Halloween is just around the corner, and I’m already dreaming up spooky treats! One of my favorite things to bake for the holiday is these delightful Jack-O’-Lantern Brownies. They’re super easy to make and perfect for little hands to help with the decorating—a win-win for a fun family activity.
Imagine a platter of fudgy brownies, dressed up in vibrant orange frosting and sporting cheerful jack-o’-lantern grins. These aren’t your average Halloween treats; they are a feast for the eyes and a delight for the taste buds. The best part? They come together with minimal effort, so you can spend less time in the kitchen and more time enjoying the spooky season.
Why You’ll Love It
These Jack-O’-Lantern Brownies aren’t just a delicious treat; they’re a fun and festive addition to any Halloween celebration. They’re incredibly easy to make, thanks to the shortcut of using a boxed brownie mix, which is a lifesaver during the busy holiday season. Plus, decorating the brownies is an enjoyable activity for both kids and adults, turning baking into a shared experience. Everyone can get involved in creating these spooky, smiling treats!
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Jack-O’-Lantern Brownies
- Total Time: 40-45 mins
- Yield: 16 brownies
Description
These easy Jack-O’-Lantern Brownies are a festive Halloween treat. Made with a boxed brownie mix, orange frosting, and black gel icing, they’re perfect for a spooky celebration. Get creative with decorating the jack-o’-lantern faces!
Ingredients
- One box of your favorite brownie mix (plus the ingredients called for on the box, such as eggs, oil, and water)
- One-half cup of orange frosting
- Black gel icing for decorating
Instructions
- Preheat your oven and grease an 8×8 inch baking pan. Prepare the brownie mix according to the package directions.
- Pour the batter into the prepared pan, spread evenly, and bake as directed on the box (usually 25-30 minutes). Check for doneness with a toothpick.
- Let the brownies cool completely in the pan before frosting.
- Frost the entire top surface of the cooled brownies evenly with orange frosting.
- Use black gel icing to draw jack-o’-lantern faces on each brownie.
Notes
Use a piping bag or a ziplock bag with a corner snipped off for easy decorating. For a cleaner cut, score the brownies before cutting them. If making your own frosting, let it cool completely before spreading on the brownies. Store leftover brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 25-30 mins
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredient Lowdown
Here’s what you’ll need to make these adorable Jack-O’-Lantern Brownies:
- One box of your favorite brownie mix (plus the ingredients called for on the box, such as eggs, oil, and water). You can use any brownie mix flavor.
- One-half cup of orange frosting. You can buy pre-made frosting or make your own.
- Black gel icing for decorating the jack-o’-lantern faces.
These simple ingredients come together to create a showstopping dessert.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Brownie Batter
Preheat your oven according to the instructions on the brownie mix box. Grease a square 8×8 inch baking pan. Prepare the brownie mix according to the package directions. This usually involves combining the brownie mix with eggs, oil, and water.
Step 2: Bake the Brownies
Pour the brownie batter into the prepared baking pan. Spread it evenly. Bake according to the instructions on the box. The baking time will vary depending on the type of brownie mix you use, but it’s usually around 25-30 minutes. Check for doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center; it should come out with a few moist crumbs attached.
Step 3: Cool the Brownies
Once the brownies are baked, let them cool completely in the pan before frosting. This step is crucial to prevent the frosting from melting.
Step 4: Frost the Brownies
Once the brownies have cooled, frost the entire top surface of the brownies evenly with the orange frosting.
Step 5: Decorate the Brownies
Use the black gel icing to draw jack-o’-lantern faces on each brownie. Get creative with the faces; some can be spooky, some can be silly, and some can be surprised!
Smart Tips & Tricks
Here are a few tips to make your Jack-O’-Lantern Brownies extra special:
- Line your baking pan with parchment paper for easy removal and cleanup. Consider using our silicone baking mats for perfect results.
- Let the brownies cool completely before frosting them, or the frosting will melt. This step will help ensure your design stays intact.
- Use a piping bag or toothpick to create the jack-o’-lantern faces. If you don’t have a piping bag, a ziplock bag with a tiny corner snipped off works just as well. You can find more handy kitchen tips on our blog!
Flavor Twists
- Chocolate Orange Delight: Use a chocolate orange brownie mix and add a teaspoon of orange zest to the batter for an extra citrusy kick. Garnish with chocolate shavings. Explore more brownie recipes here.
- Spooky Mint Brownies: Opt for a mint chocolate brownie mix and use green-tinted frosting. Draw spooky ghost faces with white gel icing. Add crushed peppermint candies for extra crunch.
- Spiced Pumpkin Brownies: Bake pumpkin spice brownies and frost them with cream cheese frosting. Decorate with Halloween-themed sprinkles for an autumnal twist.
Can I use a different kind of brownie mix?
You can use any type of brownie mix you like for this recipe, whether it’s fudgy, cakey, or even gluten-free. Just make sure you follow the baking instructions on the box for best results.
Can I use other decorations besides black gel icing?
Absolutely! Get creative with the decorations. You can use different colored frosting, sprinkles, candy eyes, or even edible markers to personalize your jack-o’-lanterns.
Can I make these brownies ahead of time?
Yes, you can bake the brownies ahead of time and store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. You can also freeze the unfrosted brownies for up to 2 months.
Can I make mini jack-o’-lantern brownies?
To make mini jack-o’-lantern brownies, use a mini muffin tin and adjust the baking time accordingly. You may need to reduce the baking time by about one-third.
How to Serve
These Jack-O’-Lantern Brownies are perfect for Halloween parties, classroom celebrations, or simply a fun family dessert. Serve them on a festive platter with some Halloween candy, or pair them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a simple but crowd-pleasing dessert. For more spooky treats, check out our ghost meringue cookies recipe.
That’s a Wrap
These Jack-O’-Lantern Brownies are the perfect spooky treat to share this Halloween. They’re easy to make, fun to decorate, and guaranteed to bring a smile to everyone’s face. The rich, fudgy brownies combined with the sweet orange frosting and playful jack-o’-lantern faces make them a delightful dessert for all ages. Plus, they look fantastic on a Halloween dessert spread alongside our Pumpkin Pie recipe! So, gather your little monsters, preheat your oven, and get ready to create these adorable Halloween goodies. Don’t forget to share your spooky creations with me on social media! Find me on Pinterest, Instagram, and Facebook.
