Melted Jack O’ Lantern Brownies

These Melted Jack O’ Lantern Brownies are a delightful Halloween treat that combines rich, fudgy brownies with fun, festive decorations. Perfect for parties or family gatherings, these brownies are sure to impress both kids and adults alike. With their vibrant orange coating and playful jack-o-lantern faces, they stand out as a unique dessert option that everyone will enjoy!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Fun for All Ages: Kids and adults alike love the creative process of decorating these brownies.
• Simple Ingredients: Made with common pantry items, these brownies are easy to whip up at home.
• Versatile Treat: Great for Halloween parties, school events, or just a fun family baking day.
• Decadent Flavor: The combination of chocolate and marshmallow delivers a rich taste that satisfies any sweet tooth.
• Eye-Catching Presentation: The playful jack-o-lantern design makes them an attractive addition to any dessert table.

Tools and Preparation

Before getting started on your Melted Jack O’ Lantern Brownies, gather your tools and prepare your kitchen. Having everything ready will make the process smoother and more enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• 8×8-inch square pan
• Mixing bowls
• Whisk
• Spatula
• Parchment paper
• Dipping forks or toothpicks
• Small piping bag (or plastic baggie)

Importance of Each Tool

• Mixing bowls: Essential for combining ingredients without spillages.
• Spatula: Helps in spreading the brownie batter evenly in the pan.
• Piping bag: Allows for precise decoration of jack-o-lantern faces.

Ingredients

For the Brownies

• 1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 cup (1 stick) butter (melted and cooled slightly)
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup semi-sweet chocolate chunks

For the Decoration

• 1 (12 oz) package orange candy melts
• 9 large vegan marshmallows
• 1/2 cup semisweet chocolate chips (divided)

How to Make Melted Jack O’ Lantern Brownies

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F. Grease an 8×8-inch square pan and set it aside.

Step 2: Prepare the Brownie Batter

In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together:
– Cocoa powder
– Flour
– Salt
– Baking powder

In a large bowl, combine:
– Melted butter
– Granulated sugar
– Eggs
– Vanilla extract

Fold in the dry ingredients along with chocolate chunks until just combined. Spread the batter into the prepared pan.

Step 3: Bake the Brownies

Bake for about 30 minutes. Once baked, remove from oven and let them cool completely before slicing into 9 even squares. Set aside.

Step 4: Decorate the Brownies

Line your countertop with parchment paper. Place each brownie on top with some space between them.

Melt the orange candy melts according to package directions. Using dipping forks or toothpicks, dip each vegan marshmallow into the melted candy coating—do not shake off excess coating—and quickly set it in the center of each brownie.

Tap lightly on the countertop to encourage excess coating to smooth out and drip down onto the brownie. If necessary, add more coating on top of each marshmallow before tapping.

Step 5: Final Touches

Before the candy coating hardens, place a chocolate chip on top of each marshmallow to resemble a stem. Repeat this process until all brownies are decorated. Let them sit for about 30 minutes to allow coating to harden completely.

Step 6: Pipe Jack-O-Lantern Faces

In a small bowl, melt any remaining chocolate chips according to package directions. Use a small piping bag or plastic baggie with a small tip cut off to pipe fun faces onto each jack-o-lantern. Allow them to harden for another 15 minutes.

Step 7: Store Your Treats

Store your Melted Jack O’ Lantern Brownies in an airtight container for up to three days for maximum freshness!

How to Serve Melted Jack O’ Lantern Brownies

These delightful Melted Jack O’ Lantern Brownies are perfect for Halloween parties, school events, or a spooky movie night. Here are some fun serving suggestions to enhance your dessert experience.

Individual Dessert Plates

• Arrange each brownie on a small dessert plate with a festive napkin for an inviting presentation.

Halloween-Themed Treat Boxes

• Package brownies in themed treat boxes to give as party favors. Include a fun note or tag to personalize each box.

Brownie Sundaes

• Top warm brownies with a scoop of vanilla or pumpkin ice cream, then drizzle with chocolate sauce for an indulgent treat.

Dessert Buffet Display

• Create a dessert table featuring these brownies alongside other Halloween-themed sweets, such as ghost-shaped cookies and pumpkin cupcakes.

Pair with Hot Beverages

• Serve brownies with hot cider or cocoa to create a cozy atmosphere, especially on chilly fall evenings.

How to Perfect Melted Jack O’ Lantern Brownies

To achieve the best results with your Melted Jack O’ Lantern Brownies, consider these helpful tips:

• Use room temperature ingredients – Bringing butter and eggs to room temperature helps them blend better for a fudgier texture.
• Don’t overmix the batter – Gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture to maintain that rich brownie consistency.
• Chill the brownies before decorating – Allowing the brownies to cool completely ensures the candy coating will set perfectly without sliding off.
• Experiment with decorations – Use different toppings like edible glitter or colored sprinkles to make your brownies stand out at any gathering.
• Store properly – Keep brownies in an airtight container at room temperature to maintain freshness and moisture.

Best Side Dishes for Melted Jack O’ Lantern Brownies

Pair these delicious brownies with complementary side dishes for a well-rounded Halloween celebration. Here are some great options:

1. Pumpkin Spice Cookies – Soft cookies flavored with pumpkin and spices that match perfectly with the brownie theme.
2. Caramel Apple Slices – Fresh apple slices drizzled with caramel sauce provide a refreshing crunch alongside rich brownies.
3. Spiced Whipped Cream – A dollop of whipped cream infused with cinnamon and nutmeg enhances the flavors of the brownies.
4. Chocolate Dipped Strawberries – Juicy strawberries dipped in chocolate add a fruity contrast to the fudgy texture of the brownies.
5. Ghost Fruit Cups – Cut bananas and mandarin oranges arranged in cups make fun ghostly treats for kids and adults alike.
6. Halloween Trail Mix – Combine nuts, popcorn, and candy corn for a sweet and salty snack that can be enjoyed alongside your dessert.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Baking these Melted Jack O’ Lantern Brownies can be a joy, but there are a few common mistakes that can hinder your results.

• Incorrect oven temperature: Always preheat your oven to 350°F for even baking. An unheated oven can lead to undercooked or overcooked brownies.
• Not measuring ingredients accurately: Use proper measuring cups and spoons. Accurate measurements ensure the right texture and taste in your brownies.
• Overmixing the batter: Stir just until ingredients are combined. Overmixing can lead to dense and tough brownies instead of fudgy ones.
• Skipping the cooling step: Allow brownies to cool completely before cutting. This prevents them from falling apart and helps achieve clean edges.
• Ignoring storage guidelines: Store leftovers in an airtight container to maintain freshness. Proper storage keeps brownies delicious for days.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftover brownies in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Place parchment paper between layers if stacking to prevent sticking.

Freezing Melted Jack O’ Lantern Brownies

• Wrap individual brownies tightly in plastic wrap before placing them in a freezer-safe bag.
• They can be frozen for up to 2 months for best quality.

Reheating Melted Jack O’ Lantern Brownies

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F, place brownies on a baking sheet, and warm for about 10 minutes.
• Microwave: Heat on low power for 10-15 seconds until warmed through; check regularly to avoid overheating.
• Stovetop: Use a skillet over low heat, cover with a lid, and warm for a few minutes until heated through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making Melted Jack O’ Lantern Brownies.

How do I make my Melted Jack O’ Lantern Brownies extra fudgy?

For extra fudginess, use more butter or chocolate chunks in your recipe. Also, avoid overbaking!

Can I use different candy colors?

Absolutely! You can choose any color of candy melts to match your Halloween theme or preference.

What if I can’t find vegan marshmallows?

If you’re unable to find vegan marshmallows, you can substitute with regular marshmallows or try making your own using plant-based ingredients.

How should I decorate my Melted Jack O’ Lantern Brownies?

You can get creative with the chocolate chips for stems or use icing for more detailed jack-o-lantern faces!

Final Thoughts

These Melted Jack O’ Lantern Brownies are not only fun but also versatile! Feel free to customize them with different toppings or colors. They make the perfect treat for any Halloween gathering. Don’t miss out on trying this delightful dessert!

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Melted Jack O’ Lantern Brownies

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• Author: Amelia
• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 9 servings 1x

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Description

Indulge in the whimsical delight of Melted Jack O’ Lantern Brownies this Halloween! These fudgy brownies come topped with vibrant orange candy melts and playful jack-o-lantern faces, making them a festive treat that’s perfect for parties or family gatherings. With a simple recipe using pantry staples, these treats are not only fun to decorate but also deliciously satisfying. Whether you’re hosting a spooky movie night or looking for a unique dessert to impress your guests, these brownies are sure to steal the show. Get ready to enjoy a rich chocolate experience with a creative twist!

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Ingredients

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• 1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 cup (1 stick) butter (melted and cooled slightly)
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup semi-sweet chocolate chunks
• 1 (12 oz) package orange candy melts
• 9 large vegan marshmallows
• 1/2 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips (divided)

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Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F and grease an 8×8-inch square pan.
2. In one bowl, whisk together cocoa powder, flour, salt, and baking powder. In another bowl, mix melted butter, sugar, eggs, and vanilla until combined. Fold in dry ingredients and chocolate chunks.
3. Spread the batter into the prepared pan and bake for about 30 minutes. Let cool completely before cutting into squares.
4. Melt orange candy melts as instructed on the package. Dip vegan marshmallows into the melted candy and place them on each brownie.
5. Add a chocolate chip on top of each marshmallow for decoration and let set before piping faces with melted chocolate.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Calories: 180
• Sugar: 18g
• Sodium: 90mg
• Fat: 9g
• Saturated Fat: 5g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 25g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 2g
• Cholesterol: 25mg