How to Make a Fun and Easy Halloween Dessert

Looking for a fun and easy Halloween dessert? These Halloween cream cheese brownies are a fun treat for kids, adults, and parties (whenever those are safe again)!

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In normal times, we attend a costume party each year with several other families. It is potluck style, so I try to bring a festive food that is simple and kid friendly. I’ve drawn jack-o-lantern faces on clementines and done macaroni and cheese in clear cups that I put a pumpkin face on in the past. Apparently, my creativity was limited to drawing faces on things!

Last year I decided to venture into desserts, but still wanted something simple. Enter these orange swirled cheesecake brownies. Basically, you get a box of Pillsbury Cheesecake Swirl Brownie Mix and add orange food coloring to the cream cheese filling mixture. The result is a quick and easy Halloween dessert that feels homemade.

Be sure to use the leftover food colors for this DIY Rainbow Sensory Rice.

Ingredients for Halloween Swirl Brownies

For brownies:

1 box of Pillsbury Cheesecake Swirl Brownie Mix
1/3 cup vegetable oil
3 Tbsp. water
1 egg

For filling:

2 Tbsp. water
1 egg
Orange food color gel

How to Make the Brownies:

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. For the brownie portion, I followed the instructions on the box. Combine the brownie mix, oil, water, and egg in a bowl and stir 50 strokes with a spoon. Then pour into an 8 x 8 square pan prepared with nonstick spray.

How to Make Orange Filling:

Combine cheesecake filling mix, water, and egg in a glass or metal bowl to avoid staining. Stir until smooth. Then add orange food color gel until you get the desired color. I recommend only adding a few drops at a time to make sure you don’t get too much.

Then drop the orange filling by spoonfuls onto the brownie batter. Drag a butter knife through the brownies to swirl the filling throughout.

: Drop filling by spoonfuls

: Then swirl with a butter knife

Bake according to package directions. For me, it was 36 to 39 minutes for an 8 x 8 pan.

Cut and serve once completely cooled.

Enjoy Your Easy Halloween Dessert

The deep chocolate color and orange cheesecake filling contrast for an easy Halloween-themed treat! You could add Halloween cupcake toppers for even more festive fun.

What is your go-to Halloween party recipe? Let me know in the comments below. And be sure to check out my 13 Unique Costume Ideas post for more great ways to celebrate this year.