Oh my goodness, let me tell you about a little slice of heaven I like to call Red Velvet Brownies! These beauties are not just your ordinary dessert; they bring a spark of joy with their striking red color and a rich, fudgy texture that has the ability to turn any frown upside down. I first stumbled upon this recipe during a holiday baking session with my mom, and my heart did a little jig when I took that first bite. They became our go-to treat for every family gathering, and now I’m absolutely thrilled to share the magic with you!
What I love most about these brownies is their versatility. Whether it’s Valentine’s Day, Christmas, or just because you deserve something sweet, they’re perfect for any occasion. Plus, who can resist that luscious drizzle of white chocolate on top? They’re almost too pretty to eat — almost! So, let’s get right into the kitchen and whip up a batch of these delightful morsels!
What’s in Red Velvet Brownies?
Unsalted Butter: We start with butter for that rich flavor and moist texture. I personally like to use unsalted, so I can control the saltiness of the final product.
Granulated Sugar: Sugar not only sweetens the brownies, but it also helps create that chewy texture we all love. Trust me, there’s no such thing as too much sugar in brownies!
Eggs: The two large eggs help bind everything together and give these brownies that lovely lift. The fluffiness is real!
Vanilla Extract: Just a teaspoon of vanilla adds a warmth that totally enhances the flavor.
All-Purpose Flour: This is the backbone of our brownie batter, giving it structure while still allowing it to maintain that fudgy consistency.
Unsweetened Cocoa Powder: This is where the chocolatey goodness comes from! I opt for high-quality cocoa powder since its rich flavor really shines through.
Red Food Coloring: The star of the show! A tablespoon of red food coloring gives these brownies their stunning appearance.
Baking Powder: Just a smidge helps our brownies rise to the occasion without being too puffy.
Salt: A pinch of salt enhances the sweetness — it’s like a secret weapon in baking!
White Chocolate Chips: Optional but highly recommended for an added fudginess that you’ll just love.
White Chocolate (for Drizzling): A quarter cup of melted white chocolate on top makes these brownies look gourmet, and they taste like a luxurious treat!
Is Red Velvet Brownies Good for You?
Now, let’s be real: while these brownies are delightful and bring a smile to our faces, they aren’t exactly health food! But hey, moderation is key, right?
Butter and Sugar: Both contribute to the rich flavor but can pack a punch with calories. Enjoying these in moderation is the way to go!
Cocoa Powder: On the flipside, cocoa powder does offer some health benefits — it’s rich in antioxidants! So, you could argue you’re being a little healthy with that bit of rich chocolate goodness.
White Chocolate: The drizzle does add extra sweetness and richness, so if you’re looking to cut down on sugar, you can skip it.
But remember, dessert is meant to be enjoyed! There’s nothing wrong with indulging in a treat that makes you happy.
Ingredients List
– 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 2 large eggs
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
– 1 tablespoon red food coloring
– 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup white chocolate chips (optional for added fudginess)
– 1/4 cup white chocolate (for drizzling)
This recipe yields about 16 delightful brownie squares. Perfect for sharing (or not)!
How to Make Red Velvet Brownies?
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang for easy removal.
2. In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over low heat. Once melted, remove it from the heat and stir in the sugar, mixing well.
3. Add the eggs, one at a time, stirring well after each addition. Then mix in the vanilla extract and red food coloring until fully combined.
4. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt.
5. Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined. If using, stir in the white chocolate chips.
6. Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan, spreading it into an even layer.
7. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with a few moist crumbs (not wet batter).
8. Allow the brownies to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes, then lift them out using the parchment paper and let them cool completely on a wire rack.
9. Melt the 1/4 cup of white chocolate in a microwave-safe bowl in 30-second intervals, stirring in between until smooth. Drizzle it over the cooled brownies using a fork or piping bag.
10. Once the drizzle has set, cut the brownies into squares and serve.
Sweet Secret Tips for the Best Brownies!
– **Add a Topping**: Consider adding a sprinkle of sea salt on top of the white chocolate drizzle for a sweet and salty combo that’s downright addictive!
– **Swap It Up**: Feel free to play around with the chocolate chips. You can use dark chocolate chips or even a mix of milk and white chocolate.
– **Storage Tip**: Keep these brownies in an airtight container for up to 3 days at room temperature, or freeze them for a later treat. I mean, who doesn’t love having brownies ready whenever the craving strikes?
So, there you have it! These Red Velvet Brownies are an absolute must-try. I can’t wait for you to whip up a batch and share your thoughts on them. Happy baking, my friends! 🍰
