Green Velvet Cheesecake Squares: The Easiest Dessert Bars EVER!

Green Velvet Cheesecake Squares are a delightful spin on the traditional red velvet treat, perfect for St. Patrick’s Day or any occasion that calls for a touch of whimsical green. My grandmother used to bake these every year, and the vibrant green color always brought a smile to my face. Green Velvet Cheesecake Squares are unbelievably creamy and have a wonderful subtle chocolate flavor.

This recipe brings together the best of both worlds: the velvety texture of cheesecake with the familiar tang of red velvet cake, all dressed up in a festive green hue. The slightly tart cream cheese balances the sweetness perfectly, creating a decadent dessert that’s surprisingly light and refreshing. Let’s get baking!

Why You Will Love This Green Velvet Cheesecake Squares Recipe

This recipe is a winner for so many reasons! First, the comforting flavor profile is familiar yet exciting. The hints of cocoa blended with the rich cream cheese filling create a symphony of taste, ready to wow your guests.

Second, these Green Velvet Cheesecake Squares are surprisingly easy to make. With simple steps and readily available ingredients, you’ll be enjoying a batch in no time. Plus, they’re incredibly versatile. They can be served at room temperature, chilled, or even slightly frozen – offering a sweet treat that’s adaptable to any mood.

But perhaps the best reason to love this recipe is the sheer joy it brings. Seeing those vibrant green squares on a platter is enough to make anyone’s day a little brighter. These green velvet dessert bars aren’t just delicious, they are a conversation starter too!

Green Velvet Cheesecake Squares - Detail or variation
Close-up detail

Ingredients Needed for This Green Velvet Cheesecake Squares Recipe

Here’s what you’ll need to create these delightful squares of goodness. The ingredients are divided into categories for easy preparation:

For the Crust:

  • 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs
  • 5 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
  • ¼ cup granulated sugar

For the Cheesecake Filling:

  • 24 ounces cream cheese, softened
  • 1 ¼ cups granulated sugar
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • ½ teaspoon almond extract (optional, but recommended!)
  • 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 1 teaspoon green gel food coloring (more or less, to achieve desired color)

For the Frosting (Optional):

  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
  • 2 cups powdered sugar
  • 2 tablespoons milk
  • ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
Green Velvet Cheesecake Squares - Process or ingredients
Preparation process

How to Make This Green Velvet Cheesecake Squares Recipe

Follow these simple steps to create your own batch of Green Velvet Cheesecake squares!

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking pan.
  2. Prepare the Crust: In a medium bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and sugar. Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared pan.
  3. Bake the crust for 8-10 minutes, or until lightly golden. Remove from the oven and let cool slightly.
  4. Make the Cheesecake Filling: In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and sugar together until smooth and creamy.
  5. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract, almond extract (if using), and cocoa powder.
  6. Add the green gel food coloring, starting with a small amount and adding more until you reach your desired shade of green. Be careful not to overmix at this stage!
  7. Pour the cheesecake filling over the cooled crust, spreading it evenly.
  8. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the center is set but still slightly jiggly.
  9. Turn off the oven and let the cheesecake cool in the oven with the door slightly ajar for about an hour. This helps prevent cracking.
  10. Remove the cheesecake from the oven and let it cool completely at room temperature. Then, refrigerate for at least 2 hours before frosting (if using) and serving.
  11. Prepare the Frosting (Optional): In a medium bowl, beat the softened butter until smooth. Gradually add the powdered sugar, alternating with the milk, until the frosting is smooth and creamy. Stir in the vanilla extract.
  12. Once the cheesecake squares are completely cooled, frost them evenly with the prepared frosting.
  13. Cut into squares and serve.

How to Serve This Green Velvet Cheesecake Squares Recipe

These Green Velvet Cheesecake Squares are delicious on their own, but here are some ideas to elevate your serving experience:

  • Dust with powdered sugar for a simple and elegant touch.
  • Drizzle with melted white chocolate or dark chocolate.
  • Garnish with fresh berries like raspberries or strawberries.
  • Serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream.
  • Pair with a glass of milk, coffee, or a dessert wine. These green velvet dessert bars pair nicely with other chocolate desserts from Recipes Charming
  • For St. Patrick’s Day, sprinkle with green sprinkles or edible glitter.

How to Store This Green Velvet Cheesecake Squares Recipe

Proper storage will keep your Green Velvet Cheesecake Squares fresh and delicious.

  • Refrigeration: Store leftover cheesecake squares covered in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
  • Freezing: For longer storage, freeze the cheesecake squares individually wrapped in plastic wrap and then placed in an airtight container for up to 2 months.
  • Reheating: If frozen, thaw the cheesecake squares in the refrigerator overnight before serving.
  • Shelf Life: At room temperature, these Green Velvet Cheesecake Squares should be consumed within a few hours.

Tips to Make This Green Velvet Cheesecake Squares Recipe

Here are a few tips to ensure your Green Velvet Cheesecake Squares turn out perfectly every time:

  • Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Make sure your cream cheese and eggs are at room temperature for a smoother batter.
  • Don’t Overmix: Overmixing the batter can incorporate too much air and cause the cheesecake to crack.
  • Bake in a Water Bath (Optional): For an even creamier cheesecake, bake the pan in a larger pan filled with hot water, reaching halfway up the sides of the cheesecake pan.
  • Let Cool Gradually: Cooling the cheesecake slowly in the oven will prevent cracking.

Helpful Notes for This Green Velvet Cheesecake Squares Recipe

Here are a few additional notes to help you create these delicious dessert bars:

  • Cream Cheese: Full fat cream cheese is highly recommended for the best flavor and texture. Do not substitute with low fat or non fat.
  • Food Coloring: Gel food coloring is preferred over liquid food coloring because it is more concentrated and will not affect the consistency of the batter.
  • Extracts: Feel free to experiment with different extracts to customize the flavor. Lemon extract or peppermint extract would also be delicious!

Variation of This Green Velvet Cheesecake Squares Recipe

There are many ways to customize these Green Velvet Cheesecake Squares!

  • Seasonal Twists: Use different food coloring to match different holidays or occasions (e.g., red for Valentine’s Day, blue for summer).
  • Chocolate Chips: Add chocolate chips to the cheesecake batter for an extra touch of chocolatey goodness.
  • Oreo Crust: Replace the graham cracker crust with an Oreo crust for a cookies and cream twist.
  • Swirls: Swirl in some raspberry jam or chocolate ganache for added flavor and visual appeal.

What makes Green Velvet Cheesecake Squares different?

Green Velvet Cheesecake Squares offer a unique twist on the traditional red velvet dessert by using green food coloring. This creates a visually appealing and festive treat, perfect for holidays or special occasions, while maintaining the same delicious flavor profile.

Can I use a different type of food coloring for the squares?

Yes, you can experiment with different food coloring options. Gel food coloring is recommended because it’s more concentrated, so you’ll need less to achieve the desired vibrant color. However, liquid food coloring will work as well.

How do I store leftover Green Velvet Cheesecake Squares?

To maintain freshness, store leftover Green Velvet Cheesecake Squares in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They should be good for up to 3-4 days. You can also freeze them for longer storage.

What gives Green Velvet Cheesecake Squares their flavor?

The flavor profile of Green Velvet Cheesecake Squares is similar to red velvet, with a subtle chocolate taste enhanced by the creamy cheesecake layer. The combination of these elements creates a rich and decadent dessert experience.

Conclusion

These Green Velvet Cheesecake Squares are the perfect mix of creamy texture, subtle chocolate flavor, and festive charm. 
If you love fun desserts like this, be sure to visit and follow me on Pinterest, where I share creative cheesecake bars, holiday desserts, and easy baking inspiration to make every occasion sweeter.

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Green Velvet Cheesecake Squares: The Easiest Dessert Bars EVER!


  • Total Time: 4 hours
  • Yield: 16 squares 1x

Description

Creamy, vibrant green cheesecake squares with a hint of cocoa, perfect for St. Patrick’s Day or any festive occasion.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
  • 5 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 24 ounces cream cheese, softened
  • 1 1/4 cups granulated sugar
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/2 teaspoon almond extract
  • 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 1 teaspoon green gel food coloring
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened (for frosting)
  • 2 cups powdered sugar (for frosting)
  • 2 tablespoons milk (for frosting)
  • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract (for frosting)

Instructions

  1. 1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13 inch pan.
  2. 2. Combine graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and sugar. Press into the pan.
  3. 3. Bake crust for 8-10 minutes, until lightly golden. Let cool.
  4. 4. Beat cream cheese and sugar until smooth.
  5. 5. Add eggs one at a time, then vanilla and almond extract.
  6. 6. Stir in cocoa powder and green food coloring.
  7. 7. Pour filling over crust.
  8. 8. Bake for 25-30 minutes, until center is set but slightly jiggly.
  9. 9. Turn off oven and cool cheesecake in the oven with the door slightly ajar for an hour.
  10. 10. Cool completely at room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 2 hours.
  11. 11. For frosting: Beat softened butter until smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar and milk, then vanilla extract.
  12. 12. Frost cooled cheesecake.
  13. 13. Cut into squares and serve.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 35 minutes
  • Category: Dessert
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Calories: 350
  • Sugar: 25g
  • Sodium: 200mg
  • Fat: 25g
  • Saturated Fat: 15g
  • Carbohydrates: 30g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Protein: 5g
  • Cholesterol: 75mg

Keywords: green velvet, cheesecake, dessert, st patricks day, bars

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