The Best Fudgy Red Velvet Brownies are a delightful twist on a classic favorite, combining the rich, deep flavor of red velvet with the gooey, fudgy texture of a perfect brownie. These brownies bring together vibrant red color and a dense, chocolatey bite that just melts in your mouth. If you’re a fan of red velvet cake but crave something a little denser and more chocolate-packed, this recipe is for you.
I love making these brownies for Valentine’s Day or any special occasion when I want to impress without too much fuss. One of my favorite things about this recipe is how easy it is to get that perfect fudgy texture—soft edges with a moist center. Adding a little cream cheese swirl on top can make them even more special and add a creamy contrast that everyone seems to adore. I often sneak a few before they cool completely because they are just that irresistible!
To serve, I like to cut them into small squares and arrange them on a pretty plate, maybe with a dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of white chocolate. They’re great on their own, but pairing them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream takes them to another level. Whether you’re sharing them with family, giving them as a sweet gift, or just treating yourself, these brownies have a way of making everyone smile.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Unsalted Butter: Butter gives these brownies their rich, creamy texture. If you prefer, you can substitute with an equal amount of coconut oil for a dairy-free option, but the flavor will be slightly different.
Chocolate: Semi-sweet or bittersweet chocolate adds depth to the red velvet flavor. If you don’t have chocolate bars, high-quality chocolate chips are an easy substitute.
Red Food Coloring: This is what gives red velvet its signature color. You can use gel food coloring for a more vibrant color without adding extra liquid.
Cream Cheese: The cream cheese swirl brings a lovely tang and creamy contrast. Make sure it’s softened to avoid lumps. For a lighter version, you could try using mascarpone cheese.
White Vinegar: This helps enhance the classic red velvet flavor by reacting with the baking soda or powder. If you don’t have white vinegar, lemon juice works well too.
How Do You Get the Perfect Cream Cheese Swirl in Brownies?
Creating a beautiful swirl is easier than it looks and adds a stunning finish. Here’s how I do it:
- After spreading half the brownie batter in the pan, dollop spoonfuls of the cream cheese mixture randomly on top.
- Pour the remaining brownie batter over the cream cheese.
- Use a knife or skewer to gently swirl the cream cheese into the brownie batter—move it in a figure-eight or zigzag pattern.
- Try not to overmix; this keeps the distinct marbled effect.
This technique not only looks amazing but also ensures you get creamy bites of the swirl with every square!
Equipment You’ll Need
- 9×9 inch baking pan – perfect size for thick, fudgy brownies and easy to line with parchment.
- Mixing bowls – you’ll want at least two: one for the brownie batter and one for the cream cheese swirl.
- Whisk – helps mix ingredients smoothly without lumps.
- Heatproof bowl or microwave-safe bowl – to melt butter and chocolate together safely.
- Knife or skewer – for creating the pretty cream cheese swirl pattern.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Add chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans for extra crunch and flavor contrast.
- Stir mini chocolate chips into the brownie batter for pockets of melty chocolate.
- Swap cream cheese for mascarpone in the swirl for a milder, creamier texture.
- Try a hint of orange zest in the batter to brighten the rich chocolate and red velvet flavors.
The Best Fudgy Red Velvet Brownies
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Brownie Batter:
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter
- 8 oz semi-sweet or bittersweet chocolate, finely chopped
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 3 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon red food coloring
- 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon white vinegar
For the Cream Cheese Swirl:
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/3 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg yolk
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare and around 30-35 minutes to bake. Then, allow at least 30 minutes for the brownies to cool before cutting. Plan for roughly 1 hour from start to finish.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare Your Pan and Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×9 inch baking pan with parchment paper or grease it well to prevent sticking.
2. Melt Butter and Chocolate
In a heatproof bowl over simmering water or in the microwave, melt the butter and chopped chocolate together until smooth. Stir to combine, then let it cool slightly.
3. Mix Sugar and Eggs
In a large bowl, whisk the sugar into the warm melted chocolate mixture. Add eggs one at a time, whisking well after each addition.
4. Add Flavorings and Combine Dry Ingredients
Stir in vanilla extract, red food coloring, and white vinegar. In a separate bowl, sift together cocoa powder, flour, salt, and baking powder. Gently fold the dry mixture into the wet ingredients, being careful not to overmix.
5. Make the Cream Cheese Swirl
Beat the softened cream cheese with sugar, egg yolk, and vanilla until smooth and creamy.
6. Assemble and Swirl
Pour half of the brownie batter into your prepared pan and spread evenly. Dollop the cream cheese mixture over the batter in spoonfuls, then top with the remaining brownie batter. Use a knife or skewer to gently swirl the cream cheese through the batter to create a marbled effect.
7. Bake and Cool
Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with moist crumbs (but no wet batter). Let cool completely on a wire rack before cutting into squares.
8. Serve and Enjoy
These fudgy, red velvet brownies with a creamy swirl are perfect for Valentine’s Day or any special treat. Enjoy them as they are, or pair with vanilla ice cream for an extra indulgent dessert!
Can I Use Frozen Cream Cheese for the Swirl?
It’s best to use softened cream cheese for a smooth swirl. If your cream cheese is frozen, 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 at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, keep them refrigerated for up to a week or freeze for up to 3 months—just thaw before serving.
Can I Substitute the Red Food Coloring?
Yes! You can use gel or liquid red food coloring, but gel tends to provide more vibrant color without thinning the batter. For a natural option, beet juice works but may slightly affect flavor.
How Do I Know When the Brownies Are Done?
Insert a toothpick into the center; it should come out with a few moist crumbs but no wet batter. Overbaking can dry them out, so start checking around 30 minutes.
