These spooky Frankenstein Brownies are a fun treat for Halloween! They are rich, chocolatey, and topped with colorful frosting that makes it look like our favorite monster.
Making these brownies is a blast, especially if you’ve got little helpers! I love adding gummy eyes to make them extra silly. Perfect for parties or just a tasty treat at home!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Unsalted Butter: This is used to give the brownies a rich texture. If you’re looking to reduce dairy, you can substitute with coconut oil or a plant-based butter.
Granulated Sugar: Regular sugar works well, but if you want a less sweet option, try coconut sugar instead. Just note it may change the color a bit.
Eggs: For egg-free brownies, you can use 1/4 cup applesauce or 1/4 cup mashed banana per egg. These will keep the brownies moist.
Green Food Coloring: Use gel food coloring for a vibrant shade. If you want a natural alternative, spinach powder or matcha can work, but it might alter the flavor slightly.
Candy Eyes: If you can’t find candy eyes, chocolate chips or small round candies can be a cute substitute for the eyes.
How Do I Achieve the Perfect Brownie Texture?
Achieving the perfect brownie texture is all about attention during the mixing and baking process. Follow these steps for best results:
- Mix the wet ingredients until just combined to avoid over-mixing, which can make them tough.
- Keep an eye on your baking time! Remove the brownies when a toothpick comes out with a few moist crumbs for that fudgy texture.
Let the brownies cool completely in the pan. This helps them set and makes cutting easier!
Frankenstein Brownies
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Brownies:
- 1/2 cup (115g) unsalted butter
- 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/3 cup (40g) unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/2 cup (65g) all-purpose flour
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
For the Green Frosting:
- 1 cup (120g) powdered sugar
- 2-3 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
- 1-2 tablespoons milk
- Green food coloring
For the Decorations:
- Black decorating gel or black frosting (for hair and eyebrows)
- Candy eyes (2 per brownie)
- Orange candy-coated chocolates or orange icing (for nose)
- White candy or mini marshmallows (optional, for mouth or bolts)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take approximately 30 minutes to prepare and about 25 minutes to bake. Allow for cooling time, which takes about 30-60 minutes before decorating. Altogether, plan for about 1.5 hours to have your delicious and spooky Frankenstein brownies ready for serving!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Brownies:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease an 8×8 inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal. In a microwave-safe bowl or on the stove, melt 1/2 cup of unsalted butter. Once melted, stir in 1 cup of granulated sugar, 2 large eggs, and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract until smooth. Next, add in 1/3 cup of cocoa powder, 1/2 cup of all-purpose flour, 1/4 teaspoon of salt, and 1/4 teaspoon of baking powder. Mix everything just until combined—don’t over-mix! Pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread it evenly. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with moist crumbs. After baking, let the brownies cool completely in the pan.
2. Make the Green Frosting:
While your brownies are cooling, prepare the green frosting. In a bowl, beat together 1 cup of powdered sugar, 2-3 tablespoons of softened butter, and just enough milk (1-2 tablespoons) to achieve a nice spreading consistency. Add green food coloring until you’re happy with the Frankenstein green color. Stir well to combine.
3. Decorate the Brownies:
Once your brownies are cooled, spread a generous layer of green frosting evenly over the top. Use black decorating gel or frosting to pipe hair along the top edge of each brownie, and add eyebrows as well. Place two candy eyes in the center of each brownie, then add an orange candy for the nose just below the eyes. If you’d like, you can also add white candy or mini marshmallows to create a mouth or ‘bolts’ at the sides—get creative!
4. Cut & Serve:
After decorating, cut the brownies into squares. Arrange them on a plate and get ready to enjoy your spooky Frankenstein brownies! They’ll be a hit at any Halloween gathering!
These brownies are a fun treat that combines the rich chocolatey taste with seasonal decorations, making them perfect for parties or just a playful dessert at home!
Can I Use Boxed Brownie Mix Instead?
Absolutely! If you’re short on time, a boxed brownie mix can be a great shortcut. Just follow the package instructions and then decorate with the green frosting and other fun toppings as described.
How Should I Store Leftover Brownies?
Store any leftover brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want to keep them longer, they can be refrigerated for up to a week, but be sure to let them come to room temperature before serving again for the best taste and texture.
Can I Freeze These Brownies?
Yes, you can freeze the brownies! Allow them to cool completely, then wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and place them in an airtight container. They can be frozen for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before decorating or serving.
What If I Don’t Have Candy Eyes?
If you can’t find candy eyes, you can use chocolate chips, mini marshmallows, or any small round candies you have on hand. For a simple homemade option, you can also use white icing with a dot of chocolate or colored icing for pupils!
