Name: Melted Jack O’ Lantern Brownies
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 box brownie mix (or homemade brownie batter); 12 large marshmallows; 1 cup orange candy melts or orange-tinted frosting; Black gel icing or edible marker; Candy eyes (optional); Nonstick spray or parchment paper

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Melted Jack O’ Lantern Brownies are a spooky, sweet, and fun Halloween treat that combines rich chocolate brownies with gooey marshmallows and festive decorations. Each brownie looks like a little jack-o’-lantern that’s just started to melt, giving them a playful and slightly eerie charm perfect for fall gatherings or Halloween parties.

Why I Love This Recipe

I love how easy these brownies are to make while still looking super creative and festive. I start with a batch of fudgy brownies—homemade or boxed, depending on the day—and top them with marshmallows that puff and melt slightly in the oven. Decorating each one with icing faces turns a simple dessert into a Halloween centerpiece. Kids and adults both love them, and I get to have fun in the kitchen creating different silly or spooky expressions. Melted Jack O’ Lantern Brownies

Ingredients

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

Brownie mix or homemade brownie batter
Large marshmallows
Orange candy melts or frosting
Black gel icing or edible marker
Candy eyes (optional)
Nonstick spray or parchment paper

Directions

I bake the brownies according to the recipe or box instructions in a square or rectangular pan, then let them cool slightly before cutting into squares.
I place one large marshmallow in the center of each brownie square.
I return them to the oven for 2–3 minutes, just until the marshmallows start to melt and droop—watching carefully so they don’t collapse completely.
Once out of the oven, I gently press them to flatten slightly and let them cool.
I spoon or pipe orange melted candy over the tops of the marshmallows to make the pumpkin “skin.”
Once set, I use black gel icing or an edible marker to draw jack-o’-lantern faces. I sometimes add candy eyes for a playful twist.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes about 12 brownies, depending on how big I cut them. It takes around 10 minutes to prep, 25–30 minutes to bake, and a few extra minutes to decorate.

Variations

I sometimes use mini brownies and mini marshmallows for bite-sized treats.
For a chocolate-pumpkin twist, I add pumpkin puree and spices to the brownie batter.
If I’m short on time, I use store-bought brownies and just decorate.
I swap orange candy melts for orange-tinted white chocolate or frosting.

Storage/Reheating

I store these brownies in a single layer in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. I don’t recommend reheating them, as the decorations can melt or smear. They’re best enjoyed fresh or at room temp. Melted Jack O’ Lantern Brownies

FAQs

Can I use a boxed brownie mix?

Absolutely. I do it often for convenience, and they still turn out delicious and festive.

Do I need to chill the marshmallows before decorating?

No, I let them cool at room temperature until set, then decorate. They hold their shape best that way.

How do I keep the marshmallows from melting too much?

I only heat them for 2–3 minutes—just enough to puff. Watching closely is key to avoid a full melt.

What’s the best way to color the pumpkin faces?

I use black gel icing or edible markers. Both work well and let me draw different expressions.

Can I make these ahead of time?

Yes! I bake and decorate them a day in advance, then store them in a cool place until serving.

Conclusion

Melted Jack O’ Lantern Brownies are the perfect blend of creepy and cute—a sweet way to celebrate Halloween with minimal fuss. They’re easy to make, fun to decorate, and even more fun to eat. Whether I’m making them with kids or for a fall party, these brownies bring the festive spirit to life every time.