If you've been searching for the most indulgent brownies ever, stop right here! The Best Fudgy Red Velvet Brownies Recipe is absolutely irresistible: ultra-rich, perfectly chewy, outrageously chocolatey, and crowned with that iconic deep red hue.

Each bite is dense, gooey, and bursting with a hint of tang from cream cheese swirls, making them stand out from your usual brownie fare. These are the brownies you want for celebrations, Valentine's Day, potlucks, or anytime you crave a show-stopping treat that wows every crowd.

Trust me, this is my go-to recipe for sharing with friends (and sneaking a piece straight from the pan-no shame!). Quick to whip up and always impressive, these brownies are truly a must-try for chocolate and red velvet lovers alike.

A stack of fudgy red velvet brownies with tangy cream cheese swirls

Why You'll Love This Recipe

Irresistibly fudgy texture-never dry or cakey!
Delicious deep cocoa flavor balanced with a signature red velvet tang
Gorgeous red color that makes any occasion feel special
Super easy, one-bowl mixing-no fancy equipment required
Perfect for sharing at parties, holidays, or whenever you crave a decadent treat

Key Ingredients for The Best Fudgy Red Velvet Brownies Recipe

See recipe card below for full list of measurements, ingredients, and instructions.

Unsalted Butter

Butter is the secret to that classic fudgy bite-no oil here! Always use unsalted so you have full control over the saltiness in the recipe. For extra richness, melt the butter gently and let it cool slightly before mixing. If you only have salted butter, just reduce added salt by half.

Dutch-Process Cocoa Powder

This is key for that intense chocolate flavor and deep color. Dutch-process cocoa delivers a mellow, smooth richness. If you swap with natural cocoa powder, your brownies will be slightly lighter with a more acidic taste-but still delicious!

Red Gel Food Coloring

For that dramatic red velvet vibe, gel food coloring works best. It gives a bold color without watering down your batter. You can use liquid food coloring in a pinch, but you may need to add a bit more for the same effect.

Cream Cheese

Swirled on top, cream cheese infuses these brownies with signature tang and added creaminess. Use full-fat, brick-style cream cheese for the best texture. Low-fat or spreadable types will be too runny and won't hold the swirl as well.

White Vinegar

A tiny splash of vinegar boosts the red velvet flavor and gives just the right hint of tang. Don't worry-you won't taste the vinegar at all! You can sub with lemon juice if needed.

The Best Fudgy Red Velvet Brownies Recipe cooking process

Instructions for The Best Fudgy Red Velvet Brownies Recipe

See recipe card below for full list of measurements, ingredients, and instructions.

Prep Your Pan and Oven

Line an 8x8 inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving overhang for easy lifting. Lightly spray with nonstick spray. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

Make the Red Velvet Brownie Batter

In a large bowl, whisk together melted butter and sugar until glossy and combined. Add eggs, vanilla, red food coloring, and vinegar, and whisk until smooth and red.

Sift in the flour, cocoa powder, and salt. Use a spatula to gently fold everything together until just combined-don't overmix!

Prepare the Cream Cheese Swirl

In a medium bowl, whisk cream cheese until creamy. Mix in sugar, egg yolk, and vanilla extract until smooth.

Layer and Swirl

Pour the brownie batter into the prepared pan and smooth into an even layer. Dot the top with spoonfuls of the cream cheese mixture. Use a knife or skewer to gently swirl the cream cheese into the batter for a marbled look.

Bake to Perfection

Bake for 28-32 minutes, or until just set in the center and a toothpick inserted comes out with a few moist crumbs. Cool completely in the pan on a wire rack-this helps the fudgy texture set.

Slice and Serve

Once cool, lift the brownies out of the pan with the parchment tabs. Slice into 9 generous squares and serve!

Recipe Variations

Add Chocolate Chips

For the ultimate chocolate overload, sprinkle ½ cup of semisweet or white chocolate chips into the batter before baking. You'll get pockets of melted chocolate in every bite!

Make It Gluten-Free

Swap the all-purpose flour with your favorite 1:1 gluten-free baking blend. The brownies stay perfectly fudgy and everyone can enjoy them-just be sure your blend contains xanthan gum.

Vegan Red Velvet Brownies

Go vegan by using dairy-free butter, vegan cream cheese, and replacing the eggs with flax eggs (2 tablespoons ground flax mixed with 5 tablespoons water). The result is still gooey and irresistible!

Nutty Twist

Stir in ½ cup chopped pecans or walnuts for a crunchy contrast to the fudgy crumb. Toast the nuts first for even more flavor.

Swirl with Raspberry Jam

For a fruity upgrade, drop dollops of seedless raspberry jam alongside your cream cheese swirl. Gently marble the two together for a luscious, tangy treat.

Serving Suggestions

Pair these red velvet brownies with a scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream for the ultimate dessert experience, or drizzle with warm chocolate sauce for extra decadence. They shine bright on a holiday dessert table, and a few fresh raspberries or a dusting of powdered sugar make the presentation pop!

Storage and Reheating

Store leftover brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days-this helps keep the cream cheese swirl fresh. To reheat, microwave a single brownie on a plate for 10-15 seconds until just warm. You can freeze brownies (lined with parchment between layers) for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and bring to room temperature before serving.

Frequently Asked Questions About The Best Fudgy Red Velvet Brownies Recipe (FAQ)

Q: Can I double this recipe for a crowd?

A: Absolutely! Double the ingredients and bake in a 9x13 inch pan. Increase bake time to 35-38 minutes and keep an eye on the center for doneness.

Q: Can I make these brownies without food coloring?

A: Yes, you can! The flavor will remain just as delicious, though they won't have that signature red hue. You could also try natural food dyes like beet powder.

Q: How do I get perfect swirls with the cream cheese topping?

A: Use a knife or skewer to gently drag through the dollops of cream cheese in figure-eight motions. Don't overmix-distinct swirls look prettiest!

Thanks so much for stopping by and baking with me! These brownies are the kind of treat everyone raves about-and they're so easy you'll make them again and again. If you try The Best Fudgy Red Velvet Brownies Recipe, leave a comment or a star rating below. I'd love to hear what you think and see your creations!