This red velvet brownie recipe is all about the fudge! With its dense, fudge-like texture and deep, chocolatey flavor, you won’t believe this twist on the classic brownie is made completely from scratch. Plus, there’s no frosting required!
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If you love the classic red velvet cake, then you’ll love these brownies! They have the same iconic flavor but in a dense, fudge-like brownie form.
Love simple brownie recipes? Check out these delicious sheet-pan Texas brownies or my marshmallow brownies made from scratch!
After realizing how easy it was to make classic brownies from scratch, I wanted to up my game and add ingredients to give them that red color that makes them even more pleasing to the eye – without sacrificing that delicious brownie texture and taste.
Why I Love This Recipe
- Family Favorite: This red velvet brownie recipe is a hit with both kids and adults. It’s a classic dessert that’s always a crowd-pleaser, especially with a glass of milk!
- Time-Tested: This recipe has stood the test of time. It’s a traditional red velvet brownie that’s been a favorite in my family for years.
- Surprisingly Easy: Despite its impressive looks and rich flavor, this recipe is incredibly easy to make. Plus, the use of a microwave makes it even more convenient.
- Perfectly Fudgey: The brownies come out with the perfect fudgey texture. It’s the result of getting the flour and cocoa powder ratio just right.
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Key Ingredients
- Salted Butter and Salt: I use salted butter and salt in this recipe because extra salt is needed to counteract the sweetness.
- Sugar: Regular, plain granulated sugar is best.
- Unsweetened Cocoa Powder: Not all cocoa powder is created equal. My favorite to use is Hershey’s. Unsweetened cocoa powder can also be called dutch chocolate.
- Eggs: Large eggs are needed to get the fudge texture we crave.
- Vanilla Extract: I went heavy on this ingredient because it gives the brownie a depth of flavor.
- All-Purpose Flour: Make sure to scoop the flour into the measuring cup and then scrap off the excess. This is the best way to get an exact amount of flour.
- Red Food Coloring: For best results, use a “no-taste” red food coloring. Some red food coloring can add a bitter after-tang, so use high-quality. To get a lighter color, add 1/2 an ounce of food coloring.
Equipment
- Large Microwave-Safe Bowl – You’ll need this to melt the butter and mix the initial ingredients. Make sure it’s safe for use in the microwave.
- 9×13-inch Baking Pan – This is where you’ll bake the red velvet brownies. Make sure to lightly grease it to prevent the brownies from sticking.
- Electric Mixer – This will help you combine the ingredients smoothly, especially when adding the eggs and mixing in the flour.
How to Make Red Velvet Brownie Recipe
Preparation
Start by greasing your 9×13 baking pan. This will prevent the brownies from sticking to the pan. Then, preheat your oven to 325˚ F.
Step 1 – Heat the Butter, Sugar, and Cocoa Powder
In a large microwave-safe bowl, combine the butter, sugar, cocoa powder, and salt. Microwave this mixture to melt the butter and combine all the ingredients.
Step 2 – Mix in the Eggs, Vanilla, and Food Coloring
Add the eggs one at a time, stirring well after each addition. Then, mix in the vanilla extract and red food coloring. Finally, add the flour and stir until the batter is smooth and thick.
Step 3 – Bake the Brownies
Spread the batter into your greased baking pan. Place it in the preheated oven and bake for 30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Step 4 – Cool and Serve
Once baked, remove the brownies from the oven and let them cool for one hour. This will help them set and make them easier to slice. After cooling, you can slice the brownies and they are ready to serve.
Expert Tip
To get the crusty top layer, make sure to add the eggs to the batter one at a time, whipping each one in before adding the next. This extra step will give your red velvet brownies that irresistible crusty top that everyone loves.
For the best taste when using red food coloring, use high quality food color that has “no taste”. Red coloring can have a bitter taste if not using a good quality product.
Recipe Variations
- Different Food Coloring: Use a different color of food coloring! Green for St. Patrick’s Day would be fun.
- Nuts or Chocolate Chips: Add 1/2 – 1 cup of nuts or chocolate chips to the batter to add texture.
- Change the Size: Use an 8×8 baking dish to make half of the recipe. Reduce the baking time to 20 minutes.
- Marshmallow Topping: Add marshmallows on top and follow the instructions in this marshmallow brownie recipe.
- Chocolate Frosting: Add chocolate frosting to next the chocolate flavor to the next level.
What to Serve With
- For a classic dessert presentation, dust the red velvet brownies with a light sprinkling of powdered sugar. The contrast of the white powder against the deep red brownies looks stunning, and the hint of extra sweetness is a perfect finishing touch.
- If you’re a fan of cream cheese frosting, you can definitely use it as a topping for these red velvet brownies. Simply let the brownies cool completely, then spread a layer of your favorite cream cheese frosting over the top. Cut into squares and serve for a deliciously decadent treat.
Recipe FAQs
The red color in any red velvet recipe comes from food coloring. This from-scratch recipe creates a fudge-like chocolate brownie that’s delicious on its own but becomes a beautiful red color that is festive and fun when you add the food coloring. Perfect for Valentine’s Day or any occasion.
The proper ratio of ingredients is needed to create the same box mix texture. Too much flour in a recipe will make the brownies more cake-like. That’s why I recommend this recipe, which has been tried and tested!
Most likely, you overbaked the brownies. Set your timer for 25 minutes and check the brownies. Add five more minutes if the toothpick inserted in the center doesn’t come out clean.
The more you beat the batter, the more likely you are to have that crispy top. So, whisk together the batter after each egg to help achieve this.
Red food coloring is the main ingredient that gives red velvet brownies their color.
Storing and Reheating
- Storing: After enjoying these delicious red velvet brownies, you can store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature.
- Freezing: If you want to save them for later, these brownies also freeze well. Simply place the brownies in a freezer-safe container with parchment paper between the layers to prevent sticking. They can be frozen for up to three months.
- Thaw: When you’re ready to enjoy your frozen brownies, let them thaw at room temperature for a few hours.
More Chocolate Dessert Recipes You’ll Love
Serving Size
- What to Expect: This red velvet brownie recipe yields a deliciously moist and chewy brownie that’s enough for 18 servings.
- How to Scale: If you’re planning to serve a larger crowd, you can easily double the recipe and follow the instructions as directed. Just make sure to use a larger mixing bowl to accommodate the increased quantity of ingredients.
Red Velvet Brownies
Ingredients
- 1 Cup salted butter
- 2.5 Cups granulated sugar
- 1.25 Cups unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 3 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
- 1 oz red food coloring
- 2 Cups all-purpose flour
Instructions
- Prep: Lightly grease a 9×13 baking pan. Preheat oven to 325˚ F.
- Heat Ingredients: In a large microwave-safe bowl, combine the butter, sugar, cocoa powder, and salt. Stir. Microwave on high for 1 minute. Stir to combine ingredients until the butter is fully melted and incorporated.
- Mix Ingredients: Add the eggs one at a time, whipping each into the batter before adding the next egg. Stir in the vanilla and red food coloring. Add in the flour all at once and stir together the ingredients until you can no longer see the flour and the batter is smooth and thick.
- Bake: Spread the batter into the greased baking dish. Bake for 30 minutes at 325˚ F or until a toothpick entered into the center comes out clean.
- Cool: Let cool for one hour before slicing for best results.
