Hi, I’m Salma. I’m 32 years old and living in the United States, and my love for cooking grew from simple curiosity into something that feels like a lifelong passion.
I first spotted this Green Velvet Brownies recipe in a lively Reddit cooking thread where home chefs shared tips, tweaks, and favorite desserts. Seeing everyone’s creative spins inspired me to dive in and try it myself. I loved how approachable it seemed, yet full of opportunity to make it my own. I experimented with frosting texture and even added a sprinkle of festive toppings to make it uniquely mine.
Try it and tell me did you add your own creative touch too?
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This recipe offers an easy and dependable way to create delicious brownies that stand out. The combination of rich chocolate flavor and smooth cream cheese frosting provides comfort in every bite. With its practical approach, this recipe allows for great results without needing extensive baking experience. Green Velvet Brownies with Cream Cheese Frosting make for a wonderful everyday dessert that brings joy with each serving.
Kitchen Tools You’ll Need
- Mixing bowls
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Whisk or electric mixer
- Baking pan (9×13 inch)
- Spatula
Ingredients
- ¾ cup semi-sweet chocolate chips (adds rich chocolate flavor and fudgy texture)
- ¾ cup butter, softened (provides moisture and richness)
- 2 cups sugar (sweetens and contributes to texture)
- 4 large eggs (adds structure and moisture)
- 1½ cups all-purpose flour (provides structure)
- 1 (1-oz) bottle green liquid food coloring (for color)
- 1½ tsp baking powder (helps brownies rise)
- 1 tsp vanilla (adds flavor)
- ⅛ tsp salt (enhances sweetness)
- 1 (8-oz) package cream cheese, softened (creates a creamy frosting)
- 3 Tbsp butter, softened (contributes to frosting texture)
- 1½ cups powdered sugar (sweetens and thickens frosting)
- ⅛ tsp salt (balances sweetness in frosting)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract (flavor for frosting)
How to Make Green Velvet Brownies with Cream Cheese Frosting
Step 1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that your brownies bake evenly once they are ready to go into the oven. It’s a good idea to prepare your baking pan by lightly greasing it or lining it with parchment paper for easy removal.
Step 2. In a medium saucepan, melt the butter and chocolate chips over low heat, stirring regularly until smooth. Be careful not to overheat the mixture, as this can cause the chocolate to seize. Once melted and combined, remove the pan from the heat and let it cool slightly.
Step 3. In a large mixing bowl, combine the sugar and eggs. Use a whisk or an electric mixer to beat them together until the mixture is light and fluffy. This typically takes about 2 to 3 minutes. The air incorporated during this process helps to create a lighter texture in the brownies.
Step 4. Gradually mix in the melted chocolate mixture until thoroughly combined. Make sure the chocolate is not too hot to prevent cooking the eggs. Stir gently to achieve a smooth batter, ensuring that the sugar is well blended with the chocolate and butter.
Step 5. Add the vanilla, salt, and green food coloring to the mixture. The food coloring will give the brownies that signature green hue. Mix until the color is evenly distributed throughout the batter, which should become a rich green.
Step 6. In another bowl, whisk together the flour and baking powder. Gradually fold this dry mixture into the chocolate mixture using a spatula. Be careful not to overmix; stop once you see no dry flour. The batter might be thick, which is perfect for brownies.
Step 7. Pour the brownie batter into the prepared baking pan and spread it out evenly. Make sure to smooth the top with a spatula to create an even layer. This will promote uniform baking and ensure the brownies cook through.
Step 8. Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with a few moist crumbs. Keep an eye on them toward the end of the baking time to avoid overbaking, which can make them dry.
Step 9. While the brownies cool, prepare the cream cheese frosting. In a mixing bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese and butter until smooth and fluffy. This usually takes about 2 minutes and helps create a creamy texture that pairs well with the brownies.
Step 10. Gradually add in the powdered sugar, salt, and vanilla extract. Mix until well combined and free of lumps. Ensure the frosting achieves a spreadable consistency without being too runny. It should be thick enough to stay on top of the brownies.
Step 11. Once the brownies have completely cooled, spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over the top. This step is key for a delicious finishing touch. You can use a spatula or the back of a spoon to smooth it out, creating a nice layer on the brownies.
Step 12. For best results, allow the frosted brownies to set for about 30 minutes before cutting them into squares. This will help the frosting firm up slightly. Slice them into desired portions and serve them fresh, enjoying the combination of flavors.
Serving Suggestions
These Green Velvet Brownies with Cream Cheese Frosting shine as a delightful dessert for any occasion. They can be served as an after-dinner treat or sliced up as a satisfying snack throughout the day. They’re also great for holiday gatherings or birthday parties, where their vibrant color can add a festive touch. You can enjoy them at room temperature, or for an extra treat, pair them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. Any leftovers can be stored and enjoyed later.
Pro Tips for Best Results
- Ensure the butter is softened but not melted to maintain the right texture when mixing.
- Allow the brownies to cool completely before frosting for a smoother application.
- For even baking, rotate the pan halfway into the baking process.
- Keep the frosting in the refrigerator if not using immediately to maintain its firmness.
- Use a sharp knife for cutting the brownies for clean edges.
- Experiment with different food colorings for unique and fun presentations.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overmixing the Batter: This can lead to dense brownies instead of the desired fudgy texture. Mix just until combined to keep the structure light and airy.
- Not Preheating the Oven: Baking in an unheated oven can lead to uneven cooking. Always preheat the oven to ensure consistent results.
- Using Cold Ingredients: Cold ingredients can cause the batter to seize, preventing proper mixing. Always allow eggs and butter to come to room temperature before starting.
- Baking Too Long: Leaving brownies in the oven too long can dry them out. Keep an eye during the last few minutes and use the toothpick test for doneness.
- Not Cooling Before Frosting: Attempting to frost warm brownies can lead to melted frosting. Ensure they cool completely for an even and appealing frosted layer.
- Neglecting to Grease the Pan: Skipping this step can lead to brownies sticking to the pan. Use baking spray or parchment paper for easy removal.
Variations & Substitutions
Consider adding nuts or chocolate chunks to the brownie batter for added texture. You could also experiment with different extracts, such as almond, in the frosting for a flavor twist. For a lighter option, whipped cream can be used instead of cream cheese frosting, providing a different taste and texture. Additionally, swap the green food coloring for red or blue to celebrate different occasions or holidays.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover brownies at room temperature in an airtight container for up to three days. If you need to keep them longer, transfer them to the refrigerator, where they will last for about a week. For freezing, wrap brownies tightly in plastic wrap followed by aluminum foil to maintain freshness. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight and let them come to room temperature before serving. To reheat, place them in the microwave for a few seconds to restore softness without compromising texture.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the brownies ahead of time. They can be baked, cooled, and frosted a day in advance. Just store them in the refrigerator until you’re ready to serve.
How long does it last in the fridge?
When stored in an airtight container, these brownies can last in the fridge for about a week. Ensure they are covered to prevent drying out and maintain freshness.
Can I freeze this recipe?
Yes, these brownies freeze well. After baking and cooling, wrap them tightly and freeze. Thaw in the fridge before serving for the best flavor and texture.
What can I substitute for one ingredient?
If you need to substitute the cream cheese, you could use a vegan cream cheese or whipped coconut cream for a different flavor and texture.
Why didn’t my recipe turn out as expected?
Common reasons include not measuring ingredients accurately, not preheating the oven, or overbaking. Double-check that all steps are followed closely for the best outcome.
Final Thoughts
Making Green Velvet Brownies with Cream Cheese Frosting is a straightforward and rewarding experience. These brownies not only bring a cheerful color to your dessert table but also deliver comforting flavors that everyone will love. Even if you’re new to baking, this recipe will guide you with ease. Enjoy the process and the delightful results that come from your own kitchen.
Green Velvet Brownies
Ingredients
Brownie Ingredients
- ¾ cup semi-sweet chocolate chips adds rich chocolate flavor and fudgy texture
- ¾ cup butter, softened provides moisture and richness
- 2 cups sugar sweetens and contributes to texture
- 4 large eggs adds structure and moisture
- 1½ cups all-purpose flour provides structure
- 1 oz bottle green liquid food coloring for color
- 1½ tsp baking powder helps brownies rise
- 1 tsp vanilla adds flavor
- ⅛ tsp salt enhances sweetness
Frosting Ingredients
- 1 8-oz package cream cheese, softened creates a creamy frosting
- 3 Tbsp butter, softened contributes to frosting texture
- 1½ cups powdered sugar sweetens and thickens frosting
- ⅛ tsp salt balances sweetness in frosting
- 1 tsp vanilla extract flavor for frosting
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare your baking pan by lightly greasing it or lining it with parchment paper.
- In a medium saucepan, melt the butter and chocolate chips over low heat until smooth.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the sugar and eggs, and beat until light and fluffy (about 2-3 minutes).
- Gradually mix in the melted chocolate mixture until thoroughly combined.
- Add the vanilla, salt, and green food coloring, mixing until evenly distributed.
- In another bowl, whisk together the flour and baking powder, then fold this dry mixture into the chocolate mixture.
- Pour the brownie batter into the prepared baking pan and spread it out evenly.
Baking
- Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick comes out with a few moist crumbs.
Frosting Preparation
- While the brownies cool, beat together the softened cream cheese and butter in a mixing bowl until smooth and fluffy.
- Gradually add in the powdered sugar, salt, and vanilla extract, mixing until well combined and free of lumps.
Assembly
- Once the brownies have cooled completely, spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over the top.
- Allow the frosted brownies to set for about 30 minutes before cutting into squares.