Halloween Cream Cheese Swirl Brownies

Featured in Irresistible Sweet Treats.

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!

Clare Greco
Updated on Mon, 20 Jan 2025 16:04:03 GMT
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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 Pin it
Halloween Cream Cheese Swirl Brownies | recipesbyclare.com

Halloween Brownies

Rich chocolate brownies with a spooky orange cream cheese swirl, ideal for Halloween treats.

Prep Time
15 Minutes
Cook Time
35 Minutes
Total Time
50 Minutes

Category: Sweet Treats

Difficulty: Intermediate

Cuisine: American

Yield: 16 Servings (16 brownies)

Dietary: Vegetarian

Ingredients

01 1 cup granulated white sugar.
02 ½ cup all-purpose flour.
03 ½ cup Hershey’s Special Dark cocoa powder.
04 ½ teaspoon salt.
05 ¼ teaspoon baking powder.
06 2 large eggs.
07 ⅓ cup vegetable oil.
08 1 teaspoon vanilla extract.
09 8 oz cream cheese (room temperature).
10 ¼ cup granulated sugar (for cream cheese layer).
11 1 large egg (for cream cheese layer).
12 ½ teaspoon vanilla extract (for cream cheese layer).
13 Orange food coloring.

Instructions

Step 01

Preheat the oven to 350°F. Line an 8x8 baking dish with parchment paper and spray with non-stick spray.

Step 02

In a medium bowl, mix together sugar, flour, cocoa powder, salt, and baking powder for the brownie layer.

Step 03

In a separate small bowl, whisk together eggs, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract. Combine wet and dry brownie ingredients, reserving ¼ cup of the batter for later use.

Step 04

To make the cream cheese layer, blend cream cheese, sugar, egg, and vanilla extract until smooth. Add orange food coloring to create a spooky swirl effect.

Step 05

Spread the brownie batter evenly into the prepared baking dish. Add the cream cheese mixture on top.

Step 06

Dollop the reserved brownie batter on top and gently swirl it with a knife to create a marbled effect.

Step 07

Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes or until set. Let the brownies cool completely before slicing.

Notes

  1. These Halloween-themed brownies feature a rich chocolate layer combined with a vibrant orange cream cheese swirl, making them perfect for spooky celebrations.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 200
  • Total Fat: 12 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 24 g
  • Protein: 3 g