Try these quick, easy-to-make, fudgy dinosaur brownies! Perfect for a dinosaur themed birthday party or just for a fun dessert.
How to Make Dinosaur Brownies
- Melt the chocolate: Microwave the chocolate and butter together using the high setting on the microwave. Heat the butter and chocolate in 30-second intervals, stir each time an interval ends, and repeat until they melt together.
- Make the mixtures: Combine the flour, salt, and cacao powder. Beat the eggs and sugar together with a stand mixer. Pour the vanilla and melted chocolate into the egg mixture and beat until completely mixed. Scrape the flour mixture into the egg mixture and beat until just mixed.
- Bake: Scrape the brownie batter into the prepared pan and smooth with a spatula. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes or until the center is just set but still jiggly. Remove the brownie tray from the oven and allow to cool.
- Make the frosting: Cream the butter using a stand mixer. Add the white chocolate and powdered sugar to the cremated butter. Beat until well combined. Add green food coloring one or two drops at a time and beat to combine. Decorate the brownies with frosting. Top with sprinkles, and serve.
Make Ahead and Freezing Instructions
To Make Ahead: Brownies can be stored for up to five days, but to get the best flavor and texture, make them no more than one to two days in advance. Keep the brownies in a sealed container to maintain their freshness and stop them from drying out.
To Freeze: Brownies will stay fresh for up to three months when frozen. To freeze them, cut them into portions, wrap them twice in plastic wrap and one layer of foil, and freeze them.
Recipe Variations for Dinosaur Brownies
Mint chocolate brownies: Add half a teaspoon of peppermint extract to the brownie batter for a refreshing twist on traditional chocolate.
Caramel swirl brownies: Drizzle caramel sauce over the brownie batter before baking for a gooey treat.
Crunchy peanut butter brownies: Stir half a cup of crunchy peanut butter into the brownie batter for a delightful nutty flavor and texture.
Orange zest infusion: Mix one tablespoon of freshly grated orange zest into the brownie batter.
Espresso brownies: Stir in two tablespoons of espresso powder into the brownie batter.
Coconut twist: Fold half a cup of shredded coconut into the brownie batter.
Nutella swirl: Swirl a quarter cup of Nutella into the brownie batter for an extra layer of chocolate hazelnut goodness.
Raspberry twist: Gently fold half a cup of fresh raspberries into the brownie batter for pockets of tartness.
Almond upgrade: Sprinkle a quarter cup of chopped almonds and a quarter cup of shredded coconut over the brownie batter before baking.
Chili chocolate brownies: Add half a teaspoon of chili powder to the brownie batter for a spicy twist that pairs perfectly with the rich chocolate flavor.
Dinosaur Brownies
Equipment
- Gel food coloring green
- Dinomite sprinkles
- Into the Woods Sprinkles
Ingredients
For the brownies:
- 1 cup unsalted butter
- 1 ¼ cups dark chocolate chips
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 3 eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup plain flour
- 1/4 cup cocoa powder
- pinch of salt
For the green buttercream:
- ½ cup unsalted butter
- 6 oz white chocolate chips, melted
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350ºF.
- Line an 8×8 inch baking pan with parchment paper.
- Add the chocolate and butter to microwave safe bowl.
- Microwave on high in 30 seconds intervals stirring between each interval, until the chocolate has melted.
- In a bowl combine the flour, salt and cacao powder.
- In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment beat the eggs and sugar.
- Add the chocolate mixture, vanilla extract and beat until well combined.
- Add in the flour mixture and beat until just combined.
- Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth with spatula.
- Bake in preheated oven for 25-30 minutes or until the center is just set and still jiggly.
- Remove from the oven and allow to cool completely.
- To make the frosting, beat the butter until creamy.
- Add the powdered sugar and melted white chocolate and beat until well combined.
- Add a few drops of green food coloring and beat to combine.
- Decorate the brownies with frosting.
- Top with sprinkles and serve.
Notes
- Melting chocolate tip: If microwaving the chocolate sounds risky, use a double boiler system. Boil water on the stovetop using a saucepan, add a slightly smaller bowl inside the saucepan, and put the chocolate inside the bowl. Stir until the hot water under the bowl melts the chocolate.
- Batter consistency: Don’t overmix the batter once the flour is added; stop as soon as it’s combined to keep the brownies fudgy.
- Frosting tip: To prevent the frosting from melting, cool the brownies completely either at room temperature or in the refrigerator. Keep it in the pan before frosting.
- Frosting texture: For a smoother frosting, ensure the melted white chocolate is fully mixed in before adding food coloring.
- Sprinkling tip: Sprinkle decorations immediately after frosting to ensure they stick properly before the frosting sets.
