These Halloween cream cheese swirl brownies combine the richness of dark chocolate with a vibrant orange cream cheese topping, creating the perfect spooky treat. Start by making the brownie base with cocoa powder, sugar, and a touch of vanilla. Whip up the cream cheese topping with food coloring for a festive orange hue. Once combined and swirled together, the brownies are baked to perfection, resulting in a marbled dessert that's as delicious as it is eye-catching. Serve these at your next Halloween gathering for a show-stopping treat!

Halloween Cream Cheese Swirl Brownies
Halloween cream cheese swirl brownies | Recipesbyclare.com

These Halloween cream cheese swirl brownies bring together the deep flavors of dark chocolate and a vibrant orange cream cheese topping for the ultimate festive treat. Perfectly rich and decadent, these brownies are a must-have for Halloween parties and gatherings.

INGREDIENTS

  • Granulated white sugar: 1 cup, adds sweetness to the brownie base.
  • All-purpose flour: ½ cup, provides structure to the brownies.
  • Hershey’s Special Dark cocoa powder: ½ cup, for a rich chocolate flavor.
  • Salt: ½ teaspoon, enhances the overall flavor.
  • Baking powder: ¼ teaspoon, for slight leavening.
  • Large eggs: 2, for binding the brownie mixture.
  • Vegetable oil: ⅓ cup, adds moisture to the brownies.
  • Vanilla extract: 1 teaspoon, enhances the flavor of the brownies.
  • Cream cheese: 8 oz, at room temperature, for the swirl layer.
  • Granulated sugar (for cream cheese layer): ¼ cup, to sweeten the topping.
  • Egg (for cream cheese layer): 1, to bind the topping.
  • Vanilla extract (for cream cheese layer): ½ teaspoon, for flavor.
  • Orange food coloring: Adds festive color to the cream cheese layer.

INSTRUCTIONS

Step 1:
Preheat the oven to 350°F. Line an 8x8 baking dish with parchment paper and spray it with non-stick spray.
Step 2:
In a medium bowl, combine sugar, flour, cocoa powder, salt, and baking powder for the brownie base.
Step 3:
In a small bowl, whisk together the eggs, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract. Gradually mix the wet ingredients with the dry ingredients. Reserve ¼ cup of the batter for later.
Step 4:
For the cream cheese layer, blend cream cheese, sugar, egg, and vanilla until smooth. Add orange food coloring and mix until fully incorporated.
Step 5:
Spread the brownie batter evenly in the prepared baking dish, then top with the cream cheese mixture.
Step 6:
Dollop the reserved brownie batter over the top and use a knife to swirl the batters together for a marbled effect.
Step 7:
Bake for 30-35 minutes or until set. Let the brownies cool completely before slicing and serving.

Serving and Storage Tips

  • Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for a week.
  • These brownies can be frozen for up to 2 months. Allow them to thaw before serving.

Helpful Notes

  • Feel free to adjust the orange food coloring for a more vibrant or subtle hue.
  • Adding chocolate chips to the brownie batter will make these even more decadent.

Tips from Well-Known Chefs

  • To enhance the chocolate flavor, try using espresso powder in the brownie batter.
  • For an even creamier swirl, use full-fat cream cheese and make sure it's at room temperature before mixing.
Halloween Cream Cheese Swirl Brownies
Halloween Cream Cheese Swirl Brownies | recipesbyclare.com