If you’re on the hunt for a dessert that dazzles with vibrant color, moist texture, and rich flavor, look no further than these Green Velvet Brownies with Cream Cheese Frosting – The Ultimate St. Patrick’s Day Dessert Recipe. This treat combines the indulgent, fudgy goodness of brownies with a festive green twist and a luscious cream cheese frosting that’s just the right balance of tang and sweetness. Celebrating St. Patrick’s Day has never tasted so delightful and charming!
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are surprisingly simple yet essential, each playing a crucial role in crafting the perfect texture, delectable flavor, and that irresistible green hue that makes these brownies truly special.
- Semi-sweet chocolate chips (¾ cup): Melts into smooth, rich chocolate that forms the base of the brownie’s deep flavor.
- Butter (¾ cup): Adds moisture and helps achieve that tender, fudgy consistency.
- Sugar (2 cups): Sweetens the batter while contributing to the chewy texture.
- Large eggs (4): Bind everything together and add structure without weighing the brownies down.
- All-purpose flour (1½ cups): Provides the necessary backbone for a sturdy yet soft brownie.
- Green liquid food coloring (1 bottle, 1 oz): Gives that vibrant St. Patrick’s Day green without affecting flavor.
- Baking powder (1½ tsp): Ensures a slight lift, keeping the brownies from being too dense.
- Vanilla extract (1 tsp): Enhances the chocolate and cream cheese flavors beautifully.
- Salt (⅛ tsp): Balances sweetness and boosts overall taste.
- Cream cheese, softened (8 oz package): Creates the tangy, creamy frosting that perfectly complements the brownies.
- Butter, softened (3 Tbsp): Adds smoothness and richness to the frosting.
- Powdered sugar (1½ cups): Sweetens and thickens the frosting to the ideal spreadable consistency.
How to Make Green Velvet Brownies with Cream Cheese Frosting – The Ultimate St. Patrick’s Day Dessert Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Pan and Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F. Line a 9-inch square baking pan with aluminum foil, extending the foil 2 to 3 inches over the edges to make lifting the brownies out a breeze. Don’t forget to lightly grease the foil so your brownies come out flawlessly without sticking.
Step 2: Melt the Chocolate and Butter
In a large microwave-safe bowl, combine your semi-sweet chocolate chips and butter. Microwave on high for 1½ to 2 minutes, stirring every 30 seconds until everything is melted smooth and glossy. This creates the decadent chocolate base that makes these brownies so irresistible.
Step 3: Mix in Sugar and Eggs
Whisk the sugar into the melted chocolate mixture. Then add the eggs one at a time, whisking gently after each addition until just combined. This careful mixing ensures the brownies stay tender and perfectly rich without becoming dense or heavy.
Step 4: Add Flour, Color, and Flavor
Gently stir in the flour, green food coloring, baking powder, vanilla extract, and salt until just blended. The green food coloring will transform your batter into a festive green, setting the stage for an eye-catching treat perfect for St. Patrick’s Day.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Pour the vibrant batter into your prepared pan and bake for 44 to 48 minutes, or until a wooden pick inserted into the center comes out with just a few moist crumbs attached. Let the brownies cool completely on a wire rack for about 2 hours — patience here pays off with perfect texture.
Step 6: Make the Cream Cheese Frosting and Assemble
Using an electric mixer at medium speed, beat the softened cream cheese and butter together until creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar and salt while continuing to beat until smooth and fully combined. Stir in vanilla extract for that final flavor boost. Carefully lift the cooled brownies from the pan using the foil edges, peel back the foil, and spread the creamy frosting evenly over the top. Cut into 16 squares and, if you like, add your favorite garnishes.
How to Serve Green Velvet Brownies with Cream Cheese Frosting – The Ultimate St. Patrick’s Day Dessert Recipe
Garnishes
Adding the right garnishes elevates your brownies from delicious to sensational. Consider a sprinkle of finely chopped pistachios for crunch, a dusting of edible glitter for sparkle, or shamrock-shaped sprinkles to double down on the St. Patrick’s Day spirit. Each garnish adds an extra layer of fun and festivity.
Side Dishes
While these brownies steal the show, pairing them with fresh whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream balances the rich chocolate and cream cheese flavors. For a refreshing touch, serve alongside a chilled glass of Irish cream coffee or a minty green smoothie to complete a festive meal.
Creative Ways to Present
Presentation matters, especially for a special occasion. Arrange brownies on a rustic wooden board with fresh mint leaves scattered around for color contrast. Alternatively, serve them in small cupcake liners or on colorful plates with matching napkins to make your dessert table pop with St. Patrick’s Day cheer.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After enjoying your brownies, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. This keeps the cream cheese frosting fresh and the brownies moist for up to 4 days, so you can savor the celebration long after the day ends.
Freezing
If you want to make these brownies ahead well in advance, they freeze beautifully. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and place in a freezer-safe container or bag. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before frosting or serving for best texture and flavor.
Reheating
When ready to enjoy, let brownies come to room temperature. If you prefer them slightly warm, microwave individual squares for 10 to 15 seconds, but be careful not to melt the frosting too much. This gentle warming revives the luscious gooeyness while keeping the cream cheese frosting intact.
FAQs
Can I use gel food coloring instead of liquid?
Yes, gel food coloring works perfectly and is actually more concentrated, so start with a smaller amount and add until you reach your desired green shade.
What type of cream cheese is best for the frosting?
Use full-fat cream cheese softened to room temperature for the creamiest, smoothest frosting. Avoid low-fat or whipped varieties, as they can alter texture and flavor.
Can I substitute the semi-sweet chocolate chips with cocoa powder?
While semi-sweet chips provide richness and a smooth melt, you can experiment with cocoa powder for a denser brownie; just adjust the butter and sugar accordingly to keep the right consistency.
Is it necessary to let the brownies cool completely before frosting?
Yes, cooling is key! If the brownies are too warm, the frosting will melt and become runny. Patience leads to the perfect layered texture.
How do I get clean cuts when slicing the brownies?
Use a sharp knife wiped clean between cuts. For extra smooth slices, chill the brownies briefly before cutting or warm the knife slightly with hot water, drying it before slicing.
Final Thoughts
This Green Velvet Brownies with Cream Cheese Frosting – The Ultimate St. Patrick’s Day Dessert Recipe is one of those joyous treats that brings everyone together with its fun color and irresistible taste. Whether you’re celebrating the holiday or just craving a vibrant twist on traditional brownies, this recipe is a winner every time. I can’t wait for you to make it your own and watch how it lights up your dessert spread and hearts alike.
Print
Green Velvet Brownies with Cream Cheese Frosting – The Ultimate St. Patrick’s Day Dessert Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours 45 minutes
- Yield: 16 brownies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day with these festive Green Velvet Brownies topped with a luscious Cream Cheese Frosting. These moist, chocolatey brownies are beautifully tinted green with food coloring and offer the perfect balance of rich chocolate flavor and creamy frosting, making them a show-stopping treat for any occasion.
Ingredients
Brownies
- ¾ cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- ¾ cup butter
- 2 cups sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 1½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 (1-oz) bottle green liquid food coloring
- 1½ tsp baking powder
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ⅛ tsp salt
Cream Cheese Frosting
- 1 (8-oz) package cream cheese, softened
- 3 Tbsp butter, softened
- 1½ cups powdered sugar
- ⅛ tsp salt
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9-inch square baking pan with aluminum foil, allowing 2 to 3 inches to extend over the sides for easy removal, and lightly grease the foil to prevent sticking.
- Melt Chocolate and Butter: In a large microwave-safe bowl, microwave the semi-sweet chocolate chips and butter on HIGH for 1½ to 2 minutes. Stir every 30 seconds until the mixture is completely melted and smooth.
- Mix Wet and Dry Ingredients: Whisk the sugar into the melted chocolate mixture. Add the eggs one at a time, whisking gently just until combined after each addition. Then, gently fold in the all-purpose flour, green liquid food coloring, baking powder, vanilla extract, and salt until the batter is smooth and evenly colored.
- Bake the Brownies: Pour the batter into the prepared pan, spreading it evenly. Bake for 44 to 48 minutes or until a wooden toothpick inserted into the center comes out with just a few moist crumbs. Remove from oven and cool completely on a wire rack, about 2 hours.
- Prepare the Frosting: While the brownies cool, beat the softened cream cheese and butter together with an electric mixer at medium speed until creamy and smooth. Gradually add the powdered sugar and salt, continuing to beat until fully blended. Stir in the vanilla extract for flavor.
- Assemble the Brownies: Once cooled, lift the brownies out of the pan using the foil edges as handles and gently peel away the foil. Spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over the top. Cut into 16 equal squares and garnish as desired before serving.
Notes
- To ensure even baking, check the brownies starting at 44 minutes with a toothpick test.
- The green food coloring gives these brownies their festive look but can be adjusted based on your preferred shade.
- Allow brownies to cool completely before frosting to prevent melting the cream cheese frosting.
- For easy cleanup, the foil lining helps with removal and pan cleaning.
- Optional garnishes include green sprinkles or white chocolate shavings to enhance presentation.
