Ingredients
Scale
For the brownies:
- 1 box brownie mix (family size for a 9×13-inch pan)
- Ingredients listed on the box (usually eggs, oil, and water)
- Black food coloring gel (optional, for a spooky dark brownie color)
For the cream cheese swirl:
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Orange food coloring gel (gel works best for vibrant color)
Optional decorations:
- Halloween sprinkles, black edible sparkles, or candy eyeballs
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
- Prepare the brownie batter: In a large mixing bowl, prepare the brownie mix according to the package instructions (adding the eggs, oil, and water). If you want a darker, spookier brownie, add a few drops of black food coloring gel and mix until well combined.
- Make the cream cheese mixture: In a separate bowl, beat the softened cream cheese, sugar, egg, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy. Add orange food coloring gel and mix until you reach the desired color.
- Assemble the brownies: Pour most of the brownie batter into the prepared pan, reserving about 1/2 cup. Spread it out evenly. Spoon the orange cream cheese mixture over the brownie batter in dollops, then drizzle the remaining brownie batter over the top.
- Create the swirl: Using a knife or toothpick, gently swirl the cream cheese mixture and brownie batter together to create a marbled effect. Be careful not to overmix, you want clear swirls of orange and black.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 25–30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out mostly clean with a few moist crumbs. Remove from the oven and let the brownies cool completely in the pan.
- Decorate and serve: Once cooled, decorate the top with Halloween sprinkles, edible sparkles, or candy eyeballs if desired. Cut into squares and serve!
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25–30 minutes
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 brownie (makes about 24)
- Calories: 200 calories
- Sugar: 22g
- Sodium: 160mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 35mg