Ghost Brownies Recipe

If you’re on the hunt for a fun, festive treat that’s as delicious as it is adorable, you’re going to fall head over heels for this Ghost Brownies Recipe. These spooky little brownies come topped with cute white chocolate ghost decorations that are surprisingly easy to make and totally impress your friends or family. When I first tried this recipe, I was blown away by how moist the brownies were and how the ghost toppers added that perfect Halloween charm without any complicated steps. So, grab your apron and let’s dive into making some magic happen in your kitchen!

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Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients come together to create brownies that are fudgy and rich, while the ghost decorations add that fun, seasonal flair. Shopping for quality chocolate is a game changer here, so be sure to pick something you really love eating on its own.

• Bittersweet chocolate: Opt for a good-quality brand like Ghirardelli or Guittard—they melt beautifully and give the best flavor.
• Unsalted butter: Using unsalted butter lets you control the saltiness perfectly.
• Unsweetened cocoa powder: Enhances the chocolate depth without extra sweetness.
• Eggs: Make sure they are at room temperature for better mixing and texture.
• Granulated sugar: Provides the classic sweetness and helps with that chewy brownie crust.
• Pure vanilla extract: Amplifies the chocolate flavor with a warm, sweet note.
• Salt: A pinch balances and rounds out the flavors.
• All-purpose flour: For structure—don’t overmix to keep your brownies tender.
• White chocolate melting wafers: These melt smoothly and hold their shape well for your ghost shapes.
• Mini squeeze tube of black icing: Perfect for adding the ghost’s eyes and mouth with precision.
• Confectioners’ sugar: For the chocolate icing dusted on the brownies before the ghosts go on top.
• Water: Just a tablespoon to get the chocolate icing spreadable.

Variations

One of the best parts about this Ghost Brownies Recipe is how easy it is to make your own. I love playing around with the decorations and brownie mix-ins to suit my mood or crowd. Go ahead and make it your own!

• Add nuts or chips: I sometimes stir in chopped walnuts or extra chocolate chips for a little crunch and gooey pockets of chocolate.
• Dairy-Free Version: Swap butter for coconut oil and use dairy-free chocolate for a delicious vegan twist.
• Spiced Up: A sprinkle of cinnamon or a dash of instant espresso powder amplifies the depth of chocolate flavor.
• Ghost Variations: Instead of white chocolate, try using colored candy melts or add little edible eyes for a kid-friendly party treat.

How to Make Ghost Brownies Recipe

Step 1: Get Ready with Your Pan and Oven

First things first: preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). While that’s heating up, line an 8×8-inch square baking pan with parchment paper and give it a light spritz of nonstick cooking spray. This setup makes removing the brownies a breeze and helps prevent any fudgy bits from sticking. I always lightly grease the parchment edges too, just to be safe!

Step 2: Melt Your Chocolate and Butter

Set up a makeshift double boiler by placing a heatproof bowl over a pot of simmering water (don’t let the bowl touch the water). Add your chopped bittersweet chocolate and butter, stirring occasionally until everything melts into a glossy, smooth mixture. Remove from heat and whisk in your cocoa powder. Let this cool for just a few minutes so it doesn’t scramble the eggs in the next step.

Step 3: Whip Eggs and Sugar Together

In a stand mixer or with a hand mixer, beat your eggs and granulated sugar on medium-high speed for about one minute. This quick whip adds a little air, making your brownies just a bit lighter. Then drop the speed to low and mix in your vanilla extract and salt until everything’s combined. This is where the magic of smoky, sweet flavor really starts coming together.

Step 4: Incorporate the Chocolate and Flour

Slowly pour the slightly cooled chocolate-butter mixture into your egg mixture while the mixer is on low speed to prevent any lumps. Once combined, take the bowl off the mixer and gently fold in your all-purpose flour with a wooden spoon until just blended—don’t overmix here or you’ll lose that tender brownie texture.

Step 5: Bake the Brownies

Pour your batter into the prepared pan and spread it evenly with a spatula. Pop it in the oven for 25 to 30 minutes. Since ovens differ, start checking around 25 minutes by inserting a toothpick near the center—it should come out with a few moist crumbs but no wet batter. When done, let the brownies cool completely in the pan; trust me, they bake into a perfect fudgy texture when fully cooled.

Step 6: Make the Ghost Decorations

While the brownies cool, melt your white chocolate melting wafers in a microwave-safe bowl at 50% power for 90 seconds, stopping to stir every 30 seconds. This gentle heating keeps the chocolate smooth and glossy without burning. Line a cookie sheet with parchment paper, then spoon about a teaspoon of the melted white chocolate onto the sheet and spread it into little ghost shapes with the back of a spoon. Repeat about 15 times to get a good batch. Use your black icing tube to dot eyes and little mouths on your ghosts, then chill the tray in the fridge so they harden up nicely.

Step 7: The Chocolate Icing and Assembly

Whisk together confectioners’ sugar, cocoa powder, water, and a pinch of salt until smooth to create a simple chocolate icing. Spread this over your cooled brownies for a rich, luxurious finish. When you’re ready to serve, cut the brownies into squares and gently place your hardened white chocolate ghosts on top. It’s a showstopper in every way!

How to Serve Ghost Brownies Recipe

Garnishes

I love to sprinkle a tiny bit of flaky sea salt over the chocolate icing to bring out the sweetness and add a subtle crunch. Occasionally, I’ll toss on some fresh raspberries for a pop of color—and it pairs surprisingly well with the chocolate!

Side Dishes

These brownies are pretty indulgent on their own, but a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of salted caramel sauce turns them into an unforgettable dessert experience. Hot coffee or a rich, creamy milk makes the perfect cozy pairing.

Creative Ways to Present

For Halloween parties, try stacking these brownies in a tiered tray with other spooky treats for a ghostly dessert party centerpiece. Wrapping individual brownies in clear cellophane with fun ghost-themed tags makes an adorable favor for guests to take home.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I usually store leftover brownies in an airtight container at room temperature, and they stay wonderfully moist for about 4 to 5 days. Just keep the ghosts on top for as long as you can, but if the chocolate melts a bit, they still taste amazing!

Freezing

To freeze, wrap brownies tightly in plastic wrap, then a layer of aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn. I find the ghosts freeze fine too, but sometimes the icing softens a bit. Thaw in the fridge overnight and let them come to room temperature before serving.

Reheating

If you want that fresh-baked warmth, pop individual brownies in the microwave for about 15 seconds. I recommend removing the ghost topper before microwaving to keep it intact. The chocolate icing will still be luscious and melty!

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Ghost Brownies Recipe is one of those treats that brings a smile to everyone’s face — it’s fun to make, downright tasty, and perfect for sharing. I love how easy it is to whip up the ghost toppers and there’s something so satisfying about biting into a fudgy brownie topped with a cute little chocolate ghost. I really encourage you to give it a try, especially if you’re looking for a simple but impressive dessert that can light up any gathering or Halloween table. Trust me, once you make these, they’ll become a go-to classic in your baking rotation!

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