These Melted Jack O Lantern Brownies are the ultimate Halloween dessert – spooky, messy, and oh-so delicious! Featuring a fudgy homemade brownie base, these treats are topped with creamy orange frosting that looks like a jack-o-lantern has hilariously melted. Decorated with chocolate chip faces and optional candy corn, they’re as fun to make as they are to eat.
Perfect for Halloween parties, bake sales, or a festive family night, these brownies bring a playful twist to traditional fall baking. Forget perfection – the messier they look, the more charming they are. Get ready for a frightfully fun and tasty treat!
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What are Melted Jack O Lantern Brownies?
Ever wondered what happened to those adorable jack-o-lanterns after a particularly spooky Halloween night? Well, maybe they didn’t actually melt, but these brownies sure look like they did! Imagine rich, fudgy brownies topped with a generous layer of vibrant orange frosting that seems to have taken a comical tumble. Are they supposed to look this messy? Absolutely! Is this messiness the whole charm? You bet! Forget perfectly sculpted desserts; we’re embracing the delightfully disastrous side of Halloween baking.
They say ‘the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach,’ but we think these Melted Jack O’ Lantern brownies will win over everyone, no matter their age or ghostly preference. So, get your aprons on and prepare for a baking adventure that’s guaranteed to be both fun and delicious! Give these a try – your taste buds (and your Halloween spirit) will thank you!
Key Ingredients for Melted Jack O Lantern Brownies:
Here’s what you’ll need to bring these spooky treats to life:
For the Brownies:
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, melted
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 1 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 4 large eggs
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
For the Melted Jack O’ Lantern Frosting:
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 4 cups powdered sugar
- 4-6 tablespoons milk or cream (adjust to desired consistency)
- Orange food coloring (gel preferred for vibrancy)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Decorations:
- Chocolate chips or mini chocolate chips (for facial features)
- Candy corn (optional, for extra flair)
- Black decorating gel (optional, for outlining)
How to Make Melted Jack O Lantern Brownies:
These brownies are ridiculously easy and guaranteed to be a hit at your Halloween gathering. The fudgy brownie base provides a delicious and satisfying start. The vibrant orange frosting will give the appearance of a melted pumpkin and the delicious taste to match. The decorating component will be great for kids.
The preparation time for the brownies is quick. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13 inch baking pan.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
Brownie Preparation:
Preheat and Prep: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Generously grease a 9×13 inch baking pan. Lining the pan with parchment paper and leaving an overhang will make removing the brownies much easier later.
Melt Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl(heat safe), combine your melted butter and granulated sugar. Mix until well combined. You can use a hand mixer, but a whisk works just as well!
Add Cocoa and Salt: Add the unsweetened cocoa powder and salt to the butter and sugar mixture. Stir until everything is evenly incorporated. The mixture might look a little thick at this point, but don’t worry, the eggs will loosen it up.
Incorporate Vanilla and Eggs: Stir in the vanilla extract. Then, add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Ensure each egg is fully incorporated to help create a smooth and glossy brownie batter.
Add Flour: Gradually add the all-purpose flour to the batter, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to tough brownies. A few streaks of flour are okay; they will disappear during baking.
Pour and Bake: Pour the brownie batter into the prepared baking pan and spread evenly. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with a few moist crumbs attached.
Cool Completely: Remove the brownies from the oven and let them cool completely in the pan before frosting. This is crucial for preventing the frosting from melting and creating a truly “melted” effect prematurely.
Frosting Preparation:
Cream Butter: In a large bowl, beat the softened butter with an electric mixer until light and fluffy. This will ensure a smooth and creamy frosting.
Add Powdered Sugar Gradually: Gradually add the powdered sugar to the butter, beating on low speed until combined. Be sure to alternate adding powdered sugar with splashes of milk to keep the frosting from becoming too dry and to let it all incorporate evenly.
Add Milk and Vanilla: Add the vanilla extract and enough milk or cream to achieve a smooth, spreadable consistency. The amount of liquid needed may vary depending on the humidity in your area, so adjust accordingly.
Color the Frosting: Add orange food coloring, a few drops at a time, until you reach your desired shade of orange. Gel food coloring is highly recommended for a more vibrant color and to avoid thinning the frosting.
Assembly and Decoration:
Frost the Brownies: Once the brownies are completely cooled, spread the orange frosting over the top in a “melted” or swirly fashion. Don’t strive for perfection; the messier, the better!
Add Facial Features: Use chocolate chips or mini chocolate chips to create the facial features of your jack-o’-lantern. Place them strategically to resemble eyes, a nose, and a mouth. You can also use black decorating gel to outline the features for a more defined look.
Final Touches(Optional): Add candy corn around the edges of the brownies for an extra festive touch. This is a great way to get creative and customize your Melted Jack O’ Lantern Brownies!
Why You’ll Love These Melted Jack O Lantern Brownies

The best part about these brownies is the perfect mixture of textures! The fudgy from the brownie and the delicious creamy frosting. Besides the incredible taste the main highlight is the delightful presentation. These treats are much less expensive than buying similarly themed desserts from a bakery or store.
Plus, you can use high-quality ingredients to make them even better for a fantastic price. To top it off, they are so customizable, with endless topping possibilities like sprinkles, candies, or even different flavored frostings. They are even easier to make than a traditional layered cake, making it great for beginners. Intrigued? Give our other popular recipe a try: a classic fudge brownie recipe! So, don’t wait – gather your ingredients and get ready to bake a batch of these adorable and delicious Halloween treats!
What to Serve Melted Jack O Lantern Brownies With:
To complete your Halloween feast, consider serving these Melted Jack O’ Lantern Brownies alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a glass of cold milk. They also pair perfectly with a warm cup of spiced apple cider or hot chocolate on a chilly autumn evening.
For a delightful contrast, serve them with a platter of fresh fruit like berries or grapes.
Top Tips for Perfecting Melted Jack O Lantern Brownies:
- Don’t Overbake: Overbaking will result in dry, crumbly brownies. Keep a close eye on them and remove them from the oven as soon as a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with a few moist crumbs.
- Use High-Quality Cocoa: Using high-quality unsweetened cocoa powder will significantly enhance the flavor of your brownies. Opt for Dutch-processed cocoa for a richer, deeper chocolate flavor.
- Adjust Frosting Consistency: If your frosting is too thick, add a small amount of milk or cream until you reach the desired consistency. If it’s too thin, add a little more powdered sugar.
- Customize the Decorations: Get creative with your decorations! Use different types of candies, sprinkles, or even edible glitter to make your jack-o’-lanterns unique.
- Ingredient Substitutions: Instead of butter, you can use coconut oil to give a better texture. Try a gluten free flour blend.
Storing and Reheating Tips:
- Storing: Store leftover Melted Jack O’ Lantern Brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the refrigerator for up to a week. To prevent the brownies from drying out, place a piece of parchment paper or plastic wrap over the cut edges.
- Freezing Unfrosted Brownies: For longer storage, you can freeze the brownies (without the frosting) for up to 2-3 months. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn.
- Reheating Brownies: If you want to warm up the brownies before serving, you can microwave them for a few seconds until slightly heated. Be careful not to overheat them, as they can become dry.
Final Thoughts
These Melted Jack O’ Lantern Brownies are a delightful way to add some fun and spooky sweetness to your Halloween celebrations.
Easy to make and fun to decorate, they’re perfect for sharing with friends and family. So, gather your ingredients, get creative, and enjoy baking up a batch of these ghoulishly good treats! Happy Halloween!
Discover more here : The Ultimate Baking Hub: Classic & Seasonal Recipes for Home Bakers
More Spooky & Delicious Recipes to Try:
- Follow us on Pinterest for more homemade recipes
- Pumpkin Cheesecake Cookies
- Baked Cheese Mummies
- Black Velvet Cheesecake Cookies
- Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Bread
FAQs
Can I use a boxed brownie mix for this recipe?
Yes, you can use a boxed brownie mix as a shortcut. Simply follow the instructions on the box and then proceed to frost and decorate the brownies as described in our recipe.
Can I make these brownies ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can bake the brownies a day or two in advance and store them at room temperature in an airtight container. Frost them just before serving to ensure the frosting stays fresh and vibrant.
Can I use different food coloring for the frosting?
Of course! If you prefer a different color, feel free to use any gel food coloring you like. Green or purple would also be fun for Halloween!

Melted Jack O Lantern Brownies
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Rich, fudgy brownies topped with vibrant orange frosting and playful jack-o’-lantern faces that look delightfully melted – the perfect spooky treat for Halloween!
Ingredients
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, melted
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 1 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 4 large eggs
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 4 cups powdered sugar
- 4–6 tablespoons milk or cream
- Orange food coloring (gel preferred)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Chocolate chips or mini chocolate chips
- Candy corn (optional)
- Black decorating gel (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking pan.
- Mix melted butter and sugar in a large bowl.
- Add cocoa powder and salt, stir to combine.
- Stir in vanilla, then add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each.
- Gently fold in flour until just combined.
- Pour into prepared pan, bake 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out with moist crumbs.
- Cool brownies completely.
- For frosting, beat softened butter until fluffy.
- Gradually add powdered sugar, alternating with splashes of milk.
- Add vanilla and adjust consistency with milk or cream.
- Color with orange food coloring until desired shade is reached.
- Spread frosting over cooled brownies in a messy, melted style.
- Decorate with chocolate chips for faces, black gel for outlines, and candy corn for extra flair.
Notes
For best results, let brownies cool completely before frosting to avoid premature melting. Have fun with decorations – the messier, the better!
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 brownie
- Calories: 380
- Sugar: 38g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 80mg