Spooky Halloween Cream Cheese Swirl Brownies Recipe for Fall Fun

Decadent chocolate brownies meet a spooky cream cheese swirl in these halloween cream cheese swirl brownies that will delight any dessert enthusiast.

Dark and rich chocolate creates a perfect base for the ghostly white marbled topping.

Creamy cheese layers dance across the surface like spectral spirits.

Orange and black sprinkles add a festive touch to this hauntingly delicious treat.

The contrast between deep chocolate and smooth cream cheese makes these brownies a showstopper at any Halloween gathering.

These brownies promise to cast a delicious spell on everyone who takes a bite.

Prepare to enchant your taste buds with this wickedly good dessert.

Why Halloween Brownies Are So Festive

• Spice Up Halloween Treats: Create a festive dessert that brings Halloween spirit right to your kitchen with vibrant orange cream cheese swirls that scream seasonal fun.
• Master Easy Baking Skills: Designed for bakers of all levels, this recipe requires minimal technical skills and basic ingredients, making it perfect for novice and experienced home cooks alike.
• Crowd-Pleasing Dessert: These brownies offer delightful chocolate richness combined with creamy cheesecake-like layers, guaranteed to impress friends and family at Halloween gatherings or potlucks.
• Quick Festive Dessert: Whip up these brownies in under an hour, allowing you to quickly prepare a delicious treat that looks professionally made with minimal effort and time investment.

What’s in Cream Cheese Swirl Brownies

• Granulated White Sugar: A sweet essential for rich, delicious brownies.
• All Purpose White Flour: The foundational dry ingredient for perfect texture.
• Hershey's Special Dark Cocoa Powder: Deep, intense chocolate flavor for decadent brownies.
• Salt: Subtle enhancer of all other flavors.
• Baking Powder: Helps brownies rise and become fluffy.

• Eggs, Vegetable Oil, Vanilla Extract: Moisture and binding agents that create a smooth, rich brownie base.

• Cream Cheese: Creamy, tangy base for the swirl layer.
• Granulated White Sugar: Sweetens the cream cheese mixture.
• Egg, Vanilla Extract: Adds richness and depth to the cream cheese layer.
• Orange Food Coloring: Festive Halloween touch for a spooky look.

How to Make Halloween Swirl Brownies

Step 1: Prepare Baking Setup

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.

Line an 8 x 8 inch baking dish with parchment paper or aluminum foil.

Spray the lined dish with non-stick cooking spray to ensure easy removal later.

Step 2: Create Dry Brownie Mix

• Granulated white sugar
• All-purpose white flour
• Hershey's Special Dark cocoa powder
• Salt
• Baking powder

Stir the dry ingredients until they are well blended.

Step 3: Mix Wet Brownie Ingredients

• Large eggs
• Vegetable oil
• Vanilla extract

Mix these ingredients thoroughly using a fork until they are completely combined.

Step 4: Combine Brownie Batter

Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients.

Gently mix with a spatula until just combined.

Do not overmix the batter.

Step 5: Prepare Brownie Base

Set aside 1/4 cup of the brownie batter for later swirling.

Pour the remaining batter into the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly.

Step 6: Craft Cream Cheese Layer

• Cream cheese
• Granulated white sugar
• Egg
• Vanilla extract

Mix until the mixture is smooth and creamy.

Step 7: Add Festive Color

Stir orange food coloring into the cream cheese mixture until it reaches a vibrant Halloween-inspired hue.

Step 8: Layer and Swirl

Gently spread the orange cream cheese layer on top of the brownie batter.

Drop tablespoons of the reserved brownie batter on top of the cream cheese layer.

Use a knife or skewer to create swirling patterns.

Step 9: Bake and Cool

Bake the brownies for 30-35 minutes or until the center is set.

Remove from the oven and let cool completely before slicing into squares.

Helpful Tips for Festive Brownies

• Let cream cheese sit at room temperature for 30-45 minutes before mixing to ensure a smooth, lump-free cream cheese layer that blends effortlessly.
• Use a thin knife or wooden skewer to create beautiful, dramatic Halloween-themed swirls by dragging gently in zigzag or spider web-like patterns across the surface.
• Check brownies at 30 minutes and look for slightly jiggly center with set edges – this ensures fudgy, moist brownies instead of dry, crumbly texture.
• Add orange food coloring gradually, starting with tiny drops, to achieve the perfect Halloween-themed color without making the cream cheese layer look artificial.
• Refrigerate brownies for 1-2 hours before slicing to get sharp, clean edges and prevent the cream cheese layer from smearing during cutting.

How to Store Halloween Brownies

• Store brownies in an airtight container for up to 5 days, keeping them fresh and moist in the refrigerator.
• Wrap individual brownies tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer bag. Freeze for up to 3 months for longer storage.
• Remove frozen brownies from the freezer and let them sit at room temperature for 30-45 minutes before enjoying.
• Warm individual brownies in the microwave for 10-15 seconds to restore their soft, gooey texture and enhance the flavors.

Sweet Pairings for Swirl Brownies

• Spooky Sipping Companion: Pair with a warm mug of pumpkin spice latte to complement the rich chocolate and creamy orange-tinted cream cheese layer. The warm, seasonal spices will dance beautifully with the brownie's decadent flavors.
• Creamy Contrast Beverage: Enjoy with cold milk or a vanilla bean milkshake to balance the intense chocolate and provide a smooth, cooling counterpoint to the sweet dessert.
• Festive Halloween Sidekick: Serve alongside orange-colored hot chocolate or a cinnamon-infused apple cider to enhance the Halloween theme and bring out the seasonal spirit of the dessert.
• Chilled Dessert Mate: Accompany with a scoop of orange sorbet or vanilla bean ice cream to add an extra layer of refreshing sweetness that complements the rich brownie texture.

Brownie Variations for Halloween

• Gluten-Free Chocolate Cream Cheese Brownies: Replace all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour blend, ensuring the same texture and taste for those with wheat sensitivities.
• Vegan Halloween Brownies: Substitute eggs with flax eggs, use dairy-free cream cheese, and swap vegetable oil with coconut oil for a plant-based version that maintains rich chocolate flavor.
• Low-Sugar Halloween Treat: Use monk fruit sweetener instead of granulated sugar, reduce overall sugar content while keeping the festive orange cream cheese swirl intact.
• Keto-Friendly Dark Chocolate Brownies: Replace flour with almond flour, use sugar-free sweetener, and incorporate sugar-free dark chocolate for a low-carb Halloween dessert that fits ketogenic dietary needs.

FAQs

• Can I use a different type of cocoa powder instead of Hershey's Special Dark?

Yes, you can substitute with regular unsweetened cocoa powder or Dutch-processed cocoa powder. The flavor might be slightly different, but it will still work well in the recipe.

• How do I know when the brownies are done baking?

Look for a few key signs: the edges will be set and slightly pulling away from the pan, the center will look mostly firm with a slight jiggle, and a toothpick inserted near the center will come out with a few moist crumbs.

• Is it necessary to use food coloring for the cream cheese layer?

No, the orange food coloring is optional. It’s primarily used to give the brownies a festive Halloween look. You can skip it entirely or use a different color if you prefer.

• Can I make these brownies gluten-free?

You can try substituting the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Just ensure the blend is designed for baking and has a similar texture to regular flour for the best results.

Halloween Cream Cheese Swirl Brownies Recipe

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4.5 from 37 reviews

• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Yield: 16 1x

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Description

Rich chocolate brownies meet haunting cream cheese swirls in this Halloween-inspired dessert. Spooky marbled patterns and deep chocolate flavor make these brownies a wickedly delicious treat you’ll crave all autumn long.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 2 large eggs
• 1 cup granulated white sugar
• 1/3 cup vegetable oil

Flour and Dry Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup all purpose white flour
• 1/2 cup Hersheys Special Dark cocoa powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon baking powder

Flavoring:

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

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Instructions

1. Prepare the oven by heating to 350 degrees and line an 8 x 8 baking dish with parchment paper, lightly spraying with non-stick cooking spray.
2. Combine dry brownie ingredients in a medium mixing bowl: white sugar, flour, dark cocoa powder, salt, and baking powder.
3. Whisk eggs, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract in a separate small bowl until thoroughly integrated.
4. Merge wet and dry brownie ingredients, gently folding with a spatula until just combined, taking care not to overmix.
5. Separate and reserve 1/4 cup of brownie batter for later swirling, then transfer the remaining batter into the prepared baking dish.
6. Create cream cheese mixture by blending cream cheese, white sugar, egg, and vanilla extract until smooth and uniform.
7. Incorporate orange food coloring into the cream cheese mixture, stirring until evenly distributed.
8. Carefully spread the vibrant orange cream cheese layer atop the brownie base.
9. Strategically drop reserved brownie batter in small dollops across the cream cheese surface.
10. Use a knife or skewer to gently swirl the batters, creating a marbled Halloween-inspired design.
11. Bake for 30-35 minutes, monitoring until the brownies are set and a toothpick comes out with minimal crumbs.
12. Allow brownies to cool completely in the baking dish before cutting into festive squares.

Notes

• Choose room temperature cream cheese for a smoother, lump-free mixture that blends effortlessly with other ingredients.
• Avoid overmixing brownie batter to prevent tough, dense brownies – stir just until ingredients are combined for a tender texture.
• Swap regular cocoa powder with Dutch-processed cocoa for a deeper, richer chocolate flavor that enhances the overall brownie experience.
• Customize the Halloween theme by using black food coloring instead of orange, or sprinkle Halloween-themed sprinkles on top for festive decoration.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Category: Desserts, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 16
• Calories: 150
• Sugar: 9 g
• Sodium: 50 mg
• Fat: 7 g
• Saturated Fat: 1 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 20 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 2 g
• Cholesterol: 30 mg