Pin These Marshmallow Ghost Brownies are my go-to treat when I want something fun yet easy for Halloween. The brownies come out rich and fudgy every time and the marshmallow ghosts create instant smiles at every party. Decorating them is half the fun and they always disappear fast.
The first year I baked these, my nephew helped pipe the ghost faces and we ended up laughing over our silly spooky creations. Now making them together is a funny and sweet family tradition.
Ingredients
- Unsalted butter: melted for a soft fudgy base
- Granulated sugar: gives classic sweetness and a thin crackly top
- Eggs: bind everything and add richness
- Vanilla extract: rounds out flavors and adds subtle aroma
- Unsweetened cocoa powder: for deep chocolate taste buy high-quality for best brownies
- All-purpose flour: keeps brownies dense choose unbleached for best texture
- Salt: balances the sweet and brings out chocolate flavor
- Baking powder: adds a slight lift for a perfect bite
- Large marshmallows: create the iconic ghost shape pick fresh ones so they hold their form
- White chocolate chips or melting wafers: give the ghosts their smooth gleam use good quality for easy melting
- Black decorating gel or melted dark chocolate: makes expressive little faces go for gel if you want very precise dots
Instructions
- Prepare the Pan:
- Line your baking pan with parchment paper letting it hang over the edges for easy removal. Lightly grease the pan so the brownies do not stick. This step ensures neat squares that lift out perfectly.
- Mix the Brownie Batter:
- Whisk together your melted butter and sugar until they come together in a pale thick mixture. Stir in the eggs and vanilla extract really well until smooth for a glossy batter and the ideal brownie texture.
- Combine Dry Ingredients:
- Sift cocoa powder flour salt and baking powder directly into your wet mixture. Sifting gives a lump-free even blend. Stir gently just until combined so you do not overwork the gluten and keep brownies fudgy.
- Bake the Brownies:
- Pour your batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top with a spatula. Bake at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for twenty-five to thirty minutes. Check with a toothpick right in the center it should have a few moist crumbs. Overbaking makes them dry so watch closely at the end.
- Cool and Cut:
- Let the brownies cool completely right in the pan this helps them firm up. Once cool use the parchment ends to lift out the slab and cut into sixteen neat squares. A sharp clean knife makes a big difference for tidy edges.
- Make Marshmallow Ghosts:
- Position one fresh marshmallow in the center of each brownie square. This creates the stand-out ghost shape and the perfect marshmallow to brownie ratio.
- Melt and Drizzle White Chocolate:
- Melt white chocolate chips in a microwave-safe bowl using twenty second bursts. Stir well after each burst until silky and lump-free. Spoon or pipe melted chocolate over each marshmallow letting it pool down to mimic ghostly cloaks.
- Decorate Faces:
- While the chocolate is still soft grab your black decorating gel or melted dark chocolate. Dot on eyes and little mouths. Toothpicks work great for fine details or use a mini piping bag if you have one.
- Set and Serve:
- Let the chocolate set at room temperature so it is firm to the touch. The ghosts will look gorgeously glossy and stay in place for serving.
Pin My favorite part is swirling the chocolate capes because every ghost ends up with its own personality. Last Halloween my daughter insisted her wobbly-eyed ghost was the coolest. We made a whole tray of funny faces together and every batch brings new laughs.
Storage Tips
Keep brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to four days. If you want them extra fresh refrigerate for a week and bring to room temp before serving. For longer storage freeze undecorated brownies then add marshmallows and chocolate after thawing.
Ingredient Substitutions
Use gluten-free all-purpose flour for a celiac-friendly treat. Swap in dairy-free butter and use vegan marshmallows for an allergy-safe option. Chocolate chips or chopped nuts in the batter add texture: try walnuts or pecans for a twist.
Serving Suggestions
Serve these as a centerpiece on your Halloween dessert table. Pop each brownie on a cupcake liner for easy grab and go. You can also sandwich a layer of Nutella or raspberry jam under the marshmallow for a surprise bite.
Cultural and Historical Context
Brownies are classic American comfort desserts and adding marshmallows is inspired by campfire treats. Halloween baking traditions make room for playful decorating, turning simple recipes into memorable family activities.
Seasonal Adaptations
Switch marshmallows for pastel colors and decorate with sprinkles for spring occasions. Make mini brownies for bite-sized ghosts at parties. Substitute with orange white chocolate and pumpkin faces for autumn themed brownies.
Success Stories
Last year my friend brought these to a classroom party and all the kids adored them. One mom texted for the recipe because her daughter came home asking for ghost brownies every weekend since. I love how these treats spark smiles and new requests.
Freezer Meal Conversion
Cut cooled brownies and freeze between sheets of parchment in a sealed container for up to two months. Thaw squares and finish decorating just before serving for the freshest taste and look.
Pin For a fresh batch, gather family to decorate and watch those playful brownie ghosts vanish from the tray. Sweet, silly and spooky: your new Halloween tradition awaits.
Recipe Q&A
- → How do I make marshmallow ghosts stick to brownies?
Place each marshmallow on cooled squares, then coat with melted white chocolate so it adheres securely to the surface.
- → Can I use boxed brownie mix for the base?
Yes, boxed brownie mix works well as a shortcut for the base prior to decorating with marshmallows and chocolate.
- → How do I create ghost faces?
Use black decorating gel or melted chocolate, dotting eyes and mouths onto the marshmallow ghosts while chocolate is soft.
- → Is this dessert vegetarian friendly?
Yes, the ingredients listed are vegetarian. Always check labels for potential animal-based additives or allergens.
- → Can I make this treat gluten-free?
Swap regular flour for a gluten-free alternative to cater to dietary needs without affecting the festive decoration.
- → What tools are needed for decorating?
Use a piping bag, toothpick, or small spoon for adding chocolate details to create spooky marshmallow ghost faces.
