Searching for the ultimate decadent treat? These Red Velvet Brownies are the answer! This recipe delivers incredibly fudgy, moist brownies with that signature red velvet tang, swirled with a hint of chocolate. They’re surprisingly easy to make and guaranteed to impress, making them perfect for any occasion, from bake sales to personal indulgence.
This recipe stands out from other brownie recipes because it perfectly balances the rich chocolate flavor with the slight tang of the red velvet, creating an irresistible treat you won’t be able to stop eating.
What are Red Velvet Brownies?
Red Velvet Brownies are a delightful twist on classic brownies, combining the rich, fudgy texture we all love with the signature flavor and vibrant color of red velvet cake. These brownies boast a deep, chocolatey base with a subtle hint of tangy buttermilk and cocoa, topped off with that iconic red hue. Unlike traditional brownies, they possess a unique flavor profile that’s both comforting and slightly sophisticated.
The addition of a touch of vinegar helps tenderize the batter, resulting in an incredibly moist and melt-in-your-mouth texture that takes the brownies to a whole new level of deliciousness.
Key Ingredients for Red Velvet Brownies:
- All-Purpose Flour: 1 cup (120g). Provides structure to the brownies.
- Unsweetened Cocoa Powder: 1/4 cup (20g). Adds a chocolaty flavor and contributes to the characteristic red velvet taste.
- Salt: 1/4 teaspoon. Enhances the flavors of all the other ingredients.
- Baking Soda: 1/2 teaspoon. React with vinegar to create a soft texture.
- Unsalted Butter: 1/2 cup (113g), melted. Adds richness and moisture. Melt and cool slightly before using.
- Granulated Sugar: 1 cup (200g). Sweetens the brownies and helps create a chewy texture.
- Brown Sugar: 1/2 cup (100g), packed. Adds moisture and a caramel-like flavor.
- Eggs: 2 large. Binds ingredients and adds richness.
- Vanilla Extract: 1 teaspoon. Enhances the overall flavor.
- Red Food Coloring: 1-2 teaspoons (gel food coloring recommended). Achieves the signature red velvet color. Adjust to your preference.
- Buttermilk: 1/2 cup (120ml). Adds a tang that is characteristic of red velvet flavor and keeps the brownies moist.
- White Vinegar: 1 teaspoon. Reacts with buttermilk activating baking soda and adding to the brownie’s chewy texture.
- Chocolate Chips: optional Adds a richer chocolate flavor and some added texture.
How to Make Red Velvet Brownies:
These Red Velvet Brownies are surprisingly easy to make, taking only about 15 minutes of prep time and about 25-30 minutes in the oven. The buttermilk and vinegar create an incredibly tender, fudgy texture while the red food coloring gives them a beautiful color and the hint of cocoa provides for a great flavor. The combination of granulated and brown sugar allows for both chewiness and flavor. Get ready to wow everyone with these flavorful and delicious brownies!
- Preparation Time: 15 minutes
- Baking Time: 25-30 minutes
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- Preheat and Prep: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and lightly flour an 8×8 inch baking pan. You can also line the pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides, for easy removal.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, cocoa powder, salt, and baking soda. Breaking apart large chunks, if needed.
- Melt and Mix Butter and Sugars: In a large bowl, add the melted butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar. Beat with a whisk or an electric mixer until well combined, creating a smooth mixture. Make sure your butter is slightly cooled, so it doesn’t cook the eggs.
- Add Eggs and Vanilla: Beat in the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract and red food coloring until evenly distributed and the batter reaches your desired shade. For a deeper red color, use a gel food coloring.
- Combine Buttermilk and Vinegar: In a small bowl, whisk together the buttermilk and white vinegar. This mixture might curdle slightly, that’s alright.
- Alternate Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with the buttermilk mixture. Begin and end with the dry ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can result in tough brownies.
- Add Chocolate chips Gently fold in chocolate chips.
- Pour into Pan: Pour the brownie batter into the prepared baking pan and spread evenly with a spatula.
- Bake: Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with moist crumbs attached. Be careful not to overbake.
- Cool and Cut: Let the brownies cool completely in the pan before cutting into squares. This will prevent them from crumbling. If using parchment paper overhang, lift the brownies out of the pan before slicing. Enjoy!
Why You’ll Love This Red Velvet Brownies:
These Red Velvet Brownies are a delightful treat that stands out for its unique flavour combination. The slight tang of red velvet blends seamlessly with the fudgy chocolate brownie, creating a sweet and delicious indulgence you won’t be able to resist.
Making these brownies at home is incredibly cost-effective. Store-bought red velvet brownies can be expensive, but with this recipe, you can bake a whole batch for a fraction of the price, using ingredients you likely already have in your pantry.
The creamy texture and rich chocolate flavor are enhanced by optional additions like chocolate chips This elevates the brownies to an even higher level of indulgence.
If you love these Red Velvet Brownies, why not try a classic Blondie recipe next? They’re just as easy to make and offer unique buttery flavor. Try this Red Velvet Brownie recipe today!
What to Serve Red Velvet Brownies With:
Red Velvet Brownies are delicious on their own, but they can be even better when paired with complementary flavors. Consider serving them with:
- Vanilla Ice Cream: The cool, creamy vanilla complements the rich, fudgy brownies perfectly.
- Whipped Cream: A dollop of whipped cream adds a light and airy touch.
- Cream Cheese Frosting: Add a little cream cheese frosting in order to make these extra decadent.
- Fresh Berries: Raspberries or strawberries provide a tartness to cut through the sweetness.
- Coffee or Milk: A classic pairing that never fails.
Top Tips for Perfecting Red Velvet Brownies:
- Don’t Overmix: Overmixing the batter can result in tough brownies. Mix until just combined.
- Use Gel Food Coloring: Gel food coloring provides a more vibrant color without affecting the consistency of the batter.
- Measure Correctly: Use measuring cups and spoons designed for baking to ensure accurate measurements.
- Adjust Baking Time: Ovens vary, so adjust the baking time as needed. Start checking for doneness around 25 minutes.
- Cool Completely: Let the brownies cool completely before cutting to prevent them from crumbling.
- Swap Ingredients: Try adding chopped nuts, for a nutty flavor.
- Room Temperature: Allow all refrigerated ingredients, like eggs or buttermilk, to come to room temperature before adding them into the batter.
5 Facts about Red Velvet Brownies:
- Red velvet is a flavor profile that’s originally from the Southern United States.
- The signature red color used to come from a chemical reaction between cocoa powder and acidic ingredients like buttermilk.
- Red velvet cake has the same ingredients as those used in red velvet brownies
- The vinegar and buttermilk in this recipe serve to create a soft mouth feel.
- Cream cheese frosting are often used to accompany Red Velvet inspired dessers.
Storing and Reheating Tips:
- Storing: To keep your Red Velvet Brownies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3-4 days. For longer storage, you can refrigerate them in an airtight container for up to a week.
- Reheating: While Red Velvet Brownies are delicious cold, you can warm them up for an even more indulgent experience.
- Microwave: Heat individual brownies in the microwave for 10-15 seconds until slightly warmed. Be careful not to overheat them, or they may become tough.
- Oven: Wrap the brownies in foil and heat them in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 5-10 minutes.
- Freezing: To freeze Red Velvet Brownies, wrap them individually in plastic wrap, then place them in an airtight container or freezer bag. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 2-3 months. Thaw them in the refrigerator overnight before serving or reheating.
Final Thoughts:
These Red Velvet Brownies are a delightful treat that combines the best of both worlds: the fudgy, intense flavor of traditional brownies with the unique tang and vibrant color of red velvet cake. Perfect for any occasion, they’re sure to become a favourite in your baking repertoire. So gather your ingredients, put on your apron, and bake up a batch of these incredibly delicious brownies today!
try also : Easy Pumpkin Dump Cake Recipe and find more in pinterest
Red Velvet Brownies FAQs:
- Can I use a different kind of food coloring? While liquid food coloring can be used, gel food coloring is highly recommended for its concentrated color and minimal impact on the batter’s consistency.
- Can I use regular milk instead of buttermilk? Buttermilk adds a tangy flavor and tenderizes the brownies. If you don’t have buttermilk, you can make a substitute by adding 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or white vinegar to 1/2 cup of regular milk. Let it sit for 5 minutes before using.
- Can I add frosting? Absolutely! Cream cheese frosting is a classic pairing with red velvet. You can also use a simple chocolate ganache or a vanilla buttercream frosting.
- The food coloring is kind of scary, are there natural alternatives? While there are natural red food colorings options such as beetroot powder, they will not produce the vibrant red that is found in traditional renditions of red velvet desserts.