Halloween is just around the corner, and what better way to celebrate than with some spooky brownies for Halloween? I remember the first time I made these with my son, Jake. We ended up with more chocolate on our faces than in the bowl, but the laughter made it all worth it!
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love It
- They’re easy to make and perfect for kids.
- You can customize them with fun toppings.
- They taste deliciously rich and fudgy.
Pure Comfort
These spooky brownies are pure comfort food. The rich chocolate flavor combined with the creamy orange swirl makes them irresistible. Plus, they look fantastic on any Halloween dessert table!
What You Need
- 2 sticks 1 cup unsalted butter – melted
- 400 g 2 cups granulated sugar – for sweetness
- 4 4 large eggs – room temperature
- 1 tsp 1 teaspoon vanilla extract – for flavor
- 120 g 1 cup all-purpose flour – sifted
- 100 g 1 cup unsweetened cocoa powder – for that rich chocolate taste
- 1 tsp 1 teaspoon baking powder – to help them rise
- 1/2 tsp 1/2 teaspoon salt – to balance sweetness
- 1 package 8 oz cream cheese – softened
- 60 g 1/2 cup powdered sugar – for the orange swirl
- 60 ml 1/4 cup orange juice – for flavor
- 1 tsp 1 teaspoon orange zest – to enhance the orange flavor
Time to Cook
Prep: 20 minutes | Cook: 30 minutes | Total: 50 minutes | Difficulty: easy | Make-Ahead: Yes, you can make them a day in advance.
Steps to Make It
- Start by preheating your oven to 350 °F. This way, your brownies will bake evenly and come out perfectly fudgy. Grease a 9×13 inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the melted butter and granulated sugar. Stir until the mixture is smooth and glossy. This should take about 2 minutes, and you’ll notice a shiny texture forming.
- Add the eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Then, stir in the vanilla extract. You’ll want to see a light color and a fluffy texture, which means you’re on the right track!
- In another bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; it should be thick and fudgy.
- In a separate bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with powdered sugar, orange juice, and orange zest until smooth. This will create a lovely orange swirl that adds a fun twist to your brownies.
- Pour half of the brownie batter into the prepared pan and spread it evenly. Then, dollop spoonfuls of the orange cream cheese mixture over the batter. Use a knife to swirl it gently, creating a marbled effect.
- Pour the remaining brownie batter on top, spreading it out carefully. Bake in the preheated oven for about 30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with a few moist crumbs.
- Once baked, let the brownies cool in the pan for at least 15 minutes before cutting them into squares. They should be soft and slightly gooey in the middle, just how we like them!
- Serve these spooky brownies for Halloween with a sprinkle of powdered sugar or some festive sprinkles on top. They’ll be a hit at any Halloween gathering!
Make It Perfect
- For an extra spooky touch, add some gummy worms or candy eyes on top before serving.
- If you want to make these brownies gluten-free, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend.
- To save time, you can prepare the orange cream cheese mixture while the brownie batter is resting.
Mix It Up
- Try adding chocolate chips or nuts for extra texture.
- For a different flavor, swap the orange juice and zest for lemon or raspberry.
Perfect Partners
- Serve with vanilla ice cream for a delightful contrast.
- Pair with a pumpkin spice latte for a festive 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 do I store leftover brownies?
Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
Can I freeze these brownies?
Yes, you can freeze them! Just wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer bag for up to 2 months.
What can I substitute for cream cheese?
You can use mascarpone cheese or Greek yogurt for a lighter version.
How can I make these brownies more festive?
Add Halloween-themed sprinkles or top them with chocolate ganache for a spooky look!
Conclusion
These spooky brownies for Halloween are a delightful treat that the whole family will love. With their rich chocolate flavor and fun orange swirl, they’re sure to be a hit at your Halloween party. So grab your ingredients and get baking!
How to Make Spooky Brownies for Halloween
These spooky brownies are easy to make and perfect for Halloween gatherings. With a rich chocolate flavor and a fun orange swirl, they are sure to be a hit for both kids and adults alike.
Equipment
- 9×13 inch baking pan
- Mixing Bowls
- Whisk
- Knife
Ingredients
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter melted
- 2 cups granulated sugar for sweetness
- 4 large eggs room temperature
- 1 tsp vanilla extract for flavor
- 1 cup all-purpose flour sifted
- 1 cup unsweetened cocoa powder for that rich chocolate taste
- 1 tsp baking powder to help them rise
- 1/2 tsp salt to balance sweetness
- 1 package cream cheese softened
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar for the orange swirl
- 1/4 cup orange juice for flavor
- 1 tsp orange zest to enhance the orange flavor
Instructions
- Start by preheating your oven to 350 °F. This way, your brownies will bake evenly and come out perfectly fudgy. Grease a 9×13 inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the melted butter and granulated sugar. Stir until the mixture is smooth and glossy. This should take about 2 minutes, and you’ll notice a shiny texture forming.
- Add the eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Then, stir in the vanilla extract. You’ll want to see a light color and a fluffy texture, which means you’re on the right track!
- In another bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; it should be thick and fudgy.
- In a separate bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with powdered sugar, orange juice, and orange zest until smooth. This will create a lovely orange swirl that adds a fun twist to your brownies.
- Pour half of the brownie batter into the prepared pan and spread it evenly. Then, dollop spoonfuls of the orange cream cheese mixture over the batter. Use a knife to swirl it gently, creating a marbled effect.
- Pour the remaining brownie batter on top, spreading it out carefully. Bake in the preheated oven for about 30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with a few moist crumbs.
- Once baked, let the brownies cool in the pan for at least 15 minutes before cutting them into squares. They should be soft and slightly gooey in the middle, just how we like them!
- Serve these spooky brownies for Halloween with a sprinkle of powdered sugar or some festive sprinkles on top. They’ll be a hit at any Halloween gathering!