Description

Get into the spooky spirit with these Halloween Cream Cheese Swirl Brownies, a decadent and festive dessert perfect for any Halloween celebration! These fudgy, rich chocolate brownies are elevated with a tangy cream cheese swirl, vibrantly colored orange to match the Halloween theme. The swirling technique not only adds a touch of Halloween magic but also creates beautiful marbled patterns resembling spider webs or other eerie designs. Simple to make, visually striking, and deliciously indulgent, these brownies are sure to be a hit with kids and adults alike.

Ingredients

For the Brownie Layer:

1 cup granulated white sugar
½ cup all purpose white flour
½ cup Hershey’s Special Dark cocoa powder
½ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon baking powder
2 large eggs
⅓ cup vegetable oil
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Cream Cheese Layer:

8 oz cream cheese at room temp
¼ cup granulated white sugar
1 large egg
½ teaspoon vanilla extract
orange food coloring

Instructions

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Line an 8 x 8 baking dish with parchment paper or foil and spray with non-stick spray. Set aside.

For the Brownie Layer

In a medium bowl, add the sugar, flour, cocoa powder, salt, and baking powder.

1 cup granulated white sugar,½ cup all purpose white flour,½ cup Hershey’s Special Dark cocoa powder,½ teaspoon salt,¼ teaspoon baking powder
In a small bowl, add the eggs, oil, and vanilla. Mix with a fork until well combined.

2 large eggs,⅓ cup vegetable oil,1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and mix with a spatula until just combined.
Reserve 1/4 cup of the batter for the swirls then pour the remaining batter into the prepared baking dish.

For the Cream Cheese Layer

In a medium bowl, add the cream cheese, sugar, egg, & vanilla. Blend until smooth.

8 oz cream cheese,¼ cup granulated white sugar,1 large egg,½ teaspoon vanilla extract
Add in the orange food coloring and stir to combine.

orange food coloring
Gently spread the cream cheese layer on top of the brownie batter.
Drop tablespoons of the remaining brownie batter on top and gently swirl with a knife or skewer.
Bake for 30-35 minutes or until set. Remove and let cool completely before slicing.

Notes

1. Swirling Technique:
The key to getting that perfect marbled effect is to swirl gently. Use a butter knife or toothpick to create your design, and avoid over-mixing the brownie and cream cheese layers to maintain a distinct pattern. Less swirling will give you larger cream cheese patches, while more swirling will create a finer, intricate design.

2. Color Customization:
For the ultimate Halloween effect, orange food coloring is a classic choice for the cream cheese swirl. Gel food coloring works best because it’s more vibrant and won’t alter the texture of the cream cheese. You can also experiment with other Halloween colors like black or purple to match your spooky theme.

3. Add-ins and Toppings:
For extra fun and texture, consider adding Halloween-themed sprinkles, edible glitter, or candy (like Reese’s Pieces or Halloween M&Ms) to the top of the brownies before baking. You can also decorate with mini candies shaped like pumpkins, ghosts, or bats for an extra festive touch.

4. Baking Time:
Make sure not to overbake these brownies! They should still be slightly fudgy in the middle when you take them out of the oven. A toothpick inserted into the center should come out with just a few moist crumbs, not raw batter.

5. Make-Ahead and Freezing Tips:
These brownies can easily be made ahead of time and stored for a few days. If you’re preparing them for a future event, wrap the cooled brownies tightly in plastic wrap and freeze them for up to a month. Simply thaw at room temperature before serving.

6. Serving Suggestions:
Serve the brownies as they are or with a dollop of whipped cream for an extra treat. Pair them with hot chocolate or pumpkin spice lattes to create a cozy Halloween dessert spread. If you’re making these for a party, consider slicing them into small squares and displaying them on a festive platter surrounded by spooky decorations.