Pumpkin Patch Halloween Brownies

Learn how to make these cute shortcut Pumpkin Patch Halloween Brownies in just a few minutes. This may be the easiest Halloween brownie recipe you ever try!

With only 3 ingredients and no baking involved, this is the perfect recipe for your little one to help out with.

Plus, it’s a chance to teach kids how math applies in real life situations like baking brownies.

You can also use this as an opportunity for your child to learn about fractions by dividing up their favorite candy into equal parts before adding them on.

Remember, this is a shortcut recipe for those of us that waited until the last minute to make treats for our Halloween party, but still want something super cute that LOOKS like you spent a ton of time on.

Frequently Asked Questions About Brownies

For those of you that are actually baking brownies (look at you go!), some situations or questions may come up.

Here are some answers to most commonly asked questions when baking brownies.

How do I make brownies?

To make your fun Halloween brownies, feel free to use your favorite brownie recipe.

If you’re short on time (or baking skills), feel free to use a brownie box mix or even easier yet – just buy some pre-made brownies at the store!

What ingredients do I need to make brownies from scratch?

You don’t need a ton of ingredients to make brownies from scratch. Here’s the basic list:

– Flour, Sugar, Salt and Cocoa Powder (all measured in cups)

– Oil or Butter (usually about one stick is good enough – but you can always use more if needed!)  

– Eggs (how many depends on how much batter your recipe makes)

How do I bake brownies?

Baking times vary depending on what type of pan you’re using, what size it is and how hot your oven runs.

Follow your recipe or the baking mixes directions as closely as possible, while keeping an eye on them.

Ideally they will turn glossy around the edges and set up in the middle.

What temperature do I bake brownies?

Most boxes will say to preheat the oven for between 375 degrees Fahrenheit and 400 degrees Fahrenheit.  

If your oven runs hot though (for example if it’s gas), set it lower than this range – just keep an eye on things because cooking time may be shorter or longer depending on where they are in the heat spectrum.

The type of pan you use will affect baking time as well. 

What ingredients do I need to make boxed brownie mix?

When using a boxed brownie mix, you will need oil and eggs (as per the box instructions).

Why are my brownies too gooey?

If you’re having problems with the texture of your brownies, it could be due to either an improper cooking time or temperature.

You just need a few minor adjustments for things get back on track!

Cooking Time and Temperature

It’s a common problem when baking brownies that the outer edges get too dark before the middle of your pan is done.

To correct this, turn down heat by 25 degrees, especially if you’re using glass or dark aluminum pans or a convection oven setting.

Checking for Doneness

Use the old toothpick trick as an indicator. To do this correctly set the timer for about 10 minutes before time suggested by recipe (so you can avoid burning the brownies). 

Insert one end of the toothpick into the center of pan.

If it comes out wet, then these aren’t cooked all through yet. Give them another five minutes.

If it comes out perfectly clean, it’s definitely done (and might even be overcooked/dry).

The perfect doneness with have a smidge of morsels cling to the toothpick, without being wet.

Cutting too soon

Another reason brownies might be too moist in the middle is because you’re cutting them too soon.

It’s tempting, but don’t dig right into your freshly baked goodies!

Set the pan on a cooling rack and allow at least two or four hours before cutting your brownies.

Why are my brownies too dry?

A common problem when baking brownies is that you don’t add enough oil or butter to the recipe.

To fix this, add more oil or butter as needed (the recipe should give you a good starting point).

You might also be adding too much flour to your brownie batter mixture – which dries them out!

If this is the case, just add an extra egg to the recipe.

You might also be over-baking them which always dries out baked goods.

Try checking for doneness earlier on in the cooking time as mentioned above.

What should I do if I don’t have cocoa powder? 

If you don’t have cocoa powder in your pantry, you can replace it with another kind of baking chocolate.

For every 3 tablespoons of cocoa powder, use 1 ounce of unsweetened chocolate.

Make sure you melt the chocolate before adding it to the recipe.

Why aren’t my brownie edges cooked through yet?

If the edges of your pan are still undercooked or not set, chances are you’ve used too much batter to make them or the pan is too small.

To fix this, use less batter next time.

You might also cook these bad boys in a larger pan than what’s stated in recipe. If you do, be sure to reduce cooking time by five minutes and check for doneness earlier on in the baking time.

Can I put brownies in the freezer to cool?

If you’re looking to chill your brownies quickly, don’t put them in the freezer.

Freezing will make chocolate seize up and turn crumbly (not good!).

Instead, place your pan of brownies on a cooling rack for 15 minutes before covering with foil or plastic wrap – then pop them into fridge.

If you absolutely need to speed up cooling, you can do so by placing pan on an ice-water bath for about five minutes.

Do I cut brownies when hot or cold?

Cutting brownies when they’re hot can make them break apart and crumble.

Instead, wait at least two hours before cutting your brownie bars into squares.

For best results you should allow to cool completely (about four or five hours).

I know it’s tough, but you can do it!

What makes brownies fudgy vs cakey?

Fudgy brownies have a higher ratio of chocolate to flour and sugar while cakey ones are the opposite.

They also contain less fat from oil or butter, resulting in a dense texture.

In contrast, cake brownies tend to be lighter with more air pockets inside them (which makes for great decorating!).

Cake brownies also use more eggs, chocolate or cocoa powder to achieve their texture.

How to store brownies

If you are baking your brownies, you want to let them cool completely before decorating and storing.

You can store them in an airtight container at room temperature for 3-4 days.

You can also freeze brownies in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Thaw frozen brownies in the refrigerator for best results.

Does putting brownies in the fridge ruin them?

Putting brownies in the fridge can dry them out and change their texture.

We recommend storing your leftover brownie bars at room temperature, if possible!

How do you keep brownies from getting hard overnight?

This is a tough one!

The best way to do this would be to store your brownies at room temperature in an airtight container (like Tupperware) or wrap them tightly with plastic wrap.

You can also individually freeze leftover bars and thaw in the fridge or at room temperature before serving.

How to Make Pumpkin Patch Halloween Brownies 

Pumpkin Patch Brownies are a perfect brownie for a kids Halloween party or just to enjoy at home.

They’re one of my favorite easy Halloween desserts to make and super cute!

Ingredients 

• 12 Pre-made Brownies (or use your favorite recipe or box mix) 
• Candy Pumpkins
• Green Icing 

Directions

Use the green icing to make swirls on top of your chocolate brownies to create the pumpkin vines.

Use some green icing as “glue” to place the candy pumpkins on the brownies.

*If you have some icing skills, you can use a star or leaf tip to add some more texture to your pumpkin patch by piping leaves and grass.

Feel free to add more decorative items like chocolate sprinkles, candy corn or colorful Halloween sprinkles.

More Halloween Brownie Ideas

Other Fun Halloween Treats to Make