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Red Velvet Brownies are a delightful twist on a classic treat, combining the rich flavors of chocolate with the vibrant hue of red velvet. When I first stumbled across this recipe, I couldn’t resist its striking color and the promise of fudgy texture. These brownies are perfect for adding a festive touch to celebrations or even just enjoying a cozy night in. With their decadent taste and eye-catching appearance, they’re bound to impress friends and family alike.
What Makes This Recipe Special
If you’re looking for a dessert that stands out, these Red Velvet Brownies are a must-try. Here are just a few reasons to whip up a batch:
- Uniquely Flavorful: The combination of light cocoa with a buttery undertone and hints of vanilla makes each bite a joy.
- Versatile Occasions: Whether it’s a birthday party, holiday gathering, or just a sweet treat after dinner, these brownies fit the bill.
- Kid-Approved: The fun color and chocolatey goodness are sure to win over the little ones!
“I made these for my daughter’s birthday, and they disappeared within minutes! The taste is amazing, and they look gorgeous.”
The Cooking Process Explained
Creating these Red Velvet Brownies is straightforward and fun! You’ll start by melting your chocolate and butter together, which adds richness to the brownies. Then, mix in your wet ingredients before sifting the dry ones into the bowl. Finally, combine everything and pour it into a prepared pan for baking. It’s as simple as that!
Ingredients You’ll Need
To make these delectable treats, gather the following ingredients:
- 3/4 cup unsalted butter (melted)
- 2 oz chopped semi-sweet chocolate bar
- 1 & 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon white vinegar
- 1/2 tablespoons red gel food coloring
- 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 & 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup white chocolate chips (optional, great for mixing into the batter or drizzling on top)
For a lighter version, you can substitute half the butter with unsweetened applesauce!
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F and line an 8×8 inch baking pan with parchment paper.
- In a large microwave-safe mixing bowl, melt the unsalted butter and semi-sweet chocolate in the microwave in 30-second increments. Stir until fully melted.
- Add the granulated sugar and mix until fully combined. Next, add in the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
- Stir in the vanilla extract, white vinegar, and red food coloring.
- In a separate bowl, sift together the unsweetened cocoa powder, all-purpose flour, and salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture. Mix until just combined, being careful not to overmix. If desired, fold in the white chocolate chips.
- Pour the brownie batter into the prepared pan and spread it evenly.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with a few moist crumbs (not wet batter).
- Allow the brownies to cool completely in the pan before cutting them into squares. Optionally, drizzle with melted white chocolate on top, allow to set, slice, and enjoy!
Best Ways to Enjoy It
These Red Velvet Brownies are delicious on their own, but you can elevate the experience with a few creative touches:
- Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delectable dessert.
- Pair with fresh strawberries or raspberries for a fruity contrast.
- Drizzle some extra melted white chocolate or drizzle caramel sauce for added decadence.
Storage and Reheating Tips
To keep your brownies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. If you want to maintain maximum moisture, place a slice of bread in the container; the brownies will absorb moisture, preventing them from drying out.
You can also freeze the brownies! Wrap each piece tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil. They can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw them in the refrigerator overnight before enjoying.
Helpful Cooking Tips
- Don’t Overmix: Mix the wet and dry ingredients just until combined to ensure fudgy brownies.
- Check for Doneness: Use a toothpick to test for doneness; a few moist crumbs should cling to it.
- Chill Your Chocolate: If you prefer a richer flavor, allow your melted chocolate and butter mixture to cool slightly before adding the eggs.
Creative Twists
While the classic recipe is delightful, here are a few variations to consider:
- Minty Delight: Add a few drops of peppermint extract for a refreshing twist.
- Nutty Surprise: Fold in chopped nuts, like pecans or walnuts, for added texture.
- Cream Cheese Swirl: Create a marbled effect by mixing in a simple cream cheese blend to the top layer before baking.
FAQs
How long does it take to prepare Red Velvet Brownies?
Preparation time for Red Velvet Brownies is about 15 minutes. Baking time is approximately 30-35 minutes.
Can I use regular food coloring instead of gel?
It’s best to use gel food coloring for an intense color, as liquid alternatives may alter the brownie’s texture.
How do I know when my brownies are done baking?
When a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with a few moist crumbs and not wet batter, they are done baking.
Can I substitute other types of chocolate?
Yes! You can swap the semi-sweet chocolate with dark chocolate or even milk chocolate based on your taste preference.
What’s the secret to fudgy brownies?
The secret lies in not overmixing the batter and removing the brownies from the oven as soon as they’re cooked through with a few moist crumbs clinging to your toothpick.
Is it necessary to use vinegar in this recipe?
The vinegar enhances the red color and reacts with the baking soda, contributing to the classic tender crumb texture. If needed, you can omit it, but it is recommended for optimal results.
How should I store leftover brownies?
Keep leftover brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. For longer storage, consider freezing them.
Can I make these brownies gluten-free?
Absolutely! Use a 1-to-1 gluten-free flour blend to substitute for the all-purpose flour.
These Red Velvet Brownies are a colorful twist on a classic dessert that’s perfect for any occasion. With a straightforward preparation process and room for creativity, you’ll be able to whip them up with ease and impress your loved ones. Happy baking!
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Red Velvet Brownies
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 16 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A delightful twist on a classic treat, combining rich chocolate flavors with the vibrant hue of red velvet.
Ingredients
- 3/4 cup unsalted butter (melted)
- 2 oz chopped semi-sweet chocolate bar
- 1 & 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon white vinegar
- 1/2 tablespoons red gel food coloring
- 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 & 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup white chocolate chips (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F and line an 8×8 inch baking pan with parchment paper.
- In a large microwave-safe mixing bowl, melt the unsalted butter and semi-sweet chocolate in the microwave in 30-second increments, stirring until fully melted.
- Add the granulated sugar and mix until fully combined. Then, add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
- Stir in the vanilla extract, white vinegar, and red food coloring.
- In a separate bowl, sift together the unsweetened cocoa powder, all-purpose flour, and salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture and mix until just combined, being careful not to overmix. Optionally, fold in the white chocolate chips.
- Pour the brownie batter into the prepared pan and spread it evenly.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with a few moist crumbs.
- Allow the brownies to cool completely in the pan before cutting into squares. Optionally, drizzle with melted white chocolate before serving.
Notes
For a lighter version, substitute half the butter with unsweetened applesauce. Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 brownie
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 25g
- Sodium: 100mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
