If you have a soft spot for indulgent desserts that combine rich chocolate with a pop of vibrant color, then you are absolutely going to fall in love with The Best Fudgy Red Velvet Brownies Recipe. This recipe delivers dense, chewy brownies infused with a subtle cocoa flavor and that unmistakable red velvet charm, enhanced by a luscious cream cheese swirl that takes every bite to pure bliss. Whether it’s for a special occasion or a cozy night in, these brownies promise a moist, fudgy texture and a stunning marbled presentation that will impress both your eyes and your taste buds.
Ingredients You’ll Need
To create The Best Fudgy Red Velvet Brownies Recipe, you’ll need a handful of simple, pantry-friendly ingredients that work harmoniously to build layers of flavor, texture, and that classic deep red color. Each ingredient plays a vital role in achieving the perfect fudgy consistency and rich taste.
- Unsalted butter (1 cup or 2 sticks, melted): Provides richness and the essential fat for that fudgy texture.
- Granulated sugar (1 1/2 cups): Sweetens the brownies while contributing to their tender crumb.
- Large eggs (3): Bind the ingredients and help with structure without sacrificing moistness.
- Vanilla extract (2 teaspoons): Enhances flavor depth with sweet, aromatic notes.
- Red food coloring (1 tablespoon liquid or 2 teaspoons gel): The key to that vivid red velvet hue that makes these brownies visually irresistible.
- Buttermilk (1 tablespoon, or regular milk): Adds subtle tang and keeps the brownies moist and tender.
- All-purpose flour (1 1/2 cups): The structure-builder that holds everything together just right.
- Unsweetened cocoa powder (1/4 cup): Gives those brownies their distinctive chocolate undertone essential for red velvet.
- Baking powder (1/2 teaspoon): Provides a gentle lift without making the brownies cakey.
- Salt (1/2 teaspoon): Balances sweetness and intensifies the chocolate flavor.
- Cream cheese (8 oz, softened): For the signature creamy swirl that brings luscious tanginess.
- Powdered sugar (1/4 cup): Sweetens and smooths out the cream cheese mixture perfectly.
How to Make The Best Fudgy Red Velvet Brownies Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Pan
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Greasing and lining a 9×9-inch baking pan with parchment paper will make removing the brownies super easy and ensure clean edges when it’s time to cut.
Step 2: Make the Brownie Batter
In a large bowl, whisk together the melted butter and sugar until the mixture is smooth and glossy. Then add in the eggs one by one, stirring well after each addition to create a silky batter. Next, stir in the vanilla extract, red food coloring, and buttermilk until everything is fully combined in that ecstatic red-velvet hue we all crave.
Step 3: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt. Gradually fold these dry ingredients into the wet mixture just until combined. This ensures your batter stays thick, fudgy, and ready to deliver the perfect bite.
Step 4: Prepare the Cream Cheese Swirl
Beat the softened cream cheese with the powdered sugar and vanilla extract in a small bowl until it’s completely smooth and creamy. This mixture is what will provide that lush, slightly tangy centerpiece swirled throughout your brownies.
Step 5: Assemble the Brownies
Pour the dense brownie batter evenly into your prepared pan. Then drop spoonfuls of the cream cheese mixture on top in various spots. Use a knife or skewer to gently swirl the cream cheese into the batter to get a beautiful marbled effect — each brownie square bursting with that unique swirled look.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Bake the brownies in your preheated oven for 30 to 35 minutes. Keep a close eye on them and test with a toothpick; the toothpick should come out with a few moist crumbs but not wet batter. Avoid overbaking since you want your brownies fudgy, not dry or cakey.
Step 7: Cool and Cut
Let the brownies cool completely in the pan on a wire rack before slicing. This cooling time helps the brownies fully set, making them easier to cut into clean, glorious squares ready for sharing or savoring solo.
How to Serve The Best Fudgy Red Velvet Brownies Recipe
Garnishes
Topping your brownies with a dusting of powdered sugar, a drizzle of melted white chocolate, or even some fresh raspberries can elevate every bite. These simple garnishes add a balance of sweetness or tartness to complement the cream cheese swirl.
Side Dishes
The richness of these brownies pairs well with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. For a cozy vibe, serve alongside a hot cup of coffee or a creamy latte to balance the fudgy goodness.
Creative Ways to Present
Make these brownies the centerpiece of a dessert platter by cutting them into bite-sized squares or layering them with fresh berries and cream in a parfait glass. You can also sandwich two squares together with a layer of frosting or cream cheese for a decadent red velvet brownie sandwich.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store leftover brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. This keeps the brownies moist while preserving their rich flavor and fudgy texture.
Freezing
Wrap individual brownie squares tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. Frozen brownies will keep well for up to 3 months and thaw quickly at room temperature.
Reheating
Warm up your brownies gently in the microwave for about 15 seconds or in a low-temperature oven to bring back that freshly baked, gooey sensation without drying them out.
FAQs
Can I use regular milk instead of buttermilk?
Absolutely! While buttermilk adds a slight tang and extra moisture, regular milk works just fine and will still yield moist, fudgy brownies.
What type of cocoa powder is best for this recipe?
Unsweetened natural cocoa powder is ideal because it gives the classic red velvet flavor and helps the batter develop that rich, deep color and fudgy texture.
Can I make these brownies vegan?
Substituting eggs, butter, and cream cheese will require some tweaks. Vegan butter and cream cheese alternatives can work, and flax eggs can replace the eggs, though the texture may differ slightly from the original fudgy result.
Why is the red color important in red velvet brownies?
The red color is iconic, creating an eye-catching dessert that excites the senses before a single bite. It also distinguishes red velvet brownies from typical chocolate brownies, making them feel extra special.
How do I get the cream cheese swirl to look perfect?
Don’t overmix when swirling the cream cheese into the batter. Use a knife or skewer to gently create swirls rather than blending too much, which keeps that beautiful marbled look intact.
Final Thoughts
There is something truly magical about The Best Fudgy Red Velvet Brownies Recipe that makes it an instant favorite whenever I share it. From the vibrantly red batter to the creamy swirls and that divine fudgy texture, every bite feels like a celebration. I wholeheartedly encourage you to try making this recipe—it’s easy, fun, and guaranteed to impress all your friends and family with a dessert that’s both stunning and scrumptious.
Print
The Best Fudgy Red Velvet Brownies Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 16 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These fudgy red velvet brownies combine the rich, deep flavor of cocoa with a vibrant red hue and a luscious cream cheese swirl. Perfectly moist and dense, they’re an indulgent treat that balances sweetness and a slight tang from the cream cheese, making them an irresistible dessert for any occasion.
Ingredients
For the Brownies:
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, melted
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 3 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon red food coloring (or 2 teaspoons gel food coloring)
- 1 tablespoon buttermilk (or regular milk if you don’t have buttermilk)
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
For the Cream Cheese Swirl:
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Prepare the Oven and Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line a 9×9-inch baking pan with parchment paper to ensure easy removal of the brownies after baking.
- Make the Brownie Batter: In a large bowl, whisk together the melted butter and granulated sugar until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
- Add the Eggs and Flavorings: Incorporate the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition to maintain an even batter. Stir in the vanilla extract, red food coloring, and buttermilk until fully combined.
- Mix the Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, unsweetened cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring gently until just combined. The batter will be thick and fudgy.
- Prepare the Cream Cheese Swirl: In a small bowl, beat the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth, creamy, and free of lumps.
- Assemble the Brownies: Pour the brownie batter evenly into the prepared baking pan, smoothing the surface. Dollop spoonfuls of the cream cheese mixture over the top of the batter.
- Create the Swirl Effect: Using a knife or skewer, gently swirl the cream cheese dollops into the brownie batter to form a marbled pattern across the surface.
- Bake the Brownies: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out mostly clean with a few moist crumbs. Avoid overbaking to ensure the brownies remain fudgy.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the brownies to cool completely in the pan before cutting into 16 squares. Serve and enjoy your rich, fudgy red velvet brownies with cream cheese swirl.
Notes
- You can substitute buttermilk with regular milk if needed, but buttermilk gives a slightly tangier flavor and helps with texture.
- Adjust red food coloring quantity depending on the shade of red you prefer.
- For even fudgier brownies, slightly underbake by removing them a minute or two before the given baking time.
- Ensure the cream cheese is softened to avoid lumps in the swirl mix.
- Use parchment paper with overhangs on the sides to lift the brownies easily from the pan once cooled.
- Store brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to a week.
