Fudgy Red Velvet Cake Mix Brownies are a rich and simple recipe that anyone can make, even on busy days.

With just a boxed cake mix, a few simple ingredients, and a luscious cream cheese frosting, you’ll have a dessert perfect for special occasions like Valentine’s Day or family gatherings.

This recipe gives you fudgy brownies with a mild chocolate flavor, beautiful red color, and smooth frosting that makes every bite feel extra special. The texture of the brownies is chewy and soft with moist crumbs, and the cream cheese frosting adds the perfect finishing touch.

You don’t need professional baking skills – just a large mixing bowl, a wooden spoon or rubber spatula, and your prepared baking pan lined with parchment paper. Let’s dive in and make a pan of these decadent red velvet brownies together.

Ingredients

This recipe calls for simple ingredients, found in any grocery store. Here’s how each one works together to create fudgy brownies with a rich flavor and smooth cream cheese frosting.

• Red velvet cake mix: Forms the base of the red velvet brownie batter, giving that vibrant red color and red velvet flavor.
• Eggs: Bind the batter and provide structure. You can use one extra egg yolk for an even fudgier texture.
• Melted butter: Adds moisture and a rich flavor while helping to create the fudgy texture of the brownies.
• Sour cream: A touch of tang and creaminess to balance the mild chocolate flavor.
• Vanilla extract: Enhances the overall flavor of both the brownie layer and the cream cheese frosting.
• Semi-sweet chocolate chips: Melt into the brownie batter for extra chocolate in each bite.
• Unsalted butter (for frosting): Needs to be at room temperature to cream smoothly with the other ingredients.
• Cream cheese: Also softened to room temperature for a velvety frosting texture.
• Powdered sugar: Sweetens and thickens the cream cheese frosting without adding grittiness.
• Salt: Balances the sweetness in the frosting and brings out flavor.

Take a look at the recipe card at the bottom of this post for the full recipe.

Add-ons & Substitutions

You can make this recipe your own with a few simple swaps or extras:

• Swap the semi-sweet chocolate chips with white chocolate chips or mini chocolate chips.
• Replace melted butter with a neutral-tasting oil like vegetable oil for a slightly lighter brownie.
• Add a drizzle of melted dark chocolate on top of the brownies for a beautiful finish.
• Use festive holiday-themed heart sprinkles or rainbow sprinkles to finish out the top.

How to Make Fudgy Red Velvet Cake Brownies

Cake Brownies

Line your prepared pan with parchment paper and lightly coat with cooking spray. This makes lifting the brownies out easier after they’ve cooled.

In a large mixing bowl, whisk the eggs, melted butter, sour cream, and vanilla extract until smooth.

Add the red velvet cake mix and stir with a wooden spoon or rubber spatula. The red velvet brownie batter will be thick – this is exactly what creates that fudgy texture.

Sprinkle the chocolate chips over the top of the brownies, or fold them into the batter for pockets of melted chocolate.

Spread the batter evenly into the prepared baking pan.

Bake in a metal pan at 350°F until the edges are set, but the center of the brownies looks slightly soft. For best results, look for moist crumbs clinging to a toothpick instead of completely dry crumbs.

Cool completely in a single layer before adding frosting.

Cream Cheese Frosting

Beat the butter, vanilla extract, and salt on medium speed with a hand mixer until fluffy.

Mix in the cream cheese until just combined, then add powdered sugar slowly, beating until smooth.

Spread evenly over the top of the brownies with a rubber spatula. Slice into squares and enjoy.

Expert Tips

• Always let butter and cream cheese come to room temperature before making the frosting to avoid lumps.
• Use a kitchen scale if possible for the most accurate measurements.
• Line your cake pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides to lift out brownies easily.
• Cool completely before frosting – the best way to avoid melting your cream cheese icing.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make these red velvet brownies ahead of time?

Yes! You can bake the brownie layer, let it cool, and wrap it tightly in plastic wrap. Frost before serving.

How do I store these brownies?

Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days because of the cream cheese frosting

Can I freeze these brownies?

Absolutely. Slice and wrap each piece in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer bag. Thaw overnight in the fridge.

Do I have to frost these brownies?

The cream cheese frosting adds a classic red velvet flavor, but you can skip it or try a drizzle of dark chocolate instead.

How do I know when the brownies are done?

Check the center of the brownies with a toothpick. Look for moist crumbs, not wet batter, for the best results.

Can I add food coloring to make the red velvet color more vibrant?

Yes, if your boxed cake mix looks dull, you can add a drop or two of red gel food coloring for a vibrant red color.

Can I double this recipe?

Definitely! Use a larger cake pan (like 9×13) and keep an eye on the bake time. The center of the brownies may take a few extra minutes.

Can I use a glass baking dish instead of a metal pan?

Yes, but note that glass pans often require a longer bake time. For best results, start checking for moist crumbs a few minutes later.

Do I need to refrigerate the frosting before spreading it?

No, you can spread the cream cheese frosting right away. Just make sure the brownies are fully cooled so the frosting doesn’t melt.

Want to expand your palate with more amazing brownie recipes? Check out these amazing, tasty options below, or check this link for more dessert bar recipes.

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