Celebrate Halloween with a batch of decadent Cream Cheese Swirl Brownies!
These brownies combine a rich, fudgy chocolate base with a creamy, orange-tinted cream cheese swirl, creating a spooky and delicious treat that’s perfect for Halloween parties or simply enjoying the festive season.
With their striking appearance and irresistible flavor, these brownies are sure to be a hit with both kids and adults alike.
Orange Cream Cheese Swirl Brownies
Indulge in a spooky and sweet treat with these Halloween Cream Cheese Swirl Brownies!
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
- 1 large egg
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- Orange food coloring
Instructions
1. Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8 x 8-inch baking dish with parchment paper or foil, leaving some overhang on the sides for easy removal later. Lightly spray the lined dish with non-stick spray and set it aside.
2. Prepare the Brownie Layer:
- In a medium mixing bowl, combine the granulated sugar, all-purpose flour, cocoa powder, salt, and baking powder. Stir until well mixed and set aside.
- In a separate small bowl, whisk together the eggs, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, mixing gently with a spatula until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the brownies tough.
- Reserve ¼ cup of the brownie batter for swirling. Pour the remaining brownie batter into the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly.
3. Prepare the Cream Cheese Layer:
- In a medium mixing bowl, beat the cream cheese until smooth. Add the granulated sugar, egg, and vanilla extract, and continue to beat until fully combined and creamy.
- Add a few drops of orange food coloring to the cream cheese mixture, and stir until the color is evenly distributed. You can adjust the intensity of the orange color by adding more or less food coloring, as desired.
- Gently spread the orange cream cheese mixture over the brownie batter in the baking dish, ensuring an even layer.
4. Create the Swirl:
- Drop tablespoons of the reserved brownie batter onto the cream cheese layer.
- Use a knife or skewer to gently swirl the brownie batter through the cream cheese layer, creating a marbled effect. Be careful not to over-swirl, as you want to keep distinct swirls of orange and chocolate.
5. Bake and Cool:
- Bake the brownies in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until the edges are set and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with just a few moist crumbs.
- Once baked, remove the brownies from the oven and allow them to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack.
- Once cooled, use the parchment paper or foil overhang to lift the brownies out of the pan. Slice into squares and enjoy!
FAQs
1. Can I use a different food coloring?
Yes, you can use any food coloring you like to match your Halloween theme or skip the coloring for a more classic look.
2. How should I store these brownies?
Store the brownies in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Let them come to room temperature before serving for the best texture.
3. Can I freeze these brownies?
Yes, these brownies freeze well. Wrap them individually in plastic wrap and store them in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before serving.
4. Can I use a different size pan?
You can use a 9 x 9-inch pan, but the brownies will be thinner, and you may need to reduce the baking time by a few minutes.
5. What other variations can I try?
For a different twist, you can add chocolate chips to the brownie batter or sprinkle festive Halloween sprinkles on top before baking.
