Description
Spooky chocolate meets festive creativity in these Halloween Swirl Brownies, blending rich chocolate with haunting orange cream cheese marble. Chocolate lovers and party hosts will delight in this ghoulishly delicious dessert that brings Halloween spirit right to the dessert table.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 2 large eggs
- 8 oz cream cheese
- 1 cup granulated white sugar
- ½ cup all-purpose white flour
- ½ cup hershey’s special dark cocoa powder
- ⅓ cup vegetable oil
Binding and Flavor Enhancers:
- 1 large egg (for cream cheese layer)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract (for cream cheese layer)
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon baking powder
Coloring and Sweetening Agents:
- ¼ cup granulated white sugar (for cream cheese layer)
- orange food coloring
Instructions
- Prepare the baking environment by heating the oven to 350°F. Create a non-stick surface in an 8×8-inch pan using parchment paper or foil with cooking spray.
- Combine dry ingredients in a medium bowl: sugar, flour, cocoa powder, salt, and baking powder. Whisk egg, oil, and vanilla separately, then integrate into dry mixture until just combined. Set aside 1/4 cup of batter for decorative swirling.
- Craft the cream cheese mixture by blending softened cream cheese, sugar, egg, and vanilla until silky. Incorporate orange food coloring, stirring thoroughly to achieve a vibrant Halloween-themed hue.
- Transfer primary brownie batter into prepared pan, ensuring an even distribution. Carefully layer cream cheese mixture over the base. Strategically drop reserved brownie batter in dollops across the surface.
- Create dramatic swirls using a knife or skewer, moving through both batters to generate a marbled effect. Aim for an artistic, unpredictable pattern that resembles spooky Halloween designs.
- Slide the pan into the preheated oven, baking for 30-35 minutes until the center sets and edges appear slightly firm. Allow complete cooling before slicing to maintain structural integrity and clean cuts.
Notes
- Swap regular cocoa powder with dark cocoa for deeper, richer Halloween color and more intense chocolate flavor.
- Use cream cheese at room temperature to ensure smooth, lump-free swirling without overmixing.
- Create gluten-free version by replacing wheat flour with almond or gluten-free blend, maintaining identical texture and taste.
- Control food coloring intensity by adding gradually, achieving desired orange shade without artificial appearance.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30-35 minutes
- Category: Desserts, Snacks
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 9
- Calories: 224 kcal
- Sugar: 18 g
- Sodium: 105 mg
- Fat: 14 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 25 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 4 g
- Cholesterol: 49 mg