These Frankenstein Brownies are a fun and spooky treat perfect for Halloween! They’re rich, chocolatey, and topped with festive green frosting, making them a hit at any party.
Trust me, everyone will love these silly monster brownies. I can never eat just one—especially when the eyes are made from candy! They’re easy to make and even more fun to share.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Unsalted Butter: This gives the brownies moisture and richness. If you’re in a pinch, you can substitute with margarine or coconut oil, though the flavor may change slightly.
Granulated Sugar: This sweetens the brownies and helps create a soft texture. Brown sugar works too if you want a hint of caramel flavor; use the same amount.
Cocoa Powder: For that rich chocolate flavor, I recommend using unsweetened cocoa. If you don’t have it, carob powder can work as a caffeine-free alternative.
All-Purpose Flour: Regular flour is a must for structure. If you need a gluten-free option, try almond flour or a gluten-free baking blend.
Green Food Coloring: This gives the look of Frankenstein’s skin. If natural coloring is preferred, use pureed spinach or green matcha powder for a unique twist.
How Do I Get Perfectly Frosted Brownies?
The frosting is where you can really let your creativity shine! Start with softened butter to ensure your frosting is smooth and easy to spread. Here’s how to do it:
- Melt the butter and let it cool slightly before mixing in the powdered sugar to create a creamy consistency.
- Add milk gradually to reach the right texture; you want it spreadable but not too runny.
- When adding green food coloring, a little goes a long way—mix in a few drops at a time until you achieve the desired shade.
- Use an offset spatula to spread the frosting evenly over the cooled brownies, or you can pipe it on for a fun effect.
Don’t forget to let your brownies cool completely before frosting, or it will melt the frosting—and we don’t want that!
Frankenstein Brownies Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Brownies:
- 1/2 cup (115g) unsalted butter
- 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/3 cup (35g) unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/2 cup (65g) all-purpose flour
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp baking powder
For the Frosting:
- 1/4 cup (60g) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 1/2 cups (180g) powdered sugar
- 1-2 tbsp milk
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
- Green food coloring
For Decorating:
- Black decorating gel or black icing
- Candy eyeballs
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare and 20-25 minutes to bake, plus some time for the brownies to cool before frosting. Allow about 1 hour in total for making and decorating your Frankenstein Brownies!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease or line an 8×8 inch baking pan with parchment paper so your brownies won’t stick.
2. Prepare the Brownie Batter:
In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Once it’s melted, take it off the heat and stir in the granulated sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract until everything is mixed well.
3. Mix in the Dry Ingredients:
Add the cocoa powder, flour, salt, and baking powder into the saucepan. Stir gently until just combined—be careful not to overmix!
4. Bake the Brownies:
Pour the batter into the prepared pan and use a spatula to smooth the top. Bake in your preheated oven for about 20-25 minutes. To check if they’re done, insert a toothpick into the center; it should come out with a few moist crumbs attached (not wet batter).
5. Cool and Make the Frosting:
Let the brownies cool completely in the pan. While they cool, make the frosting. In a bowl, cream the softened butter, and then gradually add the powdered sugar. Mix in the milk and vanilla until smooth. Add green food coloring a little at a time until you get a bright, fun green.
6. Frost the Brownies:
Once the brownies are cool, spread the green frosting evenly over the top.
7. Cut and Decorate:
Cut the brownies into squares. Use black decorating gel or icing to pipe silly hair on the top of each brownie. Place two candy eyeballs just below the hair for that classic Frankenstein look, then add a line mouth with the black gel or icing.
8. Enjoy Your Creation!
Serve these spooky treats at your next gathering or keep them all to yourself—either way, enjoy your delicious Frankenstein Brownies!
These brownies are not only delicious but also a fun treat to celebrate Halloween with style!
Can I Use Different Types of Cocoa Powder?
Absolutely! Unsweetened cocoa powder is ideal for this recipe due to its rich flavor. However, you can also use Dutch-processed cocoa for a smoother taste. Just keep in mind that it may slightly alter the final color of the brownies.
What Can I Use Instead of Black Decorating Gel?
If you don’t have black decorating gel, you can use a thin layer of chocolate icing or melted dark chocolate. Simply place it in a piping bag or a small ziplock with the corner snipped off for easier application.
How Should I Store Leftover Brownies?
Store any leftover brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want to keep them longer, refrigerator storage is fine, but let them come to room temperature before serving for the best taste.
Can I Make These Brownies Gluten-Free?
Yes! You can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Just make sure it’s a 1:1 substitute to maintain the right texture. Almond flour or coconut flour can also work, but they’re best used in combination with other gluten-free flours for the best results.