Description
Delight in these festive Halloween Cream Cheese Swirl Brownies featuring rich, fudgy chocolate brownies topped with a vibrant orange cream cheese swirl. Perfect for trick-or-treat gatherings or spooky parties, these brownies combine a decadent chocolate base with a tangy, colorful cream cheese topping swirled to create a marbled effect that’s as visually striking as it is delicious.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Brownies:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
For the Cream Cheese Swirl:
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg yolk
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Orange gel food coloring, a few drops
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare the Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8 inch baking dish with parchment paper, ensuring to leave an overhang on the sides to easily lift the brownies out once baked.
- Make the Brownie Batter: In a medium bowl, whisk together the melted butter and sugar until smooth. Incorporate the eggs and vanilla extract, mixing until fully combined. Sift in the cocoa powder, all-purpose flour, salt, and baking powder, then stir gently until just combined to avoid overmixing.
- Pour Batter into Pan: Pour the brownie batter into the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly to the edges for uniform baking.
- Prepare the Cream Cheese Swirl: In a separate bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth. Add sugar, large egg yolk, and vanilla extract, beating together until the mixture is well combined and creamy. Add a few drops of orange gel food coloring and mix until the desired vibrant orange color is achieved.
- Create the Swirl: Drop spoonfuls of the cream cheese mixture evenly over the brownie batter. Using a knife or toothpick, swirl the cream cheese into the brownie batter by dragging it through in a marbling pattern to create a decorative effect.
- Bake the Brownies: Bake the brownies in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with a few moist crumbs, indicating they are perfectly fudgy yet cooked through.
- Cool and Serve: Remove the brownies from the oven and allow to cool completely in the pan placed on a wire rack. Once cooled, use the parchment paper overhang to lift the brownies from the pan. Cut into 16 squares and serve.
Notes
- Ensure the cream cheese is softened to room temperature for smooth mixing.
- Do not overmix the brownie batter once dry ingredients are added to maintain a tender texture.
- Use gel food coloring for vibrant color without altering the batter’s consistency.
- Allow brownies to cool completely to help the cream cheese swirl set properly.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
