Red velvet brownies are more than just a dessert. They are a memory. They are that flicker of red in a holiday dessert spread, that soft bite with a slight tang that lingers long after the last crumb is gone. I remember the first time I saw a batch of these vivid beauties, resting in a worn-out baking pan lined with parchment, the cream cheese frosting catching the warm kitchen light. It was Christmas Eve, and my grandmother had just placed them on the dessert table beside sugar cookies, spiced cake, and a bowl of candied pecans. But it was those brownies—those deep-red squares—that everyone reached for first.

The charm of red velvet lies in its blend of flavors: mild cocoa, a touch of vanilla, and a tender crumb with that subtle tang from vinegar. Combine that with a creamy, smooth frosting—and you have a treat that stands out at any gathering. Traditionally rooted in Southern baking, red velvet has journeyed through generations, transforming from layer cakes to cupcakes, and now into the ultimate comfort dessert: red velvet brownies.

Perfect for Valentine’s Day, Christmas, birthdays, or even a quiet Tuesday night, these brownies are a symbol of shared joy. They’re not just for special occasions—they create special occasions. Whether you’re baking them for someone you love or for yourself after a long week, red velvet brownies bring a little celebration into every bite.

Why You’ll Love This Red Velvet Brownies Recipe

• Simple, one-bowl preparation. No need for mixers or multiple dishes.
• Eye-catching presentation. The deep red hue and creamy frosting are sure to impress.
• Classic flavor. A soft cocoa base with a signature tang, balanced by sweet vanilla notes.
• Perfect for all occasions. Bake these for holidays, birthdays, or just because.
• Easy to adapt. Make it dairy-free or vegan with simple swaps.

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INGREDIENTS YOU’LL NEED

For the Brownies:

• ¾ cup (170 g) butter, melted
• ¾ cup light brown sugar
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
• ½ teaspoon red food coloring (liquid or gel)
• 1½ teaspoons white vinegar
• ¼ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• 1 cup + 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour

For the Frosting:

• 4 oz (114 g) cream cheese, softened
• ¼ cup butter, softened
• ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
• Pinch of salt
• 1½ to 2 cups powdered sugar
• 2 tablespoons cornstarch (for dairy-free version)

How to Make Red Velvet Brownies

A Step-by-Step Guide

Step 1: Melt and Mix.
In a large bowl, whisk together the melted butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until combined and slightly thickened. This step builds that shiny, crinkly top that every great brownie has.

Step 2: Add the Color.
Stir in the eggs, vanilla extract, red food coloring, and white vinegar. The vinegar helps enhance the red hue and gives that signature red velvet tang. The mixture should now be glossy and richly colored.

Step 3: Sift and Stir.
Add the cocoa powder, salt, and flour. Gently fold everything together until just combined. The key to fudgy brownies is not overmixing. The batter should be thick and velvety.

Step 4: Bake.
Pour the batter into a parchment-lined 8×8 baking pan. Smooth the top and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 30 to 35 minutes. When done, the edges will be set, and the center should still be slightly soft—perfect for chewy, fudgy brownies.

Step 5: Make the Frosting.
While the brownies cool completely, beat the cream cheese, butter, vanilla extract, and salt until smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar until you reach your desired sweetness and consistency. If using dairy-free cream cheese, mix in cornstarch for structure.

Step 6: Frost and Chill.
Once completely cool, spread the frosting evenly over the brownies. For the neatest slices, chill the frosted brownies for 30 minutes before cutting. This also enhances the flavor and texture.

Helpful Tips for Red Velvet Brownies

• Chilling makes clean cuts. Always cool completely and chill before slicing for bakery-worthy presentation.
• Customize your frosting. Want extra tang? Add a few drops of lemon juice. Prefer sweeter? Increase the powdered sugar slightly.
• Food coloring varies. Gel food coloring gives a deeper red; liquid is more subtle. Adjust based on your preference.
• Storage tip: Keep brownies covered in the fridge to preserve freshness and frosting texture.

Recipe Details

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 30–35 minutes
• Total Time: 45–50 minutes
• Yield: 16 brownies
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American (Southern-inspired)
• Diet: Vegetarian (with dairy-free option)

Notes

• To double the recipe, bake in a 9×13 pan for about 30 minutes.
• The brownies keep their flavor beautifully even when frozen. Just thaw in the fridge and enjoy.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

• Calories: 290
• Fat: 14g
• Carbohydrates: 38g
• Protein: 3g

Frequently Asked Questions

What’s the difference between red velvet brownies and regular brownies?
Red velvet brownies have a subtle cocoa flavor, a rich red hue, and a slightly tangy taste from added buttermilk or vinegar, setting them apart from the deep chocolate intensity of regular brownies. They’re also typically topped with cream cheese frosting for a sweet, tangy contrast.

What are red velvet brownies made of?
Red velvet brownies are made with basic brownie ingredients like flour, sugar, eggs, and butter, plus cocoa powder for mild chocolate flavor. Red food coloring and a bit of vinegar or buttermilk give them their signature color and tang. Many versions are topped with a cream cheese swirl or frosting.

How to turn red velvet box cake mix into brownies?
To turn red velvet cake mix into brownies, combine the mix with 2 eggs and 1/3 cup of oil, then stir until thick. Pour into a greased pan and bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 25–30 minutes. This method creates dense, fudgy brownies with a red velvet twist.

What makes red velvet cake different from chocolate cake?
Red velvet cake has a milder cocoa flavor, a soft crumb, and a hint of tanginess from ingredients like buttermilk or vinegar. It’s also known for its vibrant red color and cream cheese frosting. In contrast, chocolate cake typically has a deeper cocoa taste and is more straightforwardly sweet.

Storage Instructions

• Room Temperature: Store unfrosted brownies in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Refrigerator: Frosted brownies will stay fresh for up to 5 days.
• Freezer: Freeze individually wrapped slices for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before serving.

Related Recipes

If you liked these red velvet brownies, you’ll definitely enjoy:

• Fudgy Red Velvet Brownies Recipe
• Black Velvet Cheesecake Cookies
• Red Velvet Brownies with Cream Cheese Frosting
• Red Velvet Cheesecake Brownies

These red velvet brownies are more than just a dessert—they’re a story, a tradition, a mood. They fill your kitchen with the scent of cocoa and vanilla, bring loved ones together, and turn even an ordinary day into a celebration. Whether you’re whipping up a batch for the holidays or just craving something cozy and sweet, let these brownies bring warmth, nostalgia, and a little bit of joy into your day.