What are the 5 ingredient brownies

Five ingredient brownies are a simplified version of traditional brownies made with only the essentials: sugar, eggs, cocoa powder, flour, and oil. These ingredients create a rich, chewy base without needing butter or chocolate chips. They’re perfect when you want a quick, no-fuss dessert. While these simple brownies are delicious on their own, adding the cream cheese swirl transforms them into something even more special, giving a festive Halloween twist to an easy recipe.

What is the secret to perfect brownies

The secret to perfect brownies lies in balance. Use high-quality cocoa powder, don’t overmix the batter, and avoid overbaking. Always take your brownies out of the oven when the center is slightly underdone. They will firm up as they cool, giving that ideal fudgy texture. Another trick is using oil instead of butter for extra moisture. For Halloween Cream Cheese Swirl Brownies, letting them cool completely before slicing ensures clean, beautiful swirls and the best flavor.

What are grandma’s four ingredient brownies

Grandma’s four ingredient brownies are the ultimate old-fashioned recipe that’s both nostalgic and simple. They typically use sugar, eggs, cocoa powder, and flour. Some versions include a pinch of salt or vanilla for flavor. These brownies are proof that you don’t need a long ingredient list to make something indulgent. Adding a cream cheese swirl and a touch of orange coloring turns this classic into a Halloween masterpiece that keeps grandma’s simplicity but adds a spooky charm.

When to add cream cheese to brownies

The best time to add the cream cheese layer is right after you’ve poured the brownie batter into the pan. Spread the cream cheese mixture evenly on top, then drop spoonfuls of reserved brownie batter over it. Use a skewer or knife to swirl the two layers together before baking. Adding the cream cheese layer too early or too late can affect texture, so layering just before baking gives you those signature marbled streaks and smooth contrast.

Halloween Cream Cheese Swirl Brownies – The Best Spooky Dessert Recipe (2025)

Description

Halloween Cream Cheese Swirl Brownies feature a rich dark chocolate base layered with smooth orange-tinted cheesecake, swirled together into a perfectly spooky dessert.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Brownie Layer:

1 cup granulated sugar

½ cup all purpose flour

½ cup Hershey’s Special Dark cocoa powder

½ tsp salt

¼ tsp baking powder

2 large eggs

⅓ cup vegetable oil

1 tsp vanilla extract

For the Cream Cheese Layer:

8 oz cream cheese (room temp)

¼ cup granulated sugar

1 large egg

½ tsp vanilla extract

orange food coloring

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Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F and line an 8×8 baking dish with parchment.

2. In a medium bowl, mix dry ingredients for brownie base.

3. In another bowl, whisk eggs, oil, and vanilla, then combine with dry mix.

4. Reserve ¼ cup brownie batter, pour rest into baking dish.

5. In another bowl, blend cream cheese, sugar, egg, and vanilla until smooth.

6. Stir in orange food coloring.

7. Spread cream cheese layer over brownie batter.

8. Drop brownie batter over top and swirl with skewer.

9. Bake for 30–35 minutes or until center is set.

10. Cool completely before slicing.

Notes

Store covered in the fridge up to 4 days.

To freeze, wrap individually and freeze up to 3 months.

Double recipe for a 9×13 pan.

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

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 brownie
Calories: 357
Sugar: 29g
Sodium: 232mg
Fat: 23g
Saturated Fat: 16g
Unsaturated Fat: 6g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 37g
Fiber: 2g
Protein: 5g
Cholesterol: 82mg