Ghost Brownies: Adorable Halloween Treats

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Ghost Brownies have become my absolute favorite Halloween tradition, and I can’t wait to share them with you! There’s something magical about biting into a rich, fudgy brownie topped with a sweet, ghostly marshmallow cloud. I remember the first time I made these for a Halloween party; the kids’ eyes lit up, and the grown-ups couldn’t stop raving about how adorable and delicious they were. This year, let’s create some unforgettable Halloween ghost brownies that are as fun to make as they are to eat. Get ready to whip up some truly cute ghost brownies that will be the star of your dessert table. Let’s get baking!

Why You’ll Love These Ghost Brownies

You’re going to adore making and devouring these delightful treats. They’re the perfect blend of rich, fudgy brownie and sweet, fluffy marshmallow that just screams Halloween fun. Here’s why they’re a must-try:

Incredibly fudgy and moist brownie base
Quick and easy decorating process
A fun, festive addition to any Halloween party
This easy ghost brownie recipe comes together in under an hour
Budget-friendly ingredients make for a cost-effective treat
Kid-friendly activity that everyone can join in on
Guaranteed to be a hit with both kids and adults
These spooky ghost brownies have just the right amount of sweetness

Ingredients for Ghost Brownies

Gathering your supplies is the first step to creating these adorable Halloween ghost brownies. You’ll need a good quality brownie base, and you can either use your favorite boxed mix or whip up a simple homemade batter. For the ghosts themselves, we’ll be using fluffy marshmallows and smooth white chocolate chips, which melt beautifully to create that classic draped ghost shape. Don’t forget the candy eyeballs and a bit of black decorating gel or melted dark chocolate to bring our little ghosts to life! This easy ghost brownie recipe requires just a few pantry staples for maximum spooky impact.

For the Brownies:
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
For the Ghost Decorations:
12 large marshmallows – these form the base of our ghosts
1 cup (225g) white chocolate chips or candy melts – for that smooth, flowing ghost appearance
Candy eyeballs – for instant personality
Black decorating gel or melted dark chocolate – to draw those spooky or silly faces

How to Make Ghost Brownies

Let’s dive into this fun ghost brownie tutorial! Creating these spooky delights is easier than you think. First, we’ll get our brownie base ready. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Whether you’re using a boxed mix or your favorite homemade recipe, prepare the batter according to the instructions. Pour the batter into a baking pan lined with parchment paper – an 8×8 or 9×9-inch pan works perfectly. Bake for about 20–25 minutes. You’ll know they’re done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with moist crumbs, not wet batter. The aroma of freshly baked chocolate will fill your kitchen! Let the brownies cool completely in the pan on a wire rack. This is crucial so the marshmallows and chocolate don’t melt prematurely.

Step 1: Prepare your brownie batter and bake in a lined 8×8 or 9×9-inch pan at 350°F (175°C) for 20–25 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out with moist crumbs. Let the brownies cool completely.
Step 2: Once the brownies are fully cooled, slice them into 12 uniform squares. Gently place one large marshmallow on top of each brownie square.
Step 3: Melt the white chocolate chips or candy melts. You can do this in a microwave-safe bowl by heating in 20-second intervals, stirring between each, until smooth and creamy.
Step 4: Now for the fun part of this ghost brownie tutorial! Spoon the melted white chocolate over each marshmallow, allowing it to drip down the sides to create a draped ghost shape. Work relatively quickly so the chocolate doesn’t set too fast. While the chocolate is still warm, press two candy eyeballs into each marshmallow “ghost.”
Step 5: Once the eyes are in place, use black decorating gel or a bit of melted dark chocolate to draw spooky or silly faces onto your ghosts. Get creative with smiles, frowns, or even a surprised expression!
Step 6: Let your beautifully decorated ghost brownies rest at room temperature until the white chocolate has fully set. This usually takes about 10-15 minutes.
Step 7: Serve your delightful Halloween ghost brownies and enjoy the spooky, fudgy goodness! This how to make ghost brownies guide ensures a frightfully good time.

Pro Tips for the Best Ghost Brownies

Want to elevate your ghost brownies from good to spooktacular? I’ve got a few tricks up my sleeve that make all the difference. These little tips will ensure your brownies are perfectly fudgy and your ghosts are perfectly charming.

Cooling is key: Make sure your brownies are COMPLETELY cool before adding marshmallows and chocolate. This prevents a melty mess and ensures clean ghost shapes.
Quality white chocolate matters: Using good quality white chocolate chips or candy melts will give you a smoother, more pliable coating for your ghosts, making them easier to shape and decorate.
Decorate in batches: If you’re making a lot, melt your white chocolate and decorate in smaller batches. This way, the chocolate stays warm and easy to work with for adding those candy eyes and faces.
Get creative with faces: Don’t be afraid to let your personality shine through! Use different decorating gels or melted chocolate to give your ghosts unique expressions – some silly, some spooky!

What’s the secret to perfect Ghost Brownies?

The absolute secret to the best ghost brownie recipe is patience with the cooling process. Fully cooled brownies are essential for neat marshmallow placement and clean white chocolate draping. This ensures your spooky creation looks as good as it tastes.

Can I make Ghost Brownies ahead of time?

Yes, you absolutely can! You can bake the brownies a day in advance and store them in an airtight container at room temperature. For the decorating part, it’s best to do that closer to when you plan to serve them, ideally within a few hours, to keep the marshmallow and chocolate looking fresh.

How do I avoid common mistakes with Ghost Brownies?

A common pitfall is trying to decorate warm brownies, which leads to melted marshmallows and messy ghosts. Also, don’t over-microwave your white chocolate; stir it gently to prevent seizing. Finally, ensure your marshmallows are fresh for the best ghostly shape.

Best Ways to Serve Ghost Brownies

These adorable ghost brownies are fantastic on their own, but they also pair wonderfully with other festive treats. For a truly memorable spread of ghostly Halloween treats, consider serving them alongside a creamy vanilla milkshake or a warm mug of apple cider. They’re also a perfect addition to a Halloween dessert buffet, nestled amongst pumpkin cookies and candy corn. You can even serve them with a side of whipped cream or a drizzle of chocolate sauce for an extra decadent touch. The combination of fudgy brownie and sweet marshmallow makes them a delightful centerpiece for any Halloween gathering.

Nutrition Facts for Ghost Brownies

Here’s a breakdown of the nutritional information for these delightful Halloween ghost brownies, per serving. Keep in mind these are estimates and can vary based on the specific brownie mix or homemade recipe you use, as well as the exact amount of white chocolate and candy eyes.

Serving Size: 1 brownie
Calories: 240
Fat: 11g
Saturated Fat: 6g
Unsaturated Fat: 4g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 32g
Fiber: 1g
Sugar: 22g
Protein: 2g
Sodium: 150mg
Cholesterol: 30mg

Nutritional values are estimates and may vary based on specific ingredients used.

How to Store and Reheat Ghost Brownies

Properly storing your delicious ghost brownies ensures they stay fresh and festive for your Halloween celebrations. After decorating, let the brownies cool completely at room temperature. This is crucial to prevent the white chocolate from melting or becoming sticky. Once they’re fully set, you can store them in an airtight container. For the best quality, I recommend keeping your ghostly brownie squares in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days, especially if you used a cream cheese frosting or similar perishable decoration. If you need to store them longer, you can freeze the un-decorated brownies for up to 2 months.

To reheat, gently warm refrigerated brownies in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds. If you’re reheating frozen brownies, let them thaw in the refrigerator overnight first. For both refrigerated and thawed brownies, a quick 10-second zap in the microwave can help soften them up just before serving, bringing back that wonderful fudgy texture.

Frequently Asked Questions About Ghost Brownies

Got questions about making these spooktacular treats? I’m here to help! These DIY ghost brownies are a blast to create, and a few common queries pop up when folks are whipping them up.

What’s the easiest way to get a simple ghost brownie design?

The easiest simple ghost brownie design is to use large marshmallows and white chocolate. Just spoon the melted white chocolate over the top of the marshmallow, letting it drip down like a draped sheet. Add candy eyes while the chocolate is still wet, and you’ve got a ghost! It’s incredibly straightforward and looks super effective.

Can I make the brownies ahead of time for my Halloween ghost brownies?

Absolutely! You can bake and cool the brownies a day or two in advance and store them in an airtight container at room temperature. However, I recommend decorating the ghosts just before serving or a few hours ahead at most. This keeps the white chocolate from getting too hard or the marshmallows from getting stale.

What if I don’t have candy eyeballs for my ghost brownies?

No worries if you can’t find candy eyeballs! You can easily create ghost faces using black decorating gel or even just a little bit of melted dark chocolate. A small piping bag with a fine tip or even a toothpick dipped in melted chocolate works wonders for drawing spooky eyes and mouths. It’s another great way to personalize your DIY ghost brownies.

Are these ghost brownies good for a bake sale?

Yes, these Halloween ghost brownies are perfect for bake sales! They’re visually appealing, taste delicious, and are individually portioned. Their festive theme makes them stand out, and they tend to sell out quickly!

Variations of Ghost Brownies You Can Try

If you’re looking to mix things up or cater to different tastes, these ghost brownies offer plenty of room for creativity! You can easily adapt this recipe to suit your preferences or dietary needs. For instance, if you’re craving a richer flavor, try using a dark chocolate brownie mix or adding chocolate chips to your homemade batter for extra decadence. This creates delicious chocolate ghost brownies that are even more intense. You might also find our guide on zucchini vs. cucumber interesting for other recipe variations.

Dietary Adaptations: Make them gluten-free by using your favorite gluten-free brownie mix or recipe. For a vegan version, use a vegan brownie recipe and ensure your white chocolate and marshmallows are dairy-free.
Flavor Boosts: Add a teaspoon of peppermint extract to your brownie batter for a minty twist, or swirl a tablespoon of raspberry jam into the batter before baking for a fruity surprise.
Cookie Mashup: For a hybrid treat, try making ghostly brownie cookies by dropping spoonfuls of brownie batter onto a baking sheet and topping with a marshmallow and white chocolate ghost before baking.
Fun Shapes: Instead of cutting squares, use ghost-shaped cookie cutters on your baked brownies before decorating to create distinct ghost shaped brownies. This adds an extra layer of fun to your presentation.

For more baking inspiration, check out this multigrain bread recipe or explore the benefits of hibiscus water.