Description
These Red Velvet Brownie Hearts combine the rich, fudgy texture of brownies with the vibrant red color and subtle cocoa flavor of red velvet. Perfectly shaped for Valentine’s Day, they make an indulgent and sweet treat for your loved ones.
Ingredients
Scale
For the brownies:
- 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
- 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- ½ tsp baking powder
- ¼ tsp salt
- ½ cup buttermilk
- 1 tsp white vinegar
For the cream cheese swirl (optional, for extra decadence):
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- ¼ cup powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease or line a 9×9-inch baking pan with parchment paper for easy removal, or use heart-shaped silicone molds for individual portions.
- Make the brownie batter: In a large mixing bowl, combine the melted butter and granulated sugar. Stir until smooth. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract and red food coloring.
- Add dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with the buttermilk. Mix until just combined. Add the vinegar and stir to combine.
- Optional cream cheese swirl: In a separate small bowl, beat together the cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth. If you want to add a swirl, spoon dollops of the cream cheese mixture into the brownie batter and gently swirl it with a knife or toothpick.
- Bake the brownies: Pour the brownie batter into the prepared pan (or individual molds). Smooth the top with a spatula and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs.
- Cool and cut into hearts: Allow the brownies to cool completely in the pan before transferring to a wire rack. Once cooled, use a heart-shaped cookie cutter to cut the brownies into heart shapes.
- Serve: Enjoy these soft, fudgy Red Velvet Brownie Hearts as a perfect Valentine’s Day treat or gift for your loved ones!
Notes
- If you don’t have buttermilk, you can use a substitute by adding 1 tsp of lemon juice or white vinegar to ½ cup of milk and letting it sit for a few minutes.
- The cream cheese swirl is optional but adds an extra layer of richness. Feel free to leave it out if you prefer.
- You can store the brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3-4 days or refrigerate them for longer freshness.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 heart-shaped brownie
- Calories: 230
- Sugar: 22g
- Sodium: 100mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 40mg