Step 1: Prep the Oven and Tin
Preheat your oven to 350°F and grease a 12-cup muffin tin with cooking spray—coat every nook for easy release. This sets the stage for your Pot O’ Gold Cups to pop out perfectly.

Step 2: Mix and Bake the Brownies
Prepare the brownie mix according to the box—usually a quick stir of eggs, oil, and water until smooth. Spoon the batter into the muffin tin, filling each cup about two-thirds full. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, until a toothpick comes out with just a few crumbs—fudgy is the goal. While they’re still hot, press a shot glass into the center of each brownie to make a shallow cup. Let them cool completely in the tin—patience here makes them sturdy.

Step 3: Cut the Rainbows
Snip the rainbow candy belts into 2-inch strips with scissors—each one’s a mini arc of color. You’ll need 12 strips, one for each cup, so cut carefully to keep them even.

Step 4: Assemble the Magic
Once cooled, dollop a generous scoop of whipped cream into each brownie cup—use a spoon or small scoop for neatness. Sprinkle with gold sanding sugar—go heavy for that treasure vibe. Top each with a rainbow candy strip, bending it into a semicircle to mimic a rainbow over your pot of gold. Your Pot O’ Gold Cups are now pure St. Paddy’s joy.