These Black Bat Brownies are a spooky treat perfect for Halloween! With rich chocolate flavor and a hint of creaminess, they’re sure to satisfy your sweet tooth.
I love how easy they are to make! Just mix, bake, and let them cool. They taste amazing with a scoop of ice cream on top—just don’t forget the spooky decorations!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Butter: Unsalted butter adds richness to the brownies. If you’re in a pinch, you can use margarine or a dairy-free butter substitute.
Cocoa powder: Use unsweetened cocoa for a deep chocolate flavor. You can substitute with Dutch-process cocoa for a milder taste or carob powder if you want something caffeine-free.
Granulated sugar: Regular sugar works best, but brown sugar could add a hint of chewiness. You can also try coconut sugar for a lower glycemic index option.
Black cookie dough or fondant: If you’re short on time, use pre-made black fondant or even dark chocolate candy melts, shaped into bat wings instead. Both serve as creative and tasty alternatives!
How Do You Achieve the Perfect Brownie Texture?
Baking brownies can be tricky since you want them fudgy without being undercooked. Here are some tips:
- Mix the wet and dry ingredients just until combined. Don’t overmix to keep them tender.
- Keep an eye on the baking time. Check at 25 minutes; remove when a toothpick has moist crumbs, not wet batter.
- Let them cool completely in the pan. This helps them set up properly for easier cutting.
With these insights, you’ll create deliciously soft and visually fun Black Bat Brownies that are sure to impress everyone! Enjoy your spooky baking!
Black Bat Brownies
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Brownies:
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
For the Frosting:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
- 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 2-3 tablespoons milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Bat Decorations:
- Black cookie dough or black fondant (store-bought or homemade) rolled thin and cut into bat wing shapes
- Edible candy eyes (small round candy eyes)
- Powdered sugar (for optional light dusting)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful recipe will take about 15 minutes to prepare and around 30 minutes to bake. After baking, leave the brownies to cool completely before decorating them, which might take about 30 minutes more. Overall, plan for about 1 to 1.5 hours to have this spooky treat ready to serve!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Brownies:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line a 9×13 inch baking pan with parchment paper for easy removal. In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the unsalted butter completely. In a large mixing bowl, combine the melted butter and granulated sugar; mix well until blended. Then, add eggs one at a time, stirring well after each addition, followed by stirring in the vanilla extract.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, cocoa powder, salt, and baking powder. Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients until everything is just combined. Avoid overmixing!
Pour the brownie batter into the prepared pan, spreading it evenly. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with a few moist crumbs. Allow the brownies to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack.
2. Make the Frosting:
In a bowl, beat the softened butter until it’s nice and creamy. Gradually add in the powdered sugar and cocoa powder, alternating with milk to achieve a smooth, spreadable consistency. Finish off by beating in the vanilla extract to enhance the flavor.
3. Decorate the Brownies:
Once your brownies are completely cooled, spread the chocolate frosting evenly over the top using a spatula or the back of a spoon. Create fun swirling patterns if you like! Cut the brownies into squares, and then cut out bat shapes from the black cookie dough or fondant, placing one bat on each brownie square.
Attach one edible candy eye on each bat for an extra cute touch, and if you wish, lightly dust the bats with powdered sugar for a ghostly effect!
4. Serve and Enjoy:
Arrange your charmingly spooky Black Bat Brownies on a serving platter and serve them at your Halloween party or any festive gathering. Enjoy your delicious creation!
This recipe produces rich and fudgy brownies topped with silky frosting and whimsical bat decorations—perfect for capturing the fun and spirit of Halloween!
Can I Use Margarine Instead of Butter?
Yes, you can substitute unsalted butter with margarine! Just ensure it’s a stick or block form rather than a spread for the best results in texture.
Can I Make This Recipe Gluten-Free?
Absolutely! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. Be sure to check the cocoa powder is also gluten-free!
How Should I Store Leftover Brownies?
Store any leftover brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, you can wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to a month. Just thaw them in the fridge overnight before enjoying!
What If I Don’t Have Edible Eyes for Decoration?
If you can’t find edible candy eyes, you can use mini chocolate chips or a small dot of frosting to create eyes on your bat decorations instead!
