Sometimes, a good dessert recipe is all you need to turn an ordinary day into something special. And when you combine the rich, fudgy decadence of brownies with the sophisticated, subtle notes of red wine, you get a treat that’s not just indulgent—it’s unforgettable.
This red wine brownie recipe is your ticket to an effortlessly elegant dessert that’s perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a quiet evening at home or a gathering with friends.
Why Red Wine Brownies
Imagine biting into a soft, dense brownie with a perfect balance of rich chocolate and a hint of red wine’s fruity depth. It’s not just another dessert—it’s an experience.
The red wine adds a layer of complexity, making these brownies stand out from the usual chocolate treats. It’s a dessert recipe that feels sophisticated without being complicated.
And here’s the thing: this isn’t a boozy dessert. The wine flavor is subtle, enhancing the chocolate without overpowering it. So even if you’re not a wine lover, you’ll still love these brownies.
How to Make These Decadent Brownies
Creating this dessert recipe is surprisingly simple. With just a few ingredients you likely already have in your kitchen, you can whip up a batch of these red wine brownies in no time.
The steps are straightforward, and you don’t need any fancy equipment—just a bowl, a whisk, and an oven.
The magic happens when you combine the melted chocolate with the wine, creating a rich, velvety batter that bakes to perfection. The result? A batch of brownies that are fudgy in the center with a slightly crisp edge—just the way a perfect brownie should be.
Perfect Occasions for Red Wine Brownies
These brownies are versatile enough to be served at almost any occasion:
- Romantic Dinner: End a cozy dinner for two with these indulgent treats.
- Girls’ Night In: Share them with friends over a glass of your favorite wine.
- Family Gatherings: A dessert that’s both kid-friendly (the alcohol bakes off) and sophisticated enough for adults.
- Gifting: Wrap them up in a beautiful box, and you’ve got a gift that’s guaranteed to impress.
Tips for the Best Red Wine Brownies
Want to make sure your brownies turn out perfect every time? Here are a few tips:
- Choose the Right Wine: A dry red wine, like Merlot or Cabernet Sauvignon, works best. But feel free to experiment with your favorites.
- Don’t Overmix: When combining the dry ingredients with the wet, mix just until everything is combined. Overmixing can make the brownies dense and less fudgy.
- Let Them Cool Properly: Allow the brownies to cool completely before cutting. This makes slicing easier and gives the flavors a chance to meld.
Creative Variations to Try
Feel like experimenting? This dessert recipe can be customized in so many delicious ways:
- Dark Chocolate Lovers: Swap some of the regular chocolate for dark chocolate for an even richer flavor.
- Nuts and Berries: Add chopped walnuts or fresh raspberries to the batter for a delightful twist.
- White Chocolate Drizzle: Once baked, drizzle melted white chocolate over the brownies for an elegant finish.
Why This Dessert Recipe Will Be Your New Favorite
Red wine brownies aren’t just another dessert—they’re a conversation starter. When you serve these at a party or share them with friends, you’re not just sharing a sweet treat—you’re sharing a little bit of luxury, a little bit of surprise, and a whole lot of indulgence.
So the next time you find yourself with an open bottle of red wine and a craving for something sweet, you know what to do. These red wine brownies are the perfect way to elevate an ordinary dessert into something truly special.
Red Wine Brownies Dessert Recipe
Equipment
- 8×8-inch square baking pan
- Parchment paper
- Microwave-safe bowl
- Whisk
- Silicone spatula
Ingredients
- ½ cup 1 stick unsalted butter, cut into tablespoons
- 1½ cups granulated sugar
- 4 ounces bittersweet chocolate coarsely chopped
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ¼ cup red wine
- ¾ cup Dutch-processed cocoa powder
- ¼ cup all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon salt
Instructions
Preheat and Prepare:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F.
- Line an 8×8-inch square baking pan with parchment paper, ensuring it covers all sides for easy removal.
Melt Butter and Sugar:
- In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the butter and granulated sugar.
- Microwave for about 1 minute until the butter is fully melted and the mixture is hot.
- Stir well, then add the chopped chocolate.
- Microwave again for 30 seconds, stir until the chocolate is completely melted. If not fully melted, continue in 15-second increments, stirring each time.
Incorporate Eggs and Wine:
- Add the eggs (straight from the fridge) and vanilla extract to the chocolate mixture.
- Whisk vigorously until the mixture becomes glossy, approximately 30 seconds.
- Stir in the red wine, ensuring a smooth blend.
Mix Dry Ingredients:
- Gradually add the cocoa powder, all-purpose flour, and salt to the wet mixture.
- Use a silicone spatula to gently fold until all ingredients are just combined without overmixing.
Bake:
- Transfer the batter into the prepared pan.
- Smooth the top with your spatula.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes until the surface is shiny, edges are set, and a toothpick inserted comes out mostly clean (a few moist crumbs are fine).
Cool and Serve:
- Allow the brownies to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack.
- Lift the brownies using the parchment paper, transfer them to a cutting board, and cut them into 9 squares.
Notes
- For a stronger wine flavor, consider using a bold red wine like Cabernet Sauvignon.
- These brownies can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
- Serve with a dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of melted chocolate for an elegant touch.
Davin is a jack-of-all-trades but has professional training and experience in various home and garden subjects. He leans on other experts when needed and edits and fact-checks all articles.