Red Velvet Brownie Bites Recipe

Fudgy, chewy, and bursting with chocolatey goodness, these Red Velvet Brownie Bites are pure little bites of happiness! Perfect for parties, gifting, or sneaky snacks, they’re quick to make and packed with flavor. That vibrant red color? Total showstopper! Whether you’re a chocolate lover or just want a fun, festive treat, these brownie bites are impossible to resist.

Why We Love This Recipe

• Fudgy & Chewy: Every bite is rich, chocolatey, and melts in your mouth.
• Bite-Sized Perfection: Easy to snack on, share, or gift, no forks required!
• Quick & Simple: Minimal ingredients, straightforward steps, and maximum yum.
• Show-Stopping Look: That vibrant red color is perfect for holidays, parties, or Instagram photos.
• Customizable: Add chocolate chips, nuts, or a cream cheese swirl make it your own!

Ingredients

For the Brownie Batter:

• 9 tbsp unsalted butter – Adds rich, fudgy texture and deep flavor. (I love Kerrygold!)
• 1 1/4 cups sugar – Sweetness that balances the chocolate and red velvet tang.
• 1/4 cup cocoa powder (sifted) – Gives that chocolatey base while keeping it smooth and lump-free.
• 1/2 tsp vanilla extract – Boosts flavor and adds a warm, aromatic note.
• 1 tbsp red food coloring – The signature red that makes these brownies festive and eye-catching.
• 1/8 tsp salt – Enhances flavor and balances sweetness.
• 1/4 tsp espresso powder – Optional, but it intensifies the chocolate flavor without tasting like coffee.
• 1/2 tsp vinegar – Reacts with baking ingredients to deepen the red velvet tang and tenderness.
• 2 large eggs (room temp) – Provides structure, moisture, and helps everything bind together.
• 3/4 cup all-purpose flour – Gives body to the brownies without making them cakey.

For the Cheesecake Swirl:

• 9 oz cream cheese (room temp) – Creates a luscious, creamy contrast to the fudgy brownie.
• 3 tbsp sugar – Sweetens the cheesecake layer perfectly.
• 1/2 tsp vanilla extract – Adds aroma and complements the chocolate and red velvet flavor.
• 1 egg yolk – Helps the cheesecake set just right while keeping it soft and creamy.

How to Make Red Velvet Brownie Bites

Prep Like a Pro

Preheat your oven to 350°F. Grease a mini muffin pan generously with butter or cooking spray. Don’t skip this! Every cup should be coated to make removing your bites easy. Sift your cocoa powder to remove lumps and have all ingredients at room temperature, especially eggs and cream cheese. This helps everything blend smoothly and keeps your brownies soft.

Make the Brownie Batter

In a medium bowl, melt your butter and whisk it with sugar, sifted cocoa, vanilla, red food coloring, salt, espresso powder, and vinegar. The espresso powder deepens the chocolate flavor, and the vinegar gives that signature tangy red velvet touch.

Now, whisk in the eggs one at a time, making sure each is fully mixed before adding the next. Finally, fold in the flour gently stop as soon as there are no streaks of dry flour. Overmixing = tough brownies, and we want fudgy perfection!

Prepare the Cheesecake Filling

In a separate bowl, beat the cream cheese with sugar and vanilla until smooth and creamy (about 1 minute). Fold in the egg yolk gently, don’t overmix, or the filling can get grainy. This will stay soft in the oven and create a dreamy, fudgy cheesecake contrast.

Layer the Bites

Spoon about 1 tablespoon of brownie batter into each mini muffin cup, filling it halfway. Add about 1 teaspoon of cheesecake filling on top, then top with another teaspoon of brownie batter.

Now for the fun part! Use a toothpick or skewer to gently swirl the layers in a figure-eight or circular motion. Go slow, you just want pretty swirls, not a muddy mix.

Bake to Fudgy Perfection

Bake in your preheated oven for 12 minutes. The tops should feel just set and spring back lightly, while the centers remain soft. Cool in the pan for 5 minutes. This helps them come out cleanly. Use a thin knife or offset spatula to gently lift each bite, then let them cool completely on a wire rack.

Expert Tips for Perfect Red Velvet Brownie Bites

1. Room Temperature Ingredients Matter – Eggs and cream cheese at room temp blend smoothly and create a silky, fudgy texture. Cold ingredients can make the batter lumpy or the cheesecake swirl uneven.
2. Don’t Overmix – Once you add the flour, fold gently. Overmixing develops gluten and can make brownies tough instead of fudgy.
3. Sift the Cocoa Powder – This small step removes lumps and keeps your batter smooth, ensuring a glossy, even brownie.
4. Gentle Swirling – When creating the cheesecake swirl, use a toothpick and drag lightly. Overmixing can muddy the vibrant red and cheesecake contrast.
5. Slightly Underbake – Brownie bites continue to cook in the pan after baking. Pull them out when centers are just soft for maximum fudginess.
6. Use a Mini Muffin Pan – These bites are perfectly portioned, bake evenly, and give a professional look without extra effort.
7. Optional Flavor Boosts – A pinch of espresso powder enhances chocolate depth, while a tiny dash of vinegar elevates that classic red velvet tang.
8. Cooling is Key – Let them cool slightly in the pan before removing. This prevents crumbling and keeps the edges intact.

Storage Tips

• Room Temperature: Store brownie bites in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Perfect for quick snacking!
• Refrigerator: Keep them chilled for up to 1 week. Bring to room temp before enjoying to get that fudgy texture back.
• Freezer: Freeze for up to 2 months. Wrap individually or layer with parchment paper to prevent sticking. Thaw at room temperature before serving.

Serving Suggestions

• Dust lightly with powdered sugar for a pretty, festive touch.
• Drizzle with white chocolate or cream cheese frosting for extra indulgence.
• Serve alongside coffee, hot chocolate, or milk for instant happiness in every bite!
• Perfect for parties, gift boxes, or a fun weekend treat with family and friends.

Variations You Can Try

• Nutty Delight: Add chopped walnuts or pecans into the batter for crunch.
• Chocolate Overload: Fold in mini chocolate chips or drizzle melted chocolate on top.
• Festive Twist: Top with sprinkles or edible glitter for birthdays or holidays.
• Cream Cheese Swirl: Swirl more cream cheese into the brownie for extra creamy layers.
• Mocha Magic: Add 1 tsp instant coffee for a mocha-flavored kick.

Check Out These Other Recipes!

•  Red Velvet Cupcake Cookies
• Red Velvet Cake
• Red Velvet Crinkle Cookies
• Hershey’s Red Velvet Blossoms Cookies

FAQs About This Recipe

1. Can I make these without a mini muffin pan?
Yes! You can bake in a regular 8×8-inch pan, just increase the baking time to 25–30 minutes and cut into squares after cooling.

2. Can I make them ahead of time?
Totally! You can make them a day in advance and store them in an airtight container at room temperature, or freeze them for up to 2 months.

3. Can I skip the cheesecake swirl?
Yes! The brownies will still be deliciously fudgy, but the swirl adds a creamy, tangy contrast.

4. Can I use a different type of flour?
All-purpose flour works best. Using whole wheat may make them slightly denser.

5. How do I keep them extra fudgy?
Slightly underbake and let them cool in the pan before removing, they’ll set perfectly while staying soft inside.

6. Can I make them vegan or egg-free?
Yes, you can substitute eggs with flax eggs and use a vegan butter/cream cheese alternative. Texture may vary slightly.

Final Thoughts

These Red Velvet Brownie Bites are a little bite of joy in every piece! Fudgy, chewy, and irresistibly red, they’re perfect for sharing or not. Quick to make, easy to customize, and totally show-stopping, this recipe will become your go-to treat for holidays, parties, or cozy weekends at home. Trust me, once you make them, you’ll be making them again and again!