The first time I baked these Red Velvet Brownies, it wasn’t Valentine’s Day or a holiday. It was a Wednesday.
My oldest had just come home from school, cheeks pink from the wind, and asked, “Can we make something red today?” I smiled, thinking he meant paper hearts or paint. But then he pointed to the baking drawer. So I pulled out the red gel coloring, cocoa powder, and a stick of butter—and we started measuring, mixing, and laughing.
What came out of that oven? Magic. Fudgy, rich, with the signature hint of cocoa and that slightly tangy bite that makes red velvet unforgettable. Ever since then, these brownies have meant more than dessert—they’re our favorite tradition.
What Are Red Velvet Brownies?
Red Velvet Brownies are a fudgy, vibrant twist on classic brownies, blending a light cocoa flavor with the distinct tang of vinegar and vanilla, all dyed a rich, deep red. Unlike red velvet cake, which is lighter and fluffier, these brownies are dense, chewy, and irresistibly moist—perfect for celebrations, gifting, or just because.
You get the best of both worlds: the chew of a brownie with the taste of a Southern favorite.
Why You’ll Love These Red Velvet Brownies
- Fudgy, rich texture with a soft crumb
- Beautiful red color—no frosting needed
- Subtle cocoa meets sweet vanilla
- One bowl + pantry staples
- Easy to make for any occasion
- Freezer-friendly and crowd-approved
Tools You’ll Need
- 8×8-inch square baking pan
- Parchment paper
- Mixing bowl
- Hand mixer or whisk
- Spatula
- Toothpick or cake tester
Ingredients
- ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tbsp red gel food coloring
- 1 tsp white vinegar
- ¼ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- ¼ tsp salt
Optional Topping Ideas:
- White chocolate chips
- Cream cheese swirl
- Powdered sugar dusting
How to Make Red Velvet Brownies
Step 1: Preheat & Prep
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line your 8×8 pan with parchment paper and lightly grease.
Step 2: Mix Wet Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together melted butter and sugar until glossy. Add eggs, vanilla, vinegar, and red food coloring. Mix until smooth.
Step 3: Add Dry Ingredients
Sift in the cocoa powder, flour, and salt. Fold with a spatula just until combined—don’t overmix.
Step 4: Bake
Pour batter into your prepared pan and smooth the top. Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until the center is just set and a toothpick comes out with moist crumbs.
Step 5: Cool & Slice
Let cool completely before slicing into squares. For ultra-clean edges, chill for 15 minutes first.
Top Tips for Perfect Red Velvet Brownies
- Use gel food coloring for deep color without thinning the batter
- Don’t skip the vinegar—it boosts flavor and helps the red pop
- Avoid overbaking—edges should be set but center just slightly soft
- Want cream cheese swirl? Dollop cream cheese mixture before baking and swirl with a toothpick
- Dust with powdered sugar or drizzle white chocolate for extra flair
Storing & Freezing
Store: In an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days.
Freeze: Wrap individually and freeze up to 2 months.
Reheat: Enjoy at room temp or microwave 10 seconds for a warm bite.
FAQs About Red Velvet Brownies
How do you turn red velvet cake mix into brownies?
Use 1 box red velvet mix + ½ cup melted butter, 2 eggs, and 1–2 tbsp milk. Mix and bake in a brownie pan for a chewy texture.
Why add vinegar to red velvet brownies?
Vinegar enhances the flavor, balances sweetness, and reacts with baking soda and cocoa to bring out the rich red hue.
What makes red velvet different from chocolate cake?
Red velvet has less cocoa, plus vinegar and buttermilk (or similar acidity), giving it a tangy, light chocolate taste and softer texture.
Can I add red food coloring to brownie mix?
Yes—add red gel coloring and a splash of vinegar to a regular brownie mix for a red velvet twist. Use less cocoa for a more authentic flavor.
Conclusion: Not Just for Valentine’s Day
These Red Velvet Brownies are more than just eye-catching—they’re flavor-packed, easy to make, and deeply satisfying. Whether you’re baking them for someone you love or just because your Wednesday needs color, they’re a delicious reminder that comfort food can be beautiful, too.
Print
Red Velvet Brownies
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 9–12 brownies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Red Velvet Brownies are chewy, vibrant, and packed with cocoa-vanilla flavor. A perfect red-hued dessert that’s festive and easy to make.
Ingredients
- ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tbsp red gel food coloring
- 1 tsp white vinegar
- ¼ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- ¼ tsp salt
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line an 8×8-inch pan with parchment paper.
- In a bowl, whisk together melted butter and sugar until glossy.
- Add eggs, vanilla, red food coloring, and vinegar. Mix well.
- Sift in cocoa powder, flour, and salt. Stir just until combined.
- Pour into the prepared pan and smooth the top.
- Bake for 25–30 minutes until center is just set and edges are firm.
- Cool completely before slicing into squares.
Notes
Use gel food coloring for vibrant color without thinning the batter. For a clean cut, chill before slicing. Optional: swirl in cream cheese before baking.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 brownie
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 19g
- Sodium: 90mg
- Fat: 11g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 24g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 55mg
Keywords: red velvet brownies, fudgy red brownies, easy red velvet dessert, cocoa red bars
