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Halloween Cream Cheese Swirl Brownies

Fudgy chocolate brownies swirled with vibrant orange cream cheese for the perfect spooky-season treat.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Servings: 12 squares
Course: Dessert, Snack
Cuisine: American, Autumn
Calories: 280

Ingredients
  

Brownie Batter
  • 1 cup unsalted butter melted
  • 1.25 cups granulated sugar
  • 0.75 cup brown sugar packed
  • 3 eggs large
  • 1 tbsp vanilla extract
  • 1 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 0.5 tsp salt
  • 0.5 tsp baking powder
Cream Cheese Swirl
  • 8 oz cream cheese softened
  • 0.33 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 egg yolk
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 4 drops orange gel food coloring adjust to preference

Equipment

  • Mixing bowls
  • Baking pan
  • Wire rack
  • Hand mixer or whisk

Method
 

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a square pan with parchment paper.
  2. Whisk melted butter with granulated sugar and brown sugar until glossy.
  3. Add eggs and vanilla extract, mixing until smooth.
  4. Fold in cocoa powder, flour, salt, and baking powder until a thick batter forms.
  5. In another bowl, beat cream cheese with sugar, egg yolk, and vanilla until creamy. Add orange food coloring.
  6. Pour brownie batter into the pan, then add spoonfuls of cream cheese mixture and swirl gently.
  7. Bake 32–38 minutes until the center is set. Cool completely on a wire rack.
  8. Slice and serve, or refrigerate for firmer brownies.

Notes

For extra fudgy brownies, remove from oven when the center is slightly underbaked.