Halloween is just around the corner, and what better way to celebrate than with some spooky Halloween brownies? I remember when my son, Jake, insisted on helping me bake for his school party. We ended up with a kitchen covered in flour and a batch of brownies that tasted amazing, even if they looked a little messy. These classic Halloween brownies with a delicate cheesecake swirl are sure to be a hit at your next gathering.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love It
- They’re rich and fudgy, perfect for chocolate lovers.
- The cheesecake swirl adds a creamy texture that balances the brownie.
- They’re easy to make and fun to decorate for Halloween.
Pure Comfort
These brownies are pure comfort food, combining the classic flavors of chocolate and cheesecake. They’re perfect for cozy fall evenings or spooky Halloween parties. Plus, who can resist a dessert that looks as good as it tastes?
What You Need
- 2 sticks 1 cup unsalted butter – melted
- 400 g 2 cups granulated sugar – divided
- 4 4 large eggs – room temperature
- 1 tsp 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 120 g 1 cup all-purpose flour – sifted
- 100 g 1 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/2 tsp 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 package 8 oz cream cheese – softened
- 60 g 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1 1 large egg – for cheesecake layer
- 1 tsp 1 teaspoon vanilla extract – for cheesecake layer
Time to Cook
Prep: 20 minutes | Cook: 30 minutes | Total: 50 minutes | Difficulty: easy | Make-Ahead: Yes, these brownies can be made a day in advance.
Steps to Make It
- Preheat your oven to 350 °F (175 °C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking pan and line it with parchment paper for easy removal. You’ll want the oven nice and hot to get that perfect brownie texture.
- In a large bowl, combine the melted butter and 1 3/4 cups of granulated sugar. Stir until well mixed and glossy. This will give your brownies that rich flavor.
- Add in the eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Then stir in the vanilla extract. The mixture should look smooth and creamy.
- In another bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, and salt. Gradually add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring until just combined. Don’t overmix; a few lumps are okay.
- In a separate bowl, beat the cream cheese until smooth. Add the powdered sugar, 1 egg, and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. Mix until creamy and well combined. This will be your luscious cheesecake swirl.
- Pour half of the brownie batter into the prepared pan, spreading it evenly. Then dollop spoonfuls of the cheesecake mixture over the brownie layer. Use a knife to swirl the two together, creating a marbled effect.
- Pour the remaining brownie batter on top and swirl again lightly. Bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with a few moist crumbs.
- Let the brownies cool in the pan for about 15 minutes before lifting them out using the parchment paper. Allow them to cool completely on a wire rack before cutting into squares.
- Serve these spooky Halloween brownies at your next gathering, and watch them disappear!
Make It Perfect
- For an extra spooky touch, add some Halloween-themed sprinkles on top before serving.
- If you want a richer flavor, use dark chocolate cocoa powder instead of regular cocoa powder.
- These brownies are even better the next day, as the flavors have time to meld.
Mix It Up
- Try adding chocolate chips to the brownie batter for an extra chocolatey treat.
- You can use pumpkin puree instead of cream cheese for a fall twist.
Perfect Partners
- Serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delightful contrast.
- Pair with a warm cup of apple cider for a cozy fall treat.
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FAQs
Can I make these brownies ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can make them a day in advance and store them in an airtight container.
How should I store leftover brownies?
Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
Can I freeze these brownies?
Yes! Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 months.
What can I substitute for cream cheese?
You can use mascarpone cheese or a dairy-free cream cheese alternative.
How do I know when the brownies are done?
They should look set around the edges but slightly soft in the center. A toothpick should come out with a few moist crumbs.
Conclusion
These classic Halloween brownies with a delicate cheesecake swirl are perfect for your fall festivities. They’re not just delicious; they also bring a fun, festive spirit to any gathering. Enjoy making these spooky brownies and watch everyone smile!
Classic Halloween Brownies with a Delicate Cheesecake Swirl
Equipment
- 9×13 inch baking pan
- Mixing Bowls
- Whisk
- Spatula
- Parchment Paper
Ingredients
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter – melted
- 2 cups granulated sugar – divided
- 4 large eggs – room temperature
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup all-purpose flour – sifted
- 1 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 package cream cheese – softened
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1 large egg – for cheesecake layer
- 1 tsp vanilla extract – for cheesecake layer
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350 °F (175 °C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking pan and line it with parchment paper for easy removal. You’ll want the oven nice and hot to get that perfect brownie texture.
- In a large bowl, combine the melted butter and 1 3/4 cups of granulated sugar. Stir until well mixed and glossy. This will give your brownies that rich flavor.
- Add in the eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Then stir in the vanilla extract. The mixture should look smooth and creamy.
- In another bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, and salt. Gradually add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring until just combined. Don’t overmix; a few lumps are okay.
- In a separate bowl, beat the cream cheese until smooth. Add the powdered sugar, 1 egg, and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. Mix until creamy and well combined. This will be your luscious cheesecake swirl.
- Pour half of the brownie batter into the prepared pan, spreading it evenly. Then dollop spoonfuls of the cheesecake mixture over the brownie layer. Use a knife to swirl the two together, creating a marbled effect.
- Pour the remaining brownie batter on top and swirl again lightly. Bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with a few moist crumbs.
- Let the brownies cool in the pan for about 15 minutes before lifting them out using the parchment paper. Allow them to cool completely on a wire rack before cutting into squares.
- Serve these spooky Halloween brownies at your next gathering, and watch them disappear!