Red Velvet Marble Bars – Soft, Fudgy, and Beautifully Swirled

These Red Velvet Marble Bars combine the rich flavor of classic red velvet with a luscious chocolate swirl for a visually stunning dessert. Soft, tender, and slightly fudgy, they are perfect for dessert trays, bake sales, or simply enjoying with a cup of coffee. The marbled effect creates a beautiful presentation, while the bars remain easy to cut and serve.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Soft and tender texture with a fudgy interior
• Classic red velvet flavor enhanced with cocoa chocolate swirls
• Easy to cut into perfect bars without crumbling
• Gorgeous marbled appearance for elegant presentation
• Perfect for parties, gifting, or everyday indulgence
• Quick prep with simple ingredients

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon red food coloring
• 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 tablespoons cocoa powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup milk

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F and line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, cream together butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
3. Beat in eggs one at a time, followed by vanilla extract and red food coloring.
4. In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt.
5. Gradually add dry ingredients to the wet mixture alternately with milk, mixing until smooth.
6. Divide the batter into two portions: one plain red velvet and one cocoa portion (mix 2 tablespoons cocoa with a small portion of batter).
7. Drop spoonfuls of each batter into the prepared pan, alternating to create a marbled effect.
8. Use a knife or skewer to gently swirl the batters together for a beautiful marble pattern.
9. Bake for 25–30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
10. Cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing into bars.

Tips & Variations

• Use high-quality cocoa powder for the best chocolate flavor in the swirl.
• For a cream cheese twist, drizzle cream cheese glaze over the bars after cooling.
• Adjust the red food coloring to achieve your desired intensity of red velvet.
• Add chocolate chips for extra chocolate pockets in the bars.
• Store in an airtight container to maintain softness.

Storage & Freezer Instructions

• Store cooled bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days.
• Refrigerate for up to 7 days to extend freshness.
• Freeze baked bars for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.

Serving & Pairing Ideas

• Serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream
• Pair with hot chocolate, coffee, or milk for a cozy treat
• Cut into small squares for parties or gift boxes
• Decorate with powdered sugar or drizzle melted white chocolate for an elegant touch

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make these bars without food coloring?

Yes, but the signature red velvet color will be lighter. You can still enjoy the flavor and chocolate marbling without the vibrant red color.

Why are my bars dense instead of soft?

Avoid overmixing the batter after adding flour, as this can make the bars dense. Also, ensure the butter and eggs are at room temperature.

Can I add frosting or glaze?

Yes! A cream cheese glaze or simple powdered sugar drizzle adds extra flavor and visual appeal.

Can I make these bars ahead of time?

Absolutely. Prepare the bars a day in advance and store in an airtight container at room temperature, or freeze for longer storage.

Ready to Make It?

These Red Velvet Marble Bars are a simple yet elegant treat for any occasion. Soft, tender, and beautifully swirled, they are perfect for sharing or indulging yourself. Save this recipe and enjoy the bakery-quality dessert at home.

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