There’s just something magical about the way rich, fudgy chocolate and silky cream cheese come together… and when you swirl in a splash of Halloween orange, you’ve got a treat that’s as spooky as it is scrumptious. These brownies are a party-perfect bite that will have everyone asking for “just one more.”
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love These Halloween Brownies
Every bite is a flavor party deep chocolate, creamy cheesecake, and that playful pop of color. They’re easy enough for a weekday bake yet pretty enough for your haunted house dessert table. You can even switch up the colors for other holidays. Planning a Halloween spread? Pair these with a tray of spooky-fun Mummy Brownies for a ghoulish dessert table.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Brownie Layer
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- ½ cup dark cocoa powder
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp baking powder
- 2 large eggs
- ⅓ cup vegetable oil
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
For the Cream Cheese Swirl
- 8 oz cream cheese, room temp
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- ½ tsp vanilla extract
- Orange gel food coloring
Optional Add-Ins & Swaps
- Candy eyes for extra creep factor
- Black or purple sprinkles
- Peppermint extract for a holiday twist
- Gluten-free flour blend instead of all-purpose
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1 – Prep the Pan & Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F. Line an 8×8-inch pan with parchment, letting it hang over the edges so you can lift the brownies out later. Lightly spray with non-stick spray.
Step 2 – Make the Brownie Batter
Whisk together sugar, flour, cocoa, salt, and baking powder. In another bowl, beat eggs, oil, and vanilla until smooth. Stir wet into dry until combined, then set aside ¼ cup of the batter for the swirl. Spread the rest evenly in the pan.
Step 3 – Make the Cream Cheese Swirl
Beat cream cheese, sugar, egg, and vanilla until silky smooth. Add a few drops of orange gel coloring and mix until the color is vibrant and even.
Step 4 – Create the Halloween Swirl Effect
Spread the cream cheese mixture over the brownie layer. Drop spoonfuls of the reserved brownie batter on top. Drag a skewer or butter knife through the layers in figure-eight motions to create swirls. For an even spookier touch, add black sugar sprinkles or candy eyes now.
Step 5 – Bake & Cool for Perfect Slices
Bake for 30–35 minutes until the center is set but still a little fudgy. Let them cool completely in the pan before lifting out and slicing into neat squares.
Tips for the Perfect Swirl
- A skewer makes finer swirls than a knife
- Don’t overmix layers, or you’ll lose the contrast
- Chill before slicing for clean, bakery-style edges
Storage & Make-Ahead
Keep these in the fridge for up to 4 days, covered. Freeze individually wrapped slices for up to 3 months perfect for sneaking a treat when the Halloween candy stash runs out.
Fun Variations
- Christmas: For a festive twist, try these Italian Christmas Cookies with your holiday dessert platter.
- Valentine’s: Make it romantic by pairing them with this gorgeous Heart Pink Cake with Pink Bow.
- Fall: Celebrate cozy season with Pumpkin Spice Sugar Cookies alongside your brownies.
FAQs
Can I use a boxed brownie mix?
Absolutely prepare the mix as directed, then add the cream cheese swirl on top.
Can I make these egg-free?
Yes swap eggs in the brownie batter for flax eggs, and use a plant-based cream cheese in the swirl.
How do I keep the cream cheese layer from sinking?
Make sure your brownie batter is thick enough to hold the swirl, and don’t over-swirl.
For more Halloween inspiration, add some crunch with these Rice Krispie Treat Ghosts for a hauntingly sweet party spread. And if you love cream cheese treats, you’ll go crazy for these Pumpkin Cream Cheese Muffins.
Follow us on Pinterest for more cozy ideas, or join the fun on Facebook!
Print
Halloween Swirl Cream Cheese Brownies
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 16 brownies 1x
Description
There’s just something magical about the way rich, fudgy chocolate and silky cream cheese come together… and when you swirl in a splash of Halloween orange, you’ve got a treat that’s as spooky as it is scrumptious. These brownies are a party-perfect bite that will have everyone asking for “just one more.”
Ingredients
- For the Brownie Layer:
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- ½ cup dark cocoa powder
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp baking powder
- 2 large eggs
- ⅓ cup vegetable oil
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- For the Cream Cheese Swirl:
- 8 oz cream cheese, room temp
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- ½ tsp vanilla extract
- Orange gel food coloring
- Optional Add-Ins & Swaps:
- Candy eyes
- Black or purple sprinkles
- Peppermint extract
- Gluten-free flour blend
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F. Line an 8×8-inch pan with parchment, leaving overhang for lifting. Spray lightly with non-stick spray.
- Whisk sugar, flour, cocoa, salt, and baking powder together. In another bowl, beat eggs, oil, and vanilla until smooth. Stir wet into dry until combined. Reserve ¼ cup batter for swirl; spread the rest in pan.
- Beat cream cheese, sugar, egg, and vanilla until smooth. Add orange gel coloring and mix until vibrant.
- Spread cream cheese mixture over brownie layer. Drop spoonfuls of reserved brownie batter on top. Drag a skewer or knife through in figure-eight motions for swirls. Add sprinkles or candy eyes if desired.
- Bake 30–35 minutes until center is set but still fudgy. Cool completely before slicing.
Notes
For perfect swirls, use a skewer for finer lines and avoid overmixing layers. Chill before slicing for clean edges. Store covered in the fridge for up to 4 days or freeze individually wrapped slices for up to 3 months.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 brownie
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 17g
- Sodium: 120mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 24g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 35mg