Red Velvet Brownies

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Introduction

Red Velvet Brownies combine the rich, decadent flavors of classic red velvet cake with the chewy, fudgy texture of brownies, creating a delightful dessert that’s perfect for Valentine’s Day. These brownies are loaded with cocoa, a hint of tanginess from buttermilk, and a beautiful red hue, making them a stunning treat for any romantic occasion. Whether you’re surprising your loved one or sharing them with friends, Red Velvet Brownies are sure to impress with their vibrant color and irresistible flavor.

I remember the first time I made these for a cozy Valentine’s celebration. The rich red color and the sweet aroma filled the kitchen, and when I took the first bite, I was hooked. What’s great about these brownies is how they strike the perfect balance between the richness of cocoa and the light tang from buttermilk, making each bite a luscious experience. You can even top them with cream cheese frosting for an extra indulgent touch, just like traditional red velvet cake.

These brownies are surprisingly easy to make too, with just a few simple ingredients. They’re perfect for sharing with your loved ones or bringing to a special gathering. Whether you’re celebrating Valentine’s Day or just craving something sweet, these Red Velvet Brownies are sure to be a showstopper!

Perfect for:

  • Valentine’s Day
  • Romantic occasions
  • Dessert for two or a small gathering
  • Sweetheart treats for loved ones
  • Red velvet lovers

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Here’s why Red Velvet Brownies will become your go-to Valentine’s Day dessert:

  • Chewy and Fudgy: These brownies have a rich, dense texture, combining the best of both worlds—brownies and red velvet cake.
  • Beautiful Red Color: The vibrant red hue adds a stunning visual appeal, making them perfect for romantic celebrations.
  • Cocoa Flavor with a Tangy Twist: A mix of cocoa powder and buttermilk creates a complex flavor profile that’s smooth, tangy, and comforting.
  • Cream Cheese Swirl: The addition of a creamy cheese swirl gives these brownies an extra layer of richness.
  • Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and easy steps, you can create a show-stopping dessert without much effort.

Preparation and Cooking Time

  • Total Time: 1 hour (including cooling time)
  • Preparation Time: 15 minutes
  • Baking Time: 30-35 minutes
  • Servings: 16 squares
  • Calories per serving: Approximately 200-250 calories
  • Key Nutrients: Protein: 3g, Carbs: 30g, Fat: 12g

Ingredients

Gather these ingredients to make your Red Velvet Brownies:

For the Brownie Batter:

  • 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 tablespoon cocoa powder
  • ½ teaspoon baking powder
  • ¼ teaspoon salt
  • ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 tablespoon buttermilk
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 2 tablespoons red food coloring (preferably gel)

For the Cream Cheese Swirl:

  • 8 oz cream cheese, softened
  • ¼ cup granulated sugar
  • 1 large egg
  • ½ teaspoon vanilla extract

Ingredient Highlights

  • Butter: Provides richness and moisture to the brownie base.
  • Buttermilk: Adds a tangy flavor that enhances the red velvet taste and gives the brownies a lighter texture.
  • Red Food Coloring: The key ingredient that gives these brownies their signature, vibrant red color.
  • Cream Cheese: Creates a luscious swirl in the brownies, offering a smooth, rich contrast to the brownie texture.
  • Cocoa Powder: Gives the brownies a deep chocolate flavor without overpowering the red velvet taste.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Here’s how to make Red Velvet Brownies:

Prepare the Brownie Batter:

  1. Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
  2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
  3. Mix Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the melted butter and granulated sugar until smooth. Add the eggs, one at a time, whisking after each addition. Stir in the buttermilk, vanilla extract, and red food coloring until fully combined.
  4. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients until the batter is smooth and well-mixed.

Make the Cream Cheese Swirl:

  1. Mix the Cream Cheese Filling: In a small bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese, sugar, egg, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy.
  2. Swirl the Cream Cheese: Pour the brownie batter into the prepared baking pan, spreading it out evenly. Drop spoonfuls of the cream cheese mixture on top of the brownie batter. Use a knife or toothpick to swirl the cream cheese into the batter, creating a marbled effect.

Bake the Brownies:

  1. Bake: Bake the brownies in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with only a few moist crumbs (not wet batter).
  2. Cool: Let the brownies cool in the pan on a wire rack for at least 30 minutes, then refrigerate for an additional hour for better slicing.

Serve and Garnish:

  1. Cut and Serve: Once cooled, cut the brownies into 16 squares. Optionally, dust with powdered sugar or top with whipped cream for a little extra indulgence.

How to Serve

  • For a Special Touch: Serve with fresh raspberries or strawberries for a pop of color and sweetness.
  • Valentine’s Day Dessert: Place a heart-shaped stencil on top and dust with powdered sugar for a festive, romantic look.
  • A Side of Ice Cream: Pair with vanilla, chocolate, or strawberry ice cream for a rich, creamy contrast to the brownies.
  • With Hot Cocoa or Coffee: Serve alongside a warm cup of cocoa or coffee to complement the sweet and chocolatey flavor.
  • On a Dessert Platter: Arrange them with other treats, such as chocolate-covered strawberries or cookies, for an elegant dessert display.

Additional Tips

  • Use gel food coloring for a brighter, more vibrant color.
  • Don’t overmix the brownie batter to keep the texture fudgy.
  • If you prefer a more subtle cream cheese flavor, reduce the cream cheese filling.
  • Refrigerate the brownies for better slicing and presentation.
  • Double the recipe for a larger batch or a 9×13-inch pan.

Recipe Variations

  1. Chocolate Chip Red Velvet Brownies: Add chocolate chips to the brownie batter for extra chocolatey goodness.
  2. Strawberry Red Velvet Brownies: Add a few tablespoons of strawberry puree to the batter for a fruity twist.
  3. Nutty Red Velvet Brownies: Add chopped pecans or walnuts to the brownie batter for added texture and flavor.
  4. Vegan Red Velvet Brownies: Use dairy-free butter and a flax egg for a vegan-friendly option.
  5. Red Velvet Brownie Bites: Make mini versions by using a mini muffin tin or forming into bite-sized squares.
  6. Red Velvet Cheesecake Brownies: Add a cheesecake layer underneath the cream cheese swirl for a double layer of creaminess.
  7. Coconut Red Velvet Brownies: Add shredded coconut to the batter for a tropical twist.
  8. Red Velvet Brownie Bars: Use a rectangular pan for thicker bars instead of squares.
  9. Marbled Red Velvet Cheesecake Brownies: Create a more prominent cheesecake swirl by doubling the cream cheese mixture.
  10. Red Velvet Brownies with White Chocolate Chips: Add white chocolate chips to the batter for a creamy, sweet contrast.

Freezing and Storage

  • Freezing: Wrap the brownies tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw before serving.
  • Storage: Store brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3-4 days. Refrigerate for a longer shelf life.

Special Equipment

  • Electric mixer
  • 8×8-inch baking pan
  • Parchment paper or cooking spray
  • Knife or toothpick for swirling

FAQ Section

  1. Can I use regular food coloring?
    It’s best to use gel food coloring for a brighter, more concentrated color.
  2. Can I make these in advance?
    Yes, they can be made up to 2 days ahead.
  3. Can I add more cream cheese filling?
    Yes, if you want a stronger cream cheese flavor, double the filling ingredients.
  4. Can I make these without buttermilk?
    Substitute with regular milk or make your own buttermilk by adding 1 tablespoon of vinegar to a cup of milk and letting it sit for 5 minutes.
  5. Can I freeze these brownies?
    Yes, you can freeze them for up to 2 months—just be sure to wrap them tightly.

Conclusion

These Red Velvet Brownies are the ultimate way to celebrate Valentine’s Day with a sweet, vibrant dessert that’s both beautiful and irresistibly delicious. With their fudgy texture, tangy flavor, and rich cream cheese swirl, every bite is a perfect blend of indulgence and love.

Not only do they look stunning with their deep red color, but the creamy swirl adds an extra layer of decadence, making these brownies a memorable treat for your loved ones. Whether you’re baking them for a special occasion or simply because you love a good brownie, these Red Velvet Brownies will surely steal the show.

I’d love to see how your Red Velvet Brownies turn out! Snap a photo, share it on social media, and don’t forget to tag me—I can’t wait to see your delicious creations. Happy baking!

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