If there is a trend or obsession, I always want to read more about it. In most cases, I’m not often a first adopter, I’m more of a mid adopter but once I get started, I made up for tardiness with obsession. I’m late to the party for Homeland and I now find myself devouring episode after episode. It took me months to get into the whole Fifty Shades phenomenon too but then I wanted to do something with it so much that I registered the website address “www.fiftyshadesofgravy.com” with ideas on how to make items like trussed up pork loin; black & blue beef and “virginal vanilla” ice cream. I did not realise how little time I’d have to do it however.
Also, something kicked in around Christmas. It was that last burst of energy before collapsing, the date of which is 26th of December after Christmas Eve and Christmas Day celebrations. I’ll have a day or two rest before regrouping and putting together a NYE spread. But in the meantime, I can’t stop baking. I gave myself one last baking expedition before settling in for the round of Christmas get togethers with friends. It was something that I wanted to bake last year and thought that I’d have to experiment a lot with. Red Velvet is another trend that has some avidly embracing the vivid red cake while others scratch their heads about it. They will say things like “but it doesn’t taste like anything in particular” and rue the amount of red food colouring while others like me, love the history of it and the bright burst of surprise colour.
These red velvet brownies are different from a lot of the recipes that are floating around which often contain little to no chocolate and are more like moist cake. Brownies really need chocolate in them to be brownies and to get that distinct gooey, chewy texture and crackly crust on top. So this recipe uses white chocolate and a bit of dark chocolate and vanilla extract as red velvet cake has a little cocoa and vanilla to give it flavour. The white chocolate being so sweet already means that I’ve completely omitted the sugar from the cake part and added a cream cheese topping because red velvet comes with either a cream cheese or buttercream icing and I’ll use any excuse for cream cheese frosting.
There’s no use pretending. To get the red velvet colour, you need red colouring. There’s no use being shy about it or only using a bit and then being disappointed that it’s a pale washed out red. Embrace the red. Go for the red. Santa would.
So tell me Dear Reader, are you one of those people that likes or doesn’t like red velvet? And are you ready for Christmas? Our celebration starts on the 24th of December for a family dinner at our place where I’ll be cooking up a storm.
P.S. Santa and I won’t be offended if you omit the red food colouring 
Red Velvet Brownies
An Original Recipe by Not Quite Nigella
- 90g/3.18 ozs butter
- 180g/6.36 ozs white chocolate
- 45g/1.59 ozs dark chocolate
- 2 eggs
- 40g/ 1/4 cup plain all purpose flour (or you can use chestnut flour to make it gluten free)
- 1-2 tablespoons red colouring essence
- 1 teaspoon vanilla
- 1/2 cup chopped, toasted macadamia nuts (be sure to toast these first)
- 1/4 cup white chocolate chips
For cream cheese icing
- 125g/4ozs cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup icing or powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice and 1 teaspoon of the lemon zest
1. Preheat oven to 175C/347F. Line a loaf tin with parchment. In a saucepan, melt the chocolate and first lot of white and dark chocolate. Remove from heat and allow to cool for about 5 minutes. Beat in eggs one at a time incorporating well and then flour, red colouring essence and vanilla.
2. Then gently stir in the toasted macadamia nuts and white chocolate chips and pour into the prepared tin. Bake for 25 minutes and then allow to rest in the tin as it is very gooey and needs time to set.
3. Meanwhile, make the cream cheese icing. In a bowl, beat the cream cheese and butter and add sifted icing sugar gradually. Add lemon juice and mix well. Spread the frosting on top of brownies once cooled.
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58 Comments | Add your own
What fun! I actually gasped when I read the title of the post. I grew up eating Red Velvet Cake in the South of the US. Then, years later, I was put off by the red food coloring. Now I’m over that. Happily.
Happy Holidays!
Those look so pretty! I really like this festive version.
Cheers,
Rosa
I am not a red velvet fan, and I still don’t see what all the fuss is about, but your brownies look delightful. The rich red colour could well make these into your Halloween repertoire for sure (cut them into organ shapes maybe?) or even heart shaped valentines. I’ve finished my baking and the cloud of flour dust has finally settled; the cookies are packaged and waiting for a tasty delivery. Happy Holidays to you Lorraine, it’s really been such a pleasure to get to know you. I look forward to another wonderful year,
I love your red and white background. Can’t wait to read about your Christmas Eve event and all you will have cooked. I’m not organised for Christmas yet at all. I think those eight days away really set me back. I’ll be hitting the shops today to start my Christmas shopping! I love the red and there’s no point making anything red velvet if you’re hesitant about a dose of red colouring xx
I don’t mind red velvet cake but I think the cream cheese frosting kinda carries it. Great treat for Christmas thou.
I love red velvet so much I have a Pinterest category devoted to it which these will now join. Been under weather, but coming alive to begin baking. Might start with these yummies.
I’ll never forget trying red velvet cake for the first time. My friend Ros made it as dessert for a fondue party my foodie friends were throwing. That was a truly delicious cake. This brownie recipe is a great idea for Xmas themed food
Very festive!
I’m one who finds the whole red-velvet thing quite a disappointment. While the colour is generally rich and alluring, there is often sadly little follow through on taste.
Yummy! Such a beautiful recipe, delicious and perfect for the festive season. Season’s eatings Lorraine, and thank you for your inspiration and support throughout the year xo
Thankfully I have children which can eat food colouring without any adverse conditions! I love Red Velvet Cake but I always make a white mud cake as the base mixture. I had been wondering what a Red Velvet Brownie would be like! Thanks for sharing, it is such a Christmasy treat! Beautiful!
Have a Merry Christmas!!
I love red velvet cake and ont hold back on the red, but if my eldest daughter is to eat it I don’t put red in as that makes her hyper. Yes any excuse for cream frosting!
I don’t mind a bit of red velvet. Have a wonderful Christmas!
I have never thought to make red velvet brownies! These look wonderful
I love red velvet cake. The red on these brownies are so lovely.
Hold back on the colouring??? No way…why not add a touch of green to the frosting! Lol looks yummy. Merry Christmas and happy baking.
As of right now I love red velvet (must get a cap hehehe). Your creativity is amazing Lorraine and I hope you’ll get some quality family time over the festive days. Just love your blog. Hugs Ulrich
I love the new take on red velvet–but with Brownies! and the macadamias always give it that extra specialty.But I’ll let you in on a little secret: We celebrate christmas evryday in our home-well, almost! Food, clebrations , games, movies,popcorn, etc the whole kaboodle! And the presents are handed out throughout the whole year without waiting for the Christmas rush time! After all, Jesus is the reason for the season! Thanks for sharing Lorrz! Your recipes are always a ‘pleasure’ to make!
My name is Joanne and I have never had one!
But the whimsical coloring looks to be and create fun!
If people don’t want to use the red dye, they can always make red die naturally with either beets to hibiscus powder too!
Am all ready for the holidays, cool as a cucumber! WHOO HOO!
what an awesome recipe, i dont even measure out food colouring, just pour half the bottle in! and love the website fiftyshadesofgravy!
I am SO SO SO excited for christmas
Have a beautiful one, my dear. These look truly lovely. I am a fan indeed 
Heidi xo
The brownies look amazing. I believe Guittard makes a red cocoa powder. I’ve yet to see it though.
Fifty Shade of Gravy! Hah! You’ll still never get my near the real books, though.
Your brownies are beautiful, I think we need to have a party with our red velvet brownies!
Happy Holidays Lorraine
I’m so excited that Xmas is around the corner! We’re cooking up a storm at our place too tomorrow! YAY! But lol My boyfriend is doing most of the cooking not me hehe
I love love love Red Velvet it’s super moist and delicious! I Can’t wait to try this recipe!
I have all the ingredients at home yay
Well being an American raised in Australia, I am always delighted to see what was in my childhood suddenly become an interest here 10, 20, 30 years later. I even saw the first McDonalds arrive in country. So tardy, yes you are, more so than you can imagine. But your obsessions make me smile and I feel joyful.
Lorraine,lovely looking cake. But I have to confess, I never had one in my life – why not? Dont know really.Right now I am longing (feeling a bit homesick) for a piece of German Weihnachtsstollen – but the wonderful pastry chef at the Mandarin Oriental here in Bangkok promised me some for late late breakfast on 25th. Cant wait.
Have a wonderful peaceful christmas with Mr NQN and a happy, healthy and prosperous 2013. See you soon again, I hope. Ciao, Carina x
Oh wow a red velvet brownie? I would’ve never thought of that before! I love how bright the red is
I also seem to go on baking marathons. There’s something very soothing about baking isn’t there? (:
These brownies look delightful, bright and Christmassy Lorraine, love the red and white and I’m Team Red Velvet all the way.
If you are someone who has not yet sampled this sweet delight then you need to try Lorraine’s recipe or my younger daughter Gabriella’s Red Velvet Cupcakes, they are the BOMB! She made them last week just because she felt in a baking mood and is it really bad that I ate three??? :-0 The Cheesecake frosting lifts them, so I prefer this. She’s also making my birthday cake for Boxing day,I’ve requested Old Fashioned Butterscotch cake 
Like you Lorraine I have been in a baking frenzy and made my last batch of Biscottini ( that makes four)as I had run out, now I just need to bag and giftwrap to give as presents and one plate for Christmas Day lunch desserts.On top of all that , made ten eggs of lasagna sheets yesterday and have just finished a mega tray of lasagna which is now in the fridge ready to be baked Christmas morning. Phew, we’re in the same frenzied zone but in my opinion, it’s what makes Christmas exciting , fun and worthwhile especially in the food stakes.
Seafood Christmas Eve dinner at my place, Christmas Day lunch at my sister-in-laws then back to my place for birthday BBQ. Yay!!
These look fabulous – red velvet with cream cheese is terrific.
Hate to admit it, but I am a true, hard-core dunce at baking. Could you provide details re: amounts, or proportions, for icing ingredients, please? I’d love to try this. Merry Christmas to all down under from Cleveland, Ohio, with 5 inches of fresh snow!
I’ve always been a take it or leave it with red velvet – except for the red velvet mudcake that a gal I work with makes – yummy! But this recipe has me in its thrall – I have to make this – red velvet brownies – what a revolution!!
Hi sweetchillies! Oh sorry, I didn’t realise that I didn’t put the quantities there. I decided to make it a lighter cream cheese icing and have added the quantities
I agree, it has to be bright red or don’t bother. Merry Christmas to you and your family
Santa would definitely embrace the red..love these!!!
Ooooo the red velvet brownies looks very festive. Merry Christmas to you and yr family.
Loving Fifty Shades of Gravy…I think it’s brilliant!! That said, I also love how you turned the usual ‘cakey’ red velvet brownies into a true brownie with lots of gooey chew. I am definitely trying your recipe. Red Velvet cake is the only food preparation where I let loose on the food color…and yes, I do love it..especially the cream cheese frosting.
Wishing you and your family a most wonderful and happy holiday!
I love red velvet, your recipe looks delicious
Work has been so busy this year so not prepared at all, I’m putting up decorations tonight!
red velvet cake freaks me out.
It is too… red.
Yeah, I am weird.
Oh, I just fell in love with the white china! It look B-E-A-U-T-I-F-U-L. Especially with those red (and I bet that delicious) brownies!
And Christmas preparations are on. Full speed! Actually I was just looking for a gingerbread tiramisu recipe here…
Merry Christmas!
i don’t really go crazy for red velvet cake, but these have macadamia nuts and white chocolate! nice one! happy holidays!
I was late to jump on the red velvet wagon but the first cake I made a few weeks ago was just amazing. So buttery and tasty I loved it. Just today I made red velvet truffles!
I don’t think I ever think much about red velvet taste… it’s all about the color!!! Gorgeous little bites you made. Like Valentine’s Day on a plate –– or Santa’s color palette!!!
I didn’t really like Red Velvet till about recently and, even then, some versions of it leave me unimpressed. These, though, look whimsical and scrumptious. Dare I offer a Red Velvet ice-blended bev (or, better yet, a Red Velvet milkshake) to go with them?
I love red velvet!
These brownies look fantastic, and perfect for the holidays… 
I actually like red velvet cake but I am scared with the amounts of food colouring in it. But I soon get over the worry… let’s live a little!
Good luck with all the cooking tomorrow, not that you need it. You’ll be posting what you’re cooking right?
Happy Christmas to you and your family. Have a wonderful celebration.
I made a red velvet cake layered with white chocolate mud cake for our Xmas party. A perfect accompaniment, esp at this time of year is a peppermint white chocolate ganache. 200g choc, 1/3 cup sour cream, 1 tsp peppermint oil.
Dear Lorraine,
These red velvet brownies look absolutely, positively seductive and sexy!
Kind of late in wishing you a joyous Christmas and a very happy tonight!!!! Brownies, red velvety or not, being rather strangers to Eha, I was scrolling down to see what others had said. What? Another Estonian name – ending on an Estonian site and finding your name just ahead of me. Well ‘Kaksteist’ [meaning '12'] seems to have two new followers
! Hope you are able to have a good rest and lots of loving times!!!!
Love red velvet cake, it’s the subtleness of the cocoa and vanilla plus the surprising intensity of the food colouring that pulls you in and the added bonus of cream cheese frosting, oh yes!
Santa would truly enjoy one of your brownies.
The only problem I have with red velvet is que quantity of food coloring it needs, but just because a good quality is expensive here. But I love to bake red velvet, ja,ja,ja…so who cares about the prize?
I didn’t know there is a site for the shades…!!!
Ah this is amazing!! I am plotting to make this now.
I’ve been wondering what a wedge salad i since seeing it on Modern Family! It looks tasty
Absolutely love your snow globe cake, what a cool idea!
So pretty and such a vibrant shade of red! I’ve never seen red velvet brownies before..:)
These look fantastic! I can’t wait to give them a go once all the Christmas food has been eaten. Thanks for sharing!
Oh yum! This looks so beautiful and festive. Prettyyyy…
Love the macadamias in it! Red velvet will always have a special place in my heart too.
This looks divine!
I hope you don’t mind me asking, what brand colouring did you use to get the bright and vibrant red? Would the normal supermarket stuff work? Or do I need to go to a specialty cake decorating store and look for it there?
Can’t wait to try your recipe out!
Ta!
oh dear – I so behind I am commenting on pre-Christmas posts but had wanted to look at this one as the idea appealed – I am not an early adopter but like you once I get on the wagon I am there yahooing and yihaaing. I’ve only just watched the first series of homeland and am well and truly on that wagon. But I never got into fifty shades of grey – I do love the idea of your website – what a shame you don’t have time!
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