If you’re craving cream cheese brownies, you’re in for a treat with this Halloween swirl twist! I remember one Halloween when my son, Jake, insisted on helping me bake. We ended up with a kitchen covered in flour and a batch of brownies that were more fun than perfect. These brownies are rich, creamy, and have a spooky flair that makes them perfect for the season.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love It
- They’re easy to make and perfect for family gatherings.
- The cream cheese swirl adds a delightful tangy flavor.
- They’re a fun way to celebrate Halloween with a tasty twist.
Pure Comfort
There’s something so comforting about a warm brownie, especially when it’s swirled with cream cheese. Each bite is a little piece of heaven that melts in your mouth. Plus, they look festive and inviting, making them a hit at any Halloween party.
What You Need
- 1 stick 1/2 cup unsalted butter – melted
- 200 g 1 cup granulated sugar – for sweetness
- 2 2 large eggs – room temperature
- 1 1 tsp vanilla extract – for flavor
- 40 g 1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder – for the brownie base
- 120 g 1 cup all-purpose flour – for structure
- 1 1/4 tsp salt – to enhance flavor
- 1 package 8 oz cream cheese – softened
- 30 g 1/4 cup powdered sugar – for the cream cheese filling
- 1 1 tsp orange food coloring – for Halloween swirl
Time to Cook
Prep: 15 minutes | Cook: 30 minutes | Total: 45 minutes | Difficulty: easy | Make-Ahead: Yes, you can make these a day in advance.
Steps to Make It
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×9-inch baking pan with butter or line it with parchment paper. This will help your brownies come out easily and prevent sticking.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the melted butter and granulated sugar. Stir until the mixture is smooth and glossy. This should take about 2 minutes, and the sugar will start to dissolve.
- Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Then stir in the vanilla extract. The mixture should look creamy and well combined.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the cocoa powder, flour, and salt. Gradually add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; you want it to be thick and fudgy.
- In another bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with powdered sugar and orange food coloring until smooth. This will create a vibrant, spooky swirl for your brownies.
- Pour half of the brownie batter into the prepared pan and spread it evenly. Then, dollop spoonfuls of the cream cheese mixture over the batter. Use a knife to swirl it gently, creating a marbled effect.
- Pour the remaining brownie batter over the cream cheese layer and swirl again. Bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with a few moist crumbs.
- Allow the brownies to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. This will help them set and make them easier to cut.
- Once cooled, cut into squares and serve. These brownies are best enjoyed warm, but they also taste fantastic at room temperature.
Make It Perfect
- For a richer flavor, try adding a teaspoon of espresso powder to the brownie batter.
- If you want to make them extra festive, sprinkle some Halloween-themed sprinkles on top before baking.
- These brownies can be stored in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
Mix It Up
- Swap out the orange food coloring for green for a fun monster theme.
- Add chocolate chips to the brownie batter for extra gooeyness.
Perfect Partners
- Serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delightful dessert.
- Pair with a warm cup of coffee or hot cocoa for a cozy treat.
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FAQs
Can I make these brownies ahead of time?
Yes, you can make them a day in advance. Just store them in an airtight container.
How should I store leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
Can I freeze these brownies?
Absolutely! Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 months.
What can I use instead of cream cheese?
You can substitute with mascarpone cheese or a dairy-free cream cheese alternative.
How do I know when the brownies are done?
They are done when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with a few moist crumbs.
Conclusion
These cream cheese brownies are a delightful Halloween treat that everyone will love. With their rich chocolate flavor and creamy swirl, they are sure to become a family favorite. So grab your ingredients and get baking; your taste buds will thank you!
Craving Cream Cheese Brownies? Try This Halloween Swirl Twist
Equipment
- 9×9-inch baking pan
- Mixing Bowl
- Whisk
Ingredients
Ingredients
- 1 stick cup unsalted butter melted
- 200 g granulated sugar for sweetness
- 2 large eggs room temperature
- 1 tsp vanilla extract for flavor
- 40 g unsweetened cocoa powder for the brownie base
- 120 g all-purpose flour for structure
- 1/4 tsp salt to enhance flavor
- 8 oz cream cheese softened
- 30 g powdered sugar for the cream cheese filling
- 1 tsp orange food coloring for Halloween swirl
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×9-inch baking pan with butter or line it with parchment paper. This will help your brownies come out easily and prevent sticking.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the melted butter and granulated sugar. Stir until the mixture is smooth and glossy. This should take about 2 minutes, and the sugar will start to dissolve.
- Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Then stir in the vanilla extract. The mixture should look creamy and well combined.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the cocoa powder, flour, and salt. Gradually add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; you want it to be thick and fudgy.
- In another bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with powdered sugar and orange food coloring until smooth. This will create a vibrant, spooky swirl for your brownies.
- Pour half of the brownie batter into the prepared pan and spread it evenly. Then, dollop spoonfuls of the cream cheese mixture over the batter. Use a knife to swirl it gently, creating a marbled effect.
- Pour the remaining brownie batter over the cream cheese layer and swirl again. Bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with a few moist crumbs.
- Allow the brownies to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. This will help them set and make them easier to cut.
- Once cooled, cut into squares and serve. These brownies are best enjoyed warm, but they also taste fantastic at room temperature.