Regardless of your views on Halloween, it’s undeniable that it’s an ideal time to enjoy a few sweet indulgences.
This season is associated with all sorts of chocolates, sweets, toffee apples and pretty much anything else that can give you an unparalleled sugar high.
However, if you’re eager to try something new this Halloween, instead of filling up on sweets from your local grocery store, why not attempt some home baking?
A good brownie is always well-received, and they’re incredibly easy to make at home as well.
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After discovering a viral spooky recipe with over 10 million views on TikTok, I felt compelled to try it – and I was pleasantly surprised by how tasty they were, reports the Express.
It was shared in a 2023 video by Matilda Bakes and looked too adorable – and appetising – not to replicate.
A basic brownie base is covered with melted milk chocolate, followed by white chocolate shaped into little swirling ghosts.
As someone who doesn’t bake at home frequently, I was initially worried about the outcome – particularly the artistic topping, which took much longer to create than I’d like to admit.
But they were certainly a hit with my family, boasting that classic gooey brownie middle encased by a deliciously crispy edge that’s simply irresistible.
Here’s everything you need to whip up this spooktacular treat before Halloween, and my experience making it. It’s worth noting that this recipe uses cup measurements, but a handy converter can be found here.
Ghost brownies
Ingredients – for the batter
- Two cups chocolate chips
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 3/4 cup brown sugar
- 3/4 cup sugar
- Two tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 tsp salt
- Four large eggs
- One cup flour
- One cup mini chocolate chips + chocolate bar pieces
- One tsp espresso powder
For the topping
- 1/3 cup white chocolate chips
- 1 1/2 bars cooking chocolate (milk)
- Sprinkles
Method
Firstly, preheat the oven to 170C. Place the chocolate chips and butter in a large bowl and melt them – the recipe suggests doing this over the hob, but I found the microwave just as effective – just ensure to do it in 20 second intervals.
Once smooth, transfer it into a mixing bowl along with the two types of sugar and blend together until everything is combined.
Add the eggs one at a time, stirring the ingredients again after each addition. Then, incorporate the vanilla, salt and espresso powder before sifting in the flour and chocolate chips.
Pour the mixture into a lined baking tray and bake in the oven for approximately 35 minutes.
The decorating part was what I was most anxious about. But first, ensure the brownie is completely cool by transferring it to a wire rack.
I noticed a significant crack had formed down the centre of mine, but since it was going to be covered in chocolate anyway, don’t fret if this happens to yours.
For the topping, melt the cooking chocolate and spread it evenly over the top of the brownie, using a spatula to smooth it out. Then, melt the white chocolate too – this will be used to create your ghosts.
It’s crucial to remember to do this while the chocolate is still warm, as it’ll make shaping the ghosts easier.
Use a teaspoon to deposit small dollops of white chocolate on top of the brownie, pulling out the bottom with a toothpick to give it a more ghostly appearance. You can also do this to form the arms.
Next, employ the milk chocolate again to craft their eerie faces.
By this stage, I was genuinely sweating and had accidentally splashed white chocolate over half of the cake, but I knew I couldn’t throw in the towel just yet. A swift sprinkle of rainbow sprinkles on top, followed by 20 minutes in the fridge, and they were ready to be cut and served.
They were rich, chewy, melt-in-your-mouth, and everything you’d expect from a brownie. And they certainly looked the part, albeit a bit on the messy side.
However, I would absolutely suggest making these if you’re in the mood for a Halloween treat that’s chock-full of chocolate and tastes incredible without being overly complex.