Green Velvet Brownies
Green Velvet Brownies. Cream cheese frosting recipe awaits.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 3 hours
- Yield: 16 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- Unsalted butter
- Granulated sugar
- Light brown sugar
- Large eggs
- Pure vanilla extract
- Unsweetened cocoa powder
- All-purpose flour
- Baking powder
- Salt
- Gel food coloring (green)
- Buttermilk
- White vinegar
- Full-fat cream cheese
- Unsalted butter
- Powdered sugar (confectioners’ sugar)
- Pure vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
- First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C), and make sure your oven rack is in the middle position. Prepare a 9×13-inch baking pan by greasing it thoroughly and lining it with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides – this makes lifting the cooled brownies out incredibly easy.
- In a medium saucepan or a microwave-safe bowl, melt the unsalted butter. Once melted, pour it into a large mixing bowl. Add the granulated sugar and light brown sugar to the melted butter, whisking vigorously for about 1-2 minutes until thoroughly combined and slightly glossy. This step is crucial for achieving that characteristic crinkly top.
- Next, one at a time, beat in the large eggs, mixing well after each addition to fully incorporate, ensuring the mixture is smooth and emulsified. Stir in the pure vanilla extract. At this stage, it will look like a glossy, rich yellow batter.
- In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the unsweetened cocoa powder, all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. This ensures all the dry ingredients are evenly distributed before adding them to the wet. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed or by hand with a spatula until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; overmixing can lead to a tougher brownie. In a small bowl, combine the buttermilk and white vinegar, then add them to the brownie batter. Stir until just incorporated.
- Now for the star color! Add your green gel food coloring, starting with about 1 teaspoon and adding more in small increments until you reach your desired vibrant green hue. The batter should be thick, fudgy, and a beautiful uniform green with no streaks. Pour the batter evenly into your prepared pan and spread it out gently with an offset spatula.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with moist crumbs, but not wet batter. Overbaking will result in dry brownies, so err on the side of underbaking for maximum fudginess. Let the brownies cool completely in the pan on a wire rack before frosting, which usually takes at least 2 hours, or even longer.
- While your brownies are cooling, prepare the heavenly cream cheese frosting. In a large bowl, using an electric mixer, beat the softened full-fat cream cheese and unsalted butter together on medium speed until the mixture is completely smooth, fluffy, and free from any lumps – this usually takes about 2-3 minutes. Make sure both ingredients are at room temperature to ensure a silky-smooth consistency. Gradually add the powdered sugar, a cup at a time, beating on low speed until incorporated, then increasing the speed to medium-high and beating until light and fluffy. This gradual addition prevents a powdered sugar cloud from taking over your kitchen! Finally, mix in the pure vanilla extract and a tiny pinch of salt to balance the sweetness. The frosting should be thick, creamy, and spreadable, with a luxurious texture that holds its shape beautifully.
- Once your Green Velvet Brownies are completely cooled (this is critical – warm brownies will melt your frosting!), carefully lift them out of the pan using the parchment paper overhang and place them on a cutting board or serving platter. Dollop generous amounts of the fluffy cream cheese frosting onto the cooled brownies. Using an offset spatula, spread the frosting evenly over the entire surface, creating beautiful swirls and peaks for a rustic yet elegant look. For extra flair, you can use the back of a spoon to create pretty patterns or even pipe the frosting with a decorative tip if you’re feeling fancy. Slice the frosted brownies into squares or rectangles using a sharp, warm knife (run under hot water and wipe dry between cuts for the neatest edges) and get ready to serve this stunning, emerald-hued delight!
Notes
Prepare to be utterly enchanted by these Green Velvet Brownies with Cream Cheese Frosting! Imagine a brownie that’s not just fudgy, but boasts a captivating emerald hue, hinting at a secret ingredient that elevates it beyond the ordinary. Each bite delivers an intensely rich chocolate flavor, perfectly balanced by a subtle twist, encased in a delightfully dense, chewy texture. Crowned with a swirl of tangy, sweet, and unbelievably smooth cream cheese frosting, these brownies are a vibrant symphony of flavors and textures, making them an irresistible showstopper for any occasion or simply a decadent treat to brighten your day.