Eyeball Brownies are a fun and spooky treat that’s perfect for Halloween or any time you want a little playful twist on a classic dessert. These brownies are rich and fudgy, with a gooey center, topped with candy eyeballs that give them a silly, creepy look. They’re a guaranteed way to bring some laughs and smiles to your snack table!
I love making these when I want something that’s both delicious and a little bit weird in a good way. The eyeballs add a fun surprise, especially for kids or anyone who likes a little spooky fun. My trick is to press the candy eyeballs into the brownies right after baking so they stick well without melting too much.
Serving these brownies warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream makes them extra special. It’s like getting a warm chocolaty hug with a silly twist on top. Whenever I bring these to a party, they always get lots of attention, and people love the mix of tasty and playful. Honestly, they’re one of my favorite treats to share when I want to make dessert time a bit more memorable.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Butter: This adds richness and helps create that fudgy texture in brownies. You can swap it for coconut oil to keep it dairy-free, but the flavor might change slightly.
Sugar: Granulated sugar works best for the classic brownie texture. Brown sugar can be used for a softer, chewier brownie with a hint of caramel flavor.
Eggs: Eggs bind the ingredients and add moisture. For a vegan option, try flax eggs (1 tbsp ground flaxseed + 3 tbsp water per egg, chilled).
Unsweetened Cocoa Powder: This is key for rich chocolate flavor. Dutch-processed cocoa gives a smoother taste, while natural cocoa adds a bit more tang.
Chocolate Chips (optional): These add pockets of melted chocolate for extra fudginess. Dark, milk, or white chocolate chips all work depending on your preference.
Candy Eyeballs: These fun decorations are available at most stores during Halloween. If you can’t find them, small round candies like M&Ms or jellybeans work too.
How Do You Keep Brownies Fudgy and Not Dry?
Fudgy brownies have a moist, dense texture. Here’s how to get them right:
- Use more butter and sugar compared to flour to keep brownies moist.
- Don’t overmix once you add the flour; mix until just combined to avoid toughness.
- Bake until a toothpick comes out with a few moist crumbs — not clean.
- Cool brownies completely before frosting to prevent melting.
Adding chocolate chips helps keep gooey spots inside. These tips ensure your brownies stay rich and soft every time.
What’s the Best Way to Add Candy Eyeballs Without Melting Them?
Place candy eyeballs on the brownies after baking and once they have cooled completely. Then spread a thin layer of frosting. While the frosting is still soft, gently press the eyeballs on top. This keeps the eyeballs intact without melting or sliding off.
Equipment You’ll Need
- 9×13-inch baking pan – I like it because it gives you a big enough surface for even baking and easy cutting.
- Parchment paper – makes removing the brownies simple and keeps cleanup easy.
- Medium saucepan – for melting the butter smoothly without burning.
- Mixing bowls – for mixing ingredients separately and easily.
- Spatula or wooden spoon – helps stir and spread the batter evenly.
- Cooling rack – to cool the brownies completely before decorating.
- Butter knife or sharp knife – for cutting neat squares without squishing the eyeballs.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Chocolate chunks or chopped nuts – add texture and extra flavor to the batter before baking.
- White chocolate chips or peanut butter chips – switch up the chocolate for different tastes in each bite.
- Peanut butter or caramel drizzle – add on top after frosting for a sweet, gooey burst.
- Use tinted frosting or coloring candy eyeballs to match themes or make different fun characters.
Eyeball Brownies
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- 1 cup chocolate chips (optional, for extra fudginess)
- 1 cup chocolate frosting (store-bought or homemade)
- Candy eyeballs for decoration (edible Halloween eyeball candies)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prepare, 25-30 minutes to bake, and around 20 minutes to cool completely before decorating. Plan on about an hour total including decorating time, so you can enjoy your spooky eyeball brownies fresh and ready to share!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Get Ready to Bake:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper, letting the edges hang over the sides for easy brownie removal later.
2. Make the Brownie Batter:
In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Once melted, remove from heat and stir in the sugar until it’s all mixed in. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition, then stir in the vanilla extract. In another bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, salt, and baking powder. Slowly fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined. If you like, stir in the chocolate chips for extra gooey surprises.
3. Bake and Decorate:
Pour the batter evenly into your prepared pan. Bake for 25-30 minutes. You’ll know they’re ready when a toothpick inserted near the center comes out with a few moist crumbs—but don’t overbake if you want them fudgy! Let the brownies cool fully on a wire rack, then spread a thin layer of chocolate frosting over the top. While the frosting is still soft, gently press candy eyeballs onto each brownie square. Cut carefully around the eyeballs and enjoy your fun, spooky treat!
Can I Use Frozen Butter for These Brownies?
It’s best to use room temperature or melted butter for this recipe to ensure it mixes smoothly with the sugar. If your butter is frozen, thaw it in the fridge overnight or soften it gently in the microwave before starting.
Can I Make Eyeball Brownies Ahead of Time?
Yes! Bake and frost the brownies a day ahead, but add candy eyeballs just before serving to keep them looking fresh and intact.
How Should I Store Leftover Brownies?
Keep leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, refrigerate for up to a week or freeze the unfrosted brownies for up to 3 months.
What if I Can’t Find Candy Eyeballs?
No worries! Substitute with small round candies like M&Ms or jellybeans to create a similar fun and spooky look.