‘Crimson squares’: Just 3 ingredients. My kids beg for these every single weekend.

Variations & Tips
To keep the spirit of a 3-ingredient recipe, focus on simple tweaks rather than adding lots of extras. For a slightly richer flavor, use salted butter instead of unsalted and skip any added salt; the gentle saltiness balances the sweetness and brings out the cocoa notes in the red velvet mix. If you prefer a more cake-like texture, stir in 2 tablespoons of water or milk along with the eggs and butter; this loosens the batter so it bakes up a bit lighter and taller. For a swirl effect without changing the ingredient count, reserve a small spoonful of the mixed batter, thin it with just a teaspoon or two of water, and drizzle it over the top in zigzags before baking—then drag a toothpick through for a marbled pattern that shows beautifully in overhead photos. You can also bake the batter in a 9×9-inch pan for thinner, chewier brownies; start checking doneness a few minutes earlier. To dress them up after baking while still keeping the base recipe simple, dust cooled squares very lightly with powdered sugar or cocoa just before serving, or serve each square with a small dollop of lightly sweetened whipped cream to echo the classic red velvet-and-cream pairing without changing the core three ingredients.

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