Name: Melted Jack O’ Lantern Brownies
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 1 h
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 3/4 cup all-purpose flour; 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder; 1/2 cup granulated sugar; 1/2 cup brown sugar; 1/4 tsp salt; 1/2 tsp baking powder; 2 large eggs; 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted; 1 tsp vanilla extract; 12 large marshmallows; 1 cup orange candy melts (or white chocolate + orange food coloring); Black decorating gel or edible marker; Mini chocolate chips or sprinkles (optional)

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Melted Jack O’ Lantern Brownies are my favorite way to add a spooky, fun twist to a classic chocolate treat. These fudgy brownies are topped with gooey melted marshmallows and decorated to look like adorable jack-o’-lanterns that are just beginning to melt. Perfect for Halloween parties or a themed baking night, they’re festive, rich, and irresistibly cute.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love how this recipe turns simple brownies into an eye-catching Halloween dessert. The base is rich and chewy, while the melted marshmallow topping adds sweetness and fun texture. Decorating the jack-o’-lantern faces is a blast—whether I keep it cute or go spooky. It’s a great baking activity for kids or anyone who wants to add some seasonal charm to their dessert table. Melted Jack O’ Lantern Brownies

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

All-purpose flour
Unsweetened cocoa powder
Granulated sugar
Brown sugar
Salt
Baking powder
Eggs
Unsalted butter (melted)
Vanilla extract
Large marshmallows
Orange candy melts (or white chocolate with orange food coloring)
Black decorating gel or edible marker
Mini chocolate chips or sprinkles (optional for facial features)

Directions

I preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease or line a baking pan with parchment paper.
I mix flour, cocoa powder, salt, and baking powder in one bowl.
In another bowl, I whisk melted butter with granulated sugar, brown sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract until smooth.
I combine the wet and dry ingredients, then pour the batter into the prepared pan.
I bake for 25–30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out mostly clean.
I let the brownies cool completely before cutting them into squares.
I top each brownie with a large marshmallow and place them under the broiler for about 1 minute—just enough to puff and start melting.
Once slightly cooled, I spoon melted orange candy melts over each marshmallow, letting it drip down the sides for the “melted” pumpkin look.
I use black gel or edible marker to draw jack-o’-lantern faces and add any extra decorations I want.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes about 12 brownies.
Prep time: 20 minutes
Bake time: 25–30 minutes
Decorating time: 15 minutes
Total time: around 1 hour

Variations

I use box brownie mix when I’m short on time, and it works perfectly.
I sometimes add chocolate chips or chopped nuts to the batter for extra texture.
Instead of candy melts, I color white chocolate or frosting with gel food coloring.
For a spooky version, I use white candy melts and make ghost faces instead.
I switch up the colors for different holidays—green for slime monsters or red for Santa hats.

storage/reheating

I store these brownies in a single layer in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If I need to stack them, I place wax paper between the layers. I don’t usually reheat them since the marshmallow can get sticky, but if I want a warm brownie, I microwave it for about 10 seconds. Melted Jack O’ Lantern Brownies

FAQs

Can I use mini marshmallows instead of large ones?

I can, but the look will be different. One large marshmallow gives the perfect “melting head” effect. If I use minis, I stack a few to get that height.

How do I keep the marshmallows from sliding off?

Letting the brownies cool fully before adding the marshmallows helps. I also gently press the marshmallow into the brownie so it adheres better before broiling.

Can I make these ahead of time?

Yes, I bake the brownies a day in advance and decorate them the day I plan to serve. The decorations hold up well for a few hours at room temp.

What’s the best way to melt the candy melts?

I microwave the candy melts in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until smooth. I add a tiny bit of coconut oil if I need a thinner consistency.

Can kids help with this recipe?

Absolutely! I let them draw faces with edible markers and decorate the pumpkins. It’s a fun and safe way to get them involved in Halloween baking.

Conclusion

Melted Jack O’ Lantern Brownies bring together the rich flavor of homemade brownies and the festive spirit of Halloween. I love how simple they are to make, yet how impressive they look on a dessert table. Whether for a party, bake sale, or just some spooky fun, this recipe always delivers a delicious, creative treat.