There is something undeniably irresistible about rich, chocolatey desserts with a pop of color and a luscious cream cheese swirl, and that is exactly what you get with The Best Fudgy Red Velvet Brownies Recipe. These brownies perfectly marry the deep, velvety cocoa flavor with the signature red velvet hue, delivering a moist, fudgy texture that melts in your mouth. Whether you’re making them for a special occasion or an indulgent treat, this recipe brings together simple ingredients in a way that feels both classic and delightfully unique.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering your ingredients for The Best Fudgy Red Velvet Brownies Recipe is a breeze, and each component is vital to achieving that perfect balance of flavor, color, and texture. From the rich butter that keeps these brownies so moist to the cocoa powder adding just the right depth of chocolate, every ingredient plays a starring role.
- Unsalted butter (1 cup or 2 sticks): Melted to provide moisture and a rich, silky texture.
- Granulated sugar (1 1/2 cups): Sweetens and enhances the fudgy consistency of the brownies.
- Large eggs (3): Bind the batter while adding richness and stability.
- Vanilla extract (2 teaspoons): Adds warmth and depth to balance the cocoa and cream cheese flavors.
- Red food coloring (1 tablespoon or 2 teaspoons gel): Infuses the brownies with their iconic red velvet color without altering taste.
- Buttermilk (1 tablespoon): Provides acidity that tenderizes the crumb and boosts flavor complexity.
- All-purpose flour (1 1/2 cups): The foundation that gives these brownies structure without sacrificing softness.
- Unsweetened cocoa powder (1/4 cup): Introducing that unmistakable chocolate note that complements the red velvet essence perfectly.
- Baking powder (1/2 teaspoon): Gives just a hint of lift to keep the brownies slightly airy.
- Salt (1/2 teaspoon): Balances sweetness and intensifies overall flavors.
- Cream cheese (8 oz, softened): For the luxuriously tangy swirl that beautifully contrasts the rich batter.
- Powdered sugar (1/4 cup): Sweetens and smooths the cream cheese swirl, providing a delicate finish.
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). Grease a 9×9-inch baking pan and line it with parchment paper to ensure the brownies come out cleanly and keep their lovely shape. This simple prep step sets the stage for baking success and makes cleanup so much easier.
Step 2: Make the Brownie Batter
In a large bowl, whisk together the melted butter and granulated sugar until the mixture is smooth and well combined. This step is where the richness begins to build, creating the fudgy foundation you’re aiming for.
Step 3: Add Eggs and Flavorings
Next, add the eggs one at a time, mixing thoroughly after each addition to ensure everything blends seamlessly. Stir in the vanilla extract for warmth, red food coloring to achieve that classic red velvet appearance, and finally the buttermilk, which tenderizes the batter and rounds out the flavors beautifully.
Step 4: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, unsweetened cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt. Gradually fold this dry mixture into the wet ingredients, careful not to overmix. The batter will be thick, which is exactly what you want for fudgy brownies.
Step 5: Prepare the Cream Cheese Swirl
In a small bowl, beat the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth and glossy. This luscious cream cheese blend is going to add a tangy, sweet swirl that elevates these brownies to a whole new level of indulgence.
Step 6: Assemble the Brownies
Pour the thick brownie batter into your prepared pan, spreading it out evenly with a spatula. Dollop spoonfuls of the cream cheese mixture on top in random spots, then use a knife or skewer to gently swirl the cream cheese into the batter, creating a beautiful marble effect that looks as good as it tastes.
Step 7: Bake to Perfection
Bake your brownies in the oven for 30 to 35 minutes. The key here is to check them carefully with a toothpick; it should come out mostly clean but still with a few moist crumbs. Overbaking will dry out those wonderful fudgy centers, and we definitely don’t want that.
Step 8: Cool and Cut
Once baked, allow your brownies to cool completely in the pan. This resting time lets them set perfectly for cutting. When ready, slice into generous squares and prepare for the ultimate tasting experience.
How to Serve The Best Fudgy Red Velvet Brownies Recipe
Garnishes
Adding just a few thoughtful garnishes can make these brownies shine even brighter. A light dusting of powdered sugar, a drizzle of white chocolate, or a sprinkle of chopped pecans can add texture and visual appeal. Fresh berries also pair wonderfully, adding a pop of freshness and color.
Side Dishes
Serve these brownies alongside a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for a decadent dessert duo. A hot cup of coffee or a glass of cold milk also complements the rich, fudgy texture beautifully, rounding out the indulgence.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, try stacking the brownies with layers of cream cheese frosting or turning them into decadent brownie parfaits with layers of whipped cream and fresh fruit. You can also cut them into bite-sized pieces for party platters or use cookie cutters for festive shapes that will impress guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have any leftovers, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. This keeps the brownies moist and fudgy, preserving that perfect texture you worked so hard to achieve.
Freezing
The Best Fudgy Red Velvet Brownies Recipe freezes like a dream. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and then in foil before placing them in the freezer. They will keep for up to three months, allowing you to enjoy these luscious brownies well beyond the initial baking day.
Reheating
When you’re ready to enjoy frozen brownies, thaw them at room temperature or warm them gently in the microwave for about 15 to 20 seconds. This will bring back their soft, fudgy essence, almost as if they were freshly baked.
FAQs
Can I use regular milk instead of buttermilk?
Absolutely! If you don’t have buttermilk on hand, regular milk works just fine. You’ll still get great moisture and texture, though buttermilk does add a slight tanginess and helps tenderize the brownies.
What type of red food coloring is best to use?
Gel food coloring tends to be more vibrant and doesn’t affect the batter’s consistency as much as liquid coloring. Either works, but if you want that rich, vivid color, gel is your best bet.
How do I know when the brownies are done?
Use a toothpick dipped in the center of the brownies; it should come out with a few moist crumbs but no wet batter. This ensures your brownies are perfectly fudgy and not overbaked.
Can I make these brownies vegan?
While this recipe as written is not vegan, you can try substituting plant-based butter, flax eggs, and a vegan cream cheese for the swirl, though the texture and flavor may differ slightly.
What can I do if I don’t have cocoa powder?
Cocoa powder is key to the chocolate flavor here, so it’s best not to skip it. If unavailable, consider using melted dark chocolate, but adjust the other ingredients accordingly to maintain balance.
Final Thoughts
There’s no doubt that The Best Fudgy Red Velvet Brownies Recipe will become a treasured go-to whenever you want a treat that feels both elegant and indulgently comforting. The marriage of rich chocolate, classic red velvet color, and that lush cream cheese swirl is hard to resist. So gather your ingredients, preheat that oven, and get ready to share this crowd-pleasing, utterly delicious recipe with anyone lucky enough to try it. You’ll be amazed at how something so simple can be so spectacular.
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 combine the rich flavor of classic red velvet cake with the dense, moist texture of brownies, topped with a luscious cream cheese swirl for an indulgent treat perfect for any occasion.
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.
- Swirl the Cream Cheese: 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, as you want the brownies to remain fudgy.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the brownies to cool completely in the pan before cutting them into squares. Serve and enjoy!
Notes
- Use cream cheese at room temperature for easier mixing.
- Do not overmix the batter to keep brownies fudgy.
- Check brownies starting at 30 minutes to avoid overbaking.
- Line the pan with parchment paper for easy removal of brownies.
- If buttermilk is unavailable, use regular milk plus a teaspoon of vinegar as a substitute.
