Craving a dessert that's both intensely rich and visually stunning? Look no further! This red velvet brownie recipe delivers a delightful explosion of chocolatey goodness with a vibrant, irresistible red hue. Perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth, impressing guests, or simply enjoying a moment of pure indulgence, these brownies are surprisingly easy to make, even for beginner bakers. Get ready to experience homemade cooking at its finest!
Ingredients:
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, melted
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- ½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon red food coloring (gel or liquid)
- 1 cup buttermilk (or 1 cup milk + 1 tablespoon lemon juice or white vinegar)
- Optional: Chocolate chips, chopped nuts, or cream cheese frosting for added indulgence.
Instructions:
Getting Started:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9x13 inch baking pan. This ensures your brownies bake evenly and prevent sticking. Lining the pan with parchment paper is also a great tip for easy removal.
Mixing the Wet Ingredients:
- In a large bowl, combine the melted butter and sugar until well blended. Beat in the eggs one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract. Make sure everything is thoroughly combined before moving to the next step.
Combining the Dry Ingredients:
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. This helps distribute the dry ingredients evenly for a better texture.
Bringing it All Together:
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Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Overmixing can lead to tough brownies, so be gentle!
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Stir in the red food coloring and buttermilk until the batter is smooth and evenly colored. The color will intensify as it bakes, so don't worry if it seems a little light at this stage.
Baking to Perfection:
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Pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread evenly. For added deliciousness, sprinkle with chocolate chips or chopped nuts before baking.
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Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with moist crumbs. Don't overbake! Slightly underbaked brownies will have a fudgier texture.
Cooling and Serving:
- Let the brownies cool completely in the pan before cutting and serving. This allows them to set properly and prevents crumbling.
Tips for the Best Red Velvet Brownies:
- Use good quality cocoa powder for a richer chocolate flavor.
- Don't overmix the batter. A few lumps are okay!
- Let the brownies cool completely before frosting, if desired.
- Store leftover brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or in the refrigerator for up to a week.
Variations:
- Cream Cheese Swirl: Add a swirl of cream cheese frosting to the batter before baking for an extra layer of flavor.
- Chocolate Chip Extravaganza: Add a generous amount of chocolate chips for an even more decadent treat.
- Nutty Delight: Incorporate chopped walnuts, pecans, or macadamia nuts for added crunch and flavor.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
Calories: Around 250-300 calories Fat: Around 15-20 grams Sugar: Around 20-25 grams
This Red Velvet Brownie recipe offers a delightful balance of easy preparation and impressive results. Whether you're a seasoned baker or just starting out, these delicious and visually appealing brownies are sure to become a favorite. Enjoy!