There’s something incredibly comforting about the rich, velvety texture of fudgy red velvet brownies. The moment you take a bite, you’re rewarded with the deep, chocolatey flavor paired with that unmistakable red hue, making them perfect for any occasion. I often whip these up when I want to impress friends at gatherings or simply treat myself to something delightful. The best part? They come together in just a few steps, making them an easy yet show-stopping dessert.
These brownies are not just stunning to look at; they also deliver a fantastic taste that combines the best of chocolate with a hint of vanilla and a touch of sweetness thanks to the red food coloring. Ideal for gatherings, celebrations, or just because you deserve a treat, these fudgy red velvet brownies are sure to be a favorite.
Why you’ll love this
- They bake quickly and easily for a no-fuss treat.
- Fudgy texture is a crowd-pleaser, loved by kids and adults alike.
- Can be made ahead of time for special occasions.
- Rich in flavor, making each bite a delight.
- Fewer dishes means quicker cleanup, so you can enjoy more time with loved ones.
“These brownies are unbelievably delicious and so simple to make!”
How this recipe comes together
Creating fudgy red velvet brownies is straightforward. It starts with preheating the oven and preparing your baking pan. Then, you’ll whisk together the dry ingredients while melting butter and combining it with sugar in a separate bowl. After mixing in the eggs, vanilla, and red food coloring, the dry ingredients come together with the wet ingredients before folding in the optional chocolate chips. Once the batter is set, pour and spread it into the pan. The brownies bake until a toothpick comes out mostly clean, and finally, allow them to cool before cutting them into squares.
What you’ll need for fudgy red velvet brownies
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup cocoa powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 1 cup sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon red food coloring
- 1/2 cup chocolate chips (optional)
Ingredient notes & swaps:
- Flour: For gluten-free brownies, you can use a gluten-free flour blend.
- Butter: Unsalted butter ensures you can control the salt in the recipe, but you can substitute with coconut oil for a dairy-free option.
- Cocoa powder: Use unsweetened cocoa powder for best results, or Dutch-processed for a milder chocolate flavor.
- Red food coloring: Gel coloring works best for vibrant results but regular liquid food coloring can work too.
Step-by-step instructions for fudgy red velvet brownies
Making fudgy red velvet brownies is a delightful and rewarding process. Follow these steps for optimal results:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a baking pan.
- In a bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt.
- In another bowl, melt the butter and mix with sugar until combined.
- Add the eggs, vanilla extract, and red food coloring to the butter and sugar mixture, stirring until smooth.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined.
- Fold in the chocolate chips if using for an extra chocolaty finish.
- Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and spread evenly.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes or until a toothpick comes out mostly clean.
- Let cool in the pan before cutting into squares.
Pro Tip: For an even fudgier texture, slightly underbake the brownies. They’ll continue to cook in the pan after you remove them from the oven.
Visual doneness cues: The edges of the brownies should look set, while the center may appear slightly soft and moist without being liquid. You can also smell the rich aroma of chocolate wafting through your kitchen!
Extra advice for making these brownies
- Ensure your butter is just melted and not hot to avoid scrambling the eggs.
- Don’t over-mix your batter; stopping once the flour is incorporated will keep your brownies tender.
- Let your brownies cool in the pan before cutting to make sure they hold their shape.
Best ways to enjoy it
Serve these fudgy red velvet brownies warm, dusted with powdered sugar for a touch of elegance. Pair them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream and a drizzle of chocolate sauce for an indulgent dessert. You can also top them with whipped cream and fresh berries for a refreshing contrast.
How to store & freeze fudgy red velvet brownies
To keep your fudgy red velvet brownies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. If you have leftovers, you can refrigerate them for up to a week. They also freeze well; just wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and place them in a freezer-safe bag. Thaw them at room temperature before serving.
Refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours; reheat until steaming hot.
How to fix common issues
If your brownies turn out dry, next time try reducing the baking time or checking with a toothpick earlier than the suggested time. For brownies that are too fudgy and not cooked enough, you might need to bake them a few extra minutes. If they seem bland, a pinch of salt can enhance the chocolate flavor significantly.
Creative twists for these brownies
Experimenting with these fudgy red velvet brownies can yield some fun results. Consider adding crushed nuts for a crunchy texture or swirling in cream cheese for a classic red velvet flavor. A sprinkle of espresso powder can also intensify the chocolate notes, as can using dark chocolate instead of semisweet chips.
Common questions
Can I make these brownies without eggs?
Yes, you can substitute eggs with unsweetened applesauce or a flaxseed meal mixed with water for a vegan option. Use 1/4 cup of applesauce or one tablespoon of flaxseed meal mixed with three tablespoons of water to replace each egg.
How do I know when they are done baking?
To check for doneness, insert a toothpick into the center of the brownies. They should have a few moist crumbs attached but not be wet. The edges will look set while the center may still look slightly fudgy.
Can I double the recipe?
Absolutely! You can double the ingredients and use a larger baking pan. Adjust the baking time slightly, as they may take a bit longer to cook through depending on the thickness.
What should I serve with these brownies?
Pair them with milk, coffee, or a scoop of ice cream. A fruit coulis made with raspberries or strawberries also complements the rich chocolate flavor beautifully.
How long do these brownies last?
When stored properly, fudgy red velvet brownies will last at room temperature for about three days or in the fridge for up to a week. If frozen, they maintain quality for about three months.
Enjoy your homemade fudgy red velvet brownies, and watch them disappear before your eyes! They are sure to become a favorite in your dessert rotation, and the unforgettable combination of flavors and textures will make every bite worth savoring.
Fudgy Red Velvet Brownies
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a baking pan.
- In a bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt.
- In another bowl, melt the butter and mix with sugar until combined.
- Add the eggs, vanilla extract, and red food coloring to the butter and sugar mixture, stirring until smooth.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined.
- Fold in the chocolate chips if using for an extra chocolaty finish.
- Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and spread evenly.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes or until a toothpick comes out mostly clean.
- Let cool in the pan before cutting into squares.