17 Brownies That Work for Halloween and Beyond
Brownies are one of the easiest desserts to make, but that doesn’t mean they have to be boring. These recipes cover a little bit of everything: fudgy classics, bold mashups, holiday ideas, and small-batch versions for when you don’t want leftovers. Some lean rich and chocolatey with candy swirled in, while others bring in fruit, matcha, cream cheese, or even black beans for something unexpected.
Coffee Brownies for Two
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This small batch recipe bakes just enough for a cozy night in. Espresso adds depth to the chocolate without overpowering it. The texture stays rich and slightly gooey in the center. Easy to mix by hand and ready in about 30 minutes.
Get the Recipe: Coffee Brownies for Two
Classic Brownies
Simple, chocolate-forward, and always reliable. These brownies have that shiny, crackly top with a dense, chewy middle. No fancy ingredients needed, just the basics done right. Great on their own or with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
Get the Recipe: Classic Brownies
Candy Cookie Brownies
A mix of crushed cookies and chopped candy makes these brownies sweet, chewy, and full of surprises. The cookie bits give a little crunch while the candy melts into the batter. It’s a mashup that always disappears fast. Best cooled completely before slicing.
Get the Recipe: Candy Cookie Brownies
Best Black Bean Brownies
Black beans replace flour in this rich, fudgy version. The result is dense and chocolatey with a texture close to a flourless cake. You can’t taste the beans, but they give structure and moisture. A blender makes the prep easy.
Get the Recipe: Best Black Bean Brownies
Buckeye Brownies
A thick peanut butter layer sits between fudgy brownie and a rich chocolate topping. Inspired by the candy, it’s a must for chocolate and peanut butter fans. These cut cleanly into layered squares. Chill before serving for the best texture.
Get the Recipe: Buckeye Brownies
Caramel Apple Cheesecake Brownie
This layered dessert combines brownie, apple chunks, caramel, and a swirl of cheesecake. It’s gooey, rich, and packed with fall flavors. Each layer adds something different. Serve chilled or at room temperature.
Get the Recipe: Caramel Apple Cheesecake Brownie
Caramel Swirl Brownies
Caramel is swirled into the batter before baking, creating ribbons of sweetness in every bite. The edges get chewy while the center stays soft. A pinch of salt on top brings out the flavor even more. No toppings needed, but always welcome.
Get the Recipe: Caramel Swirl Brownies
Dirt and Worms Brownies
Crushed cookies and gummy worms turn this into a fun, kid-friendly dessert. The brownies act as the “dirt,” rich and chocolatey underneath. Top with a layer of pudding or frosting if you want extra texture. Fun to make and even better to eat.
Get the Recipe: Dirt and Worms Brownies
Cosmic Brownies
Inspired by the lunchbox favorite, these have a dense texture and smooth chocolate topping. Rainbow chips or sprinkles add color and crunch. They’re soft, rich, and full of nostalgia. Chill before slicing for clean edges.
Get the Recipe: Cosmic Brownies
Matcha Brownies
These green tea brownies have a mild, earthy sweetness and a blondie-style base. The matcha color makes them stand out on any dessert table. White chocolate chips work well in the mix. Bake just until set to keep them chewy.
Get the Recipe: Matcha Brownies
Chocolate Pumpkin Brownies
Pumpkin adds moisture and warm spice to this chocolate-heavy treat. Swirl it into the batter or mix it all the way through. The result is fudgy with a little fall flavor in every bite. Pairs well with a sprinkle of cinnamon or nutmeg.
Get the Recipe: Chocolate Pumpkin Brownies
Halloween Mummy Brownies
Decorated with white chocolate or frosting to look like mummies, these are a hit for Halloween parties. Candy eyes bring the look together. Start with any brownie base you like. Let them cool before decorating so the toppings hold.
Get the Recipe: Halloween Mummy Brownies
Double Chocolate Cherry Brownies
Chopped cherries and extra chocolate chips make these brownies rich and slightly fruity. The cherries add bursts of sweetness and moisture. Great for anyone who loves a cherry-chocolate combo. Cool completely before slicing for clean edges.
Get the Recipe: Double Chocolate Cherry Brownies
Cream Cheese Brownies
A layer of sweetened cream cheese is swirled into rich brownie batter. The two bake together into a soft, marbled dessert. Every bite has tangy and chocolatey notes. Chill before slicing to keep the swirl looking sharp.
Get the Recipe: Cream Cheese Brownies
Leftover Halloween Candy Brownies
Chop up whatever’s left from trick-or-treating and fold it into the batter. Think chocolate bars, peanut butter cups, or M&Ms. It’s an easy way to use it all up without making it feel like leftovers. Bake and slice once cooled.
Get the Recipe: Leftover Halloween Candy Brownies
Homemade Cosmic Brownies
This version recreates the store-bought kind but with deeper chocolate flavor and a ganache topping. Rainbow sprinkles or candy-coated chips finish the look. The texture stays soft and fudgy. Chill to firm up the top layer before slicing.
Get the Recipe: Homemade Cosmic Brownies
Lemon Brownies
A citrusy take that swaps cocoa for lemon juice and zest. The texture is dense like a brownie but bright and sweet. Often topped with a lemon glaze for extra zing. A nice change when you want something light but rich.
Get the Recipe: Lemon Brownies
