Halloween Cream Cheese Swirl Brownies
Fudgy, rich chocolate brownies with a tangy orange cream cheese swirl, a spooky and festive treat perfect for Halloween parties and fall gatherings.
Equipment
- 9x9 inch baking pan
- mixing bowls
- electric mixer or whisk
- butter knife for swirling
- measuring cups and spoons
- parchment paper
Ingredients
- 1 box brownie mix (or homemade batter)
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 2 large eggs
- 1/4 cup water
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1 egg yolk
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
- orange gel food coloring
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9x9-inch pan with parchment paper.
- Prepare the brownie batter as directed on the box or using your favorite homemade recipe.
- Pour most of the batter into the prepared pan, reserving about 1/4 cup for topping.
- In a separate bowl, beat cream cheese, sugar, egg yolk, vanilla, and orange gel coloring until smooth.
- Dollop the cream cheese mixture over the brownie batter. Add reserved brownie batter in spoonfuls on top.
- Using a butter knife, gently swirl the batters together in figure-eight or spooky patterns.
- Bake for 35–40 minutes until the edges are set but the center is slightly soft. Do not overbake.
- Let cool completely before slicing. Cut into spooky shapes or classic squares.
Notes
For extra Halloween flair, divide the cream cheese mixture and tint portions purple or green. Store brownies in the fridge up to 5 days, or freeze slices for up to 2 months. Great for decorating with candy eyeballs, white chocolate webs, or cookie cutters shaped like bats or coffins.
Nutrition
Calories: 230kcalCarbohydrates: 26gProtein: 4gFat: 13gSaturated Fat: 5gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 5gCholesterol: 45mgSodium: 160mgPotassium: 110mgFiber: 1gSugar: 19gVitamin A: 310IUCalcium: 40mgIron: 1.5mg