Name: Irresistibly Crunchy Red Velvet Brownie Bark You’ll Love
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 70 min
Ingredients: 1 cup Unsalted Butter (Richness and moisture); 2 cups Ghirardelli Milk Chocolate Chips (Deep chocolate flavor); 3 large Eggs (Room temperature); 1 cup Granulated Sugar (Sweetens the brownie bark); 1/2 cup Brown Sugar (Contributes moisture); 1/2 teaspoon Salt (Enhances flavor); 1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract (Adds aromatic flavor); 1 tablespoon Red Food Coloring (For signature hue); 1 cup All-Purpose Flour (Provides structure); 1 teaspoon Baking Powder (Aids with rising); 1/2 cup Unsweetened Cocoa Powder (Infuses rich chocolate taste); 8 oz Cream Cheese (Essential for frosting); 2 cups Confectioners Sugar (Sweetens and thickens frosting); 1/4 cup Heavy Cream (Ensures creamy consistency)

Jump to Recipe Print Recipe

There’s a certain spellbinding charm that comes from baking a batch of Red Velvet Brownie Bark, and I’ll tell you, it’s a game changer in the dessert world! Picture the enticing scent of chocolate wafting through your kitchen, mingling with a hint of vanilla, as you whip up this stunning treat. Each piece promises a divine balance of fudgy richness and that signature red hue, making it a show-stopper for any occasion—from festive gatherings to cozy nights in.

What I love most about this recipe is its simplicity. Who knew you could create such a crowd-pleaser with just a handful of ingredients? Not only are these brownies a feast for the eyes, but they’re also incredibly versatile—feel free to toss in your favorite nuts or chocolate chips for that extra flair. Plus, with a gluten-free option available, everyone can indulge guilt-free. So grab your apron and let’s bake something magical together!

Why Love These Red Velvet Brownie Bark Treats?

Simplicity: This recipe requires minimal ingredients, making it perfect for both novice and experienced bakers.

Irresistible Texture: Crunchy edges coupled with a fudgy center create an enjoyable contrast that delights the senses.

Customizable: Add your favorite toppings—nuts, chocolate chips, or even a drizzle of caramel—to personalize every bite.

Visually Stunning: The bright red hue and glossy finish ensure these treats are a showstopper at any gathering.

Gluten-Free Option: Easily swap out traditional flour for a gluten-free blend, ensuring everyone can partake in the decadent goodness.

Perfect for Sharing: Ideal for parties or cozy nights when you want to impress friends and family without the fuss. Try pairing with a scoop of ice cream or a rich drizzle of chocolate for an unbeatable dessert experience!

Ingredients for Red Velvet Brownie Bark

• Here’s everything you need to create this delightful treat!

For the Brownie Bark

Unsalted Butter – Provides richness and moisture; feel free to use salted butter but reduce extra salt.
Ghirardelli Milk Chocolate Chips – Adds a deep chocolate flavor; dark chocolate chips can be used for a richer taste.
Eggs – Serve as a binder and leavening agent; use room temperature eggs for better mixing.
Granulated Sugar – Sweetens the brownie bark; consider coconut sugar for a lower glycemic option.
Brown Sugar – Contributes moisture and a slight chewiness; you can interchange light or dark brown sugar.
Salt – Enhances the overall flavor; adjust to meet dietary preferences.
Vanilla Extract – Adds aromatic flavor; almond extract is a delightful alternative.
Red Food Coloring – Brings the signature vibrant hue; gel food coloring yields the best results.
All-Purpose Flour – Provides structure; for a gluten-free version, substitute with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.
Baking Powder – Aids with rising; always check for freshness to ensure a perfect bake.
Unsweetened Cocoa Powder – Infuses rich chocolate taste; high-quality cocoa elevates the final product.

For the Topping

Cream Cheese – Essential for that smooth, tangy frosting; Neufchâtel can be swapped for a lighter option.
Confectioners Sugar – Sweetens and thickens the frosting; adjust according to your taste preference.
Heavy Cream – Ensures a creamy consistency; for a vegan alternative, opt for non-dairy milk.

With these key ingredients, your irresistible Red Velvet Brownie Bark is just moments from becoming a reality! Happy baking!

How to Make Red Velvet Brownie Bark

Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. This will ensure easy cleanup and prevent sticking.
Melt and Cool: In a saucepan, melt the unsalted butter and Ghirardelli milk chocolate chips together over low heat. Stir until smooth, then let it cool slightly to avoid scrambling the eggs later.
Whisk Together: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, granulated sugar, brown sugar, and vanilla extract until the mixture is light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
Add Color: Gradually fold in the red food coloring, mixing until the batter is evenly colored. The vibrant hue is what makes these brownies a standout treat!
Combine the Mixtures: Gently mix the cooled chocolate mixture into the egg mixture until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, which will help keep your brownie bark fudgy and delicious.
Sift Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, cocoa powder, and salt. This step helps to aerate your dry ingredients for a lighter texture.
Fold in Dry Ingredients: Slowly fold the dry mixture into the wet ingredients until you see no dry streaks. It should be well combined but don’t overdo it!
Spread and Bake: Pour the batter onto the prepared baking sheet and spread it evenly to the edges. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes until a toothpick inserted comes out with a few moist crumbs.
Cool and Slice: Let the brownie bark cool in the pan for about 15 minutes, then carefully lift it out using the parchment paper and transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.
Prepare the Frosting: For the topping, beat the cream cheese, unsalted butter, vanilla, confectioners’ sugar, and heavy cream until smooth and creamy.
Frost and Chill: Spread the frosting generously over the cooled brownie bark and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before slicing for easier cuts.

Optional: Garnish with additional chocolate chips or crushed nuts for added texture.

Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.

Expert Tips for Red Velvet Brownie Bark

Cool the Mixture: Allow the melted butter and chocolate to cool before mixing with eggs to prevent curdling.

Don’t Overmix: When folding in dry ingredients, mix until just combined to maintain that fudgy texture your brownie bark should have.

Use Gel Food Coloring: Opt for gel food coloring for a vibrant hue; it won’t affect the brownie bark’s texture like liquid dyes might.

Test for Doneness: Insert a toothpick into the center—aim for a few moist crumbs rather than a clean pick for the perfect fudgy finish.

Cut After Chilling: Refrigerate frosted brownie bark for 30 minutes to set before slicing; this ensures cleaner cuts and enhanced flavors.

Customize Your Toppings: Feel free to add chocolate chips or nuts on top for added texture and an extra touch of delight in every bite!

Red Velvet Brownie Bark Variations & Substitutions

Feel free to make these delightful adjustments to your Red Velvet Brownie Bark and let your creativity shine!

Gluten-Free: Swap all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend for a deliciously inclusive treat. Everyone will enjoy this heavenly dessert!
Nutty Addition: Fold in chopped walnuts or pecans for an irresistible crunch that complements the fudgy texture beautifully. A little nutty goodness goes a long way!
Decadent Drizzle: Top with a luscious chocolate ganache or caramel sauce to elevate your brownies to a whole new level of indulgence. Who can resist that extra touch of sweetness?
Berry Boost: Add fresh raspberries or chopped strawberries into the batter for a fruity burst that pairs perfectly with the rich chocolate flavor. The brightness of berries adds a refreshing contrast.
Mint Flavor: Incorporate a few drops of peppermint extract into the batter for a festive twist that brings a hint of coolness to each bite. Perfect for holidays or special occasions!
Dairy-Free Option: Use coconut milk and dairy-free butter in the frosting for a vegan-friendly treat that everyone can appreciate. It maintains that creamy deliciousness without compromise.
Spice It Up: Add a pinch of cinnamon or a dash of cayenne pepper to the cocoa mix for a subtle warmth that gives your brownies an exciting kick. Perfect for those who love a little heat!
Whipped Cream Topping: Instead of cream cheese frosting, try lighter whipped cream for a fluffy, airy finish. It creates a delightful contrast with fudgy brownie bark underneath.

Experiment with these variations to discover your perfect version of Red Velvet Brownie Bark. Happy baking!

Make Ahead Options

These Red Velvet Brownie Bark treats are perfect for meal prep! You can prepare the brownie mixture up to 24 hours in advance by combining all the wet ingredients and storing them in the refrigerator. Additionally, the cream cheese frosting can be made ahead and kept in an airtight container for up to 3 days. To maintain their delicious quality, chill the frosted brownie bark for at least 30 minutes before serving—this helps the flavors meld beautifully. When you’re ready to enjoy, simply bake the cooled batter, frost, and slice, guaranteeing a stress-free treat that’s just as mouthwatering when made ahead!

What to Serve with Red Velvet Brownie Bark?

Indulging in a batch of Red Velvet Brownie Bark is a delight on its own, but pairing it with the right accompaniments can take your dessert experience to another level.

Vanilla Ice Cream: The creamy chill of vanilla ice cream beautifully balances the rich, fudgy brownie bark, creating a delightful contrast.
Fresh Berries: Raspberries or strawberries add a refreshing sweetness and a pop of color that enhances the visual appeal of your dessert.
Chocolate Ganache: Drizzling warm chocolate ganache over the brownie bark intensifies the rich chocolate flavor, making it an indulgent treat.
Whipped Cream: Light and airy whipped cream adds a silky texture, enhancing the overall mouthfeel and making each bite even more delightful.
Nutty Crunch: Choose chopped pecans or walnuts for a satisfying crunch that complements the soft, fudgy center of the brownie bark.
Mint Tea: A soothing cup of mint tea refreshes the palate after enjoying the sweet richness, making it a perfect after-dinner drink option.
Chocolate-Covered Strawberries: These sweet, chocolatey bites echo the brownie bark’s flavors, creating a decadent treat that’s both visually stunning and delicious.
Cream Cheese Frosting Dip: Serve with a side of creamy frosting for dipping, allowing guests to customize their sweetness level for that extra indulgence.

How to Store and Freeze Red Velvet Brownie Bark

Room Temperature: Keep your brownie bark in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days to maintain freshness and flavor.

Fridge: To extend their shelf life, store the brownie bark in the fridge for up to a week. Just remember to use an airtight container to prevent drying out.

Freezer: Freeze pieces of Red Velvet Brownie Bark wrapped in plastic wrap and then placed in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge before enjoying!

Reheating: If serving warm, pop your brownie bark in the microwave for 10-15 seconds for a delightful treat that enhances its fudgy goodness.

Red Velvet Brownie Bark Recipe FAQs

What type of red food coloring should I use for the brownies?
Using gel food coloring is highly recommended for these Red Velvet Brownies. It provides a vibrant hue without altering the batter’s texture like liquid food coloring might. A little goes a long way, so just a few drops can achieve that signature red!

How should I store the brownie bark to keep it fresh?
Absolutely! Store your brownie bark in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want to keep them longer, refrigerate in an airtight container for up to a week. Just ensure they’re well-sealed to prevent drying out.

Can I freeze Red Velvet Brownie Bark? How do I do this?
Yes, you can freeze it! Wrap the brownie bark pieces tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag. They will stay fresh for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy them, simply thaw in the fridge overnight before serving!

Why are my brownies too dry?
Very! Dry brownies can result from overbaking or mixing too much flour into the batter. Make sure to follow the baking time closely (20-25 minutes), and check for doneness with a toothpick—aiming for a few moist crumbs rather than a completely clean pick helps keep them fudgy.

Is this Red Velvet Brownie Bark suitable for people with gluten allergies?
Absolutely! You can easily make this recipe gluten-free by substituting all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. Just keep an eye on the other ingredients to ensure they are also gluten-free, especially for the chocolate chips.

What can I add as toppings to enhance my brownie bark?
The more, the merrier! Consider adding chocolate chips, crushed nuts, or even a drizzle of caramel or chocolate ganache on top of the cream cheese frosting. These additions not only enhance the flavor but also add a lovely texture contrast!