The Best Fudgy Red Velvet Brownies are the perfect treat for Valentine’s Day or any time you’re craving something rich and chocolatey. These brownies have that classic red velvet flavor—think a hint of cocoa paired with a touch of cream cheese swirl that makes every bite extra special. They’re super fudgy and moist, which makes them hard to put down once you start!
I love making these brownies when I want something that feels a little fancy but is really easy to whip up. The cream cheese swirl on top adds a nice tangy contrast that balances out the sweetness beautifully. Plus, the vibrant red color always gets a lot of compliments and sets a fun mood for sharing with friends or family.
My favorite way to enjoy these brownies is fresh out of the oven when the cream cheese is still gooey and melts perfectly on your tongue. They pair wonderfully with a glass of cold milk or a warm cup of coffee. These brownies always disappear fast at our house, so if you’re making them for a party, you might want to double the batch!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Butter: Melted unsalted butter adds richness and fudginess. You can substitute with coconut oil for a dairy-free option, but the flavor will change slightly.
Cocoa Powder: Use unsweetened cocoa powder for that subtle chocolate flavor. Dutch-processed cocoa works too but may affect the final color slightly.
Red Food Coloring: This is what gives the brownies their signature red velvet look. If you prefer natural color, try beet juice or powdered beetroot, though the hue will be less vibrant.
Cream Cheese: Key for the tangy frosting layer. Make sure it’s softened for easy mixing. For a lighter option, use Neufchâtel or a dairy-free cream cheese alternative.
Flour & Leavening: All-purpose flour gives structure. Measuring carefully is important to keep brownies dense and fudgy. Baking powder helps a little lift without making it cakey.
How Do You Get Perfect Fudgy Texture in Red Velvet Brownies?
The secret to fudgy brownies lies in balancing wet and dry ingredients and careful mixing. Here’s how I do it:
- Melt the butter first — it helps the batter stay moist and rich.
- Whisk wet ingredients well but add dry ingredients slowly and gently fold them in; overmixing creates gluten and makes brownies cakey.
- Don’t use too much flour, and include a little baking powder for lightness without losing fudginess.
- Watch baking time carefully — remove brownies when a toothpick shows some moist crumbs, not completely clean, to keep them soft inside.
This technique keeps your brownies dense and tender with that melt-in-your-mouth feel you want!
Equipment You’ll Need
- 8×8 inch baking pan – perfect size for thick brownies; I line it with parchment for easy removal.
- Mixing bowls – you’ll use one for wet and one for dry ingredients to keep things simple and organized.
- Whisk and spatula – whisk mixes wet ingredients smoothly; spatula helps fold in dry ingredients gently.
- Electric mixer or hand mixer – makes cream cheese frosting super smooth and fluffy with less effort.
- Sharp knife – for clean, even brownie cuts after chilling the frosting layer.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Swap red food coloring with natural beetroot powder for a more earthy, natural color and flavor.
- Add ½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans for crunch and a deeper nutty flavor.
- Mix in white chocolate chips for pockets of sweet creaminess in the fudgy brownie.
- Stir in a teaspoon of espresso powder to boost the cocoa flavor and add a slight mocha twist.
The Best Fudgy Red Velvet Brownies
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Red Velvet Brownies:
- 1/2 cup (115g) unsalted butter, melted
- 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon red food coloring
- 1/4 cup (30g) unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/2 cup (65g) all-purpose flour
- 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
For the Cream Cheese Frosting Layer:
- 8 oz (225g) cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup (60g) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup (125g) powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For Decoration:
- Red food coloring or melted red candy melts for drizzling
- Heart-shaped sprinkles or freeze-dried raspberry crumbs (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prepare, 20-25 minutes to bake, and about 30 minutes to chill. So plan for roughly 1 hour total from start to finish.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat Oven and Prepare Pan:
Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8 inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving extra paper on the sides to help lift out the brownies later.
2. Make the Brownie Batter:
In a big bowl, whisk melted butter and sugar together until smooth. Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each. Stir in vanilla extract and red food coloring.
3. Mix Dry Ingredients:
In another bowl, sift cocoa powder, flour, baking powder, and salt.
4. Combine Ingredients:
Slowly add the dry mix to the wet ingredients, folding gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix since you want fudgy brownies.
5. Bake the Brownies:
Pour the batter evenly into your prepared pan. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted near the middle comes out with a few moist crumbs. Let brownies cool completely in the pan.
6. Prepare Cream Cheese Frosting:
Beat softened cream cheese and butter until creamy and smooth. Add powdered sugar and vanilla extract gradually, mixing until light and fluffy.
7. Frost the Brownies:
Spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over the cooled brownies using a spatula.
8. Decorate:
Drizzle red food coloring glaze or melted candy melts over the frosting in thin lines. Sprinkle with heart-shaped sprinkles or raspberry crumbs for a festive touch.
9. Chill and Cut:
Chill brownies in the fridge for at least 30 minutes to set the frosting. Use a sharp knife (wipe clean between cuts) to slice into squares.
10. Enjoy!
Serve your delicious, fudgy red velvet brownies slightly chilled or at room temperature. Perfect to share with loved ones on Valentine’s Day or any special moment.
Can I Use Frozen Cream Cheese for the Frosting?
It’s best to use softened cream cheese for a smooth frosting. If you only have frozen cream cheese, thaw it in the fridge overnight and bring it to room temperature before mixing.
How Should I Store Leftover Brownies?
Store leftover brownies in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days to keep the cream cheese frosting fresh. Let them come to room temperature before serving for the best texture.
Can I Make These Brownies Gluten-Free?
Yes! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1-to-1 gluten-free baking flour blend. Just ensure the blend contains xanthan gum or another binder to keep the brownies moist and fudgy.
Can I Skip the Cream Cheese Frosting?
Absolutely! The brownies are delicious on their own thanks to their fudgy texture and red velvet flavor. You can also dust them with powdered sugar or drizzle melted white chocolate as an alternative.
