Pioneer Woman Halloween Brownies Recipe

This Pioneer Woman Halloween Brownies Recipe is a fudgy and decadent recipe, which is made with rich bittersweet chocolate and your favorite Halloween candy bars. It’s the perfect Halloween party dessert, ready in about 1 hour plus cooling time.

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Pioneer Woman Halloween Brownies Recipe Ingredients

For the Brownies:

• 12 oz. bittersweet chocolate bars (60%), chopped
• 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
• 1 1/4 cups firmly packed light brown sugar
• 1 1/4 cups (2 1/2 sticks) unsalted butter, cubed
• 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder, sifted
• 6 large eggs, room temperature
• 1 Tbsp. vanilla extract
• 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp. kosher salt
• 1 tsp. instant espresso powder (optional)

For the Topping:

• 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, cubed
• 8 oz. bittersweet chocolate bars (60%), chopped
• 10 fun-sized chocolate bars, cut into pieces (Snickers, Milky Way, Twix, etc.)
• 1/4 cup mini M&M’s
• 1/4 cup Reese’s Pieces
• 1/4 cup candy corn
• 2 Tbsp. candy bones or eyeballs
• 1 Tbsp. Halloween sprinkles

How To Make Pioneer Woman Halloween Brownies

1. Prep and Melt Chocolate Base: Preheat the oven to 350°F. Line a 13-by-9-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving at least a 1-inch overhang on the sides to use as handles later.
2. Melt the Chocolate: In a large saucepan over medium-low heat, combine the chopped bittersweet chocolate, granulated sugar, brown sugar, and cubed butter. Stir frequently until the chocolate and butter are completely melted and the mixture is smooth, about 3 minutes.
3. Finish the Batter: Remove the pan from the heat and whisk in the sifted cocoa powder until no lumps remain. Let the mixture cool for about 5 minutes. Stir in the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla.
4. Add Dry Ingredients: Add the flour, salt, and optional espresso powder to the saucepan. Gently stir with a spatula until just combined. Do not overmix.
5. Bake the Brownies: Pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread it into an even layer. Tap the pan on the counter a few times to release any large air bubbles. Bake for about 40 minutes. The brownies are done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with moist crumbs, but not wet batter.
6. Cool Completely: Let the brownies cool completely in the pan on a wire rack. This is a crucial step for clean slicing later.
7. Make the Chocolate Topping: In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the butter and chopped chocolate for the topping. Microwave at 50% power in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until the chocolate is melted and smooth.
8. Decorate with Candy: Pour the melted chocolate topping over the cooled brownies and smooth it with a spatula. Immediately sprinkle the chopped candy bars, M&M’s, Reese’s Pieces, candy corn, candy eyeballs, and Halloween sprinkles over the top.
9. Set and Slice: Let the topping set at room temperature for at least 30 minutes to 1 hour. Once set, use the parchment paper handles to lift the entire brownie slab out of the pan. Place on a cutting board and slice into squares.

Recipe Tips

• How to get a fudgy, not cakey, brownie? The key to a dense, fudgy brownie is the high ratio of fat (butter and chocolate) to flour. It’s also critical not to overbake them. Pull them from the oven when the toothpick has moist crumbs attached.
• What’s the best way to cut clean brownie squares? For the cleanest cuts, ensure the brownies and the topping are completely cool and set. Use the parchment paper handles to lift them from the pan. Use a large, sharp chef’s knife, press straight down, and wipe the blade clean between each cut.
• Why use espresso powder? The small amount of instant espresso powder will not make your brownies taste like coffee. Instead, it deepens and intensifies the flavor of the chocolate, making them taste even richer.
• Can I use different types of candy? Absolutely! This recipe is perfect for using up leftover Halloween candy. About 1 to 1.5 cups of any chopped chocolate-based candy will work perfectly.

What To Serve With Halloween Brownies

These decadent brownies are a full dessert on their own, but for an extra-indulgent treat, serve them with:

• A scoop of vanilla bean or salted caramel ice cream.
• A tall glass of cold milk.
• A drizzle of warm caramel sauce over the top.

How To Store Halloween Brownies

Room Temperature: Store the brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. Separating layers with parchment paper can prevent them from sticking. Freeze: You can freeze the uncut slab of brownies (without the topping for best results) by wrapping it tightly in plastic wrap and then foil for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before adding the topping and slicing.

Halloween Brownies Nutrition Facts

• Calories: ~450 kcal per brownie
• Protein: 5g
• Fat: 28g
• Carbohydrates: 48g
• Sugar: 35g

Nutrition information is estimated and may vary based on ingredients and cooking methods used.

FAQs

Try More Recipes:

• Pioneer Woman Chuckwagon Brownies Recipe
• Pioneer Woman Mocha Brownies Recipe
• Pioneer Woman Strawberry Cheesecake Brownies Recipe