Easy Red Velvet Brownies from Cake Mix (Fudgy and Delicious!)

Make easy red velvet brownies from cake mix with butter, eggs, and chocolate chips! Fudgy, tender, and ready in about 25 minutes of baking.

If you've been following along here at Out of the Box Baking, you know I've been on a bit of an adventure lately. I've been taking ordinary boxes of cake mix and turning them into just about everything except cake!

Cookies, muffins, dessert bars, quick breads, cupcakes, and all sorts of other goodies have been coming out of my kitchen. And I've had the best time discovering just how versatile a simple boxed mix can be.

In fact, I've been putting together a whole series of posts to help you figure out what to make with the cake mixes hiding in your pantry. Check out my Got a Box of Yellow Cake Mix? Here's What to Make With It! post for a peek at some of those experiments.

And because I apparently can't leave well enough alone, I'm working on a similar collection for red velvet cake mix!

But first, I had to try something new.

Red velvet brownies.

Oh, friends. I'm so glad I did.

Red Velvet Is a Southern Favorite!

I'm from Texas, and around here we love our red velvet desserts.

Red velvet cake has been showing up at Southern gatherings for generations. You'll find it at church potlucks, family reunions, birthday parties, holiday celebrations, and just about any occasion where somebody needs to bring something sweet.

And we're not particularly fussy about whether that red velvet cake starts with a box or is made completely from scratch.

We just love our cocoa cakes!

There's something about that beautiful red color, the hint of chocolate, and the tender crumb that makes red velvet special. Add a little cream cheese frosting and you've got a dessert that feels right at home on any Southern table.

But I got to wondering: What if I took a box of red velvet cake mix and turned it into brownies instead?

Not a traditional fluffy cake. Not cookies. Not even cheesecake bars.

Just good, old-fashioned brownies with a red velvet twist.

Turns out, that was a mighty good idea.

Easy Red Velvet Brownie Ingredients

You will find a full printable recipe card at the bottom of this post, but here's a quick look at what you'll need.

And when I say this recipe is simple, I mean it. We're talking about five ingredients!

• 1 box red velvet cake mix (approximately 13.25–15.25 ounces)
• ½ cup butter, melted
• 2 large eggs
• ½ cup mini semisweet chocolate chips
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract.

That's it!

Red Velvet Cake Mix: This provides the flour, sugar, cocoa flavor, and lovely red color. You don't need to add extra flour or cocoa powder.

Melted Butter: Butter gives these brownies a rich flavor and helps create that wonderful texture. We're using less liquid than a traditional cake recipe, which makes the batter thick.

Eggs: Two eggs help hold everything together and give the brownies structure without turning them into a fluffy cake.

Mini Chocolate Chips: I love the way these little bits of chocolate distribute throughout the brownies. You get tiny pockets of chocolate in almost every bite.

How to Make Red Velvet Brownies from Cake Mix

These brownies come together quickly, and you won't even need a stand mixer.

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F.

Prepare an 8×11-inch baking dish with parchment paper, leaving a little extra hanging over the sides so you can lift the brownies out later.

Place the red velvet cake mix in a medium mixing bowl.

Melt the butter and allow it to cool slightly. Add the melted butter and two eggs to the cake mix.

Stir until everything is well combined. The batter will be much thicker than ordinary cake batter, and that's exactly what you want.

Fold in the mini semisweet chocolate chips, making sure they're distributed throughout the batter.

Transfer the mixture to your prepared baking dish. Because the batter is thick, you may need to use the back of a spoon or a silicone spatula to spread it into the corners.

Place the pan in your preheated oven and bake for approximately 22–25 minutes.

Start checking at 22 minutes. The edges should look set, and the top should have those lovely little cracks that make brownies so appealing.

A toothpick inserted near the center should come out with moist crumbs, not raw batter. Remember that melted chocolate chips may leave chocolate on the toothpick.

Remove the pan from the oven and place it on a wire rack to cool.

Allow the brownies to cool before lifting them from the pan.

Slice into squares.

Now comes the best part.

Take a bite!

What to Expect from These Red Velvet Brownies

I wasn't entirely sure what to expect when I started this experiment.

Would they taste like chocolate brownies? Would they have the texture of cake? Would the red velvet flavor disappear?

Well, I'm happy to report that these turned out beautifully.

They're both fudgy and cake-like, in the very best way.

The centers are tender and moist, with enough density to remind you that you're eating a brownie instead of a piece of cake. But they also have a softness that makes them a little different from traditional chocolate brownies.

And those tops!

They developed a lovely crackled appearance, with a deep red color that makes them especially pretty when cut into squares.

The mini chocolate chips added just the right amount of extra chocolate flavor without overwhelming the red velvet. I loved the contrast between the tender brownie and those little melted chocolate pockets.

Best of all, these don't need frosting to taste wonderful. They're delicious exactly as they are. Of course, if you happen to be a cream cheese frosting enthusiast, I've got some ideas for you!

Fun Variations on These Red Velvet Brownies

One of my favorite things about cake mix recipes is how easy they are to customize.

Here are a few ideas you might want to try. The original chocolate chip version is the one I tested; these are suggested variations.

White Chocolate Chip Red Velvet Brownies

Swap the semisweet mini chocolate chips for ½ cup white chocolate chips.

White chocolate and red velvet make a lovely combination, both in flavor and appearance. Those creamy white chips would look especially pretty against the deep red brownie.

Red Velvet Brownies with Cream Cheese Frosting

If you love traditional red velvet cake, this variation might be calling your name.

Allow the brownies to cool completely, then spread a thin layer of your favorite cream cheese frosting over the top.

You could even sprinkle on a few miniature chocolate chips or red velvet crumbs for decoration.

Keep frosted brownies refrigerated because of the cream cheese frosting.

Softer, More Cake-Like Red Velvet Brownies

If you prefer a slightly softer, more cake-like brownie, you could experiment with adding 1–2 tablespoons of milk to the batter.

The additional liquid may loosen the batter and change the texture, though I haven't tested this variation yet.

Just remember that the original recipe already has a lovely balance of fudgy and cake-like qualities.

Red Velvet Brownies with Chocolate Drizzle

Melt a little semisweet or white chocolate and drizzle it over the cooled brownies.

This is an easy way to dress them up for a party, bake sale, or holiday dessert tray.

Valentine's Day Red Velvet Brownies

These would be adorable for Valentine's Day!

Cut the cooled brownies into hearts using a cookie cutter, then decorate them with a little cream cheese frosting or white chocolate drizzle.

Save those leftover brownie scraps for snacking. That's one of the perks of being the baker!

Frequently Asked Questions About Red Velvet Brownies

Can I make brownies from any flavor of cake mix?

Absolutely! Cake mix can be used to make all sorts of brownies and dessert bars. The trick is adjusting the wet ingredients so you get a thick batter instead of traditional cake batter.

Check out my Brownies & Dessert Bars: The Ultimate Guide to One-Pan Desserts for more ideas.

Do red velvet brownies taste like chocolate brownies?

They have a mild cocoa flavor, but they're not as intensely chocolatey as traditional fudge brownies.

The chocolate chips add extra richness, while the red velvet cake mix provides that familiar flavor.

Can I use oil instead of melted butter?

You can experiment with substituting ½ cup vegetable oil, but I used melted butter in my tested batch.

Oil may produce a slightly different texture and flavor.

Why is my red velvet brownie batter so thick?

Because we're turning cake mix into brownies!

Traditional cake recipes use more liquid to create a pourable batter. Brownies need less liquid, so the mixture will be much thicker.

Don't worry. That's normal.

How do I know when red velvet brownies are done?

Look for set edges and a slightly crackled top. A toothpick should come out with moist crumbs rather than wet batter.

Begin checking at 22 minutes, especially if your oven tends to run hot.

Can I use a 9×9-inch pan instead?

Yes, a 9×9-inch pan has almost the same surface area as an 8×11-inch pan, so it's a reasonable alternative.

The brownies may be slightly thicker. Keep an eye on them and adjust the baking time as needed.

Can I freeze red velvet brownies?

Yes! Once completely cooled, wrap individual brownies tightly and place them in a freezer-safe container or bag.

Freeze for up to 2–3 months for best quality. Thaw at room temperature before serving.

How should I store leftover brownies?

Keep unfrosted brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for approximately 3–4 days.

If you add cream cheese frosting, refrigerate them in a covered container and enjoy within 3–4 days.

More Red Velvet Recipes You'll Love

If you love red velvet as much as we do here in Texas, you're in luck! I've got several other red velvet desserts here at Out of the Box Baking.

Red Velvet Whoopie Pies (Easy Cake Mix Recipe): These Red Velvet Whoopie Pies are made with soft red velvet cookies sandwiched around a creamy filling. They're a fun way to turn a cake mix into something completely different.

Easy Red Velvet Cheesecake Bars: If you love the combination of red velvet and cheesecake, these bars bring those two favorites together in one delicious dessert.

Classic Red Velvet Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting: Sometimes nothing beats a traditional red velvet layer cake. This is a lovely choice for birthdays, holidays, and family gatherings.

Easy Red Velvet Truffles: These little red velvet treats are perfect for parties, gift boxes, and holiday dessert trays.

Red Velvet Cookies from Scratch: If you're in the mood to bake without a boxed mix, these homemade cookies are another delicious way to enjoy red velvet flavor.

Red Velvet Crinkle Cookies: Simple and so delicious!

And don't forget to watch for my upcoming Got a Box of Red Velvet Cake Mix? Here's What to Make With It!collection. I'm gathering all sorts of fun ideas in one place!

More Brownie Recipes to Try

If you're a brownie lover, I've got plenty of other recipes for you to explore.

How to Turn a Boxed Cake Mix into Brownies: If you enjoyed this red velvet experiment, you'll love learning how to transform other cake mix flavors into brownies, too.

Simple Sourdough Brownies: Got sourdough discard hanging around in your refrigerator? Put it to work in these rich, chocolatey brownies with a tender, fudgy crumb.

Easy Mint Chocolate Brownies: Chocolate and mint are a wonderful combination, especially when you're craving something a little different from traditional brownies.

Dolly Parton Pecan Pie Brownies: These brownies combine a rich chocolate base with a gooey pecan pie topping. If you're a Southern baker who loves pecans, this one is calling your name!

Hot Cocoa Brownies: All the cozy flavors of a mug of hot chocolate, transformed into a fun brownie treat.

For even more ideas, visit my Ultimate Guide to Brownies and Dessert Bars.

Final Thoughts

Well, friends, I think we can call this cake mix experiment a success!

I started with an ordinary box of red velvet cake mix, added a few simple ingredients, and ended up with a pan of brownies that were every bit as delicious as I'd hoped.

They're fudgy, tender, slightly cake-like, and full of little pockets of chocolate. And they're pretty enough to serve at a party without any extra decoration. That's my kind of recipe!

Whether you're baking for Valentine's Day, Christmas, a church potluck, or just a quiet evening at home, I hope you'll give these easy red velvet brownies a try.

And if you do, let me know what you think!

Thanks for Stopping By!

Thanks for spending a little time with me here at Out of the Box Baking.

I hope this recipe inspires you to look at that box of cake mix in your pantry a little differently.

After all, who says a cake mix has to become a cake?

Happy baking, friends! Before you go, please pin some photos to your Pinterest boards!