The Best Fudgy Red Velvet Brownies are a delicious twist on classic brownies, blending rich cocoa flavor with that signature red velvet tang and a super fudgy texture that melts in your mouth. These brownies are soft, moist, and just the right amount of sweet, making them a perfect dessert for Valentine’s Day or any time you’re craving something special.
I love how these brownies come together easily and look so impressive with their deep red color. It’s hard to resist their gooey crumb, and the little touch of cream cheese swirled in adds a delightful creaminess that makes every bite a treat. Whenever I make them, I always find myself sneaking a few extra pieces before they even get to the table!
These brownies are fantastic served warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or just on their own with a cup of coffee or tea. They’re a great way to share a little love with family and friends because who doesn’t appreciate a homemade dessert that tastes this good? I promise they’ll be a hit whether you’re celebrating Valentine’s Day or just want a cozy, sweet snack.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Butter: Melted unsalted butter gives these brownies their rich, fudgy texture. If you prefer, you can swap for coconut oil or a plant-based butter for a dairy-free version.
Red Food Coloring: This brings the classic red velvet look. Gel food coloring works best since it won’t thin your batter. If you avoid artificial colors, you can try beet powder, though the color is softer.
Cocoa Powder: Unsweetened cocoa adds a subtle chocolate flavor without overpowering the red velvet taste. Dutch-processed cocoa is a good alternative for a gentler flavor.
Cream Cheese: The cream cheese swirl adds a creamy contrast to the fudgy brownies. For a dairy-free option, use vegan cream cheese, but the texture may change slightly.
How Do You Get the Perfect Cream Cheese Swirl?
Creating a beautiful swirl is easier than it looks! After dolloping the cream cheese mixture over the brownie batter:
- Use a knife or skewer to gently drag through both layers, creating loose zigzags or circular patterns.
- Don’t overmix; you want a marbled look, not a blended one.
- A light touch helps keep the layers distinct, giving a great visual and textural contrast.
If you’re new to swirling, practice once or twice to get the hang of it. It’s fun and makes your brownies look extra special!
Equipment You’ll Need
- 8×8 inch baking pan – perfect size for these brownies and easy to lift out with parchment paper.
- Parchment paper – helps you remove brownies easily without sticking or breaking.
- Mixing bowls – one large for batter, one medium for cream cheese swirl; keeps everything organized.
- Whisk or electric mixer – makes mixing batter and cream cheese smooth and quick.
- Knife or skewer – for swirling the cream cheese to create that pretty marbled design.
- Measuring cups and spoons – to get your ingredients just right for perfect texture and flavor.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Chopped pecans or walnuts – add a nice crunch and nutty flavor that pairs well with red velvet.
- White chocolate chips – melt into the brownies for extra creamy sweetness throughout.
- Use raspberry jam instead of cream cheese swirl – for a fruity twist that adds tartness.
- Swap regular cream cheese for flavored varieties like strawberry or cinnamon – adds extra flair to each bite.
The Best Fudgy Red Velvet Brownies
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Brownie Batter:
- ½ cup (115g) unsalted butter, melted
- 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon red food coloring (gel or liquid)
- ¼ cup (25g) unsweetened cocoa powder
- ¾ cup (95g) all-purpose flour
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon baking powder
For the Cream Cheese Swirl:
- 8 oz (225g) cream cheese, softened
- ¼ cup (50g) granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
How Much Time Will You Need?
You’ll spend about 15 minutes preparing your ingredients and mixing the batter. Baking takes around 30-35 minutes, plus cooling time of at least 30 minutes, so plan for nearly an hour from start to finish.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare Your Pan and Oven:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8 inch (20×20 cm) square baking pan with parchment paper or lightly grease it so your brownies won’t stick.
2. Make the Brownie Batter:
In a large bowl, whisk together the melted butter and sugar until the mixture is smooth. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each. Stir in the vanilla extract and red food coloring until your batter has a beautiful red color.
3. Combine Dry Ingredients:
In another bowl, sift together cocoa powder, flour, salt, and baking powder. Gradually fold these dry ingredients into your wet batter, stirring gently until just combined. Avoid overmixing to keep your brownies tender.
4. Prepare the Cream Cheese Swirl:
Beat the cream cheese, sugar, egg, and vanilla extract in a medium bowl until smooth and creamy. This will add a delicious creamy layer on top of your brownies.
5. Assemble and Swirl:
Pour the brownie batter into your prepared pan and spread it evenly. Dollop spoonfuls of the cream cheese mixture over the top. Use a knife or skewer to swirl the cream cheese through the brownie batter in pretty patterns for that classic marbled effect.
6. Bake:
Bake for 30-35 minutes. Check doneness by inserting a toothpick near the center — it should come out with just a few moist crumbs, but not wet batter. Be careful not to overbake, as you want fudgy brownies.
7. Cool and Serve:
Let the brownies cool completely in the pan on a wire rack. Then, lift them out using the parchment paper and cut into squares. Now, enjoy your rich, fudgy red velvet brownies—perfect for Valentine’s Day or any cozy dessert craving!
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 overnight in the fridge and bring it to room temperature before mixing.
How Should I Store Leftover Brownies?
Store brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for up to a week. You can warm them slightly in the microwave before serving for that fresh-baked feel.
Can I Make These Brownies Gluten-Free?
Yes! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1-to-1 gluten-free baking flour blend. Just be sure it contains xanthan gum or another binder to keep the texture fudgy and moist.
What If I Don’t Have Red Food Coloring?
You can try natural alternatives like beet juice or beet powder, but the color will be less vibrant. Gel food coloring is preferred for intense, consistent color without affecting batter consistency.
