Halloween Swirl Cream Cheese Brownies

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Halloween Swirl Cream Cheese Brownies are a festive twist on a classic treat. With rich, fudgy chocolate brownie layers swirled with a tangy cream cheese mixture dyed in spooky orange and black, these brownies are as eye-catching as they are delicious. Perfect for Halloween parties or themed desserts, they strike the perfect balance between fun and flavor.

ingredients

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

all-purpose flourunsweetened cocoa powdersugarunsalted buttereggsvanilla extractsaltcream cheeseorange food coloringblack gel food coloring

directions

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper.

In a saucepan, melt the butter and stir in the cocoa powder and sugar until smooth.

Remove from heat and mix in the eggs and vanilla extract.

Stir in the flour and salt until well combined to form the brownie batter.

In a separate bowl, beat the cream cheese until smooth. Add a bit of sugar and vanilla extract.

Divide the cream cheese mixture into two bowls. Tint one with orange food coloring and the other with black gel food coloring.

Pour most of the brownie batter into the prepared pan, reserving a small amount for swirling.

Dollop the orange and black cream cheese mixtures over the brownie base.

Add the reserved brownie batter in small spoonfuls, then use a knife or skewer to swirl everything together into a marbled pattern.

Bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out mostly clean.

Let cool completely before cutting into squares.

Servings and timing

This recipe yields 16 brownies.Preparation time: 20 minutesBaking time: 30-35 minutesCooling time: 30 minutesTotal time: 1 hour 20 minutes

Variations

Use purple and green food coloring for an alternative spooky palette.

Add chocolate chips or Halloween sprinkles on top before baking for extra texture.

Use boxed brownie mix as a shortcut, adding your own cream cheese swirl.

Add a pinch of cinnamon or pumpkin spice to the cream cheese for a fall flavor.

storage/reheating

Store brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to 1 week.For longer storage, freeze individual brownies wrapped in plastic wrap for up to 2 months.Thaw at room temperature or microwave briefly before serving.

FAQs

Can I use boxed brownie mix?

Yes, just prepare as directed and add the cream cheese swirl on top.

How do I get vibrant swirl colors?

Use gel food coloring for more intense colors that don’t water down the batter.

Can I make these ahead?

Absolutely. These brownies taste great the next day after flavors have melded.

Do I need to refrigerate them?

Only if keeping longer than 3 days or if your kitchen is warm.

Can I double the recipe?

Yes, double all ingredients and bake in a 9×13-inch pan for similar results.

Are these brownies more cakey or fudgy?

They are fudgy, thanks to the melted butter and minimal flour.

Why is my swirl sinking?

Make sure the cream cheese mixture is not too thin—use room temperature cream cheese for best results.

Can I make this gluten-free?

Yes, substitute the flour with a gluten-free blend designed for baking.

Conclusion

Halloween Swirl Cream Cheese Brownies are a show-stopping dessert that brings together the rich taste of chocolate and the tang of cream cheese with a spooky seasonal twist. Fun to make and even more fun to eat, they’re a must-have for your Halloween celebration.

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