Halloween is just around the corner, which means it’s time to dust off those cauldrons and brew up some spooky treats! My kids and I love making these Bubbling Witch’s Cauldron Brownies every year—it’s a tradition as essential as carving pumpkins and trick-or-treating. This recipe is so simple, even the littlest witches and wizards can help create these creepy confections. Plus, they’re the perfect centerpiece for any monster mash.
These Bubbling Witch’s Cauldron Brownies start with a simple box of brownie mix (your favorite brand will do!) and transform into adorable miniature cauldrons filled with a vibrant green “potion.” We use buttercream frosting, tinted a spooky shade of green, to create the bubbling effect. Then, a sprinkle of green nonpareils and a broken pretzel stick as a “stir stick” add just the right touch of magic.
Why You’ll Love It
These Bubbling Witch’s Cauldron Brownies are more than just a spooky treat; they’re a guaranteed hit for so many reasons:
- Easy peasy: Using a boxed brownie mix makes this recipe a breeze, even for beginner bakers. You’ll spend more time decorating than baking, which is perfect for busy weeknights or involving little helpers in the kitchen.
- Festive fun: The bubbling cauldron design is adorable and festive, perfect for Halloween parties or classroom treats. Kids especially love the creative, spooky look.
- Crowd-pleasing flavor: Who doesn’t love a rich, fudgy brownie? These are sure to satisfy any sweet tooth.
- Customizable: Feel free to get creative with the decorations! Use different colored sprinkles, candies, or even edible glitter to personalize your cauldrons.
Bubbling Witch’s Cauldron Brownies
- Total Time: 35 mins
- Yield: 24 brownies
Description
These adorable Bubbling Witch’s Cauldron Brownies are a simple and festive Halloween treat made from boxed brownie mix. With a creamy green frosting, sprinkles, and pretzel stick “stir sticks,” they’re perfect for parties or spooky movie nights. A fun baking activity for the whole family!
Ingredients
- 1 box brownie mix (plus ingredients called for on the box)
- ½ cup (113g) unsalted butter, softened
- 1–2 cups (113-227g) powdered sugar
- Green food coloring (gel or liquid)
- Large green nonpareil sprinkles
- Small green nonpareil sprinkles
- Pretzel sticks, broken in half
Instructions
- Preheat oven and prepare brownie mix according to package directions. Grease a mini muffin tin and fill each cup about two-thirds full. Bake for 10-15 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean. Cool completely.
- Once cool, use a small measuring spoon or melon baller to create indentations in each brownie’s center, forming the cauldron shape.
- Beat softened butter until light and fluffy. Gradually add powdered sugar, beating until smooth. Add green food coloring until desired shade is reached. Frost the indented area using a piping bag or spoon.
- Add large and small green nonpareils to the frosting, creating a bubbling effect. Let some frosting drip down the sides. Insert a broken pretzel stick in the center of each brownie.
- Arrange brownies on a platter and serve. Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature.
Notes
For a richer brownie base, try using a fudgy brownie mix. If making the frosting ahead, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator and bring to room temperature before using. For a fun variation, add a few drops of peppermint extract to the frosting for a minty twist.
- Prep Time: 20 mins
- Cook Time: 15 mins
- Category: Desserts
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
What You’ll Need
Let’s gather our ingredients. This recipe is delightfully simple, using a boxed brownie mix as our base and adding a few magical touches to create those bubbling cauldrons. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 1 box brownie mix (plus ingredients called for on the box)
- ½ cup (113g) unsalted butter, softened
- 1-2 cups (113-227g) powdered sugar
- Green food coloring (gel or liquid)
- Large green nonpareil sprinkles
- Small green nonpareil sprinkles
- Pretzel sticks, broken in half
A quick note on the food coloring: Gel food coloring provides a more vibrant green, but liquid works just fine too. Adjust the amount to reach your desired shade of spooky green. Don’t worry, the exact shade won’t affect the taste!
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Bake the Brownies
Preheat your oven and prepare the brownie mix according to the package directions. Grease a mini muffin tin and fill each cup about two-thirds full. Bake for 10-15 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Remove from the oven and let cool completely.
Step 2: Make the Cauldron Indentations
Once the brownies are cool, use a small measuring spoon or the back of a melon baller to create indentations in the center of each brownie, forming the cauldron shape. Gently press down to make a well without going all the way through the brownie.
Step 3: Whip Up the Frosting
In a mixing bowl, beat the softened butter until light and fluffy. Gradually add the powdered sugar, beating until smooth and creamy. Add the green food coloring, a little at a time, until you reach your desired shade of green. You can use a piping bag or a spoon to frost the cauldrons. If using a piping bag, use a small round tip and frost the indented area. If using a spoon, simply add a dollop and swirl it around.
Step 4: Decorate the Cauldrons
Add the large and small green nonpareils to the frosting, creating a bubbling effect. For extra flair, let some of the frosting drip down the sides of the brownie to resemble overflowing potion. Finally, insert a broken pretzel stick into the center of each brownie to act as a stir stick.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy!
Arrange your Bubbling Witch’s Cauldron Brownies on a spooky platter and serve. Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature.
Smart Tips & Tricks
Here are a few tips to make your Bubbling Witch’s Cauldron Brownies extra special:
- Create perfect cauldrons: Use a small measuring spoon or the back of a melon baller to make the indentations in the cooled brownies. This will give you a nice, even shape for your cauldrons.
- Frosting consistency: If your frosting is too thick, add a teaspoon of milk or water at a time until you reach a spreadable consistency. If it’s too thin, add more powdered sugar. You want it thick enough to hold its shape but still easy to pipe or spread.
- Dry ice drama (optional): For a truly spooky presentation, place a small bowl with a few pieces of dry ice in the center of your serving platter. Pour a little warm water over the dry ice right before serving to create a swirling, bubbling cauldron effect. Be sure to handle dry ice with care, using tongs and adult supervision! You might also want to consider making a few Halloween Themed cookies for a broader selection of treats!
- Make-ahead magic: Bake the brownies a day ahead and store them in an airtight container at room temperature. Make the frosting the day of serving for the freshest flavor.
Flavor Twists
These Bubbling Witch’s Cauldron Brownies are frightfully delicious as is, but there’s always room for a little magical experimentation! Here are a few ways to personalize your potion:
- Chocolate Cauldrons: Use a chocolate brownie mix and chocolate frosting. Tint the frosting black or dark purple for a different kind of spooky vibe.
- Spiced Cauldrons: Add a pinch of cinnamon or pumpkin spice to the brownie batter for a warm, autumnal flavor. You could also swirl some pumpkin puree into the frosting. Check out our Pumpkin Spice Cookies for more fall baking ideas!
- Candy Corn Cauldrons: Use orange and yellow frosting to create a candy corn effect. Top with candy corn pieces for extra sweetness.
- Caramel Apple Cauldrons: Use a caramel brownie mix and top with caramel frosting, green sprinkles, and a drizzle of caramel sauce.
No matter what flavor combination you choose, your Bubbling Witch’s Cauldron Brownies are sure to cast a spell on everyone who tries them!
How do I store leftover Bubbling Witch’s Cauldron Brownies?
These brownies are best stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the refrigerator for up to a week.
Can I use a different brownie mix?
Yes, you can use any store-bought brownie mix or make your own from scratch. If you’re using a mix, just follow the directions on the box.
Can I customize the decorations?
Absolutely! Get creative and use different colored sprinkles, candies, or even edible glitter to make your cauldrons unique. You can also experiment with different frosting flavors.
What can I use instead of pretzel sticks?
The pretzel sticks add a fun, witchy touch and look like they’re stirring the bubbling brew! If you don’t have pretzel sticks, you can use candy sticks, small spoons, or even edible straws.
How to Serve
These Bubbling Witch’s Cauldron Brownies are perfect for Halloween parties, classroom celebrations, or a spooky movie night at home. Here are a few serving ideas:
- Ghoulish gathering: Arrange the brownies on a platter decorated with Halloween candy, spiderwebs, and plastic spiders. Add a bowl of dry ice (with adult supervision) for a truly spooky effect. Be sure to check out our other Halloween Recipes for more inspiration.
- Individual cauldrons: Serve each brownie in a small, individual cauldron or ramekin. Garnish with extra sprinkles and a gummy worm or two for a creepy crawly touch.
- Spooky skewers: Thread mini brownies, marshmallows, and candy corn onto skewers for a fun and portable treat.
- Monster mash-up: Create a Halloween dessert bar with a variety of treats, including these brownies, ghost cookies, and pumpkin spice cupcakes.
That’s a Wrap
There you have it! These Bubbling Witch’s Cauldron Brownies are sure to be a hit at your next Halloween gathering. They’re spooky, sweet, and simply irresistible. I can’t wait to hear how yours turn out, so be sure to share your creations with me! You can find even more fun Halloween treats on our Desserts page. Don’t forget to connect with me on social media, too! I’m always sharing baking inspiration and behind-the-scenes fun on Facebook, Pinterest, and Instagram.
