How easy, quick and cute are these Ghost Brownies? Halloween is one of my favorite holiday and nothing captures the spirit of October like delicious and adorable spooky-themed treats. These Ghost Brownies are a semi-homemade Halloween treat that lets you dress up a simple box of brownies with fun decorations! They have a rich chocolate flavor that no one can resist. I love that they're super easy to bake, totally kid-friendly and the perfect Halloween party bite for a family night or any festive gathering.
They're pretty much part art project, part dessert; edible fun that belongs alongside haunted houses, hayrides, scary movies and trick or treat season. Even better, is that they're also really adaptable. You can make them gluten free, dairy free or allergy-friendly without losing amazing flavor. Cute, fun and downright delicious, these Halloween treats will bring laughter, silly fun and yum to the table! If you tried my ghost brownies and love them, make my Turkey Cupcakes, Vegan Pumpkin Brownies, Halloween Burgers and my Caramel Apple Bark next! Don't miss my Gluten Free Fall Desserts round-up, while we are in this season.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
Starts with a boxed brownie mix and you get fudgy, bakery-style brownies without loads of effort and washing up.
I'm in love with the little White Chocolate Ghosts that sit on top. These make them a fun Halloween treat for kids.
I'll use chocolate frosting or my Homemade Vegan Ganache. You can use whatever you prefer! The ganache is really easy to whip up though- I promise!
I'll often bake these ghost brownies a day in advance and decorate before serving to save myself some time.
I love serving these on a Halloween party tray for dessert. They disappear in minutes.
This makes a great activity for kids. They love helping decorate the ghost faces.
The fudgy, cakey texture mixed with creamy frosting or ganache creates an irresistible, buttery, sweet bite that's yummy, fun and full of chocolate flavor.
Equipment Needed
For these Ghost Brownies, I used a 1 8x8 baking pan, some parchment paper, a mixing bowl, measuring cups and spoons.
Ingredients Needed
Brownie mix: I love using this box of Simple Mills Baking Mix, but you can use any brownie mix you like.
Chocolate ganache: You can use either a jar of frosting or homemade chocolate ganache. Here's my homemade recipe for Vegan Chocolate Ganache.
Decor: For the little spooky ghosts, make my cute Ghost Chocolates.
Step By Step Instructions
Step 1: Round up your ingredients to make ghost brownies.
Step 2: Bake the brownies according to the package instructions.
Step 3: While your brownies are baking in the oven, go ahead and make the ghost chocolates.
Step 4: If you're making chocolate ganache for this recipe, make it while brownies are cooling.
Step 5: Spread the frosting over the cooled brownies and top with the little ghosts. Slice and enjoy!
Storage
Keep brownies in an airtight container for up to 2 days. If frosted with store bought frosting, they'll stay soft and fresh.
If you've used ganache or want firmer brownies, store covered in the fridge for up to 5 days. Let them sit at room temperature for 15 to 20 minutes before serving for the best texture.
Brownies (without frosting or ghost chocolates) can be frozen for up to 2 months. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer bag. Thaw overnight in the fridge and decorate before serving.
Variations
Minty: Stir a little peppermint extract into your frosting or ganache.
Make them nutty by folding in chopped pecans, hazelnuts (I like mine toasted first) or almonds into the batter.
Coffee flavored: Stir in 1 to 2 teaspoons of instant espresso powder to the brownie batter for a mocha flavor.
Salted caramel swirl: Drizzle caramel sauce into the batter before baking. I love to top this version with a little sea salt. So good you guys!
Peanut butter brownies: Swirl ½ cup of peanut butter into the batter or spread a thin layer between the brownies and frosting.
Raspberry chocolate: Add a layer of raspberry jam under the frosting. You can also spoon and then swirl it into the batter before baking it.
How To Serve
These little Ghost Brownies make such a fun treat. Here's how I love to serve mine:
- With a mug of coffee and my Dairy Free Pumpkin Spice Creamer
- Alongside a scoop of my Pumpkin Pie Ninja Creami
- With a batch of my Almond Joy treats. The duo is so good!
- At a Halloween party!
- As a fun activity for kids or friends.
Recipe FAQs
What brownie mix should I use?
I recommend using your favorite boxed mix for a semi-homemade approach!
Can I use canned frosting?
Yes! Canned frosting works perfectly and keeps this recipe quick, easy, and kid-friendly. You can also make homemade chocolate ganache for a creamy, indulgent finish.
How can I make these brownies gluten free?
Use a gluten free brownie mix (like Simple Mills) and check that all mix ins or decorations are certified gluten free. These brownies stay fudgy and delicious even without gluten.
How can I make these brownies dairy free?
Swap milk and butter in the brownie mix with dairy free alternatives, like oat milk or coconut oil. Use dairy free frosting or ganache to keep them creamy and rich.
Can I make the ghosts out of frosting instead?
Absolutely! You can pipe simple ghost shapes with frosting on top. It's cute, easy and kid-friendly, perfect if you want to skip melting chocolate.
Can I add mix-ins to the brownies?
Yes! Fold in chocolate chips, nuts, or dried fruit to give your brownies extra texture and flavor. Make sure any add-ins fit your dietary needs if making gluten or dairy free.
What is a good egg substitute in brownie mix?
Flax eggs work great. Mix 1 tablespoon of flaxseed meal with 3 tablespoons of water per egg, let it sit 5 minutes, then use in place of eggs. Keeps the brownies moist, fudgy and delicious.
Are the ghosts difficult to make?
Not at all! They're super easy and only require 2 ingredients; perfect for a fun family activity or Halloween art project.
Related Recipes
Be sure to make these delicious fall foods next:
Copycat Crumbl Pumpkin Cookies
If you make these Ghost Brownies and love them, I would really appreciate a 5 star review! I also love seeing your creations so please tag me on Instagram or TikTok.
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Ghost Brownies
Equipment
- 1 8x8 baking pan
- parchment paper
- 1 mixing bowl
Ingredients
- 1 box of brownie mix and accompanying ingredients
- 1 jar frosting or homemade chocolate ganache
- 1 batch ghost chocolates
Instructions
- Gather your ingredients.
- Make brownies according to box.
- While brownies are baking, make ghost chocolates.
- If making homemade chocolate ganache, make while brownies are cooling.
- Spread frosting on top of brownies and add ghosts on top.
- Serve and enjoy!
Lauren