Are you ready to ditch the boxed mixes and embark on a baking adventure that's surprisingly simple yet incredibly rewarding? Then get ready to indulge in the ultimate guilty pleasure: homemade red velvet brownies! These aren't your average brownies; they're intensely fudgy, subtly tangy, and boast that iconic red velvet hue that's guaranteed to impress. This recipe is perfect for beginner bakers looking for easy recipes and experienced cooks seeking a delicious dish to add to their repertoire of best recipes. Get ready to elevate your dessert game with this quick dinner alternative!
Ingredients:
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, melted and cooled slightly
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon red food coloring gel (not liquid)
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- ¾ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup buttermilk (or 1 cup milk + 1 tablespoon white vinegar/lemon juice)
Instructions:
Step 1: Prep and Combine Wet Ingredients
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9x13 inch baking pan. In a large bowl, combine the melted butter and sugar. Beat until well combined. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract and red food coloring until evenly distributed. This is where the beautiful red color comes alive!
Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. This ensures all the dry ingredients are evenly distributed, preventing pockets of baking powder or soda.
Step 3: Gentle Incorporation
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to tough brownies. A few lumps are okay! Now, gently fold in the buttermilk until you have a smooth, but not overly fluffy, batter.
Step 4: Baking Time
Pour the batter into your prepared baking pan and spread evenly. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with moist crumbs. Don't overbake! Overbaked brownies will be dry and crumbly.
Step 5: Cooling and Serving
Let the brownies cool completely in the pan before cutting into squares. This allows them to set properly and makes them easier to cut. Once cooled, you can dust them with powdered sugar, drizzle them with chocolate ganache, or simply enjoy them as is.
Tips for Perfect Red Velvet Brownies:
- Use gel food coloring: Gel food coloring provides a more intense color than liquid food coloring.
- Don't overmix: Overmixing the batter will develop the gluten in the flour, resulting in tough brownies.
- Check for doneness: Use a toothpick to test for doneness. If it comes out with wet batter, bake for a few more minutes.
- Let them cool completely: Cooling the brownies completely prevents them from crumbling when cut.
Variations:
- Chocolate Chips: Add ½ cup of chocolate chips to the batter for an extra chocolatey treat.
- Cream Cheese Swirl: Spread a layer of cream cheese frosting on top of the batter before baking for a delicious swirl effect.
- Nuts: Add ½ cup of chopped walnuts or pecans to the batter for added texture and flavor.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
- Calories: Around 250-300
- Fat: Around 15g
- Protein: Around 3g
- Carbohydrates: Around 30g
These red velvet brownies are a delicious and relatively healthy alternative to other indulgent desserts, especially when enjoyed in moderation. They're perfect for sharing (or not!). Enjoy every bite of this homemade culinary masterpiece!