Halloween is just around the corner, and what better way to celebrate than with a deliciously spooky treat? Forget the candy corn (okay, maybe not *forget* it, but supplement it!), and prepare to sink your teeth into these Spooky Cheesecake Brownies! These aren’t your average brownies. We’re talking rich, fudgy chocolate brownies swirled with a creamy, dreamy cheesecake layer, and topped with a hauntingly fun Halloween design. They’re the perfect dessert to bring to a party, bake with the kids, or simply enjoy on a spooky movie night. Get ready to impress everyone with this show-stopping dessert!
Why You’ll Love This
- The Best of Both Worlds: Brownies *and* cheesecake? Yes, please! This recipe combines the intense chocolate flavor of brownies with the smooth, tangy goodness of cheesecake.
- Easy to Customize: The Halloween decorations are limited only by your imagination! Use different colored frosting, sprinkles, or even edible eyeballs to create your own spooky masterpiece.
- Fudgy & Chewy Texture: These brownies are incredibly moist and fudgy, with a delightful chewy texture that will keep you coming back for more.
- Perfect for Halloween: They’re festive, fun, and guaranteed to be a hit at any Halloween gathering.
- Relatively Simple: While they *look* impressive, the recipe is surprisingly straightforward and doesn’t require any advanced baking skills.
Ingredients & Equipment
Ingredients:
- For the Brownie Layer:
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup chocolate chips (semi-sweet or dark)
- For the Cheesecake Layer:
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- For the Decoration:
- Orange frosting (or white frosting and orange food coloring)
- Black gel food coloring
- Halloween sprinkles (optional)
- Edible eyeballs (optional)
Equipment:
- 8×8 inch square baking pan
- Parchment paper
- Mixing bowls
- Electric mixer (handheld or stand mixer)
- Rubber spatula
- Toothpick or skewer (for swirling)
- Piping bag (optional, for decorating)
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prepare the Pan: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8 inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on two sides for easy removal.
- Make the Brownie Batter: In a large bowl, whisk together melted butter and sugar. Beat in eggs one at a time, then stir in vanilla extract.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, and salt. Gradually add to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Stir in chocolate chips.
- Pour Brownie Batter: Pour the brownie batter into the prepared baking pan and spread evenly.
- Make the Cheesecake Layer: In a medium bowl, beat cream cheese and sugar until smooth and creamy. Beat in egg and vanilla extract until well combined.
- Dollop Cheesecake Layer: Drop spoonfuls of the cheesecake mixture evenly over the brownie batter.
- Swirl: Use a toothpick or skewer to swirl the cheesecake into the brownie batter, creating a marbled effect. Don’t overmix!
- Bake: Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with moist crumbs.
- Cool: Let the brownies cool completely in the pan before lifting them out using the parchment paper overhang.
- Decorate: Once cooled, frost the brownies with orange frosting. Use black gel food coloring to draw spooky faces (ghosts, pumpkins, spiders) or other Halloween designs. Add sprinkles and edible eyeballs for extra flair!
Pro Tips
- Don’t Overbake: Overbaking will result in dry brownies. Check for doneness at the 25-minute mark.
- Softened Cream Cheese is Key: Make sure your cream cheese is fully softened to avoid lumps in the cheesecake layer.
- Swirl Gently: Over-swirling will muddy the colors and lose the distinct brownie and cheesecake layers.
- Chill for Cleaner Cuts: For cleaner cuts, chill the brownies in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before slicing.
- Get Creative with Decorations: Don’t be afraid to experiment with different frosting colors, sprinkles, and edible decorations to create unique and spooky designs.
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Spooky Cheesecake Brownies can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. For longer storage, you can freeze them for up to 2 months. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe container. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before enjoying.
Print
Spooky Cheesecake Brownies for Halloween
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 16 brownies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Rich, fudgy brownies swirled with a spooky orange cheesecake layer — a festive and delicious treat perfect for Halloween parties.
Ingredients
For the brownie layer:
1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
1 cup granulated sugar
2 large eggs
1 tsp vanilla extract
1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
1/4 tsp salt
1/4 tsp baking powder
For the cheesecake layer:
8 oz cream cheese, softened
1/4 cup granulated sugar
1 large egg
1/2 tsp vanilla extract
Orange food coloring
Optional decorations:
Mini chocolate chips
Halloween sprinkles
Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
2. In a medium bowl, mix melted butter, sugar, eggs, and vanilla until combined.
3. Whisk in cocoa powder, flour, salt, and baking powder until smooth.
4. Pour 3/4 of the brownie batter into the prepared pan and spread evenly.
5. In a separate bowl, beat cream cheese, sugar, egg, and vanilla until smooth.
6. Add a few drops of orange food coloring and mix until fully tinted.
7. Spread the cheesecake mixture over the brownie layer.
8. Drop spoonfuls of the remaining brownie batter on top and swirl with a knife for a marbled effect.
9. Sprinkle with mini chocolate chips or Halloween sprinkles if desired.
10. Bake for 30–35 minutes, or until the center is set and a toothpick comes out mostly clean.
11. Cool completely in the pan, then chill for 1 hour before cutting into squares.
12. Serve chilled or at room temperature.
Notes
For sharp, clean slices, use a hot knife wiped clean between cuts.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Use gel-based food coloring for the brightest orange hue.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 brownie
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 20g
- Sodium: 105mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 24g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 55mg