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Ghost Brownies

Ghost Brownies are rich, fudgy chocolate squares decorated with white icing to resemble floating ghostly figures. They feature a dense, chewy texture with a creamy topping that creates a spooky yet delightful dessert perfect for Halloween celebrations.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 12
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 210
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 cup unsalted butter melted
  • 1.5 cups granulated sugar
  • 3 large eggs beaten
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 0.75 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 1.25 cups all-purpose flour
  • 0.5 teaspoon baking powder
  • 0.25 teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup white icing or royal icing for decorating ghosts

Equipment

  • Mixing bowls
  • Rubber spatula
  • 9x9 inch baking pan
  • Parchment paper
  • Cooling rack
  • Piping bag or plastic sandwich bag
  • Small spatula or butter knife

Method
 

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 9x9 inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang for easy removal.
  2. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the melted butter and sugar until smooth and glossy.
  3. Add the beaten eggs and vanilla extract to the mixture, stirring well to incorporate everything evenly.
  4. Sift the cocoa powder, flour, baking powder, and salt together in a separate bowl, then gradually fold these dry ingredients into the wet mixture using a spatula. Mix just until combined, and the batter becomes thick and shiny.
  5. Pour the batter into the prepared pan, spreading it evenly with a spatula to fill all sides and corners.
  6. Bake in the preheated oven for about 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with just a few moist crumbs. Let the brownies cool completely on a wire rack.
  7. Once cooled, lift the brownies out of the pan using the parchment overhang and transfer to a clean surface.
  8. Using a piping bag filled with white icing, pipe ghostly faces onto the top of each brownie—these will resemble floating ghosts with rounded heads and little draping bodies.
  9. Optional: Use a small spatula or butter knife to smooth out or add details to the icing for more expressive ghost faces.
  10. Allow the decorated brownies to set for about 15 minutes until the icing firms up slightly.
  11. Slice the brownies into squares and serve the spooky treats, enjoying their rich, fudgy texture and playful ghostly decorations.

Notes

For a more flavorful touch, add a pinch of espresso powder to the brownie batter. Using royal icing helps create crisp, detailed ghost faces, but store-bought white icing works well too. Keep decorated brownies stored in an airtight container for up to 2 days.