The Best Fudgy Red Velvet Brownies Recipe

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There’s something truly irresistible about red velvet desserts—the rich cocoa flavor, the hint of tang, and that signature deep red hue. When combined with the fudgy, chewy texture of a classic brownie, you get the ultimate treat: Fudgy Red Velvet Brownies

I remember the first time I made red velvet brownies—it was a last-minute Valentine’s Day dessert idea, and I had no idea if they would turn out right. But to my surprise, the result was stunning! The brownies had a soft, gooey center with a crackly top, and the flavor was an indulgent mix of chocolatey richness with a light tang. Since then, they’ve become my go-to dessert for any special occasion, from birthdays to Christmas gatherings.

If you’re a beginner in baking, this recipe is perfect for you. It uses simple ingredients, requires no fancy equipment, and delivers bakery-quality results in less than an hour. Whether you’re baking for a loved one, a celebration, or just craving something sweet, these fudgy red velvet brownies will never disappoint.

Why This Recipe is Special

1. Classic Red Velvet Flavor

Unlike a regular brownie, red velvet brownies have a unique balance of flavors—a mild chocolate taste with a slight tanginess from vinegar. This combination makes them incredibly addictive.

2. Fudgy and Moist Texture

These brownies are rich, soft, and chewy with a melt-in-your-mouth consistency. The butter and melted chocolate ensure the perfect texture, making them ultra-decadent.

3. Easy to Make with Simple Ingredients

If you have basic baking staples like butter, sugar, eggs, and cocoa powder, you can make these brownies without any hassle. No complicated techniques—just mix, bake, and enjoy!

4. Perfect for Any Occasion

While these brownies make a great Valentine’s Day dessert, they’re also fantastic for Christmas, birthdays, or any time you crave a sweet treat. You can even dress them up with a cream cheese frosting for extra indulgence.

Ingredients and Preparation

Each ingredient in this recipe plays an essential role in achieving the perfect flavor and texture.

Butter – Adds richness and ensures the brownies stay soft and fudgy.
Chopped Semi-Sweet Chocolate – Enhances the deep chocolate flavor and gives the brownies a glossy finish. Chocolate chips work too!

Granulated Sugar – Sweetens the brownies and helps create that crackly top.
Eggs – Provide structure and make the brownies chewy.
Vanilla Extract – Enhances the chocolate flavor and adds warmth.

White Vinegar – A key ingredient in red velvet desserts, adding a slight tanginess that balances the sweetness.
Red Gel Food Coloring – Creates the signature red velvet hue. Gel food coloring is recommended for a more vibrant color.
Unsweetened Cocoa Powder – Gives a subtle chocolate taste. Use high-quality cocoa for the best flavor.

All-Purpose Flour – Provides structure and helps the brownies hold their shape.
Salt – Balances the sweetness and intensifies the chocolate flavor.
White Chocolate Chips (Optional) – Can be mixed in for extra sweetness or drizzled on top for decoration.

Ingredient Substitutions

No Vinegar? Use buttermilk or lemon juice for a similar tangy effect.
Gluten-Free Option? Swap all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend.
Dairy-Free Version? Use coconut oil instead of butter and dairy-free chocolate.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the Oven & Prepare the Pan

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease or line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Melt the Butter & Chocolate

In a microwave-safe bowl, melt butter and chopped chocolate in 30-second intervals, stirring after each session until smooth. Let it cool slightly.

Step 3: Mix the Wet Ingredients

Add granulated sugar to the melted butter-chocolate mixture and whisk until combined. Then, mix in eggs, vanilla extract, white vinegar, and red food coloring until smooth and glossy.

Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, sift together cocoa powder, flour, and salt. Slowly add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring gently until just combined. Do not overmix.

Step 5: Add Mix-ins (Optional)

For extra flavor, fold in white chocolate chips or chopped nuts for a delightful texture contrast.

Step 6: Bake the Brownies

Pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread it evenly. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with a few moist crumbs (not wet batter).

Step 7: Cool & Serve

Let the brownies cool completely in the pan before cutting them into squares. For a cleaner cut, use a sharp knife and wipe it between cuts.

Beginner Tips and Notes

How to Avoid Overmixing? Stir just until the dry ingredients disappear. Overmixing can make the brownies dense instead of fudgy.
How to Know When They’re Done? Insert a toothpick in the center—if it comes out with a few moist crumbs, they’re perfect. If it has wet batter, bake for a few more minutes.

How to Get a Perfect Crackly Top? Beating the sugar with warm butter and chocolate helps create a shiny, crackly top layer.

Serving Suggestions

With Cream Cheese Frosting – A classic pairing for red velvet desserts!
Drizzled with White Chocolate – Melt white chocolate and drizzle it over the brownies for a bakery-style finish.

With a Scoop of Ice Cream – Serve warm brownies with vanilla ice cream for a luxurious treat.
As a Holiday Treat – Decorate with festive sprinkles for Christmas or heart-shaped candies for Valentine’s Day.

Storage Tips

Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

Refrigerator: Keeps fresh for up to 1 week.
Freezer: Freeze for up to 2 months—just thaw before serving.

Conclusion: Try These Brownies and Share Your Experience!

Fudgy Red Velvet Brownies are the perfect dessert for beginners—easy to make, visually stunning, and irresistibly delicious. Whether you’re baking for a celebration or just craving something sweet, this recipe will always deliver.

If you try this recipe, let me know in the comments! Did you add any fun mix-ins? How did they turn out? Happy baking!

FAQ About Fudgy Red Velvet Brownies

How do I achieve the perfect fudgy texture?

To get that rich, fudgy texture, avoid overbaking. The brownies should still be slightly soft in the center when you remove them from the oven. A toothpick inserted should come out with a few moist crumbs but no wet batter.

Can I make these brownies without red food coloring?

Yes! The red food coloring is purely for aesthetics and does not affect the flavor. You can omit it entirely or use a natural alternative like beet powder.

What is the role of vinegar in red velvet brownies?

Vinegar enhances the classic red velvet flavor by balancing the sweetness with a slight tang. It also reacts with the cocoa powder, creating a subtle depth of flavor.

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The Best Fudgy Red Velvet Brownies Recipe

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Author: Kathryne Taylor
Total Time: 45 minutes
Yield: 16 brownies 1x

Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

These fudgy red velvet brownies combine the rich, chewy texture of a classic brownie with the signature tang and cocoa flavor of red velvet. Made with melted chocolate, butter, and a touch of vinegar for authenticity, these brownies are soft, moist, and irresistibly delicious. Whether you’re baking for Valentine’s Day, Christmas, or a simple sweet craving, this easy-to-follow recipe guarantees bakery-quality results.

Ingredients

Scale

¾ cup (170g) unsalted butter, melted

2 oz (57g) semi-sweet chocolate bar, chopped
1 ¼ cups (250g) granulated sugar
2 large eggs

2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1 teaspoon white vinegar
½ tablespoon red gel food coloring

2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
1 ¼ cups (156g) all-purpose flour
¼ teaspoon salt

½ cup (90g) white chocolate chips (optional, for mix-in or topping)

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Instructions

Prepare the oven and pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving a slight overhang to help with easy removal after baking.
Melt the butter and chocolate: In a microwave-safe bowl, combine melted butter and chopped chocolate. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring after each session, until smooth and fully melted. Let it cool slightly before adding other ingredients.

Mix the wet ingredients: Stir in granulated sugar until well combined, then add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Whisk in vanilla extract, white vinegar, and red food coloring, ensuring everything is evenly distributed for that signature red hue.
Combine the dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, sift together cocoa powder, flour, and salt to ensure even mixing. Slowly fold this dry mixture into the wet ingredients, stirring just until combined. Overmixing can make the brownies dense instead of fudgy.
Incorporate mix-ins (if using): For an extra sweet touch, fold in white chocolate chips, or save them to sprinkle on top before baking.

Bake the brownies: Pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread it evenly using a rubber spatula. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with a few moist crumbs (but not wet batter).
Cool and slice: Allow the brownies to cool completely in the pan before slicing into squares. For cleaner cuts, use a sharp knife and wipe it between cuts. Optionally, drizzle melted white chocolate on top for an extra decorative touch.

Notes

For an extra fudgy texture, slightly underbake and let the brownies cool completely before cutting.

For a more pronounced cocoa flavor, increase the cocoa powder by ½ tablespoon.
Want a classic red velvet pairing? Frost these brownies with a cream cheese frosting for a decadent twist.
Make it gluten-free by substituting all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.