Green Monster Brownies
55 min
|
easy
|
vegetarian
Recipe by Eunice
| Prep Time | Cook Time | Total Time |
|---|---|---|
| 25 min | 30 min | 55 min |
Introduction
These green monster brownies are ultra fudgy, rich, and loaded with bold coffee flavor for true chocolate lovers.
A spooky green “slime” drizzle on top makes them perfect for Halloween parties, classroom treats, or a fun movie night dessert.
They come together with simple pantry ingredients, but look like a bakery-style treat that always grabs attention on the dessert table.
Ingredients (16 servings)
Ingredients for the Brownies:
Ingredients for the Green Slime Drizzle:
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How to Make Green Monster Brownies
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Prep the pan and oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F and line a 9x13-inch metal pan with parchment, leaving an overhang for easy lifting.
Lightly grease the exposed sides of the pan so the brownies release cleanly but the parchment still peels away easily.
-
Mix the coffee brownie base
In a large bowl whisk the melted butter and granulated sugar together until the mixture looks thick, glossy, and combined.
Whisk in the eggs one at a time, mixing just until each one disappears before adding the next.
Whisk in the vanilla extract until the batter looks smooth and slightly lighter in color.
In a small bowl stir the instant coffee granules into the cooled brewed coffee until they fully dissolve.
Whisk the coffee mixture into the brownie base until no streaks of liquid remain.
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Add the dry ingredients
In a separate bowl whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, salt, and baking powder to break up any lumps.
If your cocoa seems very clumpy, push the dry mixture through a fine-mesh strainer for an extra smooth batter.
Tip the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients and fold gently with a spatula until just combined.
Stop as soon as you no longer see dry flour, since overmixing can give you a cakier texture.
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Bake the brownies
Scrape the thick batter into the prepared pan and spread it into an even layer, pushing it into the corners.
Tap the pan firmly on the counter a few times to level the surface and release big air bubbles.
Bake for 28 to 32 minutes until the edges look set but the center still appears slightly shiny and soft.
A toothpick inserted near the center should come out with a few moist crumbs, not completely clean.
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Cool and chill for clean slices
Set the pan on a wire rack and let the brownies cool until just barely warm, about 45 minutes.
For extra tidy squares, cover the cooled pan and chill the brownies in the fridge for at least 30 minutes.
-
Make the green slime drizzle
In a small bowl whisk the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla together until smooth, thick, and lump free.
Add a small drop of green gel food coloring, whisk, and then add more until you reach a vivid slime green.
If the drizzle feels too thick to pour, whisk in a few extra drops of milk until it loosens slightly.
If it seems runny, add a spoonful of powdered sugar and whisk again until it slowly ribbons off the spoon.
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Slice and decorate the brownies
Use the parchment overhang to lift the cooled brownies out of the pan and onto a cutting board.
With a large sharp knife cut the slab into about sixteen squares, wiping the blade between cuts.
Drizzle each brownie generously with the green slime, letting it drip down the sides for maximum spooky drama.
Serve right away or let the drizzle set for about fifteen minutes if you prefer a firmer topping.
Substitutions
- Strong brewed coffee -> hot water or milk
- Use very hot water or milk instead of brewed coffee if you want a less coffee-forward brownie. The texture stays just as fudgy, and the chocolate flavor tastes a little sweeter and more kid friendly.
- Unsalted butter -> neutral oil
- Swap half or all of the melted butter for canola or vegetable oil if you like extra dense brownies. Oil gives a slightly chewier bite and keeps the brownies soft even after a night in the fridge.
- Green gel food coloring -> natural green coloring or matcha
- Use a natural green food coloring or a teaspoon of matcha powder if you prefer a more natural slime. Matcha adds a mild earthy flavor that plays nicely with chocolate, while still giving a bold monster-green drizzle.
Tips
- Use metal pans for best texture
- A light-colored metal pan conducts heat evenly, which helps the brownies bake through without drying the edges. Glass pans run hotter on the edges, so your center may set late while the sides overbake.
- Do not overmix the batter
- Once you add the dry ingredients, switch to a spatula and fold just until no dry streaks remain. Overmixing develops gluten and gives you a taller, cakier brownie instead of that dense, fudgy bite.
- Check doneness early
- Start checking at 26 minutes because ovens vary and fudgy brownies can go from perfect to dry fast. Pull them while the center still looks slightly underbaked, since they keep setting as they cool.
- Adjust the coffee strength
- For adults who love coffee, use very strong brewed coffee and heaping tablespoons of instant coffee granules. For kids or caffeine-sensitive friends, choose decaf coffee and reduce the instant granules to one tablespoon.
- Chill before slicing
- Let the brownies cool, then chill the pan so the butter firms up before you cut them. You will get cleaner edges, less crumbling, and those pretty bakery-style squares for serving.
- Thicken the slime on purpose
- If your drizzle feels thin, stir in extra powdered sugar until it leaves a slow ribbon on the surface. A thicker slime clings to the brownies and makes those dramatic, creepy drips you want for Halloween.
Nutrition Facts *
| Energy | 295 | kcal |
|---|---|---|
| Protein | 4 | g |
| Total Fat | 13 | g |
| Carbohydrates | 44 | g |
| Dietary Fiber | 3 | g |
* Approximate, per serving.
Data source: USDA FoodData Central.
FAQ
- How do I keep my brownies from turning out dry or cakey?
- The biggest culprit is overbaking, so start checking a few minutes before the suggested time. Pull them when a toothpick has moist crumbs instead of waiting for a completely clean stick. Also avoid overmixing the batter once you add flour, which can make the texture airy and cake like.
- Can I make these brownies ahead of time?
- Yes, these brownies stay moist and fudgy for at least three days at room temperature in an airtight container. You can also freeze sliced brownies without drizzle for up to two months, then thaw and decorate before serving.
- What if I do not taste much coffee flavor?
- Make sure you use strong brewed coffee, not a weak cup, and keep the instant coffee at the full amount. If you still want more intensity, dissolve an extra teaspoon of instant coffee in a teaspoon of hot water. Stir that into the batter along with the brewed coffee for a deeper mocha flavor.
- Why is my green slime drizzle too runny or soaking into the brownies?
- Thin icing usually needs more powdered sugar, so whisk in extra a tablespoon at a time until it thickens. Always cool brownies fully before decorating so the heat does not melt the drizzle into the surface. For very humid days, make the drizzle a little thicker than usual so it holds its spooky shape.
- Can I add mix-ins like chocolate chips or nuts?
- You can fold in up to one cup of chocolate chips, chopped nuts, or candy pieces with the dry ingredients. Keep the amount modest so the brownies still bake evenly and slice neatly for serving.
Serving Suggestions
These green monster brownies bring deep chocolate, bold coffee, and playful color to everything from Halloween parties to movie nights.
Pair them with vanilla ice cream, candy eyeballs, or orange sprinkles for a dessert that feels fun, dramatic, and totally over-the-top.
For an adult twist, add a splash of coffee liqueur to the drizzle and serve with hot espresso or cold brew.
More pairings:
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