If you’re ready to dazzle your taste buds and delight everyone at your St. Patrick’s Day gathering, these Green Velvet Brownies with Cream Cheese Frosting – The Ultimate St. Patrick’s Day Dessert Recipe are about to become your new favorite indulgence. Rich, fudgy, and oh-so-vibrant, these brownies combine a luscious chocolate base tinted a festive green with a tangy, velvety cream cheese frosting that perfectly balances sweetness. They’re not just a treat for the eyes but a joyous celebration of flavor and texture that’s perfect for any festive table or cozy night in.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients is key to making these Green Velvet Brownies with Cream Cheese Frosting – The Ultimate St. Patrick’s Day Dessert Recipe a success. Each item plays a vital role, contributing to the perfect texture, flavor, and that eye-catching green hue you’ll love showing off.
- Semi-sweet chocolate chips (¾ cup): Provides the deep chocolate richness essential for that fudgy brownie base.
- Butter (¾ cup): Adds moisture and a creamy texture to the brownies; melting it with chocolate ensures a silky batter.
- Sugar (2 cups): Sweetens the brownies while contributing to their soft crumb.
- Large eggs (4): Help bind all ingredients and add structure without making the brownies cakey.
- All-purpose flour (1½ cups): Gives the brownies their body and chewiness.
- Green liquid food coloring (1 1-oz bottle): Brings that fun, festive green color for a stunning St. Patrick’s Day presentation.
- Baking powder (1½ tsp): Lightens the texture just enough for perfect biteability.
- Vanilla extract (1 tsp): Enhances all the flavors, adding warmth and depth.
- Salt (⅛ tsp): Balances sweetness and enhances the chocolate notes.
- Cream cheese, softened (8-oz package): The star of the frosting, offering creamy tanginess that pairs beautifully with chocolate.
- Butter, softened (3 Tbsp): Provides richness and smoothness to the frosting.
- Powdered sugar (1½ cups): Sweetens the frosting while keeping it silky and spreadable.
- Salt for frosting (⅛ tsp): Keeps sweetness in check and balances flavors perfectly.
- Vanilla extract for frosting (1 tsp): Adds aromatic sweetness to the creamy topping.
How to Make Green Velvet Brownies with Cream Cheese Frosting – The Ultimate St. Patrick’s Day Dessert Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Baking Pan
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F. Then line a 9-inch square pan completely with aluminum foil, making sure to leave a couple of inches of overhang on the sides. This little foil trick makes taking the brownies out a breeze later, and a light grease on the foil prevents sticking. A well-prepared pan guarantees clean edges and flawless slices.
Step 2: Melt the Chocolate and Butter
Next, melt your semi-sweet chocolate chips and butter together in a microwave-safe bowl. Heat them in bursts of 30 seconds on high for about one and a half to two minutes, stirring after each burst. This gentle melting keeps the mixture smooth and luscious—the foundation of your fudgy brownies.
Step 3: Mix in the Sugar and Eggs
Whisk the sugar into the chocolate and butter mixture until combined. Then add your eggs one at a time, whisking after each addition just until smooth. This step slowly builds a silky batter that promises brownie perfection without overbeating, which can toughen the crumb.
Step 4: Add the Dry Ingredients and Green Food Coloring
Gently fold in the flour, green liquid food coloring, baking powder, vanilla extract, and salt. The green food coloring is essential here, turning your brownies from ordinary to visually festive. Mix just enough to blend everything smoothly without overmixing, ensuring tender brownies that hold their shape.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Pour your batter into the lined pan and bake for 44 to 48 minutes. The goal is a brownie that’s set around the edges but with a moist center. Test doneness with a wooden pick—if it comes out with a few moist crumbs, you’re spot on. After baking, place the pan on a wire rack and allow to cool completely, about two hours, preparing it for the luscious frosting.
Step 6: Create the Cream Cheese Frosting
While the brownies cool, whip up the signature cream cheese frosting. Beat softened cream cheese and butter together on medium speed until creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar and salt, mixing until perfectly smooth. Stir in vanilla extract for that extra punch of flavor which beautifully complements the chocolate and green velvet notes.
Step 7: Frost and Slice
Carefully lift the cooled brownies out of the pan using the foil handles. Gently peel off the foil, then spread your cream cheese frosting evenly over the top. Cut into 16 squares. Now your Green Velvet Brownies with Cream Cheese Frosting – The Ultimate St. Patrick’s Day Dessert Recipe is ready to wow. Feel free to add a little garnish if you want a final festive touch!
How to Serve Green Velvet Brownies with Cream Cheese Frosting – The Ultimate St. Patrick’s Day Dessert Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkle chopped toasted pecans, a dusting of green sanding sugar, or little shamrock-shaped sprinkles for a whimsical finish. These garnishes add visual appeal and a bit of texture contrast to the creamy frosting and fudgy brownie beneath.
Side Dishes
Serve these brownies alongside a cool scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream to balance the rich chocolate and tangy frosting. Hot coffee or an Irish cream-flavored latte makes a perfect beverage companion for an indulgent experience.
Creative Ways to Present
For a festive party, arrange brownies on a platter decorated with fresh mint leaves or edible gold glitter to elevate the St. Patrick’s Day celebration. You can also cut them into bite-size pieces for easy finger food at gatherings, ensuring everyone gets a taste of this charming dessert.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep leftover Green Velvet Brownies with Cream Cheese Frosting in an airtight container in the refrigerator to maintain freshness and keep the frosting stable. They will stay delicious for up to 4 days, making them perfect for prepping ahead of your holiday festivities.
Freezing
You can freeze these brownies either frosted or unfrosted. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag or container. They will keep well for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving, ensuring every bite tastes just as heavenly as fresh.
Reheating
For a warm, gooey treat, reheat individual brownie squares briefly in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds. Avoid reheating the whole batch to prevent melting the frosting too much. Enjoy them soft and slightly warm, balanced with that luscious cream cheese frosting.
FAQs
Can I use white chocolate instead of semi-sweet chocolate chips?
While white chocolate will change the flavor profile, it’s possible to swap it in for a sweeter, creamier brownie base. Just keep in mind that changing the chocolate alters the classic richness of this Green Velvet Brownies with Cream Cheese Frosting – The Ultimate St. Patrick’s Day Dessert Recipe.
What if I don’t have green liquid food coloring?
Gel food coloring can be used instead, and often a little goes a long way. You may need less gel than liquid, so add it slowly until you achieve that eye-catching green. Natural alternatives like spinach powder can tint but may affect flavor slightly.
Can I make these brownies gluten-free?
Yes! Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend designed for baking. Make sure the blend contains xanthan gum to keep the texture right. This way, everyone can enjoy your Green Velvet Brownies with Cream Cheese Frosting – The Ultimate St. Patrick’s Day Dessert Recipe without compromise.
Why is my frosting too runny?
If your frosting feels too soft, it may be because the cream cheese or butter was too warm or over-beaten. Try chilling it briefly before applying, or add a little more powdered sugar to thicken while beating gently.
Can I make the brownies vegan?
Transforming this recipe vegan requires some swaps: use dairy-free butter and cream cheese alternatives, plus an egg substitute like flax eggs. Keep in mind, it may slightly change texture and flavor, but with careful adjustments, you can still enjoy festive Green Velvet Brownies with Cream Cheese Frosting – The Ultimate St. Patrick’s Day Dessert Recipe.
Final Thoughts
There is something truly magical about these Green Velvet Brownies with Cream Cheese Frosting – The Ultimate St. Patrick’s Day Dessert Recipe. From their irresistible emerald color to the harmonious blend of rich chocolate and tangy frosting, this dessert is a joyous way to celebrate any occasion or simply satisfy a sweet craving. I can’t wait for you to whip up a batch and watch friends and family fall in love bite after bite—go ahead, bring a little green magic to your kitchen today!
Print
Green Velvet Brownies with Cream Cheese Frosting – The Ultimate St. Patrick’s Day Dessert Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 44 minutes
- Total Time: 54 minutes plus 2 hours cooling
- Yield: 16 brownies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day with these festive Green Velvet Brownies topped with creamy, tangy cream cheese frosting. Rich chocolate combined with vibrant green food coloring creates a fun and unique treat that’s perfect for parties or any cheerful 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 and prepare pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line the bottom and sides of a 9-inch square baking pan with aluminum foil, allowing 2 to 3 inches of foil to extend over the edges, then lightly grease the foil to prevent sticking.
- Melt chocolate and butter: In a large microwave-safe bowl, microwave 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 batter: Whisk the sugar into the melted chocolate mixture. Add eggs one at a time, whisking just until blended after each addition. Gently fold in the flour, green liquid food coloring, baking powder, vanilla extract, and salt until well combined. Pour the batter into the prepared pan.
- Bake the brownies: Bake in the preheated oven for 44 to 48 minutes or until a wooden pick inserted into the center comes out with a few moist crumbs. Remove from oven and allow the brownies to cool completely on a wire rack, about 2 hours.
- Prepare the frosting: Using an electric mixer at medium speed, beat together softened cream cheese and butter until creamy and smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar and salt while continuing to beat until fully blended. Stir in vanilla extract.
- Frost and serve: Lift the cooled brownies from the pan using the foil overhang as handles, then gently remove the foil. Spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over the top. Cut into 16 squares and serve. Optionally, garnish with festive decorations.
Notes
- Make sure brownies are completely cool before frosting to prevent the frosting from melting.
- You can substitute green gel food coloring for more vibrant color without adding extra liquid.
- Store brownies in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Room temperature ingredients produce the best texture for frosting.
- Wooden pick test helps to avoid overbaking for fudgy brownies.
