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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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
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