Spiderweb Brownies Recipe: Easy Halloween Treat with Fudgy Center

There’s something about the crisp air of fall, the scent of cinnamon in the kitchen, and the joy of baking that makes this season feel magical. Growing up in Tuscany, autumn was the time when the kitchen came alive with rustic treats and sweet warmth. Now, in my gluten-free life across the ocean, I bring those flavors into every bite but with a twist. One of the most beloved fall desserts by my readers (and my nieces!) is these Spiderweb Brownies. Fudgy, rich, and topped with a playful cream cheese web, they’re the perfect Halloween treat that combines spooky fun with comforting indulgence.

Whether you’re planning a party or just want a dessert that screams fall, these brownies are sure to be a hit and they’re easy enough for even beginner bakers to master. If you loved the chewy texture of my No-Fail Gluten-Free Brownies, you’ll be obsessed with these too.

Spiderweb Brownies

Matteo

Fudgy, rich brownies with a playful cream cheese spiderweb topping the perfect gluten-free Halloween treat that blends spooky fun with cozy fall flavors.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 30 minutes mins

Total Time 45 minutes mins

Course Dessert

Cuisine American

Servings 9 squares

Calories 270 kcal

Equipment

• microwave-safe bowl
• 8×8-inch baking pan
• parchment paper
• mixing bowls
• whisk or spoon
• piping bag or zip-top bag
• toothpick

Ingredients

  

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• 1/2 cup unsalted butter
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup cocoa powder
• 1/2 cup gluten-free all-purpose flour (with xanthan gum)
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp baking powder
• 1/3 cup dark chocolate chips (optional)
• 4 oz cream cheese (softened)
• 2 tbsp powdered sugar
• 1 tbsp milk or dairy-free milk
• 1/2 tsp vanilla extract (for topping)

Instructions

 

• Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8 baking pan with parchment paper or grease it well.
• In a microwave-safe bowl, melt butter. Stir in sugars until smooth. Whisk in eggs and vanilla. Add cocoa powder, flour, salt, and baking powder. Fold in chocolate chips if using.
• Pour brownie batter into prepared pan and smooth the top.
• In a small bowl, whisk together cream cheese, powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla until smooth.
• Transfer cream cheese mixture into a piping or zip-top bag. Pipe 3–4 concentric circles over the batter. Use a toothpick to drag lines from the center outward to create the web.
• Bake for 28–32 minutes or until the center is set but slightly soft. Let cool completely before slicing.

Notes

Use room temperature ingredients for a smoother batter and cleaner spiderweb design. Don’t overbake to keep that fudgy center. Add a teaspoon of espresso powder to deepen the chocolate flavor. For a dairy-free version, use plant-based butter and cream cheese. Store in an airtight container at room temp for 3 days, or freeze up to 2 months.

Nutrition

Calories: 270kcalCarbohydrates: 32gProtein: 3gFat: 15gSaturated Fat: 9gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 4gCholesterol: 60mgSodium: 110mgPotassium: 120mgFiber: 2gSugar: 25gVitamin A: 420IUCalcium: 40mgIron: 1.6mg

Keyword cream cheese topping, gluten free brownies, halloween dessert, spiderweb brownies

Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

Ingredients for Spiderweb Brownies

To make these decadent brownies, you’ll need just a few pantry staples and a few things to create that fun spiderweb finish. You can use store-bought gluten-free brownie mix or make them from scratch (see both options below).

For the Brownies (from scratch):

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup cocoa powder
• 1/2 cup gluten-free all-purpose flour (with xanthan gum)
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp baking powder
• 1/3 cup dark chocolate chips (optional)

For the Spiderweb Cream Cheese Topping:

• 4 oz cream cheese (softened)
• 2 tbsp powdered sugar
• 1 tbsp milk or dairy-free milk
• 1/2 tsp vanilla extract

Tip: If you’re pressed for time, grab a box of gluten-free brownie mix and prepare as directed, then just add the spiderweb design on top.

How to Make Spiderweb Brownies

These brownies are super easy to make and come together in under an hour. Here’s how to get that rich chocolate base and hauntingly beautiful spiderweb top.

1. Prep the Pan
   Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8 baking pan with parchment paper or grease it well.
2. Make the Batter
   In a microwave-safe bowl, melt butter. Stir in sugars until smooth. Whisk in eggs and vanilla. Add cocoa powder, flour, salt, and baking powder. Fold in chocolate chips.
3. Pour and Smooth
   Pour brownie batter into prepared pan and smooth the top.
4. Mix the Topping
   In a small bowl, whisk together cream cheese, powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla until smooth.
5. Create the Web
   Transfer the cream cheese mixture into a small piping bag or a zip-top bag with the corner snipped. Pipe 3–4 concentric circles on top of the brownie batter. Using a toothpick, drag lines from the center outwards to create the spiderweb pattern.
6. Bake
   Bake for 28–32 minutes or until the center is set but still slightly soft. Let cool completely before slicing.

For another crowd-pleasing Halloween option, try these Gluten-Free Cheesecake Bites they pair beautifully with these brownies at any fall gathering.

Tips for Perfect Spiderweb Brownies

• Use room temperature ingredients: This helps the batter come together smoothly and prevents clumping in the cream cheese mixture.
• Don’t overbake: You want that fudgy center! Check at the 28-minute mark.
• Add espresso powder: Just 1 tsp added to the batter will deepen the chocolate flavor.
• For cleaner webs: Pipe your web slowly and evenly. Use a clean toothpick for each drag to avoid smudging.

Looking for more fuss-free recipes with wow-factor? These 5-Ingredient Gluten-Free Cookies are a must-try next.

Variations to Try

Want to make your Spiderweb Brownies even more suited to your needs? Here are some easy variations.

• Gluten-Free Box Mix: Save time with your favorite certified GF brownie mix, then just add the cream cheese spiderweb.
• Dairy-Free Option: Use plant-based butter and vegan cream cheese for a completely dairy-free version.
• Pumpkin Spice Twist: Add 1/2 tsp pumpkin pie spice to the batter for fall flair.
• Crunchy Topping: Sprinkle crushed gluten-free pretzels or chopped pecans before baking for texture.

If you love creative fall bakes, don’t miss my Gluten-Free Apple Crisp another autumn favorite.

Storage and Make Ahead Tips

• Room Temp: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Fridge: Keeps well for 5 days chilled.
• Freeze: Wrap individual squares tightly in plastic and freeze up to 2 months.

Before your next bake, explore more gluten-free fall desserts like Gluten-Free Lemon Bars or the Gluten-Free Banana Bread.

Final Thoughts

Whether you’re a beginner baker or a seasoned kitchen witch, these Spiderweb Brownies are a festive, flavorful way to celebrate the season. The fudgy bite, paired with a silky cream cheese swirl, is a reminder that Halloween desserts can be both spooky and seriously delicious.

FAQ: Spiderweb Brownies

How do I get the spiderweb design to look clean?
Use a piping bag or zip-top bag to pipe even circles, then gently drag a clean toothpick from center outward in straight lines.

Can I make these ahead for a party?
Yes! Bake a day in advance and refrigerate. Bring to room temp before serving.

What gluten-free flour works best?
A 1-to-1 blend with xanthan gum works well. Avoid single flours like almond or coconut here.

Can I make these without eggs?
Yes. Replace eggs with flax eggs or use a store-bought egg replacer.