Halloween is just around the corner, which means it’s time to start thinking about spooky treats! These Brimstone Brownies are not only delicious but also visually stunning, making them the perfect dessert for your Halloween celebrations. My kids went crazy for these! The rich, fudgy brownies are swirled with a vibrant red cheesecake layer that resembles molten lava, giving them a truly devilish look.
Making these Brimstone Brownies is easier than you might think. We’re using a brownie mix to keep things simple, and the cheesecake layer comes together in minutes. The trick is to carefully layer the batters to achieve that distinct separation of colors. With a few simple steps, you’ll have a show-stopping dessert that’s sure to impress your guests.
Why You’ll Love It
These Brimstone Brownies aren’t just visually impressive, they’re incredibly delicious too. The fudgy brownie base provides a rich, chocolatey foundation, while the creamy cheesecake layer adds a tangy sweetness. The combination of textures and flavors is simply irresistible! Plus, they are surprisingly easy to make with the help of a brownie mix, making them perfect for even the busiest bakers.
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Brimstone Brownies
- Total Time: 55 mins
- Yield: 16 brownies
Description
Better-Than-Grandma Tips
Hot Knife, Clean Cuts: For picture-perfect brownie squares, use a hot knife to slice through the layers. Run your knife under hot water, wipe it dry, and then cut. Repeat between each slice for the cleanest edges.
Color Intensity: Use gel food coloring for the most vibrant colors. A little goes a long way! Start with a small amount and add more drops until you achieve your desired shade.
Don’t Overmix: When preparing the cheesecake batter, be careful not to overmix. Overmixing can incorporate too much air, leading to cracks in the cheesecake layer during baking. See our helpful tips for making cheesecakes.
Ingredients
- 1 box (15.25 ounces) brownie mix
- Ingredients for brownie mix as indicated on package
- Black gel food coloring
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Red gel food coloring
- 1/2 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8 inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides. Spray the parchment with cooking spray.
- Prepare the brownie batter according to the package directions. Add black food coloring, a few drops at a time, until the batter turns dark. Stir well.
- In a separate bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and powdered sugar until smooth. Beat in the egg and vanilla extract. Add red food coloring gradually until vibrant. Mix well.
- Pour two-thirds of the black brownie batter into the pan. Sprinkle the chocolate chips over it. Carefully spoon the red cheesecake batter over the top and smooth it without swirling.
- Pour the remaining brownie batter over the red layer. It’s okay if some red peeks through—it’s part of the brimstone effect.
- Bake for 33–35 minutes, until a toothpick inserted comes out with moist crumbs. Cool completely before cutting.
Notes
That’s a Wrap
These Brimstone Brownies are perfect for Halloween gatherings or any time you’re craving something bold and delicious. Fudgy brownie, red cheesecake, and spooky flair all in one bite.
I’d love to see your creations—share them with me on Instagram, Facebook, and Pinterest!
And if you loved this, be sure to check out our Chocolate Fudge Cake too!
- Prep Time: 20 mins
- Cook Time: 35 mins
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredient Lowdown
Let’s gather our ingredients. This recipe calls for simple pantry staples combined with festive touches to create those Halloween vibes.
- Brownie Mix: Your favorite boxed brownie mix will work perfectly. This is our little shortcut to brownie bliss!
- Cream Cheese: Make sure it’s softened to room temperature for a smooth cheesecake layer.
- Eggs: We’ll need a couple of large eggs—one for the brownies and one for the cheesecake.
- Powdered Sugar: This sweetens our cheesecake filling and creates its signature creamy texture.
- Vanilla Extract: Adds a touch of warmth to the cheesecake.
- Chocolate Chips: Semi-sweet or dark chocolate chips work well here. You can also use other chips, like butterscotch or white chocolate.
- Food Coloring: Black for the brownie batter and red for that dramatic “brimstone” cheesecake layer. Gel food coloring creates the most vibrant hues.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Preheat and Prep
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8 inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides for easy removal later. Spray the parchment paper with cooking spray.
Step 2: Brownie Batter Magic
Prepare the brownie batter according to the package directions. Add black food coloring, a few drops at a time, until you achieve a dark, almost black color. Stir well to combine.
Step 3: Cheesecake Dream
In a separate bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and powdered sugar together until smooth. Beat in the egg and vanilla extract. Add red food coloring, drop by drop, until you get a bright, vibrant red color. Mix thoroughly.
Step 4: Layer the Lava
Pour two-thirds of the black brownie batter into the prepared pan. Sprinkle the chocolate chips evenly over the batter. Gently spoon the red cheesecake batter over the chocolate chips. Use a spatula or the back of a spoon to carefully spread the cheesecake batter, trying not to swirl it into the brownie batter.
Step 5: Top It Off
Pour the remaining black brownie batter over the red cheesecake layer, covering it as much as possible. You might not be able to cover the red completely, and that’s okay—a little peek of red adds to the brimstone effect.
Step 6: Bake and Cool
Bake for 33-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with moist crumbs. Let the brownies cool completely in the pan before cutting into squares.
Better-Than-Grandma Tips
- Hot Knife, Clean Cuts: For picture-perfect brownie squares, use a hot knife to slice through the layers. Run your knife under hot water, wipe it dry, and then cut. Repeat between each slice for the cleanest edges.
- Color Intensity: Use gel food coloring for the most vibrant colors. A little goes a long way! Start with a small amount and add more drops until you achieve your desired shade.
- Don’t Overmix: When preparing the cheesecake batter, be careful not to overmix. Overmixing can incorporate too much air, leading to cracks in the cheesecake layer during baking. See our helpful tips for making cheesecakes.
Switch-Ups & Swaps
- Cheesecake Swirls: Instead of distinct layers, create a marbled effect by swirling the cheesecake batter into the brownie batter with a toothpick.
- White Chocolate Brimstone: Use white chocolate chips and tint the cheesecake layer orange for a different take on the brimstone theme.
- Spice It Up: Add a pinch of cinnamon or cayenne pepper to the brownie batter for a warm, spicy kick. You can find more inspiration in our Desserts category.
- Mint Chocolate Brimstone: Use mint chocolate chips and tint the cheesecake layer green for a festive St. Patrick’s Day treat.
No matter which variation you choose, these Brimstone Brownies are sure to be a hit!
What is the origin of the name ‘Brimstone Brownies’?
Brimstone Brownies get their name from the fiery imagery associated with brimstone (sulfur), playing on the red ‘lava’ layer and dark, almost black brownie. It’s a fun, spooky name perfect for Halloween treats.
Can I bake these brownies in a 9×13 inch pan?
Yes, you can bake these in a 9×13 inch pan. You may need to slightly reduce the baking time, so start checking for doneness around the 28-minute mark. A toothpick inserted into the center should come out with moist crumbs, not wet batter.
Can I use different mix-ins?
Absolutely! Feel free to swap the chocolate chips for white chocolate chips, butterscotch chips, or even chopped nuts. You could also add a swirl of peanut butter to the cheesecake layer for extra flavor.
How long do Brimstone Brownies last?
These brownies are best enjoyed within 3-4 days. Store them in an airtight container at room temperature or in the refrigerator to maintain their freshness.
How to Serve
These Brimstone Brownies are delicious on their own, but there are plenty of ways to dress them up! A scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream makes a classic pairing. You could also drizzle some chocolate sauce over the top for an extra decadent treat. For a Halloween party, set up a brownie bar with various toppings like sprinkles, candy corn, and gummy worms. For even more delightful dessert recipes, explore our desserts category!
That’s a Wrap
These Brimstone Brownies are sure to be a hit at your next Halloween gathering. The combination of fudgy brownie, creamy cheesecake, and spooky colors is simply irresistible. I can’t wait to hear how yours turn out! Share your photos with me over on Instagram, Facebook, and Pinterest – I love seeing your creations! For another delightfully decadent dessert, check out our Chocolate Fudge Cake.
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