Delicious red velvet brownies

These red velvet brownies are my answer to those moments when you crave something a little decadent and a lot of fun Baking them at home lets you create a fudgy vibrant treat with minimal fuss and every time I pull a pan of these out of the oven the kitchen fills with a chocolate aroma that brings everyone running

I tried this recipe first for my best friend’s birthday and now she requests it instead of cake every year Each time I make them I tweak the swirl or extras for new excitement but the base never fails

Gather Your Ingredients

• Unsalted butter: melted for rich depth go for high-quality European-style if possible
• Semi-sweet chocolate bar: chopped adds fudginess and bold cocoa use a brand you enjoy eating straight
• Granulated sugar: gives essential chew try to use fine sugar for smooth batter
• Large eggs: for structure and that classic brownie sheen make sure they are at room temperature for easy mixing
• Vanilla extract: rounds out the flavors real vanilla really elevates
• White vinegar: a red velvet signature keeps the texture tender choose distilled if you can
• Red gel food coloring: for signature color gels hold up better than liquid with no bitter aftertaste
• Unsweetened cocoa powder: for earthy chocolate backdrop Dutch-process will make an even richer red
• All-purpose flour: keep brownies moist with just enough structure sift to guarantee no lumps
• Salt: balances the sweetness flaky or fine but always fresh
• White chocolate chips (optional): these make it extra festive use chunks for pockets of melty goodness

How to Make It

Preheat and Prep:

Get the oven hot at 350 degrees Fahrenheit and line your eight-inch square baking pan with parchment paper letting it overhang so you can lift brownies out easily later

Melt and Mix:

Combine melted butter and chopped chocolate in a large bowl and microwave in short thirty second bursts stirring in between until the chocolate is very smooth and glossy this step ensures ultimate fudginess

Add Sugar and Eggs:

Mix in the sugar thoroughly to cool the chocolate a bit then add the eggs one at a time whisking well between each so the top bakes up shiny and the texture stays dense

Flavor Base:

Stir in the vanilla extract white vinegar and red food coloring until the color is even throughout this is where red velvet gets its personality

Combine Dry Ingredients:

In a separate bowl sift together the cocoa flour and salt to aerate and remove any clumps for a uniform crumb

Fold Together:

Add the dry mix to the wet bowl fold gently with a spatula until just blended careful not to overmix or your brownies will be tough

Add Chocolate Chips:

If using stir in the white chocolate chips or save some to sprinkle on top before baking for a pretty finish

Bake:

Spread the batter evenly in your prepared pan and bake for thirty to forty five minutes until the edges are set but the center is very slightly soft a toothpick should come out with a few moist crumbs this means perfect gooey brownies

Cool and Serve:

Let brownies cool completely in the pan set on a rack then lift out using parchment cut into squares and drizzle with more melted white chocolate if you want extra flair

My favorite is swirling on a little cream cheese frosting for extra tang and my nephew still remembers the first time he saw the ruby color and asked if he could have red birthday brownies forever

Flavor Boosters

Real cocoa and good chocolate are key for deep flavor You can swirl in cream cheese frosting white chocolate or orange zest for tang or brightness For a twist use Dutch-process cocoa or add beet powder for color and extra earthiness

Serving Suggestions

Cut brownies into bite-size squares for dessert platters or layer with whipped cream and berries in dessert jars My family loves them with a spoonful of vanilla ice cream while warm For a party swirl in a little cream cheese or frost with a hint of orange zest

Creative Twists

Swap in Greek yogurt for some butter for a lighter result or fold in toasted pecans or walnuts for a nutty version Try green swirls for St Patrick’s Day or dried cranberries for the holidays Use heart-shaped cutters for Valentine’s Day Adapt the base for any season or celebration

These brownies have become my signature bake and make every celebration feel a little more festive Try them once and you just might crave the color and fudgy center again and again

Common Questions About This Recipe

→ What gives red velvet brownies their color?

The deep red color comes from red gel food coloring added to the batter, providing the signature look without affecting flavor.

→ Can I use regular cocoa powder for these brownies?

Yes, unsweetened cocoa powder is used here to add a rich chocolate flavor and enhance the overall taste of the brownies.

→ What role does white vinegar play in this dish?

White vinegar balances the sweetness and reacts with baking components to help create a tender and moist texture.

→ Is it necessary to melt the chocolate and butter together?

Melting them together ensures a smooth, even chocolate flavor distributed throughout the batter for optimal richness.

→ Can white chocolate chips be mixed in or used as topping?

Yes, you can fold white chocolate chips into the batter or melt and drizzle them on top for added sweetness and texture.