Brownies are a beloved treat, and Halloween Cream Cheese Swirl Brownies bring a festive twist to this classic dessert. These rich, fudgy brownies feature a creamy, colorful swirl on top that is perfect for any Halloween gathering or celebration. With a delightful combination of chocolate and cream cheese, each bite offers a gooey texture that melts in your mouth. They are not only delicious but also visually appealing, making them a hit with both kids and adults alike. Whether you are hosting a Halloween party or simply want to enjoy a seasonal treat at home, these brownies are sure to add cheer to your festivities. So, grab your ingredients and get ready to create a spooky dessert that everyone will love!

Why make this recipe? Halloween Cream Cheese Swirl Brownies are easy to prepare and are made with simple ingredients you might already have in your kitchen. They are a fun and creative way to celebrate Halloween by adding a splash of orange color and a creamy texture to the classic brownie recipe. Plus, they provide a delicious combination of flavors that will impress your guests and family. Whether for trick-or-treaters or a cozy night in, these brownies are the perfect sweet treat to enjoy during the spooky season.

How to make Halloween Cream Cheese Swirl Brownies

Ingredients:

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

Directions:

Preheat your oven to 350 degrees. Line an 8×8 baking dish with parchment paper or foil, then spray it with non-stick spray. Set it aside.
For the Brownie Layer: In a large bowl, mix 1 cup of granulated white sugar, ½ cup of all-purpose flour, ½ cup of cocoa powder, ½ teaspoon of salt, and ¼ teaspoon of baking powder. In another bowl, whisk together the 2 large eggs, ⅓ cup of vegetable oil, and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. Combine the wet and dry ingredients and mix until smooth. Pour this mixture into the prepared baking dish.
For the Cream Cheese Layer: In a medium bowl, beat the 8 oz of room temperature cream cheese until smooth. Add ¼ cup of sugar, 1 large egg, ½ teaspoon of vanilla extract, and a few drops of orange food coloring. Mix until well combined.
Pour the cream cheese mixture over the brownie batter. Use a knife or a toothpick to swirl the cream cheese into the brownie batter gently.
Bake in the preheated oven for 30 to 35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Allow brownies to cool before cutting them into squares.

How to serve Halloween Cream Cheese Swirl Brownies

Serve these brownies as a spooky treat for your Halloween party. You can decorate them further by adding Halloween-themed sprinkles or chocolate chips on top. They are excellent paired with a glass of cold milk or a warm cup of hot chocolate for a cozy Halloween night.

How to store Halloween Cream Cheese Swirl Brownies

Store your brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, you can keep them in the refrigerator for up to a week. You can also freeze them for up to 3 months. Just make sure to wrap them well in plastic wrap or aluminum foil.

Tips to make Halloween Cream Cheese Swirl Brownies

Make sure your cream cheese is at room temperature for easy mixing.
Don’t overmix the brownie batter to keep them fudgy.
Experiment with different food coloring shades for a personalized touch.

Variation

You can add chocolate chips to the brownie batter for extra flavor or substitute the orange food coloring with any other color for a different occasion. Try adding crushed Halloween candies for a fun surprise in each bite.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of cocoa powder?
Yes, you can use regular cocoa powder if you don’t have Hershey’s Special Dark cocoa powder.
What if I don’t have cream cheese?
You can use mascarpone cheese or a dairy-free cream cheese alternative.
Can I make these brownies gluten-free?
Yes, you can substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free all-purpose blend.
How do I know when the brownies are done baking?
Insert a toothpick in the center; if it comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs, they are done.
Can I make these brownies ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can make them a day or two in advance; just store them in an airtight container until serving.

Halloween Cream Cheese Swirl Brownies

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Festive brownies with a creamy, colorful swirl, perfect for Halloween celebrations.

Author: Patricia
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes
Yield: 16 servings 1x
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American
Diet: Vegetarian

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 350°F. Line an 8×8 baking dish with parchment paper or foil, then spray it with non-stick spray. Set aside.
For the Brownie Layer: In a large bowl, mix 1 cup of granulated white sugar, ½ cup of all-purpose flour, ½ cup of cocoa powder, ½ teaspoon of salt, and ¼ teaspoon of baking powder. In another bowl, whisk together the 2 large eggs, ⅓ cup of vegetable oil, and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. Combine wet and dry ingredients and mix until smooth. Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish.
For the Cream Cheese Layer: In a medium bowl, beat 8 oz of room temperature cream cheese until smooth. Add ¼ cup of sugar, 1 large egg, ½ teaspoon of vanilla extract, and a few drops of orange food coloring. Mix until well combined.
Pour the cream cheese mixture over the brownie batter. Use a knife or a toothpick to swirl the cream cheese into the brownie batter gently.
Bake in the preheated oven for 30 to 35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Allow brownies to cool before cutting them into squares.