Halloween Brownies

It’s October, which means it’s officially Halloween baking season! My kids have been begging me to make these Halloween Brownies for weeks. This recipe has become a beloved family tradition, a guaranteed crowd-pleaser every year.

These brownies are super moist and fudgy with a rich, dark chocolate flavor. The vibrant orange cream cheese swirl adds a tangy surprise that perfectly balances the sweetness of the chocolate. They’re surprisingly simple to make and guaranteed to disappear quickly!

Why You’ll Love It

These Halloween Brownies are more than just a pretty face. Here’s what sets them apart:

• Fudgy and Moist: The brownie base is incredibly rich, fudgy, and moist, thanks to the perfect combination of cocoa powder and oil. The texture is simply divine.
• Tangy Cream Cheese Swirl: The orange cream cheese swirl adds a delightful tanginess that balances the sweetness of the chocolate. The contrasting flavors and colors make each bite a true delight.
• Easy to Make: Don’t let the fancy swirl intimidate you. This recipe is surprisingly simple to follow, even for beginner bakers. You’ll be amazed at how easily you can create these stunning brownies.
• Festive and Fun: The Halloween theme makes these brownies the perfect treat for parties, potlucks, or a spooky night in.

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Ingredient Lowdown

Here’s what you’ll need to make these spooky Halloween treats. I’ve broken it down into two sections for clarity:

For the Brownie Layer:

• 1 cup granulated white sugar
• ½ cup all purpose white flour
• ½ cup Hershey’s Special Dark cocoa powder
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon baking powder
• 2 large eggs
• ⅓ cup vegetable oil
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Cream Cheese Layer:

• 8 oz cream cheese at room temperature
• ¼ cup granulated white sugar
• 1 large egg
• ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
• Orange food coloring

From Start to Finish

Step 1: Preheat and Prep

Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Line an 8×8 inch baking dish with parchment paper or foil and spray with non-stick spray. Set aside.

Step 2: Make the Brownie Batter

In a medium bowl, whisk together the sugar, flour, cocoa powder, salt, and baking powder. In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs, oil, and vanilla extract. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and mix with a spatula until just combined. Set aside ¼ cup of brownie batter for swirling later.

Step 3: Make the Cream Cheese Layer

In a medium bowl, beat the cream cheese and sugar together until smooth. Beat in the egg and vanilla extract. Add the orange food coloring and mix until evenly distributed.

Step 4: Assemble the Brownies

Pour the main portion of the brownie batter into the prepared baking dish. Spread the cream cheese mixture evenly over the brownie batter. Dollop spoonfuls of the reserved brownie batter on top of the cream cheese layer. Swirl the brownie batter and cream cheese together using a knife or toothpick, creating a marbled effect.

Step 5: Bake and Cool

Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with moist crumbs. Let the brownies cool completely in the pan before slicing and serving.

Better-Than-Grandma Tips

Here are a few tips to help you make the best Halloween Brownies ever:

• Room Temperature Ingredients: Make sure your cream cheese and eggs are at room temperature. This will help them blend smoothly and create a creamy, even swirl.
• Don’t Overmix: Overmixing the brownie batter can lead to tough brownies. Mix until just combined.
• Cooling Time: Let the brownies cool completely before slicing. This allows the cream cheese layer to set and prevents a messy, gooey situation. If you are pressed for time, see our easy no-bake dessert recipes for other options.
• Storage: Store leftover brownies in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

Try These Variations

• Nutty Brownies: Add ½ cup of chopped walnuts or pecans to the brownie batter for a crunchy twist. For those with allergies, consider other options from our nut-free desserts collection.
• Chocolate Chip Brownies: Fold in ½ cup of semi-sweet chocolate chips to the brownie batter for extra chocolatey goodness.
• M&M Brownies: Add a handful of Halloween-colored M&Ms to the brownie batter for a festive touch.
• Peanut Butter Swirl: Instead of cream cheese, swirl in a layer of peanut butter frosting for a delicious peanut butter and chocolate combination.

Pairs & Plates

These Halloween Brownies are delightful on their own, but here are a few ideas for serving them:

• A la Mode: Top a warm brownie with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for a decadent treat.
• Festive Platter: Arrange the brownies on a Halloween-themed platter with other spooky treats like candy corn, ghost meringues, and spiderweb cookies.
• Party Perfect: These brownies are a great addition to any Halloween party or potluck. See our guide on the perfect Halloween party treats for more inspiration.
• Simple Snack: Enjoy a brownie with a glass of cold milk or a cup of hot coffee for a simple, satisfying snack.

That’s a Wrap

These Halloween Brownies are sure to be a hit at your next spooky gathering. They’re decadent, delicious, and easy to make. The combination of fudgy brownie and tangy cream cheese frosting is simply irresistible! Don’t forget to share your creations with me—tag me on social media! I love seeing your baking triumphs. Now, if you’ll excuse me, I have another batch of brownies calling my name! For more spooky sweets, check out our Desserts category. Connect with me on Facebook, Instagram, and Pinterest for more recipe inspiration!