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    Home » Brownies

    Red Velvet Brownies (No Cake Mix!)

    Published: June 20, 2023 · Modified: December 20, 2023 by Angela Allison ·

    Jump to Recipe
    red velvet brownies pin.

    These homemade Red Velvet Brownies are the best way to enjoy fudgy brownies with a fluffy cream cheese frosting. With their beautiful red velvet color, they're perfect for a special occasion like Valentine's Day.

    Check out my Lemon Berry Sunshine Bites and my Brown Sugar Simple Syrup for more sweetness. And, if you love red velvet, don't miss these Red Velvet Oreo Cookies!

    red velvet brownies topped with frosting and stacked.
    Jump to:
    • Why You'll Love This Recipe
    • Ingredients You Need
    • Step By Step Photos
    • How To Make The Best Red Velvet Brownies From Scratch
    • Tips
    • Frequently Asked Questions About Red Velvet Brownies
    • More Brownie Recipes You Might Enjoy
    • Red Velvet Brownies

    Craving decadent red velvet brownies? Look no further than these chewy brownies! These homemade brownies perfect combination of rich and creamy textures. 

    The next time you're wanting that classic red velvet flavor with a beautiful red color give this recipe a try!

    close up view of a red velvet brownie.

    Why You'll Love This Recipe

    These fudgy red velvet brownies have a fudgy texture of traditional brownies with the tanginess of the cream cheese frosting.

    This recipe is made with simple ingredients found at any grocery store.

    Ingredients You Need

    red velvet brownies labeled ingredients.
    • Unsalted butter: Adds moisture and richness to the brownie batter.
    • Granulated sugar: Not only provides sweetness but also contributes to the brownies' structure.
    • Unsweetened cocoa powder: Adds the classic chocolate flavor to the brownies.
    • Salt: Helps to balance the sweetness.
    • Red gel food coloring: What gives these brownies their signature hue. 
    • Vanilla extract: Enhances the overall flavor profile.
    • Large eggs: Acts as a binding agent.
    • All-purpose flour: The main dry ingredient that provides structure.
    • Baking powder: Helps the brownies rise slightly and gives them a lighter texture.
    • Chocolate chips: Adds extra bursts of chocolatey goodness.

    Cream Cheese Frosting:

    • Cream cheese: Cream cheese forms provides a creamy element.
    • Unsalted butter: Adds richness and smoothness to the frosting.
    • Powdered sugar: Sweetens the frosting and gives it a smooth texture.
    • Vanilla extract: Adds depth of flavor to the frosting.

    Step By Step Photos

    Butter, sugar and cocoa in a mixing bowl.

    Combine melted butter, sugar, cocoa.

    Wet batter with an egg on top.

    Add red food coloring. Add the eggs.

    Brownie batter mixed in a mixing bowl.

    Mix well.

    Chocolate chips on top of the batter.

    Fold in the chocolate chips.

    Cream cheese and butter in a mixing bowl.

    Beat the cream cheese and butter.

    Frosting mixed together in a mixing bowl.

    Add powdered sugar and vanilla extract.

    Brownie batter in a baking dish lined with parchment paper.

    Pour batter into prepared baking pan.

    Baked brownies in a pan.

    Bake.

    Baked brownies frosted with cream cheese frosting.

    Spread the cream cheese frosting.

    Brownies cut into squares on parchment paper.

    Refrigerator before slicing.

    How To Make The Best Red Velvet Brownies From Scratch

    Step 1. Preheat and prepare: Preheat your oven to 350 °F. Grease an 8x8-inch baking pan.

    Step 2. Mix wet ingredients: In a bowl, combine melted butter, sugar, cocoa powder, salt, red food coloring, and vanilla extract. Mix until well combined.

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

    Step 4. Combine dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together flour and baking powder. Gradually add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring until just combined.

    Step 5. Fold in chocolate chips: Gently fold in chocolate chips into the batter.

    Step 6. Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and smooth the top. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

    Step 7. Cool: Let the brownies cool completely in the pan.

    Step 8. Make frosting: In a separate bowl, beat together softened cream cheese and butter until smooth. Add powdered sugar and vanilla extract, and mix until well combined.

    Step 9. Frost brownies: Spread the cream cheese frosting over the cooled brownies.

    Step 10. Chill: Refrigerate the brownies for at least 30 minutes to let the frosting set. Once chilled, slice into squares and serve.

    NOTE: You can print the FULL recipe with all ingredients & detailed instructions below!

    bite taken out of a red brownie with white frosting.

    Tips

    • Since cocoa powder is a key ingredient in these brownies, using a high quality, unsweetened cocoa powder will enhance the overall chocolate flavor and richness of the brownies.
    • After adding the cream cheese frosting, refrigerate the brownies for at least 30 minutes to allow the frosting to set and firm up. This will make slicing and serving the brownies much easier.
    • Mix-ins like white chocolate chips add another texture to these easy red velvet brownies.

    Frequently Asked Questions About Red Velvet Brownies

    How should I store the brownies?

    Store completely cooled brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for 2-3 days.

    Can I refrigerate the brownies?

    Yes, refrigerate for longer shelf life, up to 4-5 days. Bring them to room temperature before serving or enjoy them chilled.

    Can I freeze red velvet brownies?

    Absolutely. For longer storage, freeze in an airtight container or wrapped tightly in plastic wrap. They can be frozen for 2-3 months.

    Should I freeze brownies with or without frosting?

    For best results, freeze the brownies without frosting. Add the frosting after thawing when you're ready to serve.

    More Brownie Recipes You Might Enjoy

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      Rocky Road Brownies
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    If you love this recipe, please leave a comment with a five-star rating — or simply hit the five-star button in the recipe card. Don't forget to signup for my newsletter.

    red velvet brownies thumbnail picture.

    Red Velvet Brownies

    Angela
    These red velvet brownies are the perfect combination of chocolate and cream cheese. Enjoy as a snack, dessert, or shared at a gathering.
    5 from 2 votes
    Print Recipe
    Prevent your screen from going dark
    Prep Time 20 minutes mins
    Cook Time 25 minutes mins
    Total Time 45 minutes mins
    Course Brownies
    Cuisine American
    Servings 9
    Calories 410 kcal

    Equipment

    • Measuring Cups and Spoons

    Ingredients
     
     

    • ½ cup unsalted butter melted
    • 1 cup granulated sugar
    • ¼ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
    • ½ teaspoon salt
    • 1 tablespoon red food coloring
    • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
    • 2 large eggs
    • ¾ cup all-purpose flour
    • ¼ teaspoon baking powder
    • ¼ cup chocolate chips

    Cream Cheese Frosting

    • 4 ounces cream cheese softened
    • ¼ cup unsalted butter softened
    • 1 cup powdered sugar
    • ½ teaspoon vanilla extract

    Instructions
     

    • Preheat oven to 350°F. Line an 8x8-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
    • In a mixing bowl, combine the melted butter, sugar, cocoa powder, salt, red food coloring, and vanilla extract. Mix until well combined.
    • Add the eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
    • In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour and baking powder. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined.
    • Fold in the chocolate chips.
    • Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and smooth out the top with a spatula.
    • Bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Allow the brownies to cool completely in the pan.
    • To make the cream cheese frosting, beat together the cream cheese and butter until smooth. Add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract, and mix until well combined.
    • Spread the cream cheese frosting over the cooled brownies, using a spatula to create an even layer.
    • Chill the brownies in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before slicing and serving. Enjoy!

    Notes

    • Since cocoa powder is a key ingredient in these brownies, using a high quality, unsweetened cocoa powder will enhance the overall chocolate flavor and richness of the brownies.
    • After adding the cream cheese frosting, refrigerate the brownies for at least 30 minutes to allow the frosting to set and firm up. This will make slicing and serving the brownies much easier.
    • Mix-ins like white chocolate chips add another texture to these easy red velvet brownies.
    • Storing: Store completely cooled brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for 2-3 days. Refrigerate for longer shelf life, up to 4-5 days.
    • Freezing: For longer storage, freeze in an airtight container or wrapped tightly in plastic wrap. They can be frozen for 2-3 months.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 410kcalCarbohydrates: 50gProtein: 4gFat: 22gSaturated Fat: 14gMonounsaturated Fat: 1gCholesterol: 96mgSodium: 201mgPotassium: 86mgFiber: 1gSugar: 41g

    All nutritional information is based on third-party calculations and should be considered estimates. Actual nutritional content will vary with brands used, measuring methods, portion sizes and more.

    Keyword Red Velvet Brownies
    Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

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    Reader Interactions

    5 from 2 votes (2 ratings without comment)

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    Angela Allison

    I'm Angela and I'm so glad you're here! I've been baking delicious and simple desserts for 25+ years and I can't wait to share my easy creations with you! About Me

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