If you’re searching for a dessert that combines rich chocolatey goodness with a flirty pop of color and a touch of creaminess, the Red Velvet Brownie Hearts Recipe is about to become your new favorite. These brownies are stunningly soft and moist, boasting that classic red velvet tang layered within fudgy cocoa goodness. The cream cheese swirl adds a luscious twist that keeps every bite melt-in-your-mouth delicious. Perfect for celebrations, gifts, or whenever you want to brighten someone’s day with a heartfelt treat, this recipe strikes the perfect balance between simplicity and wow factor.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this recipe is in the essentials – each ingredient plays a special role in creating those moist, flavorful brownies with beautiful heart shapes. From the rich butter that brings tenderness, to the vibrant red food coloring that makes every bite visually irresistible, here’s what you’ll need:
- Unsalted butter: Melted, it provides richness and a tender crumb texture that’s key to fudgy brownies.
- Granulated sugar: Sweetens the batter perfectly while helping to create that delicate crust on top.
- Large eggs: Act as the binding agent and contribute to the structure, making the brownies firm yet soft.
- Vanilla extract: Adds warmth and depth to the flavor without overpowering the chocolate and red velvet notes.
- Red food coloring: Gives the brownies their iconic red hue that makes this recipe truly special.
- All-purpose flour: The sturdy base balancing moisture and giving the brownies structure.
- Unsweetened cocoa powder: Delivers that bittersweet chocolate kick essential for red velvet treats.
- Baking powder: Helps the brownies rise just enough for a tender crumb without being cakey.
- Salt: Enhances all the other flavors, ensuring the sweetness isn’t one-dimensional.
- Buttermilk: Adds moisture and a mild tang that’s classic in red velvet recipes, making the texture moist and tender.
- White vinegar: Reacts with buttermilk and baking powder, intensifying the red color and lightening the crumb.
- Cream cheese: Softened and mixed with powdered sugar and vanilla, it creates the decadent swirl that takes these brownies to the next level.
- Powdered sugar: Sweetens the cream cheese mixture smoothly without grit.
How to Make Red Velvet Brownie Hearts Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Pan
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Properly greasing your 9×9-inch baking pan or lining it with parchment paper ensures those brownies won’t stick and will come out in perfect shape. For a charming touch, try heart-shaped silicone molds to bake individual portions that are as cute as they are delicious.
Step 2: Mix the Wet Ingredients
In a large bowl, combine your melted butter and granulated sugar until smooth and glossy. This step is crucial since the butter coats the sugar, aiding in that tender crumb. Beat in your eggs one at a time, making sure each is fully incorporated to build structure. Finally, stir in vanilla extract and vibrant red food coloring to infuse flavor and that signature look.
Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients Separately
Whisk together the all-purpose flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt in another bowl. This ensures even distribution of the leavening agent and cocoa so that your brownies bake uniformly.
Step 4: Alternate Mixing Dry Ingredients and Buttermilk
Gradually add the dry mix to the wet ingredients, alternating with buttermilk. This keeps the batter light and prevents overmixing, which can make brownies tough. Stir in the white vinegar last to brighten the color and help the batter rise just right.
Step 5: Prepare the Cream Cheese Swirl
In a small bowl, blend softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and a splash of vanilla until smooth. To create that classic swirl effect, spoon dollops of this creamy mixture onto the brownie batter and gently swirl with a knife or toothpick. This not only adds flavor but brings a beautiful marbled look to your brownies.
Step 6: Bake Until Perfect
Pour your batter into the prepared pan or molds, smoothing out the top for even baking. Place them in the preheated oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes. You’ll know they’re done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs clinging to it.
Step 7: Cool and Cut Into Heart Shapes
Allow the brownies to cool completely in the pan—this step is key to maintaining their luscious texture. Once cooled, use a heart-shaped cookie cutter to carve out the cutest, perfectly portioned velvet brownie hearts that will make any occasion feel extra special.
How to Serve Red Velvet Brownie Hearts Recipe
Garnishes
For an irresistibly charming presentation, dust your Red Velvet Brownie Hearts with powdered sugar or cocoa powder. Fresh berries like strawberries or raspberries can add a burst of color and complement the creamy notes beautifully. A dollop of whipped cream or a drizzle of white chocolate ganashe instantly ups the indulgence factor.
Side Dishes
These brownies shine on their own but pairing them with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream or a rich chocolate mousse creates a decadent dessert duo. For a lighter option, a citrusy fruit salad balances the richness with bright, zesty flavors that play nicely against the velvet smoothness.
Creative Ways to Present
Surprise your guests by serving your Red Velvet Brownie Hearts recipe in a layered parfait with cream cheese frosting and crushed pistachios for crunch. You can also pack them in little boxes tied with a ribbon for personalized gifts or arrange them on a platter surrounded by edible flowers to wow at parties and gatherings.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days or refrigerated for up to a week to keep them fresh and moist. Just be sure to let them come back to room temperature before serving to enjoy that soft and tender texture again.
Freezing
If you want to save your Red Velvet Brownie Hearts Recipe for later, freeze them in a single layer on a baking sheet first, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. They can be frozen for up to three months without losing flavor or texture, making it easy to prepare ahead for future celebrations.
Reheating
To bring your brownies back to life after chilling or freezing, warm them gently in the microwave for about 10–15 seconds or in a low oven at 300°F for 5–7 minutes. This will refresh the fudgy texture and melt the cream cheese swirl slightly, giving you that freshly baked feel all over again.
FAQs
Can I use regular milk instead of buttermilk?
While you can use regular milk, buttermilk adds a subtle tang and tenderness that is signature to red velvet recipes. If you don’t have buttermilk, you can make a substitute by adding a teaspoon of white vinegar or lemon juice to a cup of milk and letting it sit for 5 minutes before using.
Is it necessary to use red food coloring?
Yes, the red food coloring gives these brownies their iconic color that makes the Red Velvet Brownie Hearts Recipe so joyful and visually appealing. You can use natural food colorings or beet juice as alternatives, but they may alter the final shade.
What pan works best for baking these brownies?
A 9×9-inch baking pan is ideal for this recipe, but if you want individual brownie hearts, heart-shaped silicone molds are a wonderful option. Parchment lining or greasing the pan well ensures easy removal and clean edges.
Can I make these brownies gluten-free?
You can substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend. Just be sure the blend contains xanthan gum or another binder to help maintain the texture of the brownies so they remain soft and fudgy.
How long will these brownies stay fresh?
Stored properly in an airtight container at room temperature, your Red Velvet Brownie Hearts will stay fresh and delicious for about 2 days. Refrigeration extends the shelf life up to a week but brings a firmer texture, which can be softened when gently warmed before serving.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend the Red Velvet Brownie Hearts Recipe enough for anyone who wants to combine classic flavors into a charming, irresistible treat. The balance of fudgy texture, striking red color, and cream cheese swirl makes each bite something truly special. Whether you’re making it for a celebration or just because, these brownies bring warmth and happiness every time. Give it a try and share the love — you won’t regret it!
Print
Red Velvet Brownie Hearts Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 12 heart-shaped brownies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Red Velvet Brownie Hearts combine the rich, fudgy texture of classic brownies with the vibrant color and subtle tang of red velvet cake. Enhanced with a creamy swirled cream cheese topping, these heart-shaped treats are perfect for Valentine’s Day or any special occasion. Soft, moist, and irresistibly delicious, they are sure to delight your loved ones.
Ingredients
Brownie Batter
- 1 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tbsp vanilla extract
- 2 tbsp red food coloring
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- ¼ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- ½ tsp baking powder
- ¼ tsp salt
- ½ cup buttermilk
- 1 tsp white vinegar
Cream Cheese Swirl
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- ¼ cup powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease or line a 9×9-inch baking pan with parchment paper to ensure easy removal. Alternatively, use heart-shaped silicone molds for individual brownies.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the melted butter and granulated sugar, stirring until smooth. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract and red food coloring until fully incorporated.
- Combine Dry Ingredients and Alternate: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add these dry ingredients to the wet mixture, alternating with the buttermilk, mixing just until combined. Stir in the white vinegar at the end to enhance the red velvet flavor.
- Prepare Cream Cheese Swirl: In a small bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with powdered sugar and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy. For the swirl, spoon dollops of this mixture onto the brownie batter and gently swirl using a knife or toothpick for a marbled effect.
- Bake the Brownies: Pour the brownie batter into the prepared pan or molds, smoothing the top with a spatula. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean or with only a few moist crumbs attached.
- Cool and Cut: Let the brownies cool completely in the pan. Once cooled, transfer to a wire rack and use a heart-shaped cookie cutter to cut into heart shapes if baked in a pan.
- Serve and Enjoy: These soft and fudgy Red Velvet Brownie Hearts are perfect for gifting or enjoying as a festive treat for Valentine’s Day or any celebration.
Notes
- For a more intense red color, increase the food coloring slightly.
- Use room temperature eggs for better incorporation into the batter.
- Make sure the cream cheese is soft to avoid lumps in the swirl mixture.
- Store leftover brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerated for up to a week.
- You can freeze the brownies for up to 2 months; thaw before serving.
- Adjust baking time slightly if using silicone molds as they may bake faster.
