These red velvet brownies are a fun twist on the classic chocolate treat! They are soft, rich, and have a lovely red color that makes them pop.
Honestly, who can resist a dessert that looks this good? I love serving them warm with a scoop of ice cream on the side. Perfect for sharing—or not! 😄
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Butter: Unsalted butter is perfect for these brownies as it gives control over the salt content. If you’re looking for a dairy-free version, coconut oil or a vegan butter substitute works well too!
Granulated Sugar: Regular granulated sugar is best for sweetness. You can swap half for brown sugar for a deeper flavor, or use a sugar alternative like coconut sugar if you prefer.
Red Food Coloring: Gel food coloring gives the best color intensity. If you want a natural option, use beet juice, although it may alter the flavor slightly.
Cocoa Powder: Use unsweetened cocoa powder for a rich flavor. Dutch-process cocoa can add a smoother taste; just remember to adjust the baking soda slightly if you do!
White Chocolate Chips: If you don’t have white chocolate chips, you can substitute with dark chocolate or even skip them altogether for a less sweet brownie. You might enjoy the different chocolate notes!
How Do I Ensure My Brownies Are Soft and Chewy?
The key to soft and chewy brownies lies in how you mix and bake them. Don’t overmix the batter after adding the dry ingredients. This keeps the gluten from developing too much, which makes brownies tough.
- Mix until you still see flour—there’s nothing wrong with some lumps!
- Baking time is crucial. Check for doneness by inserting a toothpick: it should come out with a few moist crumbs, not completely clean.
- Let them cool in the pan. This helps set the texture and keeps them moist.
Enjoy your baking! These tips will help you create the perfect red velvet brownies each time!
How to Make Delicious Red Velvet Brownies
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- For the Brownies:
- 1/2 cup (115g) unsalted butter, melted
- 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon red food coloring
- 1 tablespoon unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 3/4 cup (95g) all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 cup white chocolate chips (or chunks)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This scrumptious recipe takes about 15 minutes for preparation and 25-30 minutes for baking. Once they cool down, your brownies will be ready to enjoy in no time — about an hour total until they’re cut and served!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat and Prepare Your Pan:
First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). While it’s warming up, grease an 8×8-inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper to make clean-up a breeze later.
2. Mix Wet Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, add the melted unsalted butter and granulated sugar. Grab a whisk and combine them well until the mixture is smooth and glossy. Next, crack in the eggs one by one, mixing thoroughly after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract and red food coloring until everything is a lovely, bright red!
3. Combine Dry Ingredients:
Now it’s time for the dry ingredients! Sift in the cocoa powder, salt, all-purpose flour, and baking powder. Using a spatula, gently fold these into your wet mixture. Remember, the goal is just to combine everything—not to overmix, or the brownies could become tough!
4. Add White Chocolate Chips:
Fold in the white chocolate chips to add that delightful sweetness. You can reserve a handful for sprinkling on top later if you like! This is where you give that extra touch of yum to your brownies.
5. Bake the Brownies:
Pour the finished batter into your prepared pan and smooth the top with a spatula. If you saved some chocolate chips, sprinkle them evenly over the top now. Pop it into the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes. To check for doneness, insert a toothpick into the center. It should come out with a few moist crumbs clinging to it, not wet batter.
6. Cool and Serve:
Once baked, remove the brownies from the oven and let them cool in the pan on a wire rack. When they are completely cooled, cut them into squares and serve them up! Enjoy the rich, moist flavor of these red velvet brownies, perfect for any occasion!
Can I Use Different Types of Food Coloring?
Yes! While red gel food coloring gives the best results for vibrant color, you can also use liquid food coloring. Just be aware that you may need to adjust the amount a bit, as liquid can add extra moisture to the batter.
What Can I Substitute for White Chocolate Chips?
If you don’t have white chocolate, you can use semi-sweet or dark chocolate chips instead for a richer flavor. For a fun twist, try adding nuts or dried fruit to the batter instead!
How Should I Store Leftover Brownies?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want to keep them longer, refrigerate for up to a week or freeze for up to 3 months. Just make sure they’re fully cooled before wrapping them up!
Can I Add Nuts to This Recipe?
Absolutely! Chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans can add a lovely crunch to your brownies. Just fold them in at the same time you add the chocolate chips for an extra delicious touch!
