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Best Fudgy Halloween Brownies with Orange Cream Cheese Swirl

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Rich, fudgy brownies swirled with a tangy orange cream cheese mixture, perfect for Halloween or any occasion. This easy recipe delivers a sophisticated chocolate-orange flavor in under an hour.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1/2 cup (113g) unsalted butter, melted and slightly cooled
  • 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
  • 2 large eggs, room temperature
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/2 cup (60g) unsweetened cocoa powder (preferably Dutch-process)
  • 1/2 cup (65g) all-purpose flour, spooned and leveled
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
  • 4 oz (113g) cream cheese, softened
  • 2 tablespoons (25g) granulated sugar
  • 1 large egg yolk
  • 1 teaspoon orange extract
  • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving overhang on two sides. Lightly grease the parchment with butter or nonstick spray.
  2. In a large microwave-safe bowl, melt the butter in 30-second intervals until fully melted. Let cool for about 2 minutes.
  3. Add the granulated sugar to the melted butter and whisk until combined. Add the eggs one at a time, whisking well after each. Stir in the vanilla extract until smooth and glossy.
  4. Sift the cocoa powder, flour, salt, and baking powder over the wet mixture. Fold gently with a rubber spatula until no white streaks remain. Do not overmix.
  5. In a separate medium bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with an electric mixer until smooth. Add the sugar and beat until fluffy. Mix in the egg yolk, orange extract, and vanilla extract. Add the flour and beat just until combined.
  6. Pour about two-thirds of the brownie batter into the prepared pan and spread evenly. Drop spoonfuls of the cream cheese mixture over the batter. Drizzle the remaining brownie batter on top. Use a butter knife or skewer to swirl the two together with a few figure-eight motions.
  7. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with a few moist crumbs. The edges should look set and slightly pulling away from the pan.
  8. Place the pan on a wire rack and let the brownies cool completely in the pan. Once cool, use the parchment overhang to lift the brownies out and cut into squares.

Notes

For best results, use room temperature eggs and cream cheese. Do not overbake; fudgy brownies should look slightly underdone when removed from the oven. The flavors develop overnight, so consider making them a day ahead. For a gluten-free version, use a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend. For a dairy-free version, use vegan butter and dairy-free cream cheese.

Nutrition

Keywords: Halloween brownies, fudgy brownies, orange cream cheese brownies, chocolate orange brownies, easy brownie recipe

Find it online: https://cravemila.com/best-fudgy-halloween-brownies-with-orange-cream-cheese-swirl/