The Best Fudgy Red Velvet Brownies Recipe

If you love the rich, velvety flavor of red velvet cake and the dense, fudgy texture of brownies, this recipe is your ultimate dessert dream come true.

These Red Velvet Brownies are perfectly balanced with a hint of cocoa, vibrant red color, and a luscious cream cheese swirl that elevates them to a whole new level. Whether you’re making these for a holiday, a special occasion, or just because you’re craving something sweet, these brownies are sure to impress.

Kitchen Equipment Needed

• Mixing bowls
• Hand mixer or stand mixer
• Whisk
• 8×8-inch baking pan
• Parchment paper
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Spatula

Ingredients

For the Brownies:

• 1/2 cup (115g) unsalted butter, melted
• 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 tbsp red food coloring
• 1/3 cup (40g) unsweetened cocoa powder
• 3/4 cup (95g) all-purpose flour
• 1/4 tsp salt

For the Cream Cheese Swirl:

• 4 oz (115g) cream cheese, softened
• 1/4 cup (50g) granulated sugar
• 1 large egg yolk
• 1/2 tsp vanilla extract

Directions

1. Preheat and Prepare the Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang for easy removal.
2. Make the Brownie Batter: In a mixing bowl, whisk together melted butter and sugar until smooth. Add eggs, vanilla extract, and red food coloring, mixing until fully combined. Sift in the cocoa powder, flour, and salt, then gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined.
3. Prepare the Cream Cheese Swirl: In a separate bowl, beat together cream cheese, sugar, egg yolk, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy.
4. Assemble: Pour the brownie batter into the prepared pan, spreading it evenly. Drop spoonfuls of the cream cheese mixture on top and use a knife or skewer to swirl it into the batter for a marbled effect.
5. Bake: Bake for 30–35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with a few moist crumbs. Avoid overbaking for the best fudgy texture.
6. Cool and Serve: Let the brownies cool completely in the pan before lifting them out using the parchment paper. Cut into squares and enjoy.

Prep Time

15 minutes

Cook Time

35 minutes

Total Time

50 minutes

Nutrition (Per Brownie, Approx.)

• Calories: 240
• Protein: 3g
• Fat: 12g
• Carbohydrates: 30g
• Sugar: 22g

Expert Tips

• Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure the cream cheese is softened for a smooth and creamy swirl.
• Custom Swirls: Use a toothpick to create intricate swirl patterns for an eye-catching finish.
• Storage: Store brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerate for up to a week.

FAQs

Can I use gel food coloring instead of liquid?
Yes, gel food coloring works well and may require less to achieve the same vibrant red color.

Can I freeze these brownies?
Absolutely! Wrap the brownies individually or as a whole in plastic wrap, then foil, and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before serving.

Can I make these gluten-free?
Yes, substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour blend.

Storing & Reheating

• Storing: Keep in an airtight container at room temperature for 2 days or refrigerate for up to a week.
• Freezing: Freeze tightly wrapped brownies for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before serving.

Substitutions & Variations

• Dairy-Free: Use a plant-based cream cheese and butter substitute.
• Extra Chocolate: Fold in 1/2 cup of chocolate chips into the brownie batter for added richness.
• Festive Option: Add red, white, and pink sprinkles for a Valentine’s Day theme.

The Best Fudgy Red Velvet Brownies Recipe

If you love the rich, velvety flavor of red velvet cake and the dense, fudgy texture of brownies, this recipe is your ultimate dessert dream come true.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Equipment

• Mixing bowls
• - Hand mixer or stand mixer
• Whisk
• - 8x8-inch baking pan
• Parchment paper
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Spatula

Ingredients

  

• #### For the Brownies:
• - 1/2 cup 115g unsalted butter, melted
• - 1 cup 200g granulated sugar
• - 2 large eggs
• - 1 tsp vanilla extract
• - 1 tbsp red food coloring
• - 1/3 cup 40g unsweetened cocoa powder
• - 3/4 cup 95g all-purpose flour
• - 1/4 tsp salt
• #### For the Cream Cheese Swirl:
• - 4 oz 115g cream cheese, softened
• - 1/4 cup 50g granulated sugar
• - 1 large egg yolk
• - 1/2 tsp vanilla extract

Instructions

 

• **Preheat and Prepare the Pan:** Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8x8-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang for easy removal.
• **Make the Brownie Batter:** In a mixing bowl, whisk together melted butter and sugar until smooth. Add eggs, vanilla extract, and red food coloring, mixing until fully combined. Sift in the cocoa powder, flour, and salt, then gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined.
• **Prepare the Cream Cheese Swirl:** In a separate bowl, beat together cream cheese, sugar, egg yolk, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy.
• **Assemble:** Pour the brownie batter into the prepared pan, spreading it evenly. Drop spoonfuls of the cream cheese mixture on top and use a knife or skewer to swirl it into the batter for a marbled effect.
• **Bake:** Bake for 30–35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with a few moist crumbs. Avoid overbaking for the best fudgy texture.
• **Cool and Serve:** Let the brownies cool completely in the pan before lifting them out using the parchment paper. Cut into squares and enjoy.