The Best Fudgy Red Velvet Brownies Recipe

Are You Craving the Perfect Balance of Chocolate and Red Velvet?

Have you ever bitten into a brownie that perfectly balances rich chocolate flavor with the iconic tang of red velvet cake? That’s exactly what these Fudgy Red Velvet Brownies deliver! Combining the dense, chewy texture of classic brownies with the distinctive cocoa-vanilla flavor profile and stunning crimson color of red velvet, these treats are truly the best of both worlds. If you’ve been searching for a show-stopping dessert that’s both familiar and exciting, these Fudgy Red Velvet Brownies will become your new go-to recipe.

Ingredients List

For the brownie base:

  • 1/2 cup (113g) unsalted butter, melted
  • 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
  • 2 large eggs, room temperature
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 1/4 cup (20g) unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 2 tablespoons red food coloring (gel preferred)
  • 1 tablespoon white vinegar
  • 3/4 teaspoon fine sea salt
  • 1 cup (125g) all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 cup (85g) white chocolate chips

For the cream cheese swirl:

  • 4 oz (113g) cream cheese, softened
  • 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
  • 1 large egg yolk
  • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

Substitution options: Replace white chocolate chips with dark chocolate for a richer flavor. For natural coloring, substitute beetroot powder (3 tablespoons) for the red food coloring.

Timing

  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Baking Time: 25-30 minutes
  • Cooling Time: 1 hour
  • Total Time: 1 hour 45 minutes

This recipe saves approximately 30 minutes compared to making traditional red velvet cake, making it perfect for when you need a quick yet impressive dessert!

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare Your Baking Pan

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang for easy removal. Lightly grease the paper.

Step 2: Make the Brownie Base

In a large bowl, whisk together melted butter and sugar until combined. Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in vanilla extract, cocoa powder, red food coloring, and vinegar until the mixture is smooth and vibrant red.

Step 3: Finish the Brownie Batter

Gently fold in salt and flour until just combined (avoid overmixing for the fudgiest texture). Fold in white chocolate chips, reserving a few for topping.

Step 4: Prepare the Cream Cheese Swirl

In a separate bowl, beat cream cheese and sugar until smooth. Add egg yolk and vanilla, mixing until just combined.

Step 5: Assemble and Bake

Pour the red velvet batter into the prepared pan. Drop spoonfuls of the cream cheese mixture on top. Use a knife to create swirls. Sprinkle with remaining white chocolate chips. Bake for 25-30 minutes until a toothpick inserted comes out with a few moist crumbs.

Nutritional Information

Per serving (1 brownie, based on 16 servings):

  • Calories: 215
  • Protein: 3g
  • Carbohydrates: 26g
  • Fat: 11g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Sugar: 19g
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The Best Fudgy Red Velvet Brownies Recipe

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These fudgy Red Velvet Brownies with a creamy cheesecake swirl are rich, vibrant, and incredibly easy to make. They deliver classic red velvet flavor with half the effort of a layered cake, making them perfect for Valentine’s Day or anytime you want an impressive dessert fast.

  • Author: Emily Carter
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Total Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
  • Yield: 16 brownies
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale

Brownie Base:

½ cup unsalted butter, melted

1 cup granulated sugar

2 large eggs, room temperature

2 tsp vanilla extract

¼ cup unsweetened cocoa powder

2 tbsp red food coloring (gel preferred)

1 tbsp white vinegar

¾ tsp fine sea salt

1 cup all-purpose flour

½ cup white chocolate chips

Cream Cheese Swirl:

4 oz cream cheese, softened

2 tbsp granulated sugar

1 large egg yolk

½ tsp vanilla extract

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8-inch pan with parchment paper and lightly grease.

2. Whisk melted butter and sugar together until combined.

3. Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.

4. Stir in vanilla, cocoa powder, red food coloring, and vinegar until smooth.

5. Gently fold in salt and flour until just combined.

6. Fold in white chocolate chips, reserving some for topping.

7. Beat cream cheese and sugar until smooth, then mix in egg yolk and vanilla.

8. Spread brownie batter into prepared pan.

9. Drop spoonfuls of cream cheese mixture on top and swirl gently with a knife.

10. Sprinkle remaining white chocolate chips over the top.

11. Bake 25–30 minutes until a toothpick inserted shows moist crumbs.

12. Cool completely before slicing for clean edges.

Notes

For deeper flavor, substitute dark chocolate chips.

Brownies slice best after cooling at least 1 hour.

Store refrigerated up to 4 days for best texture.

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Healthier Alternatives for the Recipe

  • For a gluten-free version: Substitute all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend
  • For reduced sugar: Cut sugar to 3/4 cup and use stevia-sweetened white chocolate
  • For vegan red velvet brownies: Replace eggs with flax eggs (1 Tbsp ground flaxseed + 3 Tbsp water per egg), use plant-based butter, and dairy-free cream cheese

Serving Suggestions

Serve these Fudgy Red Velvet Brownies slightly warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent dessert. For an elegant presentation, dust with powdered sugar and add fresh raspberries or strawberries alongside. These brownies pair wonderfully with coffee, milk, or even a dessert wine like port for special occasions.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

  1. Overmixing the batter, which can make brownies tough instead of fudgy
  2. Using too much food coloring, which can create an artificial taste
  3. Overbaking, which dries out the brownies (they should be slightly underbaked for maximum fudginess)
  4. Not allowing cream cheese to reach room temperature, resulting in lumpy swirls

Storing Tips for the Recipe

These Fudgy Red Velvet Brownies will keep at room temperature in an airtight container for 2 days. For longer storage, refrigerate for up to 5 days or freeze for up to 3 months. To freeze, wrap individual brownies in plastic wrap, then store in a freezer bag. Thaw at room temperature for 1-2 hours before serving.

Conclusion

These Fudgy Red Velvet Brownies offer the perfect marriage of decadent brownie texture with the beloved flavor profile of red velvet cake. Their stunning appearance makes them ideal for holidays, special occasions, or anytime you want to impress. Give this recipe a try and discover why the combination of red velvet and brownie creates pure dessert magic! Share your creations on social media or leave a comment below with your experience.

FAQs

  • Can I make these brownies without red food coloring?
    Yes! You can omit the coloring entirely for chocolate brownies with cream cheese swirl, or use natural alternatives like beetroot powder.
  • Why add vinegar to red velvet brownies?
    Vinegar enhances the red color and reacts with the cocoa powder to create red velvet’s signature tang and tender texture.
  • Can I double this recipe?
    Absolutely! Use a 9×13-inch pan and increase the baking time by about 5-7 minutes.
  • Why are my brownies more cake-like than fudgy?
    This typically happens from overmixing the batter or adding too much flour. For fudgier red velvet brownies, mix just until ingredients are combined and don’t overbake.
  • Can I make these ahead for a party?
    Yes! These brownies actually taste better the day after baking as the flavors meld together. They’re perfect for make-ahead desserts.

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