Halloween Ghost Brownies

Halloween is such a fun time for the family, and each year, we look for creative ways to make our celebrations a little more festive. One recipe that has quickly become a favorite in our household is these adorable Halloween Ghost Brownies. When I first made them for my kids, I wasn’t sure if the spooky little ghosts perched on top would be more of a hit or the gooey, chocolatey brownies themselves. However, it turns out they loved both! These brownies are rich and fudgy, while the marshmallow ghosts add just the right amount of cuteness and a little spooky charm, making them perfect for a Halloween party or a cozy family night in. Plus, they’re so simple to make that the kids can easily help decorate the little ghosts, making it an interactive treat.

Last year, we served these at our family Halloween gathering, and they disappeared before I could even snap a picture. The combination of decadent chocolate and fluffy marshmallow topping is a hit with both kids and adults, making this recipe an annual tradition in our home. Whether you’re throwing a Halloween party or just want a spooky-themed treat for a movie night, these brownies are a must-try. So, let’s get baking!

Ingredients

Here’s everything you’ll need to make these fun and delicious Halloween Ghost Brownies. Most likely, you already have most of these ingredients on hand, and a quick trip to the store will get you everything else you need.

For the Brownies:

• 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter
• 1 ¼ cups granulated sugar
• 1 cup brown sugar, packed
• 4 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• ¾ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips

For the Ghosts:

• 12 large marshmallows
• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 2 tablespoons water
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Black food gel or melted chocolate (for ghost faces)

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Brownie Batter

First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides for easy removal later. Next, in a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Once the butter is fully melted, remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in both the granulated sugar and brown sugar until well combined. Allow the mixture to cool slightly before adding the eggs, one at a time, whisking after each addition. Then, stir in the vanilla extract.

Meanwhile, in a separate large bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, salt, and baking powder. Gradually, add the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients, stirring until just combined. Be careful not to overmix as it could make the brownies tough. Once the batter is well-mixed, fold in the semi-sweet chocolate chips for that extra gooeyness.

Pour the brownie batter into your prepared baking pan and spread it evenly with a spatula. After that, bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with only a few moist crumbs attached. Be cautious not to overbake, as you want these brownies to stay fudgy. Finally, let them cool completely in the pan.

Step 2: Prepare the Marshmallow Ghosts

While the brownies are cooling, it’s time to work on the marshmallow ghosts. This step is what makes the Halloween Ghost Brownies so festive and fun! In a small bowl, mix together the powdered sugar, water, and vanilla extract to form a smooth icing. You want the icing to be thick enough to hold its shape but still easy to pipe. If it’s too thick, add a few more drops of water, and if it’s too thin, mix in a little more powdered sugar.

Place the large marshmallows onto the cooled brownies, spacing them evenly apart (you’ll want about 12 ghosts in total). Next, transfer the icing into a piping bag with a small round tip (or use a plastic bag with a small hole cut in the corner). Starting from the top of each marshmallow, pipe the icing downwards in a circular motion to create the appearance of a flowing ghost sheet. Let the icing set for a few minutes until it firms up slightly.

Step 3: Create the Ghost Faces

Once your marshmallow ghosts have set, it’s time to give them some personality! Using black food gel or melted chocolate, carefully draw two small eyes and a mouth on each marshmallow to complete your little ghost characters. You can use a toothpick or a fine-tipped paintbrush to ensure precision, but don’t worry if the faces aren’t perfect—sometimes the imperfect ones have the most character!

Let the brownies sit for about 10 minutes to fully set before cutting them into squares. Now, your Halloween Ghost Brownies are ready to serve and enjoy! Ultimately, these brownies make for a fun centerpiece at any Halloween party, and they’ll have everyone smiling and reaching for seconds.

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 12 brownies

• Calories per serving: 320
• Fat: 16g
• Carbohydrates: 45g
• Protein: 4g
• Sugar: 32g
• Fiber: 2g
• Cholesterol: 80mg
• Sodium: 150mg

Preparation Time

• Prep Time: 25 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Decorating Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes

How to Serve

Here are a few ways you can serve your Halloween Ghost Brownies to make them even more fun for your guests:

• Arrange them on a spooky platter with Halloween-themed decorations, such as plastic spiders or candy corn.
• Serve with a side of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra indulgent treat.
• Drizzle with chocolate or caramel sauce to add even more richness.
• Create a dessert table with other Halloween-themed treats like mummy cookies or pumpkin cupcakes.
• Wrap them individually in clear treat bags and tie with orange and black ribbon for a cute Halloween party favor.

Additional Tips

Here are some extra tips to make your Halloween Ghost Brownies even better:

1. Use quality cocoa powder: The type of cocoa powder you use will greatly impact the flavor of the brownies. I recommend using a high-quality, unsweetened cocoa powder for the best results.
2. Don’t overbake the brownies: Keep an eye on the brownies as they bake. You want them to remain soft and fudgy in the center, so be sure to check them with a toothpick for doneness.
3. Let the brownies cool completely: It might be tempting to start decorating right away, but make sure the brownies are fully cooled before adding the marshmallow ghosts, or the icing will melt.
4. Get creative with ghost faces: If you have kids, let them have fun decorating the ghost faces. They can make silly, spooky, or even winking ghosts!
5. Use a sharp knife for cutting: To get clean, even slices of brownies, use a sharp knife, and wipe it with a damp cloth between cuts.

Recipe Variations

If you’re looking to switch things up, here are some easy variations to make this recipe your own:

• Pumpkin Spice Brownies: Add 1 teaspoon of pumpkin pie spice to the brownie batter for a fall-inspired twist.
• Nutty Ghost Brownies: Stir in ½ cup of chopped nuts, like pecans or walnuts, for added texture.
• Chocolate Lovers Brownies: Mix in white chocolate chips or swirl in Nutella before baking for an extra chocolatey kick.
• Gluten-Free Version: Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend for a gluten-free option.
• Vegan Ghost Brownies: Use a vegan butter substitute, replace the eggs with flax eggs, and use vegan marshmallows and chocolate chips to make this recipe vegan-friendly.

Health Benefits Notes

While these brownies are definitely a treat, there are a few ingredients that offer some health benefits:

• Cocoa powder: Rich in antioxidants, cocoa powder can improve heart health and reduce inflammation.
• Dark chocolate: The semi-sweet chocolate chips contain less sugar than milk chocolate and provide a dose of iron, magnesium, and fiber.
• Eggs: Eggs provide a good source of high-quality protein, essential for muscle repair and overall health.

Nevertheless, these brownies should be enjoyed in moderation as part of a balanced diet, but knowing that they have some redeeming qualities makes indulging that much sweeter!

Serving Suggestions

Looking for other ways to serve these Halloween Ghost Brownies? Here are some ideas:

• Serve alongside hot chocolate for a cozy fall treat.
• Pair them with a pumpkin spice latte for a double dose of seasonal flavor.
• For a dessert buffet, offer these brownies with apple cider donuts and candy apples to round out your Halloween spread.
• Add them to a Halloween dessert board with a variety of spooky-themed candies, cookies, and cakes.
• Serve with a side of fresh fruit, like strawberries or raspberries, for a lighter contrast to the rich chocolate.

Freezing and Storage

• To store: These brownies can be stored at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 3 days. If you want to keep them fresh for longer, you can refrigerate them for up to a week.
• To freeze: You can freeze these brownies for up to 3 months. Wrap each brownie individually in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. When you’re ready to enjoy them, let them thaw at room temperature or warm them up in the microwave for a few seconds.
• Reheating: If you prefer your brownies warm, pop them in the microwave for 10-15 seconds to get that fresh-out-of-the-oven feel.

Special Equipment

You don’t need much in terms of special equipment, but here are a few tools that will make the process easier:

• 9×13-inch baking pan: To bake the brownies.
• Parchment paper: For easy removal of the brownies from the pan.
• Mixing bowls: For both the brownie batter and the marshmallow icing.
• Electric mixer: While you can mix the batter by hand, an electric mixer makes it much easier.
• Piping bag: To create the ghostly effect on the marshmallows. If you don’t have one, a plastic sandwich bag with the tip cut off works well too.

FAQ Section

1. Can I use store-bought brownie mix?
   Yes! If you’re in a pinch, a store-bought brownie mix will work just fine. Follow the package instructions for baking, then proceed with decorating the marshmallow ghosts.
2. Can I make these brownies ahead of time?
   Absolutely! You can bake the brownies a day in advance, then decorate them with the marshmallow ghosts on the day you plan to serve them.
3. Can I make these brownies gluten-free?
   Yes, simply substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Ensure your other ingredients, like chocolate chips and marshmallows, are also gluten-free.
4. Can I use mini marshmallows instead of large ones?
   It’s best to stick with large marshmallows for the ghost decoration. Mini marshmallows won’t have the same impact or create the ghostly shape.
5. How can I make these vegan?
   To make vegan brownies, use a vegan butter substitute, replace eggs with flax eggs, and use vegan chocolate chips and marshmallows.
6. How long do these brownies last?
   They will stay fresh for up to 3 days at room temperature in an airtight container, or up to a week in the fridge.
7. Can I freeze the brownies?
   Yes, these brownies freeze very well. Simply wrap them individually in plastic wrap, and they’ll keep in the freezer for up to 3 months.
8. Can I use milk chocolate chips instead of semi-sweet?
   You can, but keep in mind that milk chocolate will make the brownies sweeter, so adjust according to your preference.
9. Do I have to add the chocolate chips?
   No, the chocolate chips are optional, but they add extra gooeyness to the brownies.
10. Can I add frosting instead of marshmallows?
    Sure! You can skip the marshmallow ghosts and frost the brownies with a chocolate or vanilla frosting if you prefer.

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Finally, enjoy making these delicious and spooky Halloween Ghost Brownies with your family!