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Halloween Cream Cheese Swirl Brownies: 1 Amazing Recipe

Halloween Cream Cheese Swirl

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Create festive and delicious Halloween Cream Cheese Swirl Brownies, featuring a rich, fudgy chocolate base contrasted with a vibrant, tangy cream cheese swirl. These brownies are perfect for spooky gatherings and offer a delightful visual and taste experience.

Ingredients

Scale
  • For the Fudgy Brownie Base:
  • 1 cup (2 sticks or 226g) Unsalted Butter, cut into pieces
  • 1 ½ cups (300g) Granulated Sugar
  • ¾ cup (75g) Unsweetened Cocoa Powder
  • ¼ teaspoon Salt
  • 2 large Eggs, at room temperature
  • 2 teaspoons Vanilla Extract
  • ¾ cup (90g) All-Purpose Flour
  • ½ teaspoon Baking Powder
  • Optional: ½ cup Chocolate Chips or chopped dark chocolate
  • For the Cream Cheese Swirl:
  • 8 ounces (226g) Cream Cheese, full-fat, softened
  • ¼ cup (50g) Granulated Sugar
  • 1 large Egg Yolk
  • ½ teaspoon Vanilla Extract
  • A few drops of Orange Gel Food Coloring

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the longer sides. Lightly grease the exposed short sides.
  2. In a large bowl, combine the butter, granulated sugar, and cocoa powder. Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring, until butter is melted and mixture is smooth. Alternatively, melt over low heat on the stovetop. Let cool slightly.
  3. Add the salt, eggs, and vanilla extract to the chocolate mixture. Whisk vigorously for 1-2 minutes until glossy and lighter in color.
  4. Gently fold in the flour and baking powder until just combined. Do not overmix. Fold in optional chocolate chips if using. Set aside.
  5. In a separate bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with an electric mixer until smooth. Add the sugar, egg yolk, and vanilla extract. Beat until light and creamy.
  6. Divide the cream cheese mixture into two portions: about three-quarters plain (white) and one-quarter. To the smaller portion, add a few drops of orange gel food coloring and mix until uniform.
  7. Pour about two-thirds of the brownie batter into the prepared pan and spread evenly.
  8. Dollop spoonfuls of the white cream cheese mixture randomly over the brownie batter. Then, dollop spoonfuls of the orange cream cheese mixture in the spaces and on top of some white dollops.
  9. Carefully dollop the remaining one-third of the brownie batter over the cream cheese layers.
  10. Using a butter knife or skewer, gently drag it through the batters to create swirls and patterns, cutting through all layers. Do not overmix.
  11. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the edges are set and a toothpick inserted into the brownie portion comes out with moist crumbs.
  12. Remove from oven and let cool completely on a wire rack for at least 2-3 hours. For best results, chill in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour before slicing.
  13. Use the parchment paper overhang to lift the brownies from the pan. Slice into squares and serve.

Notes

  • For a darker, richer brownie flavor, use Dutch-processed cocoa powder.
  • Gel food coloring provides a vibrant color without adding excess liquid.
  • Ensure cream cheese is fully softened for a smooth swirl mixture.
  • Do not overmix the brownie batter to maintain a fudgy texture.
  • Chilling the brownies before slicing is crucial for clean cuts.
  • Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5-7 days.

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