Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon

Halloween Swirl Cream Cheese Brownies

Rich dark chocolate brownies topped with creamy orange-colored cream cheese and gently swirled into a festive Halloween design.

  • Total Time: 40 minutes
  • Yield: 16 brownies 1x

Ingredients

Scale

For the Brownie Layer

  • 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

For the Cream Cheese Layer

  •  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 according to the recipe and prepare a baking pan, lining it with parchment paper if desired.
  2. Whisk together the granulated sugar, flour, Special Dark cocoa powder, salt, and baking powder in a mixing bowl.
  3. In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract.
  4. Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and stir just until combined. Do not overmix.
  5. For the cream cheese layer, beat the room-temperature cream cheese until smooth.
  6. Add the sugar, egg, and vanilla extract and mix until creamy and evenly combined.
  7. Add orange food coloring gradually, mixing until the cream cheese reaches an even orange color.
  8. Spread the brownie batter evenly into the prepared baking pan.
  9. Spoon the orange cream cheese mixture over the brownie layer and gently spread it across the surface.
  10. Use a toothpick or thin knife to gently swirl the orange cream cheese through the brownie batter, creating a marbled Halloween pattern without fully mixing the layers.
  11. Bake until the brownie layer is set and the cream cheese topping is no longer loose in the center.
  12. Remove from the oven and allow the brownies to cool completely in the pan.
  13. Once cooled, lift the brownies from the pan if using parchment paper and cut into squares or rectangles.

Notes

  • Bring the cream cheese to room temperature before mixing for a smoother topping.
  • Add orange food coloring gradually so you can control the intensity of the color.
  • Swirl gently with a toothpick or thin knife to keep the orange and chocolate colors distinct.
  • Cool the brownies completely before slicing for cleaner pieces.
  • Author: Emmy Carter
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baked
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 16 brownies
  • Calories: 180–220 calories

Keywords: Halloween swirl cream cheese brownies, Halloween cream cheese brownies, Halloween brownies, swirl brownies, cream cheese brownies