Halloween Swirl Brownies

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Halloween Swirl Brownies are rich, fudgy brownies with a festive orange and black swirl that makes them perfect for spooky season. These eye-catching treats combine deep chocolate flavor with a fun marbled cream cheese topping, making them a crowd-pleaser for Halloween parties, trick-or-treat gatherings, or cozy autumn nights in. They’re easy to make, visually striking, and absolutely delicious.

ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

unsalted buttergranulated sugarsaltlarge eggsvanilla extractunsweetened cocoa powderall-purpose flourbaking powdercream cheeseorange gel food coloringblack gel food coloring

directions

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 9×9-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang for easy removal.

In a saucepan, melt the butter over low heat. Remove from heat and stir in sugar, salt, and vanilla extract.

Whisk in the eggs one at a time until the mixture is smooth.

Sift together cocoa powder, flour, and baking powder, then fold into the wet ingredients until just combined.

In a separate bowl, beat the cream cheese until smooth. Divide into two bowls and tint one with orange food coloring and the other with black.

Pour the brownie batter into the prepared pan and smooth out the top.

Drop spoonfuls of orange and black cream cheese mixture over the brownie batter.

Use a skewer or knife to gently swirl the colors together for a marbled effect.

Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with a few moist crumbs.

Allow the brownies to cool completely in the pan before lifting out and slicing.

Servings and timing

This recipe yields approximately 16 brownies.Preparation time: 15 minutesBaking time: 30-35 minutesCooling time: 30 minutesTotal time: 75-80 minutes

Variations

Use purple and green food coloring for a monster-themed twist.

Add chocolate chips or Halloween sprinkles to the batter for extra fun.

Use a boxed brownie mix for a quicker version and just add the swirl topping.

Flavor the cream cheese mixture with a hint of pumpkin spice or cinnamon.

storage/reheating

Store Halloween Swirl Brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the fridge for up to 7 days.For longer storage, freeze individual squares wrapped tightly for up to 2 months.To enjoy warm, microwave for 10-15 seconds.

FAQs

Can I use natural food coloring?

Yes, but the colors may be more muted compared to gel food coloring.

Can I make these ahead of time?

Absolutely, they taste great the next day and are easy to prepare in advance.

How do I get the perfect swirl?

Use a toothpick or skewer and drag gently through the cream cheese mixture in different directions.

Can I use a different size pan?

Yes, but adjust baking time accordingly. A larger pan will yield thinner brownies.

Do I need to refrigerate leftovers?

Only if you want them to last longer—room temp is fine for 2-3 days.

Can I add nuts?

Yes, chopped pecans or walnuts work well for added texture.

Can I use low-fat cream cheese?

Full-fat cream cheese gives the best texture, but low-fat can be used if needed.

Can I skip the food coloring?

Yes, you can leave the swirl white for a more classic look or tint it any color you like.

Are these kid-friendly?

Definitely! Kids love the colors and gooey chocolatey flavor.

Can I use oil instead of butter?

Butter gives better flavor, but melted coconut oil or vegetable oil can be substituted in a pinch.

Conclusion

Halloween Swirl Brownies are the ultimate festive dessert—rich, chocolaty, and beautifully marbled with spooky seasonal colors. They’re as fun to make as they are to eat, and they bring a creative flair to any Halloween celebration. Whip up a batch and watch them disappear like magic!

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