Go Back
–+ servings
Spiderweb Brownies with cream cheese topping on parchment

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
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Servings 9 squares
Calories 270 kcal

Equipment

  • microwave-safe bowl
  • 8x8-inch baking pan
  • parchment paper
  • mixing bowls
  • whisk or spoon
  • piping bag or zip-top bag
  • toothpick

Ingredients
  

  • 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 8x8 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!