Let me tell you, these Halloween Swirl Cream Cheese Brownies are not only spooky fun, but they also vanish from the plate faster than any Halloween candy! The blend of rich chocolate and creamy orange-tinted cheesecake is a total treat—no tricks here. I made these for my family last year, and they were gone before I could even get the last slice out. Trust me, you’re going to love this combo!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Festive and Fun: Perfect for Halloween with the fun orange swirls!
- Rich and Creamy: The dark chocolate brownie and cream cheese layers make for a decadent bite.
- Easy to Make: No need for fancy techniques—just swirl and bake.
Ingredients
For the Brownie Layer:
- 1 cup granulated white sugar: Adds the perfect sweetness.
- ½ cup all-purpose white flour: The structure of the brownies.
- ½ cup Hershey’s Special Dark cocoa powder: For that deep, rich chocolate flavor.
- ½ teaspoon salt: Balances the sweetness.
- ¼ teaspoon baking powder: Helps the brownies rise just enough.
- 2 large eggs: Binds everything together for a fudgy texture.
- ⅓ cup vegetable oil: Keeps the brownies moist.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Enhances all the flavors.
For the Cream Cheese Layer:
- 8 oz cream cheese, at room temp: Makes the layer creamy and smooth.
- ¼ cup granulated white sugar: Sweetens the cream cheese layer.
- 1 large egg: Adds richness and binds the cream cheese.
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract: Adds a subtle vanilla flavor.
- Orange food coloring: For that festive Halloween pop of color!
Variations
- Add Candy Eyes: After baking, place candy eyes on top for a spooky effect.
- Use Different Colors: Try purple or green food coloring for a fun twist.
- Spice it Up: Add a pinch of cinnamon to the cream cheese layer for a warm fall flavor.
How to Make the Recipe
1. Preheat and Prep:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8-inch baking dish with parchment paper or foil, and spray it with non-stick spray. Set that aside—you’re about to create some magic.
2. Make the Brownie Layer:
In a medium bowl, whisk together the sugar, flour, cocoa powder, salt, and baking powder. In a small bowl, mix the eggs, oil, and vanilla with a fork until smooth. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry and stir until just combined. Reserve 1/4 cup of this batter for the swirls—trust me, this part is fun!
3. Make the Cream Cheese Layer:
In another medium bowl, mix the softened cream cheese, sugar, egg, and vanilla until smooth and creamy. Add in the orange food coloring and stir well—this is where the Halloween vibe really kicks in.
4. Layer and Swirl:
Pour the brownie batter into the prepared dish and smooth it out. Gently spread the cream cheese mixture over the brownie batter. Then, drop spoonfuls of the reserved brownie batter on top and swirl with a knife or skewer. Don’t worry about making it perfect—the more “spooky” swirls, the better!
5. Bake:
Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the brownies are set. Let them cool completely before slicing—this step is hard, but so worth it.
Tips for Making the Recipe
- Use Room Temperature Cream Cheese: This helps prevent lumps in your cream cheese layer.
- Don’t Overmix: When making the brownie batter, mix just until combined for the best fudgy texture.
- Swirling Tip: For the best swirls, use a skewer or knife to create gentle, sweeping motions through the batter.
How to Serve
These brownies are delicious on their own, but if you want to take it to the next level, try serving them with:
- A scoop of vanilla ice cream: Because brownies and ice cream are a match made in heaven.
- A drizzle of caramel or chocolate sauce: For that extra indulgence.
- A glass of cold milk: Classic, right?
Make Ahead
- To Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. They taste even better chilled!
- To Freeze: Wrap individual brownie squares in plastic wrap and store in a freezer bag for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight or microwave for 20-30 seconds to enjoy warm.
FAQs
Can I double the recipe?
Absolutely! Just use a 9×13 pan and increase the baking time by 5-10 minutes.
Can I use regular cocoa powder instead of dark?
Yes, but the brownies won’t be quite as rich. Dark cocoa powder gives that deep chocolate flavor, so if you have it, definitely use it!
Can I skip the food coloring?
Sure! The brownies will still be delicious without the Halloween colors.
Conclusion
There you have it—festive, fudgy, and oh-so-creamy Halloween Swirl Cream Cheese Brownies. This recipe is bound to be a hit at your Halloween party or just for a fun night in with the family. Make them once, and they’ll become your new spooky season tradition!
