Name: Halloween Cream Cheese Swirl Brownies
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup granulated white sugar; ½ cup all-purpose white flour; ½ cup Hershey's Special Dark cocoa powder; ½ teaspoon salt; ¼ teaspoon baking powder; 2 large eggs; ⅓ cup vegetable oil; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 8 oz cream cheese (at room temperature); ¼ cup granulated white sugar (for cream cheese layer); 1 large egg (for cream cheese layer); ½ teaspoon vanilla extract (for cream cheese layer); orange food coloring

Halloween Cream Cheese Swirl Brownies are the perfect spooky treat to celebrate the season. These delightful brownies combine a rich, dark chocolate base with a creamy orange cheesecake layer swirled on top. Their vibrant colors and delicious flavors make them suitable for Halloween parties, family gatherings, or any festive occasion. Enjoy making these easy-to-follow brownies that are sure to impress your guests.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Easy to Prepare: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you can whip up these brownies in no time.
Deliciously Unique: The combination of chocolate and creamy cheesecake creates a flavor that’s both rich and refreshing.
Perfect for Any Occasion: Not just for Halloween! These brownies are great for birthday parties, potlucks, or cozy nights in.
Eye-Catching Presentation: The swirl of bright orange cheesecake makes these brownies visually appealing on any dessert table.
Customizable: Feel free to add your favorite spices or toppings to make these brownies your own!

Tools and Preparation

To create your Halloween Cream Cheese Swirl Brownies, you’ll need some essential tools that will make the process easier and more efficient.

Essential Tools and Equipment

Mixing bowls
Whisk
Rubber spatula
8 x 8 baking dish
Parchment paper or foil

Importance of Each Tool

Mixing bowls: These are essential for combining ingredients smoothly without spilling.
Whisk: A whisk helps achieve a light and fluffy texture for the cream cheese layer.
Rubber spatula: Use this tool to scrape down the sides of your mixing bowl and ensure all ingredients are well incorporated.
Baking dish: The right size is crucial for even baking and achieving that perfect brownie texture.

Ingredients

To make these delectable Halloween Cream Cheese Swirl Brownies, gather the following ingredients:

For the Brownie Base

1 cup granulated white sugar
½ cup all purpose white flour
½ cup Hershey’s Special Dark cocoa powder
½ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon baking powder
2 large eggs
⅓ cup vegetable oil
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Cream Cheese Layer

8 oz cream cheese (at room temp)
¼ cup granulated white sugar
1 large egg
½ teaspoon vanilla extract
orange food coloring

How to Make Halloween Cream Cheese Swirl Brownies

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Line an 8 x 8 baking dish with parchment paper or foil, ensuring you spray it with non-stick spray. Set it aside while you prepare the batter.

Step 2: Prepare the Brownie Batter

In a mixing bowl, combine:
1. 1 cup granulated white sugar
2. ½ cup all purpose white flour
3. ½ cup Hershey’s Special Dark cocoa powder
4. ½ teaspoon salt
5. ¼ teaspoon baking powder

Whisk together until well blended. In another bowl, beat:
6. 2 large eggs,
7. ⅓ cup vegetable oil,
8. 1 teaspoon vanilla extract.

Combine both mixtures until just combined, being careful not to overmix.

Step 3: Make the Cream Cheese Layer

In a separate bowl, blend:
1. 8 oz cream cheese (at room temp) until smooth.
2. Add in ¼ cup granulated white sugar,
3. One more egg (1 large egg) and
4. Half a teaspoon of vanilla extract (½ teaspoon vanilla extract).

Mix until creamy and smooth, then add desired amount of orange food coloring until you achieve your desired hue.

Step 4: Assemble the Brownies

Pour half of the brownie batter into the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly across the bottom. Spoon dollops of cream cheese mixture over the brownie layer, followed by the remaining brownie batter on top. Use a knife or skewer to swirl together gently.

Step 5: Bake Your Brownies

Bake in the preheated oven for about 30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Allow them to cool before slicing into squares.

Enjoy your delicious Halloween Cream Cheese Swirl Brownies!

How to Serve Halloween Cream Cheese Swirl Brownies

Halloween Cream Cheese Swirl Brownies are not just delicious; they are also visually appealing and perfect for any spooky celebration. Here are some creative serving suggestions to enhance your treat experience.

Festive Platter

Arrange the brownies on a platter surrounded by Halloween-themed decorations like mini pumpkins and spider webs to create an inviting display.

Whipped Cream Topping

Serve each brownie with a dollop of whipped cream or a swirl of whipped topping to add extra creaminess and a festive touch.

Ice Cream Pairing

Offer a scoop of vanilla or pumpkin ice cream alongside the brownies for a delightful contrast in flavors and temperatures.

Chocolate Drizzle

Drizzle melted chocolate over the brownies just before serving for an extra layer of indulgence and visual appeal.

Sprinkles Galore

Sprinkle colorful Halloween-themed sprinkles on top of each brownie for added fun and crunch.

Coffee or Hot Chocolate

Pair these brownies with coffee or hot chocolate to enhance the rich chocolate flavor, creating a cozy dessert experience.

How to Perfect Halloween Cream Cheese Swirl Brownies

Achieving the perfect texture and flavor in your Halloween Cream Cheese Swirl Brownies can take them from good to great. Follow these tips for the best results.

Use room temperature ingredients: Ensure your cream cheese and eggs are at room temperature. This will create a smoother cheesecake layer that swirls beautifully with the brownie mix.
Don’t overmix: When combining the brownie batter, mix just until ingredients are combined. Overmixing can lead to dense brownies.
Swirl carefully: Use a knife or toothpick to gently swirl the cheesecake layer into the brownie batter. Avoid over-swirling as this can blend both layers too much.
Check for doneness: Bake until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with only a few moist crumbs. This ensures your brownies remain fudgy.
Cool completely: Allow your brownies to cool completely before slicing. This helps them set properly and makes cutting easier.
Store properly: Keep leftover brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate them for longer freshness.

Best Side Dishes for Halloween Cream Cheese Swirl Brownies

To complement your Halloween Cream Cheese Swirl Brownies, consider these delightful side dishes that bring additional flavors and textures to your dessert table.

Pumpkin Soup
A warm bowl of creamy pumpkin soup pairs wonderfully with chocolate, offering a savory balance to sweet treats.
Caramelized Apples
Sweet, caramelized apples add a fruity note that contrasts nicely with the rich brownies.
Spiced Nuts
A mix of spiced nuts provides crunch and complements the sweetness of the brownies without overwhelming them.
Cheese Platter
A selection of cheeses, particularly sharp varieties, balances out the sweetness of the brownies while offering diverse flavors.
Fruit Salad
A fresh fruit salad adds brightness and acidity, making it a refreshing side alongside rich desserts.
Chocolate-Covered Pretzels
The salty-sweet combination of chocolate-covered pretzels offers an exciting crunch that enhances any dessert spread.
Mini Cheesecakes
Bite-sized cheesecakes provide another creamy option that aligns well with the cheesecake element in your brownies.
Hot Apple Cider
Warm spiced apple cider is perfect for autumn gatherings and complements chocolate-based desserts beautifully.