The Best Fudgy Red Velvet Brownies are the perfect mix of rich chocolate and that classic red velvet tang, all wrapped up in a fudgy, melt-in-your-mouth brownie. They’re beautifully vibrant, with a deep red color that makes them extra special for Valentine’s Day or any time you want a treat that looks and tastes like a little love in every bite.
I love making these brownies when I want something that feels both chocolatey and a bit different from your usual brownie. The fudgy texture is just right—not too cakey and definitely not dry. Plus, there’s just something so fun about the cream cheese swirl or frosting I sometimes add on top to make them even more festive. They always disappear fast whenever I bring them to a gathering, and I’m convinced it’s because they’re just that good.
My favorite way to serve these brownies is slightly warm, maybe with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream on the side. It’s such a cozy, sweet treat that always feels like a little celebration. If you’re looking for a dessert that’s easy to share and sure to make people smile, these red velvet brownies are a winner every time.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Butter: Melted butter adds richness and a fudgy texture here. You can swap with coconut oil for a dairy-free version, though it may change the flavor slightly.
Red Food Coloring: This gives the red velvet its signature color. If you want a natural option, try beet juice or powder, but results may vary.
Cocoa Powder: Unsweetened cocoa adds subtle chocolate flavor. Use Dutch-process for a smoother taste or natural cocoa for more tang.
Buttermilk: It adds moisture and tang, helping the texture and flavor. If unavailable, mix 1 tbsp lemon juice or vinegar with milk and let sit 5 mins.
Cream Cheese: Essential for the swirl, giving that classic red velvet touch. If avoiding dairy, try a vegan cream cheese alternative for a similar effect.
How Do You Get the Perfect Cream Cheese Swirl?
The cream cheese swirl is the star look for these brownies and adds extra flavor. Here’s how to get it just right:
- Make sure the cream cheese is softened to room temperature for easy mixing and smooth texture.
- Drop spoonfuls of cream cheese mixture evenly over the brownie batter layers to spread the flavor everywhere.
- Use a knife or skewer to gently swirl through the layers—don’t overmix or you’ll lose the marbled effect.
- Aim for pretty, loose ribbons of cream cheese in the red velvet without fully blending it in.
Taking your time with this step really makes the brownies look stunning and taste delicious!
Equipment You’ll Need
- 9×9-inch baking pan – perfect size for thick, fudgy brownies and easy to slice.
- Parchment paper – helps you lift the brownies out of the pan without sticking.
- Mixing bowls – one for batter and one for the cream cheese swirl; keeping them separate makes swirling easier.
- Whisk or electric mixer – speeds up mixing for smooth batter and cream cheese mixture.
- Butter knife or skewer – great tool for creating that pretty cream cheese swirl pattern.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Add chopped pecans or walnuts for a nice crunch that pairs well with rich brownie texture.
- Mix in white chocolate chips to add little pockets of sweetness throughout.
- Try swapping cream cheese with mascarpone for a milder, creamier swirl.
- Flavor the batter with a teaspoon of espresso powder to deepen the chocolate taste without overpowering the red velvet flavor.
The Best Fudgy Red Velvet Brownies
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Red Velvet Brownie Batter:
- 1 cup (226g) unsalted butter, melted
- 2 cups (400g) granulated sugar
- 3 large eggs
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 2 tablespoons red food coloring
- 2/3 cup (65g) unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 cup plus 2 tablespoons (130g) all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 cup (120ml) buttermilk
For the Cream Cheese Swirl:
- 8 ounces (225g) cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup (50g) granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15-20 minutes to prepare, plus 35-40 minutes baking time. Allow the brownies to cool for at least 30 minutes before slicing for best results. Total time is approximately 1.5 hours including cooling.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat Oven and Prepare Pan:
Start by heating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×9-inch baking pan with parchment paper or foil, leaving some overhang for easy removal later. Lightly grease the lining to prevent sticking.
2. Make the Red Velvet Brownie Batter:
In a large bowl, whisk together the melted butter and granulated sugar until nice and smooth. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each one. Stir in the vanilla extract and red food coloring until the batter has a rich, even red color.
3. Combine Dry Ingredients and Mix:
Sift the cocoa powder, flour, salt, and baking powder into a separate bowl. Slowly add these dry ingredients to your wet batter, alternating with the buttermilk. Begin and end with the dry ingredients. Mix gently until combined – be careful not to overmix.
4. Prepare the Cream Cheese Swirl:
In a medium bowl, beat the softened cream cheese together with sugar, egg, and vanilla extract until completely smooth and creamy.
5. Assemble the Brownies:
Pour half of the red velvet batter into the prepared pan and spread it out evenly. Drop spoonfuls of half the cream cheese mixture over it. Repeat with the remaining brownie batter and then the rest of the cream cheese on top.
6. Create the Swirl:
Use a butter knife or skewer to gently swirl the cream cheese through the brownie batter, creating a pretty marbled pattern. Don’t overdo it – you want nice ribbons of cream cheese visible.
7. Bake:
Bake in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes. Test by inserting a toothpick near the center—there should be moist crumbs but no wet batter. Avoid overbaking if you want fudgy brownies.
8. Cool and Serve:
Let the brownies cool completely in the pan on a wire rack. When cool, lift them out using the parchment overhang and cut into squares. Serve plain, or with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra special treat!
Can I Use Frozen Cream Cheese for the Swirl?
It’s best to use cream cheese at room temperature for a smooth swirl. If your cream cheese is frozen, thaw it overnight in the fridge and bring it to room temp before mixing.
Can I Make These Brownies Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! Bake the brownies, cool completely, then store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the fridge for up to a week. Reheat gently if desired.
How Should I Store Leftover Brownies?
Store leftover brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for 2-3 days or refrigerate for up to a week to keep them fresh and fudgy.
What Can I Use Instead of Buttermilk?
If you don’t have buttermilk, mix 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or white vinegar with 1/2 cup milk. Let it sit for 5 minutes before using as a buttermilk substitute.
