These playful brownies feature a dense, fudgy texture with a gooey marshmallow core that melts in your mouth. Decorated with ghost faces made from melted chocolate, they combine rich cocoa flavors with a fun, spooky appearance perfect for Halloween celebrations. The brownies have crispy edges and a soft, chewy center, with a surprise center that oozes as you cut into them.
1/2cupdark chocolategood quality for depth of flavor
1/2cupbuttermelted until shimmering
3eggsfor structure and moisture
1 1/4cupsgranulated sugarsweetness and texture
1teaspoonvanilla extractbrightens the flavor
1/4teaspoonsalt
2cupsmarshmallowslarge or mini, melted for gooey centers
0.5cupmilk or creamto loosen marshmallow mixture
1/2cupmelted chocolatefor piping ghost faces
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). Grease your 8-inch square pan generously and line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
Melt the butter and dark chocolate together in a double boiler or microwave, stirring until smooth and glossy. The aroma should be rich and inviting.
In a bowl, whisk the eggs, sugar, and vanilla extract until well combined and slightly frothy. Pour in the melted chocolate mixture, stirring until the batter is shiny and uniform.
Sift in the cocoa powder and a pinch of salt, then fold gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix to keep the brownies fudgy.
Pour the batter into your prepared pan and spread evenly with a spatula. Bake for 20-25 minutes, until the edges are set and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with moist crumbs.
While the brownies bake, melt the marshmallows with a splash of milk or cream in a bowl over simmering water or in short bursts in the microwave, stirring until gooey and fragrant. This creates the sticky, sweet center.
Once baked, let the brownies cool completely on a rack. Then spread the melted marshmallow mixture over the cooled surface, creating a thin layer that will set as it chills. Chill in the fridge for about 30 minutes.
Fill a piping bag or plastic sandwich bag with the melted chocolate. Pipe ghost faces — two eyes and a wobbly mouth — onto the marshmallow surface, making each face quirky and imperfect for a fun, spooky look.
Chill the decorated brownies for an additional 15 minutes so the faces firm up. Then, cut into squares to reveal the gooey marshmallow centers and enjoy the playful, fudgy treats with sticky, crispy edges.
Notes
For extra spooky effects, add tiny candy eyes on the ghost faces or dust with a light sprinkle of powdered sugar for a ghostly glow.