Witches’ Brew Swirl Brownies (Print View)

Rich, fudgy brownies swirled with green cheesecake, perfect for a spooky, vegetarian Halloween dessert.

# Components:

→ Brownie Layer

01 - 1 cup all-purpose flour
02 - 1 1/4 cups granulated sugar
03 - 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
04 - 2/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
05 - 2 large eggs
06 - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
07 - 1/2 teaspoon salt
08 - 1/2 teaspoon baking powder

→ Swirl (Cheesecake) Layer

09 - 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
10 - 1/4 cup granulated sugar
11 - 1 large egg
12 - 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
13 - 1/4 teaspoon green gel food coloring, or as desired

→ Optional Decoration

14 - Candy eyeballs
15 - Halloween sprinkles

# Directions:

01 - Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9x9-inch baking pan with parchment paper, allowing an overhang for easy removal.
02 - In a large bowl, whisk together melted butter and granulated sugar until combined. Add eggs and vanilla extract; whisk until smooth.
03 - Sift the flour, cocoa powder, salt, and baking powder into the wet mixture. Fold together just until combined, ensuring not to overmix.
04 - Transfer about three-quarters of the brownie batter evenly into the prepared pan.
05 - In a separate bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth. Add sugar, egg, and vanilla extract. Mix on medium speed until creamy, then tint with green gel food coloring to achieve the desired shade.
06 - Dollop spoonfuls of the green cheesecake mixture over the brownie batter. Spoon remaining brownie batter in small amounts over the top.
07 - Use a knife or skewer to gently swirl the cheesecake and brownie mixtures together, forming a marbled pattern.
08 - Sprinkle with candy eyeballs and Halloween-themed sprinkles, if desired.
09 - Bake for 33 to 36 minutes, or until the center is set and a toothpick inserted comes out with a few fudgy crumbs.
10 - Allow to cool completely in the pan. Lift out using the parchment paper overhang and slice into squares.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • Simple steps and straightforward ingredients perfect for beginners
  • Rich chocolaty brownies paired with tangy cheesecake for a balanced bite
  • Customizable colors to match your holiday mood and theme
  • Keeps well for parties and afternoon snacks
  • Makes a festive dessert people remember long after the last bite
02 -
  • Vegetarian friendly treat with a dramatic look
  • Perfect make-ahead dessert for parties and gifting
  • Cheesecake swirl keeps brownies moist for days
03 -
  • Soften cream cheese fully to avoid lumps in your swirl
  • Always use parchment paper for fuss free removal and neat cutting
  • Do not overmix the batters swirl gently for a dramatic marbled look
  • If you find edges baking faster than the center cloak them loosely in foil halfway through to keep the whole pan perfectly gooey