Green Velvet Brownies – Best Recipe with Frosting

If you’re looking for a festive, irresistible dessert that’s perfect for St. Patrick’s Day, these Green Velvet Brownies with Cream Cheese Frosting are a must-try. These brownies deliver a stunning green hue, a fudgy-meets-cakey texture, and a tangy cream cheese topping that takes things over the top. Whether you’re baking for a party, your kids, or just your own midnight cravings, this easy, homemade recipe is both unique and incredibly satisfying.

Why These Green Velvet Brownies Are a Must-Bake

These Green Velvet Brownies with Cream Cheese Frosting combine all the comfort of classic brownies with the flair of a themed dessert. Their rich chocolate flavor, vibrant color, and silky frosting make them a standout treat for holidays, birthdays, or anytime you want to impress. They’re also surprisingly simple to make — no boxed mix needed.

Aside from their good looks, the texture is what truly wins hearts. With the perfect balance between fudgy and cakey, these brownies have a soft bite and a moist crumb. Plus, the velvety cream cheese frosting adds a luxurious finish that complements the brownies without overpowering them.

What You’ll Need for These Brownies

• Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips: Provide a rich chocolate base and smooth texture
Butter: Adds moisture and a creamy mouthfeel to both brownies and frosting
• Sugar: Sweetens and balances the cocoa flavors
• Eggs: Help bind the mixture and contribute to structure
• All-Purpose Flour: The foundation of the batter, giving form and lift
• Green Liquid Food Coloring: Gives the brownies their eye-catching St. Paddy’s hue
• Baking Powder: A leavening agent that helps lift the brownies slightly
• Vanilla Extract: Enhances the overall flavor profile
• Salt: Balances sweetness and sharpens flavor
• Cream Cheese: The star of the frosting, adding tang and richness
• Powdered Sugar: Sweetens the frosting and gives it a smooth consistency

Ingredient Swaps and Dietary Tips

Bittersweet Chocolate Bar: You can swap out the chocolate chips with a chopped 4-ounce bittersweet chocolate bar for deeper cocoa notes.
Natural Food Coloring: Use a natural green food coloring if you prefer to avoid artificial dyes, though the final color may be more muted.
Gluten-Free Flour: Use a 1:1 gluten-free baking mix to make the recipe suitable for gluten-sensitive guests.
Vegan Substitutions: While this recipe contains dairy and eggs, you could experiment with vegan butter, plant-based cream cheese, and flax eggs. Be aware the texture may vary.

How to Make Green Velvet Brownies from Scratch

  1. Preheat and Prep: Preheat your oven to 350°F. Line a 9-inch square metal baking pan with foil, letting some hang over the edges for easy lifting. Lightly grease the foil.
  2. Melt and Mix: In a microwave-safe bowl, combine chocolate chips and butter. Microwave on high in 30-second intervals until melted and smooth, about 1½ to 2 minutes. Stir after each interval.
  3. Build the Batter: Whisk in the sugar until fully combined. Add eggs one at a time, whisking after each addition. Stir in flour, green food coloring, baking powder, vanilla, and salt. Mix until just combined—don’t overmix.
  4. Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared pan. Bake for 44 to 48 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with just a few moist crumbs. Let cool completely in the pan on a wire rack, about 2 hours.
  5. Make the Frosting: Using an electric mixer, beat softened cream cheese and butter until creamy. Gradually mix in powdered sugar and salt until smooth. Add vanilla and blend well.
  6. Frost and Cut: Lift the brownies out using the foil. Spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over the cooled brownies. Cut into 16 squares. Garnish with green and white sprinkles if desired.

Expert Tips for Perfect Green Velvet Brownies

Use the Whole Bottle of Food Coloring: For that signature deep green, you’ll need the full 1-ounce bottle. Anything less may result in a duller shade.

Don’t Overbake: Check the brownies a few minutes before the minimum time to ensure a moist center. The toothpick should not come out clean—it should have a few moist crumbs.

Cool Completely Before Frosting: Rushing this step can cause the frosting to melt and become runny.

Use a Metal Pan: Glass pans can alter baking time and affect texture. A metal pan ensures even heat distribution and the ideal brownie consistency.

Cut with a Warm Knife: For clean cuts, dip your knife in hot water, wipe it dry, and slice.

Serving Suggestions and Flavor Variations

Pair with Irish Coffee or Hot Chocolate: These brownies go beautifully with warm, creamy beverages.

Add Crunch: Mix chopped walnuts or pecans into the batter for texture and nutty contrast.

Make It Spicy: Add a pinch of cayenne or cinnamon to the batter for a subtle, spicy twist.

Turn It Into a Cake: Double the recipe and bake in a 9×13-inch pan for a party-sized version. Adjust baking time accordingly.

Mini Brownie Bites: Bake in a mini muffin tin for bite-sized treats perfect for parties or gifting.

Make Ahead: You can bake the brownies a day ahead and store them, unfrosted, in the fridge. Frost before serving.

A Festive Dessert with Holiday Charm

Green Velvet Brownies with Cream Cheese Frosting aren’t just visually stunning—they bring a playful, festive energy to your dessert table. Their vibrant color and decadent flavor make them ideal for celebrating St. Patrick’s Day, spring events, or anytime you want to add a little color to your baking.

This dessert also taps into the “velvet” trend, a popular texture in baked goods known for richness and softness, making it familiar yet fresh. The cream cheese frosting ties it all together with creamy tang that cuts through the sweetness and balances every bite.

Whether you’re planning a themed party or just want to bake something different, Green Velvet Brownies with Cream Cheese Frosting are a delicious way to bring the wow factor.

Conclusion

There’s no denying that Green Velvet Brownies with Cream Cheese Frosting bring festive flair and full flavor to any dessert table. With their unique color, soft texture, and luscious topping, these brownies are more than just a novelty — they’re a tried-and-true treat that delivers every time. Whether you’re celebrating St. Patrick’s Day or simply craving a creative twist on classic brownies, this recipe is easy to make, crowd-pleasing, and unforgettable.

Make them once, and they’ll become a seasonal favorite. But don’t be surprised if you start getting requests for these green velvet delights year-round.

Frequently Asked Questions About Green Velvet Brownies with Cream Cheese Frosting

How do I store green velvet brownies to keep them fresh?

Once frosted and cut, store the brownies in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. For the best texture and flavor, bring them to room temperature before serving. Uncut, unfrosted brownies will last up to 4 days tightly wrapped at room temperature.

Can I freeze these brownies?

Yes, you can freeze them — but do so before frosting. After the brownies have completely cooled, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and then foil. Freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to serve, thaw overnight in the fridge, frost, and slice.

What can I use instead of green food coloring?

For a more natural option, you can use matcha powder or natural green coloring derived from spirulina or spinach. Keep in mind that the final color may not be as vibrant, and these options can slightly alter the taste.

Can I make these brownies gluten-free?

Absolutely! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend. The texture may vary slightly, but they’ll still be moist, flavorful, and topped with that delicious cream cheese frosting.

More Relevant Recipes

  • Red Velvet Cream Cheese Bundt Cake: A rich and vibrant dessert similar in style to green velvet brownies, this bundt cake features the same tangy cream cheese pairing with a moist red velvet base — perfect for holidays or special occasions.
  • Banana Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting: These soft, moist banana bars topped with luscious cream cheese frosting offer a similar textural contrast and flavor balance, ideal for fans of sweet and tangy dessert bars.
  • Gingerbread Cake with Luscious Cream Cheese: A spiced holiday classic layered with smooth cream cheese frosting, echoing the flavor dynamic and festive appeal of green velvet brownies with a warm twist.
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Green Velvet Brownies with Cream Cheese Frosting

Green Velvet Brownies


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  • Author: Elina
  • Total Time: 2 hours 20 minutes (including cooling time)
  • Yield: 16 brownies
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

These Green Velvet Brownies with Cream Cheese Frosting are a festive twist on classic red velvet. Perfect for St. Patrick’s Day, they combine a rich chocolate base with a vibrant green hue and are topped with a luscious cream cheese frosting. The texture is the perfect balance between fudgy and cakey, making them an irresistible dessert for any occasion.


Ingredients

  • 3/4 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips: provides rich chocolate flavor and smooth texture
  • 3/4 cup butter: adds moisture and richness
  • 2 cups sugar: sweetens and balances cocoa
  • 4 large eggs: binds the batter and adds structure
  • 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour: gives form and structure
  • 1 (1-oz) bottle green liquid food coloring: gives the vibrant green color
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder: leavens the batter for slight rise
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: enhances flavor
  • 1/8 teaspoon salt: balances sweetness
  • 1 (8-oz) package cream cheese, softened: forms the base of the frosting
  • 3 tablespoons butter, softened: adds creaminess to the frosting
  • 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar: sweetens and gives structure to the frosting
  • 1/8 teaspoon salt (for frosting): balances the sweetness
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (for frosting): adds flavor depth


Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F. Line a 9-inch square metal pan with foil and lightly grease.
  2. In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the chocolate chips and butter together for 1½ to 2 minutes, stirring every 30 seconds until smooth.
  3. Whisk in sugar until fully incorporated.
  4. Add eggs one at a time, whisking after each addition.
  5. Stir in flour, green food coloring, baking powder, vanilla extract, and salt until just combined.
  6. Pour batter into the prepared pan and bake for 44–48 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with a few moist crumbs.
  7. Cool brownies completely in the pan on a wire rack (about 2 hours).
  8. To make the frosting, beat cream cheese and softened butter together until smooth and creamy.
  9. Gradually mix in powdered sugar and salt, then add vanilla extract. Beat until light and fluffy.
  10. Once brownies are cool, lift them from the pan using the foil overhang and frost evenly.
  11. Cut into 16 squares and garnish with sprinkles if desired.

Notes

  • Use a metal pan for best texture and even baking.
  • Use the entire bottle of green food coloring for vibrant color.
  • Cool completely before frosting to avoid melting the topping.
  • Store frosted brownies in the fridge for up to 2 days.
  • You can freeze the unfrosted brownies for up to 3 months.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 45 minutes
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 brownie
  • Calories: 310
  • Sugar: 29g
  • Sodium: 110mg
  • Fat: 18g
  • Saturated Fat: 11g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 6g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 35g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Protein: 3g
  • Cholesterol: 60mg

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