Ghost Brownies have become my absolute favorite Halloween treat, and I’m so excited to share this simple recipe with you! I remember the first time I made these, my kitchen filled with the sweet scent of chocolate and vanilla, and my little niece’s eyes lit up with pure joy seeing the cute little ghosts peeking out from the fudgy brownie base. These aren’t just any brownies; they’re little bites of spooky fun that are perfect for parties or just a fun afternoon baking project. The combination of rich chocolate and sweet, marshmallowy ghosts is simply irresistible. Let’s get cooking these fun Halloween Ghost Brownies!
Why You’ll Love These Ghost Brownies
These aren’t just any brownies; they’re a crowd-pleaser for so many reasons! Get ready to fall in love with this Spooky Brownies Recipe:
- Incredible Taste: Rich, fudgy chocolate brownies topped with sweet, fluffy marshmallow ghosts create a delightful flavor combination.
- Super Quick Prep: With a prep time of only 15 minutes, you can whip these up even on a busy weeknight.
- Family-Friendly Fun: Kids adore these, and they’re a fantastic activity for little hands to help with.
- Budget-Conscious Treat: Made with common pantry staples, these are an affordable way to get into the Halloween spirit.
- Visually Appealing: The cute ghost shapes make them perfect for Halloween parties and bake sales.
- Easy to Make: Even if you’re new to baking, this recipe is straightforward and forgiving.
- Versatile: They fit perfectly into any Spooky Brownies Recipe collection for the season.
- Memorable Halloween Baking: They’re guaranteed to be a hit and create lasting memories.
Ingredients for Halloween Ghost Brownies
Gathering your ingredients is the first step to making these Easy Ghost Brownies. You’ll need the usual suspects for a delicious brownie base, plus a few simple items to create those adorable ghosts. The richness of the chocolate brownie is perfectly balanced by the sweet, fluffy marshmallow and smooth white chocolate, making these a truly delightful treat.
- 1 box brownie mix (plus ingredients listed on the box) OR ½ cup (115g) unsalted butter – Use your favorite mix or make from scratch for a richer flavor.
- 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar – Sweetens the brownie base.
- 2 large eggs – Bind the brownie ingredients together.
- 1 tsp vanilla extract – Enhances the chocolate flavor.
- ⅓ cup (40g) cocoa powder – For that deep chocolatey goodness.
- ½ cup (65g) all-purpose flour – Gives the brownies structure.
- ¼ tsp salt – Balances the sweetness.
- ¼ tsp baking powder – For a slight lift in the brownie.
- 12 large marshmallows – These will be the bodies of our cute ghosts.
- 1 cup (225g) white chocolate chips or candy melts – The perfect coating to create the draped ghost effect.
- Candy eyeballs – Essential for giving our ghosts their spooky personality!
- Black decorating gel or melted dark chocolate – For drawing those classic ghost faces.
How to Make Ghost Brownies
Ready to bring these spooky treats to life? Following these steps will guide you through making these adorable Halloween Ghost Brownies. It’s a fun process, and the results are always worth it!
- Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). If you’re using a brownie mix, prepare the batter according to the package directions. If you’re making them from scratch, mix your ingredients until just combined. Bake in a prepared 8×8 or 9×9-inch pan for 20–25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with moist crumbs attached. Let the brownies cool completely in the pan. This is a crucial step for how to make Ghost Brownies successfully, as warm brownies will melt your toppings.
- Step 2: Once your brownie base is completely cool, carefully slice it into 12 even squares. Gently place one large marshmallow onto the top of each brownie square. These marshmallows will form the bodies of our cute ghosts.
- Step 3: Now, let’s melt that white chocolate! Place the white chocolate chips or candy melts in a microwave-safe bowl. Heat in 20-second intervals, stirring well after each, until the chocolate is completely smooth and melted. Be careful not to overheat it.
- Step 4: Spoon about a tablespoon of the melted white chocolate over each marshmallow. Use the back of the spoon to coax the chocolate down the sides of the marshmallow, creating a draped, ghostly effect. While the chocolate is still warm and slightly gooey, gently press two candy eyeballs onto each marshmallow ghost.
- Step 5: Once the candy eyes are in place, it’s time for the faces! Using black decorating gel or a little bit of melted dark chocolate (you can melt a few dark chocolate chips), carefully draw little ghost faces onto the white chocolate coating. You can make them spooky, silly, or sweet!
- Step 6: Allow the brownies to sit at room temperature until the white chocolate has firmed up. This usually takes about 15-20 minutes.
- Step 7: Serve your delightful Ghost Brownies immediately or store them for later. Enjoy your homemade Halloween baking!
Preparing the Brownie Base
The foundation of your Ghost Brownies is a perfectly baked brownie. Whether you use a convenient box mix or a favorite homemade recipe, ensure you bake it in a lined 8×8 or 9×9-inch pan. Bake for the recommended time, usually around 20-25 minutes, until a toothpick comes out with moist crumbs. Cooling them completely is essential before adding the ghost decorations.
Creating the Ghost Topping
Getting that iconic ghost look is simple! After the brownies have cooled, place a large marshmallow on each square. Melt your white chocolate chips or candy melts until smooth, then spoon a generous amount over each marshmallow, letting it drip down the sides like a spooky cloak. This step is key to achieving that classic draped ghost appearance.
Adding the Ghostly Details
Now for the fun part – bringing your ghosts to life! While the white chocolate is still soft, gently press candy eyeballs onto each marshmallow. For the mouths and any other facial features, use black decorating gel or a small amount of melted dark chocolate. This is where you can get creative and give each of your Ghost Brownies a unique personality!
Pro Tips for the Best Ghost Brownies
Want to make your Halloween Ghost Brownies truly spectacular? I’ve picked up a few tricks over the years that make all the difference:
- Cool Completely: Seriously, don’t rush the cooling process! Warm brownies will melt your marshmallows and white chocolate, making the ghost shapes messy. Patience is key for perfect Ghostly Brownies.
- Quality White Chocolate: Using good quality white chocolate or candy melts ensures a smooth, melt-in-your-mouth coating for your ghosts. Cheaper versions can seize up or become grainy.
- Work in Batches: Melt your white chocolate in smaller batches as needed. This way, it won’t harden before you can get it onto all your marshmallows and add the candy eyes.
- Gentle Handling: Brownies can be delicate, especially when warm. Handle them gently when slicing and placing marshmallows to avoid breakage.
- Get Creative with Faces: Don’t be afraid to let your personality shine through! Draw silly, spooky, or even happy faces on your ghosts – it’s part of the fun of Halloween Baking Ghost Brownies.
What’s the secret to perfect Ghostly Brownies?
The biggest secret is ensuring your brownie base is completely cool before adding the marshmallows. This prevents the marshmallow from melting too much and helps the white chocolate set cleanly, giving you those crisp, defined White Chocolate Ghost Brownies.
Can I make Ghost Brownies ahead of time?
Yes, you absolutely can! You can bake the brownie base a day or two in advance and store it at room temperature. Decorate them the day you plan to serve them for the freshest look, or store the decorated brownies in an airtight container.
How do I avoid common mistakes with Halloween Ghost Brownies?
A common pitfall is trying to decorate warm brownies, which makes a mess. Also, avoid overheating your white chocolate; melt it slowly and in short bursts. Finally, don’t overmix your brownie batter, as this can lead to tough brownies.
Best Ways to Serve Ghost Brownies
These fun Halloween Ghost Brownies are versatile and can be served in so many delightful ways! They’re perfect for a spooky Halloween party spread or as a special treat for movie night. Consider pairing them with a cold glass of milk or a warm mug of apple cider for a comforting contrast to the rich chocolate. They also make a fantastic addition to a dessert buffet, alongside other Ghostly Dessert Ideas like pumpkin cookies or caramel apples. For an extra festive touch, arrange them on a tiered stand or a platter decorated with Halloween-themed confetti.
Nutrition Facts for Ghost Brownies
When you’re enjoying these fun treats, it’s helpful to know what you’re getting. Here’s a breakdown of the estimated nutritional information per brownie:
- Calories: 240
- Fat: 11g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Protein: 2g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 22g
- Sodium: 150mg
Nutritional values are estimates and may vary based on specific ingredients used.
How to Store and Reheat Ghost Brownies
Once your spooky creations are complete, you’ll want to keep them fresh and delicious. Proper storage is key for these Ghost Brownies for Halloween. Make sure the brownies are completely cooled before storing. For short-term storage, place them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you need to keep them longer, they can be refrigerated for about 3-4 days; just be aware that refrigeration can slightly harden the brownies. For long-term preservation, you can freeze the un-decorated brownie bases for up to 2 months. Wrap them well in plastic wrap and then foil to prevent freezer burn.
Reheating isn’t usually necessary, as they are best enjoyed at room temperature. However, if your refrigerated brownies feel a bit too firm, you can gently warm them in the microwave for just a few seconds. Be very careful not to overheat, as this can melt the decorations!
Frequently Asked Questions About Ghost Brownies
Can I make Ghost Brownies with cream cheese frosting?
While this recipe focuses on marshmallow ghosts, you absolutely can adapt it! You could add a layer of cream cheese frosting on top of the cooled brownie base before adding the marshmallow and white chocolate ghost. This would add an extra tangy flavor dimension to your Cute Ghost Brownies.
What’s the easiest way to make Ghost Shaped Brownies?
The easiest method is exactly what we’ve outlined: bake a batch of brownies, let them cool completely, place a marshmallow on top of each piece, and then cover the marshmallow with melted white chocolate to create the ghost shape. Adding candy eyes and drawing faces with decorating gel is the final simple step to these Cute Ghost Brownies.
Can I use different types of chocolate for the ghosts?
You can certainly experiment! While white chocolate is classic for its opaque ghost appearance, you could try milk chocolate or dark chocolate for the “draping.” Just be aware that darker chocolates might make it harder to see the candy eyes and drawn faces, so you might need brighter decorating gel for the features.
How do I store leftovers of these Halloween Ghost Brownies?
To keep your Cute Ghost Brownies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If your kitchen is warm, or if you want them to last a bit longer, you can refrigerate them for up to 4 days, though they might firm up slightly.
Variations of Ghost Brownies You Can Try
Looking to mix things up or cater to different needs? These variations on the classic Ghost Brownies are fantastic ways to enjoy this spooky treat. Whether you’re aiming for a dietary modification or just want to experiment with flavors, there’s a fun twist for everyone. They’re all still part of a wonderfully Simple Ghost Brownie Recipe at heart!
- Gluten-Free Ghost Brownies: Easily adapt this recipe by using a gluten-free brownie mix or your favorite gluten-free flour blend for the homemade batter. The ghost decorations remain the same, ensuring a delicious, spooky treat without the gluten.
- Vegan Ghost Brownies: For a dairy-free and egg-free option, use a vegan brownie mix or recipe. Replace the eggs with a flax egg or applesauce, and use plant-based milk. For the ghosts, opt for vegan marshmallows and dairy-free white chocolate.
- Mint Chocolate Ghost Brownies: Add a few drops of peppermint extract to your brownie batter for a refreshing minty twist. This pairs wonderfully with the sweetness of the white chocolate ghosts, creating a delightful flavor combination.
- Mini Ghost Brownies: Instead of cutting into 12 squares, use a mini muffin tin to bake smaller, bite-sized brownies. You’ll need mini marshmallows and fewer candy eyes per brownie, making them perfect for little hands or a large party spread.
Ghost Brownies: Easy Adorable Halloween Treat
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 12 brownies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Create spooky, fudgy, and fun Ghost Brownies for Halloween. These easy treats feature chocolate brownie bases topped with adorable marshmallow ghosts and candy eyes, perfect for parties and kids.
Ingredients
- 1 box brownie mix (plus ingredients listed on the box) OR ½ cup (115g) unsalted butter
- 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ⅓ cup (40g) cocoa powder
- ½ cup (65g) all-purpose flour
- ¼ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp baking powder
- 12 large marshmallows
- 1 cup (225g) white chocolate chips or candy melts
- Candy eyeballs
- Black decorating gel or melted dark chocolate
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare boxed mix or homemade batter and bake in a lined 8×8 or 9×9-inch pan for 20–25 minutes. Cool completely.
- Slice cooled brownies into 12 squares and place a marshmallow on each.
- Microwave white chocolate chips in 20-second intervals until smooth.
- Spoon melted chocolate over each marshmallow to form a draped ghost shape. Add candy eyes while chocolate is still warm.
- Once set, draw ghost faces using black decorating gel or melted dark chocolate.
- Let brownies rest until chocolate firms up.
- Serve and enjoy your Ghost Brownies.
Notes
- Cool brownies completely to prevent marshmallows and chocolate from melting.
- Use quality white chocolate for smooth draping over ghosts.
- Decorate in batches so chocolate doesn’t harden before adding eyes.
- Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days or freeze un-decorated brownies for up to 2 months.
- Let kids draw their own spooky or silly faces for a fun activity.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 brownie
- Calories: 240
- Sugar: 22g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 11g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 30mg