Get ready for Halloween with these Melted Jack O’ Lantern Brownies! This easy, fun, and creative dessert combines fudgy brownies, marshmallows, and vibrant orange chocolate, making it the perfect spooky treat for your Halloween celebrations. The combination of the gooey, chocolatey brownies with the colorful marshmallow topping creates a playful and festive look that’s bound to impress your guests. Whether you’re hosting a party or just enjoying a cozy Halloween evening, these brownies are a must-try!
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The Fun and Easy Halloween Dessert You’ll Love
What makes these Melted Jack O’ Lantern Brownies stand out is their simplicity and fun factor. Unlike many Halloween desserts, this recipe is quick and doesn’t require hours of preparation. In less than two hours, you can have a batch of these delicious brownies ready to share. They’re the perfect mix of chewy, chocolatey goodness topped with a marshmallow Jack O’ Lantern, all covered in a smooth, orange candy coating. Whether you’re new to baking or a seasoned pro, this recipe is beginner-friendly, and it’s sure to be a hit with both kids and adults alike!
Ingredients That Make These Brownies Stand Out
• Unsweetened Cocoa Powder: Gives the brownies that rich, deep chocolate flavor.
• All-Purpose Flour: Provides structure and ensures the brownies have the perfect texture.
• Salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances the chocolate flavor.
• Baking Powder: Helps the brownies rise to just the right consistency.
• Butter: Adds richness and moisture to the brownies.
• Granulated Sugar: Sweetens the brownies without overpowering the chocolate flavor.
• Eggs: Give the brownies a soft and fudgy texture.
• Vanilla Extract: A touch of vanilla enhances the overall flavor.
• Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chunks: Add extra pockets of melty chocolate in every bite.
• Orange Candy Melts: The star of the show, turning these brownies into fun Jack O’ Lanterns.
• Large Marshmallows: Serve as the base for the Jack O’ Lantern faces.
• Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips: Used to create the pumpkin faces and add extra sweetness.
Alternative Ingredient Suggestions
If you’re looking to make some adjustments based on dietary preferences, here are a few substitutions for the Melted Jack O’ Lantern Brownies:
- For a gluten-free version, swap out the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free flour blend.
- If you prefer a dairy-free option, substitute the butter with dairy-free margarine and choose dairy-free chocolate chips and candy melts.
- For a more festive twist, you can use green candy melts to create a different color for the Jack O’ Lanterns or even add edible glitter for a little extra flair!
Step-by-Step Instructions for Melted Jack O’ Lantern Brownies
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease an 8×8-inch square pan. Set it aside.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the cocoa powder, flour, salt, and baking powder.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the melted butter, sugar, eggs, and vanilla. Stir in the dry ingredients and chocolate chunks until everything is just combined.
- Pour the brownie batter into the prepared pan and spread it evenly. Bake for 30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Let the brownies cool completely, then cut them into 9 even squares.
- Line a countertop with parchment paper and place the brownies on top with a little space between each one.
- Melt the orange candy melts according to the package directions. Using a dipping fork or toothpicks, dip each marshmallow into the orange candy coating, ensuring there’s a thick coating. Place each marshmallow on top of a brownie.
- Gently tap the brownies on the countertop to smooth the candy coating over the marshmallow and onto the brownie. You can add a bit more candy coating with a spoon if necessary.
- Before the candy coating hardens, place a chocolate chip on top of each marshmallow to resemble a pumpkin stem.
- Allow the candy coating to harden completely, which should take about 30 minutes.
- For the faces, melt the remaining chocolate chips and use a small piping bag (or a plastic bag with a small tip cut off) to pipe Jack O’ Lantern faces onto the marshmallows.
- Let the chocolate faces harden for about 15 minutes before serving.
Tips & Tricks for Perfect Melted Jack O’ Lantern Brownies
- Be sure the brownies are completely cooled before adding the marshmallows to avoid melting the chocolate.
- For smoother candy coating, tap the brownies gently on the counter. This will help the coating settle perfectly around the marshmallow.
- If you want to get a head start, you can make the brownies a day ahead. Just wait to add the marshmallows and candy coating until you’re ready to serve.
- Store leftover brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
Pairing Ideas and Variations for Halloween Fun
These Melted Jack O’ Lantern Brownies are perfect on their own, but you can always elevate the experience with fun pairings or variations. Consider serving them alongside a Halloween-themed milkshake or a cup of warm apple cider for the ultimate seasonal treat. For a spicier version, try adding a dash of cinnamon or pumpkin spice to the brownie batter for an extra fall flavor twist. If you’re making these for a party, you can even make a batch of brownies with different faces on the Jack O’ Lanterns for added variety!
Halloween Treats That’ll Delight Every Guest
Melted Jack O’ Lantern Brownies are more than just a treat—they’re a conversation starter. With their festive and fun design, they’ll make an impression at any Halloween party. Whether you’re a novice in the kitchen or a baking pro, these brownies offer a quick, simple, and delicious way to celebrate the spooky season. Enjoy the combination of rich brownies, sweet marshmallows, and bright candy melts with every bite.
Conclusion
Melted Jack O’ Lantern Brownies are the perfect Halloween dessert that combines simplicity, creativity, and deliciousness in every bite. These brownies are not only fun to make but also a joy to eat, offering the perfect mix of fudgy chocolate, marshmallow sweetness, and vibrant orange candy coating. Whether you’re hosting a Halloween party or simply enjoying a treat with loved ones, these adorable Jack O’ Lantern brownies are sure to become a seasonal favorite. Don’t forget to experiment with different designs and toppings to personalize your spooky treats!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make the brownies ahead of time?
Yes! You can bake the brownies the day before and store them in an airtight container. Just wait until you’re ready to serve to top them with marshmallows and the orange candy coating for the best texture and appearance.
Can I use a different color of candy melts?
Absolutely! While orange is perfect for the Jack O’ Lantern look, you can experiment with different colors of candy melts to fit your theme. Green, purple, or even white can create a unique spin on this Halloween treat.
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Melted Jack O’ Lantern Brownies
- Total Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
- Yield: 9 brownies 1x
Description
These Melted Jack O’ Lantern Brownies are the perfect Halloween dessert, combining fudgy brownies with marshmallows, orange candy coating, and chocolate faces. Fun and easy to make, they’re the ideal treat for your spooky celebrations!
Ingredients
- ⅓ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon baking powder
- ½ cup (1 stick) butter, melted and cooled slightly
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ cup semi-sweet chocolate chunks
- 1 (12 oz) package orange candy melts
- 9 large marshmallows
- ½ cup semisweet chocolate chips, divided
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease an 8×8-inch square pan. Set it aside.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the cocoa powder, flour, salt, and baking powder.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the melted butter, sugar, eggs, and vanilla. Stir in the dry ingredients and chocolate chunks until everything is just combined.
- Pour the brownie batter into the prepared pan and spread it evenly. Bake for 30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Let the brownies cool completely, then cut them into 9 even squares.
- Line a countertop with parchment paper and place the brownies on top with a little space between each one.
- Melt the orange candy melts according to the package directions. Using a dipping fork or toothpicks, dip each marshmallow into the orange candy coating, ensuring there’s a thick coating. Place each marshmallow on top of a brownie.
- Gently tap the brownies on the countertop to smooth the candy coating over the marshmallow and onto the brownie. You can add a bit more candy coating with a spoon if necessary.
- Before the candy coating hardens, place a chocolate chip on top of each marshmallow to resemble a pumpkin stem.
- Allow the candy coating to harden completely, which should take about 30 minutes.
- For the faces, melt the remaining chocolate chips and use a small piping bag (or a plastic bag with a small tip cut off) to pipe Jack O’ Lantern faces onto the marshmallows.
- Let the chocolate faces harden for about 15 minutes before serving.
Notes
- Be sure the brownies are completely cooled before adding the marshmallows to avoid melting the chocolate.
- For smoother candy coating, tap the brownies gently on the counter. This will help the coating settle perfectly around the marshmallow.
- If you want to get a head start, you can make the brownies a day ahead. Just wait to add the marshmallows and candy coating until you’re ready to serve.
- Store leftover brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 45 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 brownie
- Calories: 267 kcal
- Sugar: 39g
- Sodium: 97mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 41mg
