If you have a soft spot for rich, indulgent desserts and crave a treat that feels both classic and a little bit special, then you are in for a real delight with The Best Fudgy Red Velvet Brownies Recipe. These brownies are spectacularly moist with that perfect fudgy texture blending deep chocolate and the signature subtle tang of red velvet. With a luscious cream cheese swirl that adds a creamy contrast, this recipe brings together all the best parts of red velvet cake and brownies into one truly unforgettable bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting started with The Best Fudgy Red Velvet Brownies Recipe means gathering a handful of simple, staple ingredients that each play a vital role in crafting the perfect texture, flavor, and stunning color. These components work harmoniously to give you that classic red velvet richness with a gooey fudgy finish that’s hard to resist.
- Unsalted butter (1 cup or 2 sticks): Melted to provide richness and the fudgy base that brownies are famous for.
- Granulated sugar (1 1/2 cups): Sweetens and balances the cocoa’s slight bitterness perfectly.
- Large eggs (3): Bind the batter and contribute to its chewy, moist texture.
- Vanilla extract (2 tsp for batter + 1 tsp for swirl): Adds warm, sweet aromatic depth to every bite.
- Red food coloring (1 tbsp or 2 tsp gel): The signature vibrant hue that makes red velvet instantly recognizable.
- Buttermilk (1 tbsp): Enhances the tender crumb and provides that slight tang that balances the richness.
- All-purpose flour (1 1/2 cups): Creates structure without weighing down, ensuring the brownie stays fudgy.
- Unsweetened cocoa powder (1/4 cup): Gives the brownies their rich chocolate note subtle enough to let the red velvet character shine.
- Baking powder (1/2 tsp): Helps the batter rise just enough to avoid being too dense.
- Salt (1/2 tsp): Enhances all the flavors and balances the sweetness.
- Cream cheese (8 oz, softened): Essential for the creamy, tangy swirl that elevates these brownies to next-level deliciousness.
- Powdered sugar (1/4 cup): Sweetens the cream cheese mixture smoothly without graininess.
How to Make The Best Fudgy Red Velvet Brownies Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Pan
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Proper oven temperature sets the stage for perfect baking. Grease and line a 9×9-inch baking pan with parchment paper. This step makes removing the brownies a breeze and helps keep their edges clean and intact.
Step 2: Make the Brownie Batter
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the melted butter and sugar until you achieve a smooth, glossy consistency. This pairing is the magic base that results in those irresistibly moist, fudgy brownies you’re after in The Best Fudgy Red Velvet Brownies Recipe.
Step 3: Incorporate Eggs and Flavors
Next, add the eggs one at a time, making sure to mix well after each addition. This careful incorporation ensures a homogenous batter that bakes evenly. Stir in vanilla extract, red food coloring, and buttermilk until everything is fully combined, giving you that vibrant red and tangy classic red velvet flavor profile.
Step 4: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt together. Gradually fold these dry ingredients into your wet mixture until just combined. Don’t overmix — this keeps your brownies tender and fudgy, avoiding any unwanted toughness.
Step 5: Prepare the Cream Cheese Swirl
In a small bowl, beat the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy. This luscious swirl will melt into the brownie batter, creating those signature creamy ribbons that make this recipe stand out.
Step 6: Assemble the Brownies
Pour the thick red velvet brownie batter evenly into the prepared baking pan. Then, dollop spoonfuls of the cream cheese mixture over the top. Using a knife or skewer, gently swirl the cream cheese into the brownie batter, creating an eye-catching marbled effect that signals deliciousness.
Step 7: Bake to Perfection
Bake the brownies in your preheated oven for 30 to 35 minutes. Test doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center — it should come out mostly clean with just a few moist crumbs. Avoid overbaking to keep that fabulous fudgy texture that makes these brownies truly the best.
Step 8: Cool and Enjoy
Let the brownies cool completely in the pan before slicing. This cooling step lets them set perfectly so your cuts are clean and the fudgy texture is locked in. Now you’re ready to enjoy the absolute best fudgy bites around!
How to Serve The Best Fudgy Red Velvet Brownies Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate your brownies at serving, dust a little powdered sugar over the top or sprinkle some finely chopped toasted pecans for crunch. Fresh berries like raspberries add a pop of brightness and freshness that complements the rich red velvet flavor beautifully.
Side Dishes
Pair these brownies with a scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream to add coolness and contrast. A cup of strong coffee or a glass of cold milk is the classic match made in heaven with red velvet and chocolate treats of this caliber.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve the brownies on a decorative platter and cut into small bite-sized squares for parties. Layer several brownies with cream cheese frosting as a decadent dessert cake, or sandwich two brownie squares with a spread of cream cheese frosting for a fun twist on red velvet whoopie pies.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to four days. This keeps them moist and maintains the creamy swirl’s flavor without drying out the fudgy texture you worked so hard to achieve.
Freezing
For longer storage, wrap your brownies tightly in plastic wrap and then foil before freezing. They can last up to three months frozen and thaw overnight in the refrigerator. This way, you can always have The Best Fudgy Red Velvet Brownies Recipe ready for any stop-by guests or sudden dessert cravings.
Reheating
To warm leftovers, microwave individual brownie squares for about 15 seconds or until slightly soft and gooey again. This quick heat-up revives the rich flavors and fudgy texture, especially satisfying when paired with a scoop of ice cream.
FAQs
Can I use regular milk instead of buttermilk?
Yes! While buttermilk adds a subtle tang and helps create a tender crumb in The Best Fudgy Red Velvet Brownies Recipe, you can substitute regular milk if you don’t have buttermilk handy. Consider adding a small teaspoon of vinegar or lemon juice to the milk to mimic buttermilk’s acidity.
What type of cocoa powder works best?
Use unsweetened cocoa powder, ideally natural or Dutch-processed, depending on your preference. Just remember that natural cocoa tends to be more acidic and tangy, pairing wonderfully with the buttermilk in The Best Fudgy Red Velvet Brownies Recipe.
Why do you swirl cream cheese in these brownies?
The cream cheese swirl introduces a creamy, tangy contrast that brightens the rich chocolate and red velvet flavors. It also creates a beautiful marbled look, making these brownies as visually stunning as they are delicious.
Can I make these brownies gluten-free?
Absolutely! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend that includes xanthan gum to maintain the texture. Just be sure to check your cocoa powder and other ingredients for gluten content to keep The Best Fudgy Red Velvet Brownies Recipe completely gluten-free.
How do I know when these brownies are done baking?
Insert a toothpick into the center of the brownies after about 30 minutes. It should come out mostly clean with a few moist crumbs attached. Overbaking dries out the fudgy texture, so aim for that perfect in-between doneness for The Best Fudgy Red Velvet Brownies Recipe.
Final Thoughts
There’s something irresistibly joyful about The Best Fudgy Red Velvet Brownies Recipe that brings a little celebration to any day. Whether you’re treating yourself, baking for a loved one, or impressing at a gathering, these brownies combine the best of fudgy chocolate and classic red velvet in such a comforting, delicious way. I truly can’t recommend giving this recipe a try enough — your taste buds will thank you wholeheartedly!
Print
The Best Fudgy Red Velvet Brownies Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 16 brownies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These fudgy red velvet brownies are a decadent twist on classic brownies, featuring a rich cocoa-infused red velvet batter swirled with a creamy, sweetened cream cheese topping. Perfectly moist and full of flavor, they bake up with a luscious texture that balances the slight tang of cream cheese with the deep cocoa notes and vibrant red color.
Ingredients
For the Brownies:
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, melted
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 3 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon red food coloring (or 2 teaspoons gel food coloring)
- 1 tablespoon buttermilk (or regular milk if you don’t have buttermilk)
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
For the Cream Cheese Swirl:
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Prepare the Oven and Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line a 9×9-inch baking pan with parchment paper for easy removal of the brownies.
- Make the Brownie Batter: In a large bowl, whisk together the melted butter and sugar until smooth.
- Add Eggs and Flavorings: Add the eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract, red food coloring, and buttermilk until fully combined.
- Mix the Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. The batter will be thick.
- Prepare the Cream Cheese Swirl: In a small bowl, beat the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy.
- Assemble the Brownies: Pour the brownie batter into the prepared baking pan and spread it out evenly.
- Create the Swirl: Dollop spoonfuls of the cream cheese mixture over the top of the brownie batter, then use a knife or skewer to swirl the cream cheese into the batter, creating a marbled effect.
- Bake the Brownies: Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out mostly clean, with a few moist crumbs. Be careful not to overbake to maintain fudgy texture.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the brownies to cool completely in the pan before cutting them into squares. Serve and enjoy!
Notes
- Use parchment paper lining for easier removal and cleaner cuts.
- Do not overmix the batter to keep brownies tender and fudgy.
- Allow brownies to cool fully to set the texture before slicing.
- Red food coloring intensity can be adjusted based on preference.
- Buttermilk can be replaced with regular milk if needed.
