Orange Cheesecake Brownies: My Favorite Halloween Treat

Some red and yellow food coloring spices the cheesecake up for Halloween! I’d also like trying to add pumpkin spice at some point since pumpkin and chocolate is such a good combo… check back in 2023! These dense brownies are that delectable melt-in-your mouth texture and complemented by a sweet and light cheesecake. If you’re looking for something a bit more adventurous (i.e. bean brownies with tofu cheesecake), try my Bean Cheesecake Brownies or Adventurous Cheesecake Marble Brownies.

Total time (including baking): 1 hour. Makes one 8×8″ pan.

Materials: 2 mixing bowls; measuring vessels; 8×8″ pan. Missing materials or ingredients? Look here.

Instructions:

1. Take the 5 eggs, butter, cream cheese, and ricotta out of the fridge at least 15 minutes before you start so they can warm up a bit. Preheat oven to 350˚F. Butter a 8×8″ brownie pan.
2. For the brownie:
   • In a measuring up, combine ½ stick butter and 1 ½ cups (10 oz) chocolate chips and melt in the microwave.
   • In a mixing bowl, combine ¾ cup sugar with the chocolate mixture. Mix in the 3 eggs, salt, and vanilla.
   • In a measuring cup, combine ⅓ cup spelt flour, 1 tbsp cocoa powder, and dash of espresso powder. Mix into chocolate mixture.
   • Spread in pan.
3. For the cheesecake:
   • Beat or whisk together all the ingredients (8 oz cream cheese, ⅓ cup ricotta cheese, 2 egg yolks, ⅓ cup sugar, and dash of vanilla).
   • Optional to add food coloring for some spunk! I like orange on Halloween.
   • Spread on top of brownie in pan and use a knife to make patterns on the surface if you’re talented (not me currently).
4. Bake at 350˚F for ~30 minutes. Optional to decorate further (such as with melted white chocolate ghosts for Halloween)! Let cool completely before cutting. Also really good with a dollop of whipped cream on top.