Green Velvet Brownies for a Festive St. Patrick’s Day

The Perfect St. Patrick’s Day Treat – Green Velvet Brownies

Looking for a fun and tasty treat to brighten up your St. Patrick’s Day celebration? Look no further than these green velvet brownies! These delicious treats are sure to be a hit with everyone, whether you’re hosting a party or just looking for a special dessert to enjoy with your family.

Easy and Delicious: Making Green Velvet Brownies

These green velvet brownies are not just festive but also incredibly easy to make. You don’t need to be a baking expert to whip up these yummy brownies. The process is simple: melt the chocolate and butter, mix in the other ingredients, bake, and then frost with the delicious cream cheese frosting.

Key Ingredient: Green Food Coloring

The star of the show is the green food coloring, which gives these brownies their unique and eye-catching appearance. One tip for achieving the perfect green hue in your green velvet brownies is to use a full bottle of green food coloring. This also ensures your brownies will have that vibrant green color that makes them stand out. Remember, if you use less, the color might not be as bold.

Cream Cheese Frosting: The Perfect Topping

Let’s talk about that frosting – it’s a smooth, creamy, and sweet addition that takes these brownies to the next level. The combination of cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla creates a frosting that’s rich yet not overly heavy, making it the perfect topping for dense, chocolatey brownies.

Green Velvet Brownies with Cream Cheese Frosting

Servings: Makes 16 brownies
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 44 to 48 minutes
Total Time: About 3 hours (including cooling)

Equipment:

• Mixing Bowls
• 9-inch Square Baking Dish
• Hand Mixer
• Aluminum Foil

Ingredients:

For the 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

For the 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 for Making Green Velvet Brownies:

1. Preheat the oven and prepare the pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line the bottom and sides of a 9-inch square baking dish with aluminum foil, letting it extend over the sides by 2 to 3 inches. Lightly grease the foil with butter or cooking spray.
2. Melt chocolate and butter: In a large microwave-safe bowl, combine chocolate chips and butter. Microwave at HIGH for 1½ to 2 minutes or until the mixture is melted and smooth. Stir at 30-second intervals to avoid burning.
3. Mix in sugar and eggs: Whisk sugar into the melted chocolate mixture. Then add eggs, one at a time, whisking just enough to blend after each addition.
4. Add dry ingredients: Gently stir in flour, green food coloring, baking powder, vanilla extract, and salt. Mix until just combined.
5. Bake the brownies: Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish. Bake for 44 to 48 minutes, or until a wooden pick inserted in the center comes out with a few moist crumbs. Let the brownies cool completely on a wire rack, which should take about 2 hours.
6. Make the frosting: Using a hand mixer, beat the cream cheese and butter on medium speed until creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar and salt, continuing to beat until well blended. Stir in the vanilla extract.
7. Frost and serve: Once the brownies are completely cooled, lift them from the pan using the foil as handles. Carefully remove the foil. Spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over the top of the brownies. Cut into 16 squares.

Recipe Notes:

• For best results, use a metal baking pan.
• A full bottle of green food coloring is also recommended for the vibrant green color.
• If preferred, a 4-oz bittersweet chocolate bar can be substituted for the chocolate chips.
• Store cut brownies in an airtight container for 1 to 2 days, or keep uncut brownies wrapped in plastic for up to 4 days.

Storing Your Brownies

When it comes to storage, these green velvet brownies are just as practical as they are delicious. Cut brownies will keep for 1 to 2 days in an airtight container, while uncut brownies can last up to 4 days if wrapped tightly in plastic wrap.

Final Thoughts: Enjoy Your Festive Treat

So, if you’re planning for St. Patrick’s Day or just in the mood for a unique and yummy treat, give these green velvet brownies a try. They’re sure to bring a smile to your face and add a pop of color and flavor to any occasion.