This red velvet brownies recipe only calls for 5 ingredients and pairs the timeless charm of red velvet cake with the gorgeous appeal of homemade brownies. Brownie mix and cake mix are used in this recipe as the basis of the brownies because they give great results and save you time and effort, which is always a plus!
Jump to:
If you've made your own red velvet cake before, you will probably remember adding classic red food coloring or gel food coloring. Using a boxed mix means you don't have to worry about doing that or getting the amount right.
If you can't get enough of that mouthwatering red velvet flavor, you might also enjoy making red velvet Oreo cheesecake, while brownie fans should enjoy these dark chocolate brownies. And if you can't decide between the two, then just go ahead and make the following recipe for the best of both worlds in every bite!
Main Ingredients
Let's take a look at what you need to whip up this incredibly good dessert:
- Boxed brownie mix: Saves time and energy. Nobody is going to know (or care) that you used a boxed brownie mix. In fact, it just saves you time and ensures the ingredients are measured out properly. Use any kind of brownie mix; dark chocolate, triple chocolate, fudge brownies, or another favorite.
- Boxed red velvet cake mix: Another key component of these brownies. Red velvet cake mix ensures you'll get a bright red result without having to mess around with gel food coloring. Use any brand you want or get creative and try another type of cake mix altogether.
- Vegetable oil: Helps get the brownies chewy and fudgy. Vegetable oil, canola oil, or another neutral-flavored variety (so, not olive oil) is used in the red velvet cake mixture to bind all the ingredients together and bring a rich, luscious taste and texture to the finished brownies.
- Egg: To bind the ingredients. This goes into the red velvet cake mixture since the egg helps to get the consistency just right. Use a large egg at room temperature for the best results.
- Milk: For moisture. I used full-fat milk, but you can use any kind here, or try non-dairy milk such as almond or oat milk if preferred. The milk goes into the red velvet cake mixture. Half-and-half would also work if you're out of milk. If you're doing this substitution, I'd recommend using mostly that with a splash of water so it ends up more milky (than creamy) consistency-wise.
Instructions Overview
How do you make red velvet brownies? Follow the directions on the box to make the brownie mix then spread the resulting batter into a parchment paper-lined 13x9-inch pan.
Next combine the red velvet cake mix with the oil, egg, and milk and then spoon this over the brownie mixture in the pan and swirl them together.
Bake for about 22 minutes or until done, then let the brownies cool in the pan before cutting into squares. Yep, these really are this simple!
Common Questions
If you've had both red velvet cake and brownies before, imagine a hybrid of both treats. You can expect chewy, fudgy brownies with gorgeous red color and delicate red velvet flavor.
Always make sure your brownies are completely cool before attempting to cut them into squares. They will take about half an hour to cool down. Once they're cool, grease a sharp knife with a little nonstick spray (optional but handy!) and cut through the brownies. Don't use a sawing motion or serrated knife or else your brownies will have ragged edges.
If you tend to avoid this cake because of the price, the good news is it works out much cheaper to make your own. So forget red velvet cake from the bakery and try this easy, 5-ingredient red velvet brownies recipe instead!
Chopnotch Tips
- Can you use a different kind of cake mix? Absolutely! Feel free to use your favorite, since just about any flavor of cake pairs well with the chocolate appeal of brownies.
- Check the boxes of mix before you leave the grocery store, to see which other ingredients need to be added.
- Add a cup of white chocolate chips to the batter for an even richer result or some dried berries.
When brownies and red velvet cake come together, the result is going to be amazing red velvet brownies that are rich, cakey, and fudgy, oh - and totally delicious!
Related Recipes
Let us know what you think! Give this recipe a rating in the comments section below.
Recipe
How to Make
Red Velvet Brownies
Ingredients
- 1 box brownie mix, plus ingredients called for on box
- 1 box red velvet cake mix
- ¼ cup vegetable oil
- 1 large egg
- ¼ cup milk
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F. Line a 13x9-inch baking pan with parchment paper. Leave some hanging over the two ends of the pan for easy removal later.
- Prepare the brownie mix according to the instructions on the box and then spread the batter into the prepared pan.
- In a large mixing bowl, mix together the red velvet cake mix, vegetable oil, egg, and milk until thick and well combined. Then spoon the red batter onto the brownie batter layer and gently swirl in random directions with a knife or toothpick.
- Bake for 22 minutes or until a toothpick comes out almost clean from the center with a small amount of batter on it.
- Allow them to cool completely, and then use the parchment paper to lift them out of the pan. Cut into squares. Serve and enjoy!
Notes
- Can you use a different kind of cake mix? Absolutely! Feel free to use your favorite, since just about any flavor of cake pairs well with the chocolate appeal of brownies.
- Check the boxes of mix before you leave the grocery store, to see which other ingredients need to be added.
- Add a cup of white chocolate chips to the batter for an even richer result or some dried berries.
Is the red velvet cake mix, mixed according to the pkg.? Do you spray nonstick spray on parchment paper?
Hi Christine, yes - prepare the brownie mix according to the instructions on the box and then spread the batter into the prepared pan. You don't need to spray nonstick spray on the parchment paper.