Red Velvet Brownies are dense, fudgy brownies with a vibrant red color and plenty of chocolate flavor in every bite with the signature shiny, cracked top. They are a delicious indulgence anytime! Or, because of their red hue, they would be a perfect treat for a special occasion like Valentine’s Day, Christmas, or whenever you want a pop of color in your dessert! If you are craving a classic brownie, you have to check out my BEST brownie recipe, too!
Ingredients & Substitutions
Chocolate Chips: I used semi-sweet chocolate chips in these brownies. Some of them will be melted with vegetable oil and food coloring before being mixed in with other ingredients. This technique enhances the moisture, flavor, and texture of the brownies. You could also use dark chocolate or milk chocolate chips.
Food Coloring: Red liquid food coloring is added to the chocolate chips and oil before the chocolate is melted. This ensures that the red color will be evenly distributed in the batter. Yes, you could leave out the food coloring and still be left with delicious brownies!
Sugar: Both granulated sugar and light brown sugar are added to the brownie batter.
Cocoa Powder: I prefer Dutch-processed cocoa powder for richer-tasting brownies and darker color. If using regular unsweetened cocoa powder, it may affect the final taste and appearance of the brownies.
When Are Brownies Done Baking?
It is important to not overbake brownies, which can dry them out. To check for doneness, insert a clean toothpick into the center of the brownies. A few moist (sticky) crumbs should be on the toothpick, but no wet batter. You can also gently press the top of the brownies; they should spring back while having a firm texture.
Red Velvet Brownie Mix-Ins
Although delicious on their own, you can always add mix-ins to elevate the flavor and texture of the brownies. Here are some ideas could try:
- Add nuts like chopped almonds, walnuts, or pecans for a nutty crunch.
- Top with extra chocolate chips for even more chocolate flavor!
- Swirl peanut butter into the batter.
- Sprinkle sea salt on top of the brownies.
- Mix in shredded coconut.
- Chopped dried cherries, cranberries, or apricots can add a sweet and chewy element.
How To Store Red Velvet Brownies
Once baked and cooled, store the brownies at room temperature in an airtight container. They will last 3-4 days. You can store them in the refrigerator for up to a week, but that could cause the brownies to dry out (not recommended). For even longer storage, freeze the brownies wrapped in plastic wrap and aluminum foil for up to 2-3 months.
Red Velvet Brownies
Ingredients
- 1 ¼ cups (227.5 g) semisweet chocolate chips, divided
- ¾ cup (163.5 g) vegetable oil
- 2 teaspoons red food coloring
- 1 cup (200 g) granulated sugar
- ⅔ cup (133 g) light brown sugar, packed
- 3 large eggs, room temperature
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 cup (125 g) all-purpose flour
- 1 cup (118 g) Dutch-processed cocoa powder
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F. Line a 9×9-inch pan with parchment paper. Set aside.
- To a medium microwave-safe bowl, add ½ cup chocolate chips, oil, and red food coloring. Microwave in 15-second increments, stirring between, until chocolate is melted. Set aside.
- In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the whisk attachment, add the granulated sugar, brown sugar, eggs, and vanilla. Beat on high speed for 5-6 minutes, or until it has lightened in color and doubled in size, scraping down the sides as needed. (The mixing time gives the brownies their gorgeous shiny top.)
- Turn the mixer to low and slowly pour in the chocolate mixture, mixing until just combined.
- In a small bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, and salt.
- Add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients. Mix until just combined. Fold in the remaining ¾ cup of chocolate chips.
- Pour batter into the lined baking dish. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until an inserted toothpick is removed with crumbs but no wet batter.
- Let the brownies cool before cutting.
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What the Test Kitchen had to say about this recipe:
Autumn
Delicious! These are dense and chocolatey! Good luck having just one!
Elizabeth
These are delicious, chewy brownies! What more could you ask for? I love the pop of red color, too!
Rachael
Fudgy brownies are the best and only option in my opinion. Red velvet is just another version of these delicious fudgy brownies! Perfect for Valentine's Day!
Bella
Fudgy, rich, and chocolatey in every bite. It has a lovely deep red color and a crackly layer on top! This is a solid red velvet brownie recipe!
Annabelle
These are definitely worth trying! They're fudgy, not overwhelmingly sweet, and so chocolatey! They would be great for Valentine's Day!
Selena
Super fudgy and just delicious. I love the subtle red color and the crackly top.
These didn’t last long enough for a picture!! My son’s girlfriend said they are the most delicious brownies that she has ever eaten. I gave a neighbor two to have with her morning coffee. She raved about how delicious they were. This recipe will need to be doubled next time for sure💥
YAY!! Awesome to hear! Thanks Aloma!
I baked mine. The texture is awesome. But mine taste bitter. I used Guittard chocolate melts Special dark cocoa and Wilton’s no taste red food coloring. Do you have any suggestions of how to prevent this for next time?
Wasn’t what I was expecting at all. Not bad if you want dark chocolate. And mine didn’t come out red.
Mine aren’t really red either. 🙂
I can’t believe that I finally found a delish and perfect red velvet brownies recipe… you are a legend 😍😍😍 Thanks a lot for the great recipe.
But what if I need it more red .. how about reducing coaco powder .. but I am afraid it would affect the final perfect texture? 🙂
Absolutely incredible. I’ve always struggled to make brownies with crinkly tops. These ones came out excellent. The only problem I faced was the batter was too salty so I skipped the salt, after baking though it was still salty. Any suggestions?