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- 1 cup unsalted butter, melted - 2 cups granulated sugar - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract - 4 large eggs - 1 cup all-purpose flour - 1 cup unsweetened cocoa powder - 1/2 teaspoon baking powder - 1/4 teaspoon salt - 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips - 8 oz cream cheese, softened - 1/2 cup powdered sugar - 1 teaspoon orange zest - 1 tablespoon Halloween-themed sprinkles When I start making these Halloween Cream Cheese Swirl Brownies, I gather my ingredients first. This helps me stay organized and ensures I don’t miss anything. The melted butter gives the brownies a rich taste. Granulated sugar adds sweetness, while eggs make them fluffy and moist. Next, I mix in the flour and cocoa powder. These give the brownies that classic chocolate flavor. Baking powder helps them rise, and a pinch of salt balances the sweetness. I love adding semi-sweet chocolate chips for extra chocolate goodness. For the cream cheese swirl, I use softened cream cheese. Mixing it with powdered sugar and orange zest makes it tangy and sweet. The zest adds a fun twist that ties into Halloween. The sprinkles are just for fun and make every bite festive. - 9x13 inch baking pan - Mixing bowls - Electric mixer or whisk - Parchment paper - Toothpick or knife The right tools make a big difference in baking. I use a 9x13 inch baking pan, as it fits the batter perfectly. Parchment paper makes it easy to lift the brownies out after baking. Mixing bowls help me keep my wet and dry ingredients separate. An electric mixer speeds up mixing the cream cheese. If you don't have one, a whisk works too, though it takes a bit more time. Finally, a toothpick or knife helps me check if the brownies are done. This setup makes my baking experience smooth and fun! {{ingredient_image_1}} - Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). - Prepare the baking pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang. Start by mixing the wet ingredients. In a large bowl, combine 1 cup of melted butter and 2 cups of granulated sugar. Stir until the mix is smooth and creamy. Next, add 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract and 4 large eggs, one at a time. Mix well after each egg. Now, in another bowl, whisk together the dry ingredients. Combine 1 cup of all-purpose flour, 1 cup of unsweetened cocoa powder, 1/2 teaspoon of baking powder, and 1/4 teaspoon of salt. Gradually fold this dry mix into the wet mix. Finally, stir in 1 cup of semi-sweet chocolate chips to make the batter rich. In a separate bowl, beat 8 oz of softened cream cheese until it's smooth. Add 1/2 cup of powdered sugar and 1 teaspoon of orange zest. Mix until all ingredients are well combined. Now it's time to layer. Pour half of the brownie batter into the prepared baking pan. Spread it evenly. Next, dollop the cream cheese mixture on top. Use a spoon to create swirls, making a nice marble effect. Pour the remaining brownie batter on top, reserving some for decoration if you want. Use a toothpick or knife to swirl through the top layer, adding more character. Bake the brownies in your preheated oven for 30-35 minutes. To check if they are done, insert a toothpick in the center. It should come out mostly clean. After baking, allow the brownies to cool in the pan for at least 10 minutes. Then, use the parchment paper to lift them out and cool completely on a wire rack. Once cooled, cut them into squares and add Halloween-themed sprinkles for a fun touch. To check if your brownies are done, use a toothpick. Insert it into the center. If it comes out mostly clean, they are ready. You may see a few moist crumbs; that's okay! This means they stay rich and fudgy. If you live at a high altitude, you might need to adjust the baking time. Brownies may bake faster due to lower air pressure. Start checking them five minutes early. This helps avoid overbaking and keeps them soft. For a spooky display, serve the brownies on a Halloween-themed platter. Add some extra sprinkles for a fun touch. Place mini chocolate pumpkins or ghosts around them to create a festive look. Pair these brownies with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a glass of milk. The creamy ice cream complements the rich brownies well. You can also serve them with a warm cup of cocoa for a cozy treat. To achieve the best marbled effect, dollop the cream cheese mixture evenly over the brownie batter. Use a toothpick or knife to swirl it gently. Don’t overmix; you want to see the swirls! Prevent cream cheese from sinking by using it at room temperature. This helps it blend better with the brownie batter. Also, don’t pour all the brownie batter on top at once. Layer it slowly to keep the cream cheese up high. Pro Tips Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure your eggs and cream cheese are at room temperature for better incorporation into the batter, resulting in a smoother texture. Don’t Overmix: When combining the dry ingredients with the wet, mix just until combined to keep the brownies fudgy and prevent them from becoming tough. Check for Doneness Early: Start checking your brownies a few minutes before the suggested baking time to avoid overbaking; the toothpick should come out with a few moist crumbs. Cool Before Cutting: Allow the brownies to cool completely before cutting to ensure clean edges and prevent them from falling apart. {{image_2}} You can change up the flavor of these brownies easily. Adding mint extract gives a cool twist. Just add one teaspoon when mixing your wet ingredients. This small change can make a big impact! Another fun option is to use white chocolate chips. They look great and taste sweet. Swap half of the semi-sweet chocolate chips for white chocolate chips. This adds a nice contrast to the dark brownie base. If you need gluten-free brownies, use gluten-free flour. It works well in this recipe. Make sure to check the brand, as some work better than others. For a vegan option, replace the eggs. Use a flax egg made from one tablespoon of ground flaxseed mixed with three tablespoons of water. Let it sit for five minutes to thicken. For cream cheese, try a vegan cream cheese. It will keep the swirl creamy and delicious. Get creative with decorations. Use Halloween-themed sprinkles to make your brownies festive. You can add them right before baking for a fun look. Another fun idea is to use edible eyes or festive toppers. Place them on top of the brownies after they cool. This adds a spooky touch that kids and adults will love. Don't be afraid to get wild with your designs! To store your brownies for a few days, keep them at room temperature. Place them in an airtight container. This keeps them fresh and moist. If you want, you can line the container with parchment paper. This helps prevent sticking. Use a paper towel on top to absorb moisture. Your brownies will stay yummy for up to four days. For longer storage, freezing is your best bet. Cut the brownies into squares. Wrap each square tightly in plastic wrap. Then, place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. This way, they stay fresh for about three months. When you're ready to enjoy one, simply take it out of the freezer. To reheat frozen brownies, unwrap them and place them on a plate. Microwave for about 20 seconds, or until warm. You can also thaw them in the fridge overnight. This keeps the texture just right. Enjoy these treats whenever you crave a sweet bite! To check if your brownies are done, use the toothpick test. Insert a toothpick into the center. If it comes out mostly clean, they are ready. A few moist crumbs are okay but no wet batter. You can also look for a shiny top and slightly pull away from the sides of the pan. These signs mean your brownies are perfect! Yes, you can make these brownies ahead of time. Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. If you want them to last longer, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and freeze. When you’re ready to eat, thaw them in the fridge overnight. Reheat in the microwave for a few seconds to enjoy that fresh-baked taste. If you need a substitute for cream cheese, try using Greek yogurt. It gives a similar creamy texture. You can also use mascarpone cheese for a richer flavor. For a dairy-free option, use silken tofu blended until smooth. Each alternative will change the taste a little, but all will still be tasty! These brownies combine rich chocolate and a creamy swirl for a perfect treat. You prepared the batter, layered it, and baked it to perfection. Don’t forget the tips to serve and store them right. Feel free to explore variations for different flavors or themed decorations. Brownies are easy to make and fun to share. Enjoy your baking and the smiles they bring!

Halloween Cream Cheese Swirl Brownies

Deliciously rich brownies with a creamy cream cheese swirl, perfect for Halloween festivities.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Servings 24
Calories 200 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 cup unsalted butter, melted
  • 2 cups granulated sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 4 large eggs
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 1 2 baking powder
  • 1 4 salt
  • 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
  • 8 oz cream cheese, softened
  • 1 2 powdered sugar
  • 1 teaspoon orange zest
  • 1 tablespoon Halloween-themed sprinkles

Instructions
 

  • Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 9x13 inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang for easy removal.
  • In a large mixing bowl, combine the melted butter and granulated sugar. Mix until smooth and creamy.
  • Add the vanilla extract and eggs to the butter mixture, one at a time, mixing until fully incorporated after each addition.
  • In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt. Gradually fold this dry mixture into the wet ingredients until just combined.
  • Stir in the semi-sweet chocolate chips until evenly distributed throughout the batter.
  • In another bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth. Add the powdered sugar and orange zest, mixing until well combined.
  • Pour half of the brownie batter into the prepared baking pan and spread evenly. Then dollop the cream cheese mixture over this layer, using a spoon to create swirls like a marble effect.
  • Pour the remaining brownie batter on top, reserving some for decoration if desired. Use a toothpick or knife to create a marbled effect by swirling it through the top layer.
  • Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out mostly clean.
  • Allow the brownies to cool in the pan for at least 10 minutes before using the parchment paper to lift them out and cool completely on a wire rack.
  • Once cooled, cut into squares and sprinkle with Halloween-themed sprinkles for an extra festive touch.

Notes

Serve on a spooky-themed platter and add mini chocolate pumpkins or ghosts for decoration.
Keyword brownies, chocolate, cream cheese, dessert, Halloween