October is here, and that means it’s officially brownie season… but with a spooky twist! Forget basic brownies; we’re diving headfirst into a cauldron of chocolatey goodness with these Loaded Halloween Cream Cheese Brownies Delight. These aren’t just brownies; they’re a decadent, festive treat packed with creamy swirls, spooky sprinkles, and all the Halloween vibes. Imagine a rich, fudgy brownie base, topped with a tangy cream cheese layer, and then *loaded* with your favorite Halloween candies. They’re perfect for parties, trick-or-treaters (if you’re feeling generous!), or just a cozy night in with a scary movie. Get ready to impress – and indulge!
Why You’ll Love This
- Ultimate Fudgy Texture: We’re talking seriously fudgy brownies. The combination of melted chocolate and butter creates a texture that’s unbelievably moist and decadent.
- Creamy Dreamy Swirl: The cream cheese layer isn’t just a topping; it’s a tangy counterpoint to the rich chocolate, creating a perfect balance of flavors.
- Customizable Fun: This recipe is a blank canvas for your Halloween creativity! Use your favorite candies, sprinkles, and even edible decorations.
- Easy to Make: Despite looking impressive, these brownies are surprisingly straightforward to make. No complicated techniques required!
- Crowd-Pleaser: Who can resist a loaded brownie? These are guaranteed to disappear quickly.
Ingredients & Equipment
Ingredients:
- For the Brownies:
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, melted
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 6 ounces semi-sweet chocolate, melted
- For the Cream Cheese Layer:
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- For the Loadings:
- 1 cup Halloween-themed sprinkles
- 1 cup chopped Halloween candy (e.g., Reese’s Pieces, M&Ms, candy corn, chocolate eyeballs)
Equipment:
- 9×13 inch baking pan
- Parchment paper
- Mixing bowls (large and medium)
- Electric mixer (handheld or stand mixer)
- Rubber spatula
- Measuring cups and spoons
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prepare the Pan: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking pan and line with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides for easy removal.
- Make the Brownie Batter: In a large bowl, whisk together melted butter and sugar until well combined. Beat in eggs one at a time, then stir in vanilla extract.
- Add Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together cocoa powder, flour, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Stir in the melted chocolate.
- Pour and Bake: Pour the brownie batter into the prepared pan and spread evenly. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with slightly moist crumbs.
- Make the Cream Cheese Layer: While the brownies are baking, beat the softened cream cheese and sugar together in a medium bowl until smooth and creamy. Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until well combined.
- Swirl and Load: Once the brownies are slightly cooled (but still warm), spread the cream cheese mixture evenly over the top. Sprinkle generously with Halloween sprinkles and chopped candy.
- Cool and Cut: Let the brownies cool completely in the pan before lifting them out using the parchment paper overhang. Cut into squares and enjoy!
Pro Tips
- Don’t Overbake: Overbaked brownies are dry brownies! Check for doneness at the 20-minute mark and adjust baking time accordingly.
- Melt Chocolate Carefully: Melt the chocolate slowly and gently to prevent it from seizing. Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring in between.
- Softened Cream Cheese is Key: Make sure your cream cheese is fully softened to avoid lumps in the cream cheese layer.
- Get Creative with Candy: Don’t be afraid to experiment with different Halloween candies! Gummy worms, chocolate spiders, and candy pumpkins are all great options.
- Chill for Cleaner Cuts: For perfectly clean cuts, chill the brownies in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before slicing.
Storing Leftovers
Leftover brownies can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, you can refrigerate them for up to a week. They can also be frozen for up to 2 months. To thaw, simply place them in the refrigerator overnight. Reheating is not necessary, but a few seconds in the microwave can warm them up nicely!
Print
Loaded Halloween Cream Cheese Brownies Delight
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 15 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Cream Cheese Brownies come together quickly, are super chewy and moist, and will surely get you in the Halloween spirit! Perfect for spooky gatherings or festive treats.
Ingredients
Brownies:
1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1/2 cup boiling water
1/4 cup semisweet chocolate chips
4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted (1/2 stick)
2/3 cup vegetable oil
2 large eggs, room temperature
2 large egg yolks, room temperature
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
2 1/4 cups golden sugar (such as Domino®)
1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon kosher salt
Cream Cheese Mixture:
8 ounces cream cheese, room temperature
1/4 cup golden sugar
1 large egg, room temperature
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Orange gel food coloring
Optional Decoration:
Candy eyeballs
Halloween sprinkles
Frosting or decorating icing to glue eyeballs
Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 350ºF (180ºC). Line a 13×9-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang for easy removal.
2. Whisk cocoa powder and boiling water in a large bowl until smooth.
3. Add chocolate chips and whisk until melted.
4. Whisk in melted butter and oil. Mixture may look curdled.
5. Add eggs, yolks, and vanilla. Whisk until smooth.
6. Whisk in sugar until fully incorporated.
7. Add flour and salt, then mix with a spatula until combined.
8. Scrape batter into prepared pan, reserving 1/4 cup for swirling. Set aside.
9. In a separate bowl, beat cream cheese and sugar until creamy.
10. Stir in egg and vanilla until well combined.
11. Add 5–10 drops orange gel food coloring and mix until even.
12. Dollop cream cheese mixture over brownie batter, then add reserved batter in between. Swirl with a knife carefully.
13. Bake for 25 minutes, or until center is set and a toothpick comes out with a few fudgy crumbs.
14. Lift brownies out using parchment paper and let cool completely on a wire rack, about 1 hour.
15. Optional: Decorate cooled brownies with candy eyeballs and Halloween sprinkles. Use frosting or icing to attach eyeballs if needed.
16. Cut into 2-inch squares and serve.
Notes
Start with just a few drops of orange food coloring and add more gradually to avoid an overly bright or unnatural color.
Avoid overbaking to maintain a chewy texture. Check for doneness with a toothpick—there should be fudgy crumbs but no wet batter.
Use a metal baking pan if possible. Glass pans retain heat and may cause overbaking.
Store brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, in the fridge for up to 10 days, or freeze for up to 3 months.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 brownie
- Calories: 392
- Sugar: 36.2g
- Sodium: 146.9mg
- Fat: 21g
- Saturated Fat: 14.2g
- Carbohydrates: 49g
- Fiber: 1.2g
- Protein: 4.7g
- Cholesterol: 85.2mg