Looking for the perfect spooky treat? These Halloween brownies are wickedly delicious, frighteningly fun, and incredibly easy to make! Whether you’re throwing a party or just craving something sweet and seasonal, you won’t want to miss these devilishly good ideas—read on if you dare!
| Servings: | 16 |
| Prep Time: | 15 minutes |
| Cook Time: | 35 minutes |
| Total Time: | 50 minutes |
| Serving Size: | 1 brownie |
Ingredients
Brownie Base:
- 1 cup unsalted butter melted
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup light brown sugar packed
- 4 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 0.5 teaspoon salt
Cheesecake Swirl:
- 8 ounces cream cheese softened
- 0.25 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg yolk
- 0.5 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Orange gel food coloring
Decoration:
- Halloween sprinkles
- Mini chocolate chips or candy eyeballs
Equipment
- 9×13 inch baking pan
- Parchment paper
- Two mixing bowls
- Hand mixer or whisk
- Rubber spatula
- Toothpick or skewer
- Measuring cups and spoons
Instructions
- Preheat and prep the pan: Set your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Line a 9×13 inch baking pan with parchment paper, letting a bit hang over the edges to make lifting the brownies easier later.
- Make the brownie batter: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the melted butter with both sugars until glossy and smooth. Stir in the eggs and vanilla extract until fully incorporated. The batter should be rich and thick at this stage, almost like a chocolate custard.
- Combine dry ingredients: Sift in the flour, cocoa powder, and salt. Gently fold the mixture using a spatula just until there are no streaks of flour. Be careful not to overmix or your brownies may lose their chewy texture.
- Pour and level: Transfer the brownie batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top evenly with your spatula.
- Make the cheesecake swirl: In a separate bowl, beat the cream cheese with the sugar until smooth and lump-free. Add the egg yolk, vanilla, and a few drops of orange gel food coloring. Mix until the color is even and vibrant. I like using a super pigmented gel for that classic Halloween pop of orange.
- Swirl it in: Drop dollops of the orange cheesecake mixture over the brownie batter. Then drag a toothpick or skewer through to create pretty marbled swirls. No two batches are ever quite alike and that’s part of the magic.
- Add your toppings: Sprinkle festive Halloween sprinkles, mini chocolate chips, or candy eyeballs across the top. Press them in gently so they stick after baking.
- Bake: Place in the oven and bake for 33 to 35 minutes. The edges should look firm and the center should have the slightest jiggle. A toothpick should come out with a few moist crumbs but not wet batter.
- Cool and cut: Let the brownies cool completely in the pan which allows them to firm up. Then lift them out using the parchment and slice into squares. If you want ultra-clean cuts, chill them for an hour first and wipe the knife between slices.
Nutrition per serving
| Calories | 320 |
| Protein | 25g |
| Carbohydrates | 3g |
| Fat | 22g |
| Sugar | 0g |
| Fiber | 0g |
| Sodium | 580mg |
Description
These Halloween brownies are a wickedly delightful treat that combines rich chocolate fudge with a spooky seasonal twist. Dense, chewy, and deeply chocolatey, these brownies are dressed to impress with swirls of orange-colored cheesecake filling and festive Halloween sprinkles that pop like confetti on a haunted dance floor. Whether served at a costume party or enjoyed during a scary movie night, they are always the star of the dessert table.
These brownies evoke the joy of childhood trick-or-treating and the comfort of a cozy fall kitchen. The warm aroma of cocoa and vanilla fills the air as they bake, promising a melt-in-your-mouth experience that is both nostalgic and indulgent. Each bite is a celebration of the spooky season — playful, bold, and just a little bit decadent.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
These Halloween brownies are as fun to make as they are to eat. The base is made from a simple one-bowl brownie recipe that delivers bakery-worthy results with minimal effort. The marbled cheesecake layer not only creates a stunning contrast but adds a creamy tang that balances the rich cocoa. You can easily customize them with your favorite candies or festive-themed toppers.
They are perfect for busy fall schedules because they can be made ahead and stored for days. Whether you are hosting a Halloween bash or just want to surprise your kids after school, this recipe is flexible, foolproof, and always crowd-pleasing.
Serving and Storage Tips
Store these brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. For longer storage, refrigerate them for up to one week. Let them sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes before serving to bring back their fudgy texture. They can also be frozen for up to two months. Wrap individual squares in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe container. Thaw overnight in the fridge or for an hour at room temperature.
Serve the brownies slightly warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent dessert. If prepping ahead for a party, bake and refrigerate them one day before serving. Cut them into squares just before plating to keep the edges clean.
Course, Cuisine, Keywords
Dessert, American, brownies, Halloween dessert, chocolate Halloween treat, holiday baking, spooky sweets
Recipe Notes
Tip: For deeper chocolate flavor, use dark cocoa powder or add a tablespoon of espresso powder to the brownie batter. It will not taste like coffee but will intensify the chocolate.
FAQ
Can I substitute the food coloring with something natural?
Yes, try a teaspoon of pumpkin puree or carrot juice concentrate for a natural orange tint. The color will be more muted but still lovely.
How do I make these more chocolatey?
You can fold in half a cup of chocolate chips or chopped chocolate into the brownie batter before swirling the cheesecake in for extra richness.
What if I do not have cream cheese?
A good alternative is mascarpone or even Greek yogurt for a slightly tangier, lighter swirl. Adjust the sugar to taste if you swap.
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Halloween Brownies with Cheesecake Swirl
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter melted
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup light brown sugar packed
- 4 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 0.5 teaspoon salt
- 8 ounces cream cheese softened
- 0.25 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg yolk
- 0.5 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Orange gel food coloring
- Halloween sprinkles
- Mini chocolate chips or candy eyeballs optional
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9x13 inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang for easy removal.
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the melted butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until smooth. Add the eggs and vanilla and mix until well combined.
- Sift in the flour, cocoa powder, and salt. Gently fold into the wet ingredients with a spatula until just combined. Do not overmix.
- Spread the brownie batter evenly into the prepared pan.
- In a separate bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and 0.25 cup granulated sugar until smooth. Add the egg yolk, 0.5 teaspoon vanilla extract, and a few drops of orange gel food coloring; mix until creamy and evenly colored.
- Drop spoonfuls of the orange cheesecake mixture over the brownie batter. Swirl gently with a toothpick or skewer for a marbled effect.
- Sprinkle the top with Halloween sprinkles and, if desired, mini chocolate chips or candy eyeballs.
- Bake for 33-35 minutes, or until the center is almost set and a toothpick inserted comes out with a few moist crumbs.
- Let brownies cool completely in the pan before lifting out and slicing into squares.
