Did you know you could jazz up your traditional brownies by using red wine? Well, I’m here to tell you that you can! I’ve taken it even further and added a winter spiced spin with these mulled wine brownies that will make your winters merry and bright!
Take your classic chocolatey brownies and bring them to the next level with the addition of mulled wine! Honestly, you can use just about any red wine, but I think mulled is perfect since it has notes of cinnamon, orange, and other flavors that compliment chocolate well.
Don’t have any mulled wine? Never fear, I can show you how to make your own with a bottle of red and my easy Microwave Mulled Wine Recipe! This brownie recipe is a great way to use up any leftover mulled wine as well!
I’m making my fudgy, decadent wine brownies from scratch, but this is also one of those recipes that can easily start with a box mix if you’re short on time! I’ll give you all the details on that below. My version is vegetarian as well, making it easy to suit different dietary needs!
This recipe is perfect for the air fryer, which bakes them up gooey and delicious in less time than the conventional oven, and keeps the oven free for your Christmas cookies and snacks. In other words, it’s win win!
Ingredients List
½ cup butter
4 ounces semi sweet baking chocolate, chopped
2 large eggs
1 cup granulated sugar
¾ cup all purpose flour
⅓ cup dark cocoa powder
½ tsp salt
1 tsp vanilla extract
¼ cup mulled wine
Powdered sugar for dusting (optional)
Equipment Note: You’ll need a baking pan that fits in your air fryer for this recipe. That could be a brownie pan, casserole dish, foil pan, or a silicone baking dish.
I use two small casserole dishes because I have a Dual Zone air fryer, but one single larger dish is totally fine! A 7-8” dish should be about right, but note that you may need to adjust cooking times slightly between different air fryers and different baking pans.
Ingredient Tips and Substitutions
You can use either semisweet or dark chocolate, but I find that milk is too light for this pairing
The granulated sugar can be swapped with brown sugar instead
This recipe works with any red wine or mulled wine so feel free to try different options!
Box mix option: If you want to skip the scratch recipe, grab a box of brownie mix (like Betty Crocker or Duncan Hines). Then, just replace the water with mulled wine, and follow the box directions otherwise!
Step By Step Instructions
Spray your baking pan with nonstick spray or line with parchment, and preheat your air fryer to 350°F
In a microwave safe bowl, add the butter and the chopped up baking chocolate. Microwave on high for 1 minute, then stir. Continue cooking in 30-second increments and stirring each time until the chocolate is fully melted and smooth. You can also do this in a double boiler on the stove if preferred
Add the sugar, red wine, and vanilla, and stir to mix well
Beat your eggs and add them into the mix (make sure it has slightly cooled from its time in the microwave so you don’t scramble your eggs)
Add the flour, cocoa powder, and salt, and stir just until they’re incorporated (do not overmix)
Pour the batter into your greased pan and even it out, then place the pan into your preheated air fryer’s basket or rack
Cook on the air fry setting for 20-30 minutes. The center should be just set (not looking like raw dough) and a toothpick inserted near the edge should have moist crumbs but not liquid batter. Add additional cooking time in small increments as needed
Allow brownies to cool completely in the pan (they’ll firm as they sit), then remove them and slice as desired
Dust with powdered sugar (optional) and enjoy!
Pairing Suggestions for Red Wine Brownies
Wine Pairings
Mulled wine brownies harmonize exceptionally well with a range of wines. Opt for a robust red like Cabernet Sauvignon or a Merlot to complement the deep chocolate taste. If you prefer white wine, a sweet Riesling or a rich Chardonnay offers a perfect contrast.
Of course, you can pair it with a glass of mulled wine, which only serves to further enhance the flavors in the brownies!
Other Drinks
Apart from wine, consider hot beverages like coffee or tea. A bold espresso or a creamy latte can enhance the chocolatey richness, while a spiced tea, such as chai, offers a comforting balance to the sweet warmth of the brownies.
Check out my recipe for fresh brewed Coffee in the Microwave so you can easily make a single cup!
Accompaniments
Serve mulled wine brownies with a scoop of vanilla or cinnamon ice cream for the ultimate a la mode. The cool creaminess beautifully offsets the warm, decadent nature of the brownies.
Alternatively, try them with whipped cream, dusted with cocoa powder or powdered sugar, or a dollop of mascarpone cheese for added indulgence.
Recipe FAQs
What Makes Mulled Wine Brownies Unique?
Mulled wine brownies are unique due to their blend of flavors. They combine the rich, fudgy taste of traditional brownies with the aromatic warmth of mulled wine.
The spices like cinnamon, anise, and orange in the mulled wine infuse the brownies, adding a delightful warmth and complexity to their taste.
Can I Use Different Wines in the Recipe?
Certainly! There are a variety of different pre-made mulled wines available for purchase, or you can make a homemade version to control the spices.
You can also substitute red wine instead, or get creative with the use of a sweet wine like port or dessert wine. You could even try white wines for a lighter, more subtle flavor profile. Each will create a unique and different flavor profile.
How Long Can I Store Mulled Wine Brownies?
Store mulled wine brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3-4 days. For longer storage, refrigerate them for up to a week.
To maintain freshness, consider wrapping them individually in cling film before storing. This also makes them easier to serve!
Are There Non-Alcoholic Versions of Mulled Wine Brownies?
Certainly! You can recreate the essence of mulled wine by using non-alcoholic grape juice or apple cider infused with mulling spices.
The flavor will be slightly different, but equally interesting and festive.
Can I Make Mulled Wine Brownies Gluten-Free?
Yes, you can! Use gluten-free flour blends or alternative flours like almond or coconut flour to make these brownies gluten-free. Note that the texture may change slightly, and cooking time may also differ.
Additionally, ensure that all ingredients, including the wine and garnishes, are gluten-free.
What Garnishes Go Well with Mulled Wine Brownies?
Consider garnishing with orange zest, a dusting of powdered sugar, or a dollop of whipped cream infused with a hint of cinnamon.
These garnishes complement the warm, spiced flavors of the brownies and enhance their overall presentation.
Recipe Pro Tips
Not all of the alcohol cooks out of these brownies, so they should be enjoyed by adults only
Air fryers vary widely, so your cooking time may be different based on your specific appliance, as well as the shape and size of your pan (and overall thickness of the brownies). This recipe was made in my Ninja Dual Zone air fryer and was perfect fudgy brownie consistency for me after 30 minutes total cooking time
Storage Tips
Once fully cooled, store sliced mulled wine brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for 2-3 days. They may also be stored in the refrigerator for up to a week (and actually feel even fudgier when they’re cold)!
These amazing mulled wine brownies are fudgy, decadent, and delicious! The spiced beverage perfectly compliments rich chocolate for the ultimate combination.
Plus, these brownies are a great way to use up leftover mulled wine or red wine from your holiday celebrations! They’re the perfect dessert for those chilly winter nights curled up in front of the fire. Red wine brownies are also vegetarian friendly, making them versatile.
Whether you serve them a la mode, or enjoy them as is, they’re a sweet treat that’s easy to make in your air fryer. Of course, you could always opt for the oven as well, but why waste all the extra time preheating when the air fryer has you covered?
Mulled Wine Brownies Recipe From Scratch (Air Fryer)
These mulled wine brownies are fudgy and decadent, and a perfect way to use up leftover mulled or red wine. They bake up perfectly in your air fryer for an easy winter dessert!
Spray your baking pan with nonstick spray or line with parchment, and preheat your air fryer to 350°F
In a microwave safe bowl, add the butter and the chopped up baking chocolate. Microwave on high for 1 minute, then stir. If needed, continue cooking in 30-second increments and stirring each time until the chocolate is fully melted and smooth. You can also do this in a double boiler on the stove if preferred
½ Cup butter, 4 Ounces semisweet baking chocolate
Add the sugar, red wine, and vanilla, and stir to mix well
1 Cup granulated sugar, 1 Tsp vanilla extract, ¼ Cup mulled wine
Beat your eggs and add them into the mix (make sure it has slightly cooled from its time in the microwave so you don’t scramble your eggs)
2 Large eggs
Add the flour, cocoa powder, and salt, and stir just until they’re incorporated (do not overmix)
¾ Cup all purpose flour, ⅓ Cup dark cocoa powder, ½ Tsp salt
Pour the batter into your greased pan and even it out, then place the pan into your preheated air fryer’s basket or rack
Cook on the air fry setting for 20-30 minutes. The center should be just set (not looking like raw dough) and a toothpick inserted near the edge should have moist crumbs but not liquid batter. Add additional cooking time in small increments as needed
Allow brownies to cool completely in the pan (they’ll firm as they sit), then remove them and slice as desired
Dust with powdered sugar (optional) and enjoy!
Powdered sugar for dusting
Notes
You can use semisweet ordark chocolate, but I find that milk is too light for this pairing
I use salted butter, but unsalted is completely fine as well. You may want to up the salt slightly if you use unsalted (but base it on personal preference)
The granulated sugar can be swapped with brown sugar instead
This recipe works with any red wine or mulled wine so feel free to try different options (or whatever you have leftovers of)!
Box mix option: If you want to skip the scratch recipe, grab a box of brownie mix (like Betty Crocker or Duncan Hines). Then, just replace the water with mulled wine, and follow the box directions otherwise!
Not all of the alcohol cooks out of these brownies, so they should be enjoyed by adults only
Air fryers vary widely, so your cooking time may be different based on your specific appliance, as well as the shape and size of your pan (and overall thickness of the brownies). This recipe was made in my Ninja Dual Zone air fryer and was perfect fudgy brownie consistency for me after 30 minutes total cooking time
Once fully cooled, store sliced mulled wine brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for 2-3 days. They may also be stored in the refrigerator for up to a week (and actually feel even fudgier when they’re cold)!
Exact nutritional values will vary based on brand of ingredients, any toppings added, size of pan and cuts, and total quantity consumed, so please consider this a guideline only
I enjoy trying new recipes, creating my own, and dabbling with new techniques all the time. My husband loves to protest when I make him my guinea pig, but it’s all for the love of food!
My cooking philosophy is that great tasting food doesn't have to be complicated or time consuming to make. I'm a home cook with over 20 years of experience feeding myself and others. I've learned from a variety of different people, things I've learned online, and some trial and error as well.
I enjoy cooking a variety of foods, from convenience to comfort foods, as well as international cuisine. You can rest assured that all of my recipes have been actually made, thoroughly tested, and most importantly: tasted! I want you to enjoy my food as much as I do!
