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halloween cream cheese swirl brownies

Fudgy Halloween brownies topped with a festive orange cream cheese swirl for the perfect spooky-season treat.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Servings: 12 bars
Course: Dessert, Holiday
Cuisine: American, Halloween
Calories: 290
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Brownie Base
  • 1 cup unsalted butter melted
  • 1.5 cups granulated sugar
  • 1 cup brown sugar
  • 4 large eggs
  • 1 tbsp vanilla extract
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 0.5 tsp salt
  • 1 tsp espresso powder optional
  • 1 cup chocolate chips optional
Cream Cheese Swirl
  • 8 oz cream cheese softened
  • 0.33 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • several drops orange gel food coloring

Equipment

  • Mixing bowls
  • Baking pan
  • Whisk
  • Hand mixer

Method
 

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 9x13 inch pan with parchment paper.
  2. Whisk melted butter, sugars, eggs, and vanilla until smooth.
  3. Stir in flour, cocoa powder, salt, and espresso powder.
  4. Fold in chocolate chips if using.
  5. Pour brownie batter into prepared pan.
  6. Beat cream cheese with sugar until smooth.
  7. Add egg, vanilla, and food coloring; mix until combined.
  8. Spoon dollops of cream cheese mixture over batter and swirl.
  9. Bake 30–38 minutes until edges are set.
  10. Cool completely before slicing.

Notes

For cleaner slices, chill brownies before cutting. For a more intense color, add additional food coloring.