Ghostly Caramel Marshmallow Brownies: Spooky Delight

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Ghostly Caramel Marshmallow Brownies have become my absolute favorite Halloween treat to bake, and I’m so excited to share this recipe with you! I still remember the first time I tried making them; the kitchen filled with the most amazing aroma of warm chocolate and sweet caramel, and the sight of those little marshmallow ghosts peeking out was just too cute. These aren’t just any brownies; they’re a fudgy, gooey delight with swirls of creamy caramel and topped with adorable, melt-in-your-mouth marshmallow ghosts. If you’re looking for the ultimate Halloween caramel marshmallow brownies, this spooky caramel marshmallow brownie recipe is it! Let’s get cooking!

Why You’ll Love This Ghostly Caramel Marshmallow Brownies Recipe

These brownies are a Halloween dream come true, packed with flavor and fun!

Incredible taste: Rich, fudgy chocolate brownies meet gooey, creamy caramel and sweet, pillowy marshmallows.
Quick and easy to make: Perfect for busy bakers, these easy ghostly caramel marshmallow brownies come together fast.
Family-friendly fun: Kids will adore helping to decorate the marshmallow ghosts, making it a perfect activity for all ages.
Budget-friendly treat: Using a boxed brownie mix keeps costs down without sacrificing flavor.
Festive and spooky: They’re the ultimate caramel marshmallow brownie dessert for any Halloween party or gathering.
Impressive presentation: The ghostly marshmallow topping makes these brownies a showstopper that everyone will rave about.
Adaptable: Easily customize with your favorite brownie mix or add-ins for a personal touch.

Ingredients for Ghostly Caramel Marshmallow Brownies

Whipping up these spooky delights is a breeze with these simple ingredients. You’ll find most of them are pantry staples, making these chocolate caramel marshmallow brownies accessible for any baking session.

1 box (18.3 oz) fudge brownie mix – the base for our fudgy creation
1/3 cup vegetable oil – essential for that moist texture
1/4 cup water – helps bind everything together
2 large eggs – for richness and structure
1/2 cup mini chocolate chips – extra pockets of chocolatey goodness
1 bag (11 oz) soft caramel candies, unwrapped – these will melt into gooey ribbons, or use 1 cup caramel sauce for ease
3 tbsp heavy cream – to create a smooth, pourable caramel
Pinch of sea salt – enhances the sweetness of the caramel
2 cups mini marshmallows – for our adorable ghost toppings
1/4 cup mini chocolate chips – perfect for making little ghost eyes
2 tbsp powdered sugar – for a ghostly dusting effect
Optional: Extra caramel sauce for drizzling
Optional: Flaky sea salt for sprinkling

How to Make Ghostly Caramel Marshmallow Brownies

Follow these easy steps to create these spooktacular treats that are perfect for any Halloween gathering!

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13 inch baking dish with parchment paper and give it a quick spray with cooking spray. This prevents sticking and makes cleanup a breeze.
Step 2: In a large bowl, combine the brownie mix, vegetable oil, water, and eggs. Mix until just combined, according to the directions on your brownie box. Gently fold in the 1/2 cup of mini chocolate chips for extra chocolatey bites. Pour this decadent batter into your prepared baking dish and spread it out evenly.
Step 3: Now for the gooey center! If you’re using caramel candies, combine them with the heavy cream and a pinch of sea salt in a microwave-safe bowl. Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until the mixture is smooth and melted. If you’re using caramel sauce, simply warm it slightly and stir in a pinch of salt.
Step 4: Drop spoonfuls of your luscious caramel mixture over the brownie batter. Grab a knife and gently swirl the caramel into the batter, creating beautiful ribbons. Be careful not to overmix, or you’ll lose those distinct pockets of deliciousness. This step is key to those amazing Halloween brownies with gooey caramel.
Step 5: Bake for 28-30 minutes, or according to your brownie mix instructions. You’re looking for a toothpick inserted near the center to come out with moist crumbs attached – no wet batter! The aroma filling your kitchen will be divine.
Step 6: Immediately after taking the brownies out of the oven, scatter the mini marshmallows evenly over the hot surface. They’ll start to soften right away.
Step 7: Return the dish to the oven for just 2-3 minutes more. Watch closely! You want the marshmallows to puff up and get a little golden, not burnt.
Step 8: Remove the brownies from the oven and let them cool in the dish for about 10 minutes. This allows the marshmallows to set slightly.
Step 9: While the marshmallows are still warm and wonderfully sticky, gently press two mini chocolate chips into each one to create adorable little ghost eyes. This is where the magic happens for these Halloween brownies with gooey caramel!
Step 10: Let the brownies cool completely before moving on. Once cool, give them a light dusting of powdered sugar for that ethereal, ghostly look. For an extra touch, drizzle with more caramel sauce and sprinkle with flaky sea salt if you like.
Step 11: Cut your masterpiece into squares and serve your incredible Ghostly Caramel Marshmallow Brownies!

Pro Tips for the Best Ghostly Caramel Marshmallow Brownies

Want to take your brownies from good to spooktacular? I’ve got a few tricks up my sleeve to ensure your Ghostly Caramel Marshmallow Brownies are a total hit!

For extra fudgy brownies, don’t overbake! Pull them out when a toothpick has moist crumbs attached.
If your marshmallows start to brown too quickly, you can loosely tent the dish with foil.
Using a sharp knife dipped in hot water will give you cleaner cuts for those perfect brownie squares.
Don’t skip the powdered sugar dusting; it really enhances the “ghostly” effect!

What’s the secret to perfect Ghostly Caramel Marshmallow Brownies?

The real magic is in the melt-in-your-mouth texture. Using soft caramels with a touch of cream creates that perfectly gooey swirl, and not overbaking ensures a fudgy base. This is part of what makes it the best caramel marshmallow brownie recipe.

Can I make Ghostly Caramel Marshmallow Brownies ahead of time?

Yes, you absolutely can! You can bake the brownies and let them cool completely before adding the marshmallows and chocolate chip eyes. Store them covered at room temperature for up to 2 days. Add the marshmallows and eyes just before serving for the freshest look.

How do I avoid common mistakes with Ghostly Caramel Marshmallow Brownies?

The most common issue is overbaking, which leads to dry brownies. Also, be careful not to let the marshmallows burn; they puff up fast! If you’re wondering, “Why are my caramel marshmallow brownies ghostly and burnt?”, it’s likely from too much oven time. For more baking tips, check out these tips for baking.

Best Ways to Serve Ghostly Caramel Marshmallow Brownies

These brownies are a showstopper on their own, but serving them with a few thoughtful touches can elevate them even further. Imagine these decadent treats as part of your ultimate ghostly dessert caramel marshmallow brownies spread!

Warm and Wonderful: For an extra gooey experience, gently warm individual brownies in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds before serving. This softens the caramel and marshmallows even more.
Pair with Ice Cream: Serve a brownie alongside a scoop of vanilla bean or salted caramel ice cream. The contrast of warm brownie and cold ice cream is pure bliss.
Coffee or Hot Chocolate Companion: These brownies are the perfect partner for a hot cup of coffee or a rich mug of hot chocolate, especially on a chilly Halloween evening.

Nutrition Facts for Ghostly Caramel Marshmallow Brownies

When you’re diving into these spooky treats, it’s helpful to know what you’re getting. These numbers are based on a single brownie serving, giving you a good idea of the nutritional breakdown of this delicious Ghostly Brownie recipe with caramel and marshmallows.

Calories: 350
Fat: 20g
Saturated Fat: 8g
Protein: 3g
Carbohydrates: 45g
Fiber: 2g
Sugar: 40g
Sodium: 150mg

Nutritional values are estimates and may vary based on specific ingredients and brands used. For more information on understanding nutrition labels, you can refer to resources like the FDA’s guide.

How to Store and Reheat Ghostly Caramel Marshmallow Brownies

Keeping these spooky treats fresh is easy! Once your Ghostly Caramel Marshmallow Brownies have completely cooled on a wire rack, it’s time to think about storage. For short-term enjoyment, place them in an airtight container. They’ll stay delicious at room temperature for about 3 to 4 days. This is perfect for when you want a treat readily available throughout the week.

Planning for longer enjoyment? These brownies freeze beautifully! For the best results, cut them into individual portions. Wrap each brownie tightly in plastic wrap, then in aluminum foil, or place them in a freezer-safe bag. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. To reheat, simply unwrap the brownies and let them thaw overnight in the refrigerator. For a warm, gooey experience, you can microwave individual brownies for about 10-15 seconds, just until the caramel and marshmallows are soft again.

Frequently Asked Questions About Ghostly Caramel Marshmallow Brownies

What makes these brownies “ghostly”?

The “ghostly” appearance comes from the adorable marshmallow ghosts we create on top! After baking, we add mini marshmallows and pop them back in the oven briefly to puff and slightly toast. Then, we press two mini chocolate chips into each marshmallow to form eyes, giving them a sweet, spooky look. These ghostly caramel marshmallow brownies are a Halloween staple for a reason!

Can I use a different type of brownie mix?

Absolutely! While a fudge brownie mix provides that rich, dense base we love, you can certainly use a milk chocolate or even a dark chocolate brownie mix. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can even use your favorite homemade fudgy brownie recipe. Just ensure it bakes up moist and rich to hold up to the caramel and marshmallow layers. The key is a good, sturdy brownie base for these Halloween caramel marshmallow brownies.

Why are my marshmallows burning?

Marshmallows can go from perfectly puffed to burnt very quickly! The oven time for toasting them is very short (just 2-3 minutes). Keep a close eye on them. If you notice they’re browning too fast, you can carefully remove the pan from the oven. If they do burn a bit, don’t worry too much; they’ll still taste delicious, and the chocolate chip eyes can help distract from minor imperfections. This is a common question when making spooky caramel marshmallow brownie recipes.

What are ghostly caramel marshmallow brownies?

What are ghostly caramel marshmallow brownies? They are a festive Halloween treat that combines fudgy chocolate brownies with swirls of gooey caramel and are topped with cute, edible marshmallow ghosts. They’re perfect for parties, trick-or-treaters, or just enjoying the Halloween season with a delicious, spooky dessert.

Variations of Ghostly Caramel Marshmallow Brownies You Can Try

Looking to put your own spin on this classic Halloween treat? These variations will help you create even more deliciously spooky delights. You can easily adapt this recipe to fit different dietary needs or flavor preferences, making them even more versatile for your boo-tiful caramel marshmallow brownies!

Gluten-Free Ghosts: Simply swap out the regular brownie mix for your favorite gluten-free fudge brownie mix. Follow the package directions for the brownie base, and the rest of the recipe remains the same for a spooky treat everyone can enjoy.
Salted Caramel Swirl: Amp up the flavor by using pre-made salted caramel sauce instead of the candies. You can also add a bit more flaky sea salt on top of the finished brownies for an extra salty-sweet kick that complements the chocolate perfectly.
Double Chocolate Delight: For the ultimate chocolate lover, use a dark chocolate brownie mix and fold in dark chocolate chips along with the regular mini chocolate chips. You could even add a touch of cocoa powder to the marshmallow topping for an extra chocolatey ghost!
Boo-zy Brownies: For an adult twist, add a tablespoon or two of bourbon or rum to the melted caramel mixture. It adds a subtle warmth and depth of flavor that pairs wonderfully with the chocolate and caramel.