheese swirl to suit your preferences.
Ingredients
To make these delectable Fudgy Red Velvet Brownies, you’ll need:
- ½ cup (115g) unsalted butter
- 4 ounces (113g) semi-sweet chocolate, chopped
- 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs, at room temperature
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon white vinegar
- 1 tablespoon red gel food coloring
- ⅔ cup (85g) all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
-
Prepare the Baking Pan:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Line an 8×8-inch (20×20 cm) baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides for easy removal.
-
Melt Butter and Chocolate:
- In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the chopped semi-sweet chocolate and butter.
- Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring after each, until fully melted and smooth.
-
Mix Wet Ingredients:
- Add the granulated sugar to the melted chocolate mixture and whisk until combined.
- Incorporate the eggs one at a time, whisking well after each addition.
- Stir in the vanilla extract, white vinegar, and red gel food coloring until the mixture is uniform in color.
-
Combine Dry Ingredients:
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, cocoa powder, and salt.
- Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring until just combined. Avoid overmixing.
-
Bake:
- Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and spread it evenly.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with a few moist crumbs.
-
Cool and Serve:
- Allow the brownies to cool completely in the pan before lifting them out using the parchment paper overhang.
- Slice into squares and enjoy!
Servings and Timing
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Preparation Time: 10 minutes
- Baking Time: 25-30 minutes
- Servings: 9-12 brownies
Variations
- Cream Cheese Swirl: Swirl in a layer of sweetened cream cheese before baking for a red velvet cheesecake brownie twist.
- White Chocolate Chips: Mix in white chocolate chips for extra sweetness and texture.
- Nuts: Add chopped pecans or walnuts for a bit of crunch.
- Extra Fudgy: Slightly underbake the brownies by a minute or two for an even fudgier texture.
- Gluten-Free: Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend in place of all-purpose flour.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for up to a week.
- Freezing: Wrap individual brownies in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag. They will keep well for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
- Reheating: Warm brownies in the microwave for 10-15 seconds for a gooey, fresh-out-of-the-oven experience.
FAQs
1. Can I use liquid food coloring instead of gel?
Yes, but you may need to use more liquid food coloring to achieve the same vibrant red color.
2. Why do I need vinegar in red velvet brownies?
The vinegar helps enhance the red color and adds a slight tang, which is characteristic of red velvet flavor.
3. Can I double this recipe?
Yes, you can double the ingredients and bake the brownies in a 9×13-inch pan. Adjust the baking time as needed.
4. How do I make these brownies more cakey?
Use an extra egg and slightly reduce the butter to achieve a more cake-like texture.
5. Can I substitute the semi-sweet chocolate?
Yes, you can use dark chocolate or milk chocolate, but it will slightly change the flavor profile.
6. What’s the best way to cut brownies cleanly?
Use a sharp knife, wipe it clean between cuts, and chill the brownies before slicing for neater edges.
7. Can I add frosting?
Absolutely! A cream cheese frosting pairs perfectly with these brownies for a classic red velvet experience.
8. How can I tell when my brownies are done?
Insert a toothpick into the center—if it comes out with a few moist crumbs but not wet batter, they’re ready.
9. Can I make these brownies dairy-free?
Yes, substitute the butter with a dairy-free alternative and use dairy-free chocolate.
10. Do these brownies taste like chocolate?
Red velvet has a mild chocolate flavor due to the cocoa powder but is balanced by vanilla and tangy notes from the vinegar.
Conclusion
Fudgy Red Velvet Brownies offer the perfect balance of chocolatey richness and red velvet tang, making them an irresistible treat for any occasion. Their vibrant color, dense texture, and customizable nature ensure that they will become a go-to dessert for holidays, celebrations, or just a sweet craving. Whether you enjoy them plain, with mix-ins, or topped with frosting, these brownies are sure to impress! Try this recipe today and treat yourself to a batch of homemade goodness.
Fudgy Red Velvet Brownies Recipe
These Fudgy Red Velvet Brownies are a rich and indulgent twist on classic brownies, blending the mild cocoa flavor of red velvet with an ultra-moist, fudgy texture. Perfect for Valentine’s Day, Christmas, or anytime you need a stunning dessert, these vibrant brownies are easy to make and irresistibly delicious. Customize them with white chocolate chips, a cream cheese swirl, or your favorite mix-ins!
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 9-12 brownies
- Category: Dessert, Baked Goods
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- ½ cup (115g) unsalted butter
- 4 oz (113g) semi-sweet chocolate, chopped
- 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs, at room temperature
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tsp white vinegar
- 1 tbsp red gel food coloring
- ⅔ cup (85g) all-purpose flour
- 2 tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder
- ¼ tsp salt
Instructions
1️⃣ Preheat Oven & Prepare Pan – Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8-inch (20×20 cm) baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang.
2️⃣ Melt Butter & Chocolate – In a microwave-safe bowl, melt butter and chopped chocolate in 30-second intervals, stirring until smooth.
3️⃣ Mix Wet Ingredients – Whisk in sugar, then add eggs one at a time, whisking well. Stir in vanilla extract, vinegar, and food coloring.
4️⃣ Combine Dry Ingredients – In another bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, and salt. Gently fold into the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined.
5️⃣ Bake – Pour the batter into the prepared pan, smoothing the top. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with a few moist crumbs.
6️⃣ Cool & Slice – Let brownies cool completely before lifting from the pan. Slice into squares and enjoy!
Notes
- Cream Cheese Swirl: Add sweetened cream cheese before baking for a cheesecake-like touch.
- White Chocolate Chips: Mix in for extra sweetness and contrast.
- Nutty Crunch: Stir in chopped pecans or walnuts.
- Extra Fudgy Texture: Slightly underbake by 1-2 minutes.
- Gluten-Free: Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour substitute.