Are these brownies gooey in the middle?

Yes, Halloween Swirl Cream Cheese Brownies stay wonderfully gooey in the middle when you bake to just-set. The trick is to pull them from the oven when a toothpick comes out with a few moist crumbs. It's one of my favorite Halloween baking ideas—simple, shareable, and impressive.

What does adding coffee do to brownies, and should you try it here?

Coffee deepens the chocolate flavor and adds a warm note that makes the bars feel richer. It can also help keep the texture moist longer. In this recipe, you can add 1–2 teaspoons espresso powder to the brownie batter or a small splash of coffee; skip it if you want pure chocolate.

Can I freeze Halloween Swirl Cream Cheese Brownies for later?

Yes, you can freeze Halloween Swirl Cream Cheese Brownies. Cool completely, then wrap individual pieces or freeze in a single layer with parchment between layers. Thaw at room temperature or warm briefly to restore the gooey bite; they keep well for 2–3 months.

How do I get clean, neat slices for a party platter?

Chill the brownies until firm for clean cuts. Use a warmed, sharp knife and wipe between slices for neat lines. If you want extra precision, refrigerate for 20–30 minutes before slicing, then plate on a dark platter to highlight the orange swirl.

Halloween Swirl Cream Cheese Brownies are epic wow hot 5.

Name: Halloween Swirl Cream Cheese Brownies are epic wow hot 5.
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: For the brownie layer: ½ cup unsalted butter, melted; 1 cup granulated sugar; 2 large eggs; 1 tsp vanilla extract; ⅓ cup unsweetened cocoa powder; ½ cup all-purpose flour; ¼ tsp salt; ¼ tsp baking powder; For the cream cheese layer: 8 oz cream cheese, softened; ¼ cup granulated sugar; 1 egg yolk; ½ tsp vanilla extract; Orange gel food coloring

Description

Halloween Swirl Cream Cheese Brownies are the ultimate festive treat! With a fudgy chocolate base and bright orange cheesecake swirled on top, these spooky brownies are both eye-catching and delicious. A must-make dessert for your Halloween party or family movie night!

Ingredients

Scale

For the brownie layer:
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ⅓ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- ¼ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp baking powder
For the cream cheese layer:
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 1 egg yolk
- ½ tsp vanilla extract
- Orange gel food coloring

Instructions

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper or grease lightly.
In a bowl, whisk together melted butter and sugar. Add eggs and vanilla and beat until smooth.
Stir in cocoa powder, flour, salt, and baking powder. Mix until just combined.
Pour brownie batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top.
In another bowl, beat cream cheese, sugar, egg yolk, and vanilla until creamy. Add orange food coloring and mix until you reach your desired Halloween hue.
Drop spoonfuls of the cream cheese mixture over the brownie batter. Use a knife or skewer to swirl the layers together.
Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until the center is just set and a toothpick comes out with a few moist crumbs.
Let cool completely before slicing into spooky squares.

Notes

Let the cream cheese soften to room temperature for easier mixing.
Do not overmix the brownie batter; mix until just combined.
Swirl the cream cheese into the brownie batter using a knife or skewer for a spooky marbled effect.
Cool completely before slicing to ensure clean cuts.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: Bake
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 brownie
Calories: 195
Sugar: 22 g
Sodium: 140 mg
Fat: 11 g
Saturated Fat: 6 g
Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
Trans Fat: 0 g
Carbohydrates: 26 g
Fiber: 1 g
Protein: 3 g
Cholesterol: 60 mg

Keywords: Halloween Swirl Cream Cheese Brownies, Halloween baking ideas, gooey brownies, orange cheesecake brownies, spooky brownies, magical brownies