Introduction

These best homemade red velvet brownies combine the rich flavors of milk chocolate and cocoa with a vibrant red color for a delightful treat. Topped with a creamy cream cheese frosting, they are perfect for any occasion or simply satisfying a chocolate craving.

Best Homemade Red Velvet Brownies Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients

2 1/4 sticks unsalted butter, cut into chunks
3 1/2 cups Ghirardelli milk chocolate chips
5 large eggs, room temperature
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1 1/4 cups packed brown sugar
1 teaspoon salt
1 1/4 teaspoons vanilla extract
2 tablespoons red food coloring
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
3 tablespoons Ghirardelli unsweetened cocoa powder
4 ounces cream cheese, softened
5 tablespoons unsalted butter, room temperature
1/8 teaspoon salt (for frosting)
1 teaspoon vanilla extract (for frosting)
2 to 3 cups confectioners’ sugar
1 to 2 tablespoons heavy cream or milk of choice

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13 inch baking pan with foil or parchment paper and lightly grease it.
Step 2: Melt the milk chocolate chips and butter together. You can do this in the microwave in short bursts or on the stovetop over the lowest heat setting, stirring constantly until smooth. Allow the mixture to cool.
Step 3: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, vanilla extract, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until fully combined. Then whisk in the red food coloring.
Step 4: Slowly add the cooled chocolate and butter mixture to the egg mixture, whisking continuously to combine without curdling the eggs.
Step 5: In a separate bowl, mix the flour, baking powder, salt, and cocoa powder. Fold these dry ingredients into the wet mixture using a silicone spatula until fully combined without overmixing.
Step 6: Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and bake for 35 to 40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted near the center comes out clean.
Step 7: Remove the pan from the oven and let the brownies cool on a wire rack for about 15 minutes. Then cover and refrigerate until completely cooled or bring to room temperature before frosting.
Step 8: To prepare the cream cheese frosting, beat the softened cream cheese, room temperature butter, vanilla extract, and salt in a mixing bowl on medium-high speed until smooth and creamy.
Step 9: Gradually add the confectioners’ sugar and heavy cream (or milk) and continue beating until the frosting reaches a spreadable consistency.
Step 10: Spread the frosting evenly over the cooled brownies before slicing and serving.

Tips & Variations

Use high-quality chocolate like Ghirardelli for a richer flavor and smoother texture.
If you prefer a deeper red color, increase the red food coloring slightly, but be cautious as too much can affect the taste.
For a nutty twist, fold in 1 cup of chopped walnuts or pecans into the batter before baking.
To make frosting easier to spread, ensure the brownies are fully cooled or chilled to prevent melting.

Storage

Store the frosted brownies in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Before serving, allow them to come to room temperature for the best texture. You can also freeze unfrosted brownies wrapped tightly for up to 3 months; thaw thoroughly before frosting and serving.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use regular cocoa powder instead of Ghirardelli unsweetened cocoa powder?

Yes, regular unsweetened cocoa powder works well as a substitute. Choose a good quality cocoa powder for the best flavor.

What if I don’t have red food coloring?

Red food coloring is key for the traditional red velvet look. You can try using beet juice as a natural alternative, but the color and flavor will vary.

Best Homemade Red Velvet Brownies Recipe

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4.4 from 63 reviews

These Best Homemade Red Velvet Brownies combine the rich, creamy texture of classic brownies with the vibrant color and subtle cocoa flavor of red velvet. Topped with a smooth and tangy cream cheese frosting, this indulgent treat is perfect for special occasions or whenever you’re craving a decadent dessert.

Author: Elias
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 35-40 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour
Yield: 12–16 servings 1x
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale

Brownie Batter

2 1/4 sticks unsalted butter (cut into chunks)
3 1/2 cups Ghirardelli Milk Chocolate Chips
5 large eggs (room temperature)
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1 1/4 cups packed brown sugar
1 teaspoon salt
1 1/4 teaspoons vanilla extract
2 tablespoons red food coloring
2 cups all purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
3 tablespoons Ghirardelli unsweetened cocoa powder

Cream Cheese Frosting

4 ounces cream cheese (softened)
5 tablespoons unsalted butter (room temperature)
1/8 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 or 3 cups confectioners sugar
1–2 tablespoons heavy cream or milk of choice

Instructions

Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit to ensure it is ready for baking the brownies.
Prepare Baking Pan: Line a 9×13 inch baking pan with foil or parchment paper and very lightly grease it to prevent sticking and make it easier to remove the brownies after baking.
Melt Chocolate and Butter: In a microwave or on the stovetop using a small saucepan over the lowest heat setting, melt the unsalted butter until fully melted. Then add the milk chocolate chips and stir constantly with a small whisk until the mixture is smooth and fully melted. Remove from heat and allow to cool to avoid curdling eggs later.
Mix Eggs and Sugars: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the five room temperature eggs, granulated sugar, brown sugar, vanilla extract, and red food coloring until the mixture is smooth and homogenous.
Combine Chocolate and Egg Mixtures: Slowly whisk the cooled melted chocolate and butter mixture into the egg and sugar mixture ensuring it is fully incorporated and smooth. Be cautious that the chocolate is not hot to prevent curdling the eggs.
Add Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, baking powder, salt, and unsweetened cocoa powder. Gradually stir this into the wet chocolate-egg mixture using a silicone spatula until the batter is completely combined and smooth.
Bake the Brownies: Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. After baking, transfer the pan to a cooling rack and let cool for 15 minutes.
Cool Before Frosting: Refrigerate the brownies covered until completely cooled to ensure the frosting adheres well, or alternatively let them come to room temperature before frosting.
Prepare Cream Cheese Frosting: In a mixing bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese, room temperature butter, vanilla extract, salt, confectioners sugar, and heavy cream or milk of choice on medium-high speed until the frosting is smooth, creamy, and well combined.
Frost the Brownies: Once the brownies are cooled, evenly spread the cream cheese frosting on top. Slice and serve.

Notes

Ensure eggs are at room temperature for better mixing and texture.
Be careful not to add hot melted chocolate to the eggs to prevent curdling.
Adjust confectioners sugar in frosting to your desired sweetness and consistency.
Line the baking pan with foil or parchment for easy removal and cleanup.
Store brownies in an airtight container in the refrigerator to keep the frosting fresh.

Keywords: Red Velvet Brownies, Cream Cheese Frosting, Homemade Brownies, Chocolate Dessert, Baked Brownies