If you are looking to wow your loved ones with a dessert that’s both stunning and utterly scrumptious, the Red Velvet Brownie Hearts Recipe is the perfect choice. These rich, moist brownies deliver the deep cocoa flavor combined with that signature red velvet charm, all shaped into adorable hearts that make every bite feel like a celebration. Whether you’re baking for Valentine’s Day, a special occasion, or just a cozy night in, this recipe offers an irresistible treat that brings together classic flavors with a playful twist.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting your ingredients right is the foundation to making these Red Velvet Brownie Hearts shine. Each component is simple yet crucial, ensuring the perfect balance of flavor, texture, and that vibrant color that makes red velvet so iconic.
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (melted): Adds richness and ensures your brownies are delectably moist.
- 1 cup granulated sugar: Sweetens the batter while helping create a tender crumb.
- 2 large eggs: Provide structure and a velvety texture.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Enhances the overall flavor with a warm, aromatic touch.
- 1 tablespoon red food coloring: That signature red hue that makes these brownies instantly recognizable.
- 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder: Gives a subtle chocolate depth balanced perfectly with the red velvet taste.
- 3/4 cup all-purpose flour: Creates the base that holds everything together while staying tender.
- 1/4 teaspoon salt: Amplifies the flavors to prevent the sweetness from becoming flat.
- 1/2 teaspoon white vinegar: Reacts with the cocoa to enhance the red color and adds a slight tang for balance.
- Heart-shaped cookie cutter: Turns your brownies into charming, bite-sized heart shapes perfect for sharing.
- Powdered sugar or cream cheese frosting for garnish (optional): Adds a finishing touch that can be as simple or decadent as you like.
How to Make Red Velvet Brownie Hearts Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Baking Pan and Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper, making sure to leave an overhang on the sides for easy removal later. This step ensures your brownies won’t stick and will come out with perfect edges for cutting.
Step 2: Mix the Wet Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, whisk the melted butter and granulated sugar together until the mixture is smooth and creamy. Then, beat in the eggs one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract and red food coloring. This combination gives you that smooth, vibrant red batter that will bake into irresistible brownie hearts.
Step 3: Combine the Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, sift together the unsweetened cocoa powder, all-purpose flour, salt, and white vinegar. Stir these dry ingredients gently into your wet mixture. The batter should become thick and smooth—perfectly ready for baking without being too dense or runny.
Step 4: Bake the Brownies
Pour the batter evenly into your prepared pan, spreading it smooth with a spatula. Place it into the preheated oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes. To check doneness, insert a toothpick into the center—when it comes out with moist crumbs, the brownies are ready. Avoid overbaking to keep them wonderfully fudgy.
Step 5: Cool and Cut into Hearts
Allow the brownies to cool completely in the pan. For cleaner cuts, pop them in the fridge for about 30 minutes. Then lift the brownies out using the parchment overhang and use your heart-shaped cookie cutter to cut out charming brownie hearts. The leftover scraps are perfect for snacking!
How to Serve Red Velvet Brownie Hearts Recipe
Garnishes
While these brownie hearts are beautiful on their own, a light dusting of powdered sugar adds a touch of elegance and sweetness. If you want to dial up the indulgence, a drizzle of cream cheese frosting offers a classic pairing that complements the red velvet flavor perfectly.
Side Dishes
Pairing these brownies with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or fresh whipped cream creates a heavenly dessert experience. You can also serve them alongside fresh berries for a refreshing contrast that balances the richness gracefully.
Creative Ways to Present
To make your Red Velvet Brownie Hearts extra special, arrange them on a platter lined with rose petals or serve individually in pretty cupcake liners. For romantic occasions, package them in small gift boxes or cellophane bags tied with red ribbon—perfect for sharing with loved ones.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once baked and cut, store any leftover brownie hearts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. This keeps them soft and delicious without drying out.
Freezing
If you want to save your Red Velvet Brownie Hearts for longer, freeze them in a single layer on a baking sheet first, then transfer to a freezer-safe container or bag. When wrapped properly, they’ll keep well for up to 2 months without losing that perfect texture.
Reheating
To enjoy your brownies after freezing, thaw them at room temperature and warm gently in the microwave for 10-15 seconds. This brings out their fresh-baked softness and makes every bite just as delightful as when first made.
FAQs
Can I use natural cocoa powder instead of Dutch-processed for this recipe?
Yes, natural cocoa powder works well here. Just keep in mind it may slightly affect the red color because of the difference in acidity compared to Dutch-processed cocoa.
What if I don’t have red food coloring?
While the vibrant red is a signature part of this recipe, you can use beet juice or powder as a natural alternative, though the color may be less intense.
How do I prevent brownies from sticking to the pan?
Using parchment paper with an overhang is the best way to avoid sticking. It also makes removing the brownies easier and cleaner.
Can I make these brownies gluten-free?
Absolutely! Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking blend designed for 1:1 substitution to keep the texture just right.
Can I make this recipe vegan?
With some tweaks like using vegan butter and egg replacers, you can adapt this recipe to be vegan-friendly while keeping that luscious flavor.
Final Thoughts
The Red Velvet Brownie Hearts Recipe is one of those magical desserts that brings warmth, joy, and a bit of whimsy to any occasion. It’s simple enough for weeknight baking yet special enough for celebrations. I encourage you to try it out and share these delightful heart-shaped treats with the people you love. Trust me, once you taste these brownies, they’ll become a beloved favorite before you know it!
Print
Red Velvet Brownie Hearts Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes (plus cooling time)
- Yield: 8–10 brownie hearts
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delight in these festive Red Velvet Brownie Hearts, a perfect Valentine’s Day treat combining rich cocoa with a vibrant red hue. Soft, moist, and full of classic red velvet flavor, these heart-shaped brownies are ideal for sharing or gifting, garnished with a dusting of powdered sugar or creamy frosting for an extra touch of indulgence.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (melted)
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon red food coloring
- 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 3/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon white vinegar
Tools & Garnishes
- Heart-shaped cookie cutter
- Powdered sugar or cream cheese frosting for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper, making sure to leave some overhang for easy brownie removal later.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: In a mixing bowl, whisk together the melted butter and granulated sugar until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
- Add Eggs and Flavorings: Beat in the eggs, vanilla extract, and red food coloring until the batter becomes uniform in color and texture.
- Incorporate Dry Ingredients: Sift together the cocoa powder, all-purpose flour, salt, and white vinegar. Gradually stir these dry ingredients into the wet mixture until the batter is thick, smooth, and evenly mixed.
- Bake the Brownies: Pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread it evenly. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with moist crumbs but no raw batter.
- Cool Completely: Allow the brownies to cool entirely in the pan to set properly and make cutting easier.
- Cut into Hearts: Once fully cooled, use the parchment paper overhang to lift the brownies out. Use a heart-shaped cookie cutter to cut the brownies into hearts of your desired size.
- Garnish and Serve: Dust the brownie hearts with powdered sugar or drizzle with cream cheese frosting if desired, adding a decorative and flavorful finishing touch.
Notes
- Chill the brownies for at least 30 minutes before cutting to get the cleanest heart shapes.
- Save leftover brownie scraps for parfaits, ice cream toppings, or a sweet snack on their own.
- The cream cheese frosting adds a classic tangy contrast to the sweet red velvet flavor.
