1-Getting started: Getting started with these Halloween brownies is as easy as turning on your oven, and I’ll walk you through each part so you feel confident from the get-go. Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lining an 8 x 8 inch baking dish with parchment paper or foil, then give it a quick spray with non-stick spray to avoid any sticking drama.

2-Next, in a medium bowl, mix together 1 cup sugar, ½ cup flour, ½ cup cocoa powder, ½ teaspoon salt, and ¼ teaspoon baking powder until everything is evenly combined. In another small bowl, whisk 2 eggs, ⅓ cup vegetable oil, and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract until smooth, then pour this into the dry mix and stir just until blended.

3-Reserve ¼ cup of the batter for later, and spread the rest into your prepared dish. For the cream cheese layer, blend 8 oz cream cheese, ¼ cup sugar, 1 egg, and ½ teaspoon vanilla extract in a separate bowl until creamy, then mix in orange food coloring for that fun Halloween look. Gently layer this over the brownie batter, drop on the reserved batter, and use a knife or skewer to swirl it all together for a pretty design.

4-Bake for 30 to 35 minutes until set, then let it cool completely before you slice. This step ensures the brownies firm up nicely, making them easier to cut. You can adapt these steps for dietary tweaks, like using flax eggs if needed, which keeps things simple and inclusive for everyone.