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If you’re looking for a dessert that’s a little spooky, super fun, and will be a hit anywhere, then these Graveyard Brownies are for you! Whether you're looking for a spooky Halloween dessert or a fun way to celebrate Day of the Dead, these brownies are sure to please. Best of all, they're easy to make and perfect for any occasion!
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Check out my Halloween Cheesecake Brownies and my Caramel Apple Bites for more fun Halloween recipes!
If you love chocolate and graveyards, then you're going to love graveyard brownies! These delicious treats are made with rich chocolate brownie batter and graveyard-themed decorations.
There's something about chocolate and graveyards that just go together. Maybe it's the rich, dark flavor of the chocolate or the fact that graveyards are so often associated with Halloween. Whatever the reason, these graveyard brownies are sure to be a hit with anyone who loves a good chocolate treat.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This recipe is super easy to make.
- The brownie batter comes together quickly and is easily baked in a standard brownie pan.
- The graveyard decorations can be made ahead of time, so all you have to do is assemble everything when you're ready to serve.
Ingredients You'll Need
- Prepared Brownie Batter: You can use any box of brownies that you'd like.
- Typically Needed for Boxed Brownies: 2 eggs, olive oil and water. Just make sure you check the bag of the box for all important ingredients.
- 12 Milano Cookies: These cookies are going to be what makes the graveyard.
- Black Decorating Icing/Gel: You'll need the icing to help decorate the graveyard.
- 5 Oreos, Filling Removed: You can remove the filling of the Oreos however you'd like. In our family, we would eat the filling for sure. These cookies will eventually need to be crushed.
- Non-Stick Cooking Spray: You don't want anything sticking together with this recipe.
Step-By-Step Instructions
Step 1:
Preheat the oven to the temperature indicated on the brownie batter box.
Step 2:
Prepare the brownie batter according to the directions on the box.
Step 3:
Lightly coat an 8” baking pan with the non-stick cooking spray.
Step 4:
Pour brownie batter into the prepared pan, bake according to box directions.
Step 5:
While brownies are baking, use the black decorating icing/gel to write RIP on the top of each Milano cookie. Set aside.
Step 6:
Scrape the filling from the Oreos and place the chocolate pieces into a small bowl, crush the cookies into a fine crumb to use for dirt on the brownie graves.
Step 7:
Allow brownies to cool and cut them into 12 equal sized rectangles (4 x 3).
Step 8:
Carefully insert each Milano cookie into the top of the brownie, as if it were a headstone.
Step 9:
Using a small spoon, spread about a teaspoon worth of the crushed Oreos on each brownie grave to resemble a pile of dirt. Enjoy!
NOTE: You can print the FULL recipe with all ingredients & detailed instructions below!
Expert Tips
- A few creative ideas for headstones besides RIP could be EEK or BOO and mini candy pumpkins look cute sitting next to the headstones.
- If following the box recipe, you decide to use a 13 x 9" baking pan, the brownies will not be as thick and you may find it difficult to insert the Milano cookies so that they stay upright. If you go this route, break the cookies in half before inserting into the brownies.
- You could use any chocolate cookie or even a gingerbread cookie for the headstones, just make sure they are dry so the icing doesn't run.
- If you want to get really creative with this recipe, you could use different colors of icing to write the headstone names and dates.
Variations
- While this recipe calls for brownie batter, you could easily use a chocolate cake mix to make Chocolate Graveyard Cake. Just follow the directions on the box, bake in a 13 x 9 pan and decorate as directed above.
- If you're not a fan of chocolate, you could use vanilla or even strawberry cake mix. Just be aware that the graveyard decorations will not be as visible on these lighter colored cakes.
- For a fun twist on this recipe, you could use Oreo cookies for the headstones and decorate them with icing to look like ghosts. Just pipe two dots of icing for eyes and a line across the center of the cookie for a mouth.
Storing & Freezing
Storing: Leftover brownies can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
Freezing: Brownies can also be frozen for up to 2 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and then bring to room temperature before serving.
Recipe FAQ's
Yes, you can make the brownies and decorate them the day before you plan to serve. Store in an airtight container at room temperature until ready to serve.
To get clean cuts, use a sharp knife and wipe it clean between each cut. You can also use a plastic knife if you don't have a sharp one. If you are having trouble getting clean cuts, place the brownies in the freezer for about 15 minutes before cutting.
Yes, you can use any type of chocolate that you like. Milk chocolate, dark chocolate, and even white chocolate would be delicious.
No, you don't need to use food coloring if you don't want to. The brownies will be a little lighter in color without it, but they will still taste delicious.
Yes, you can use any type of frosting that you like. A chocolate frosting would be delicious, or you could even use a cream cheese frosting.
No, you don't need to use the decorations if you don't want to. The brownies will still taste delicious without them.
More Halloween Recipes You'll Love
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Graveyard Brownies
Ingredients
- Prepared brownie batter boxed
- 12 Milano cookies
- Black decorating icing/gel
- 5 Oreos filling removed
Instructions
- Pre-heat oven to temperature indicated on brownie batter box.
- Prepare the brownie batter according to the directions on the box.
- Lightly coat an 8” baking pan with the non-stick cooking spray.
- Pour brownie batter into the prepared pan, bake according to box directions.
- While brownies are baking, use the black decorating icing/gel to write RIP on the top of each Milano cookie. Set aside.
- Scrape the filling from the Oreos and place the chocolate pieces into a small bowl, crush the cookies into a fine crumb to use for dirt on the brownie graves.
- Allow brownies to cool and cut them into 12 equal sized rectangles (4 x 3).
- Carefully insert each Milano cookie into the top of the brownie, as if it were a headstone.
- Using a small spoon, spread about a teaspoon worth of the crushed Oreos on each brownie grave to resemble a pile of dirt. Serve and enjoy!
Notes
- A few creative ideas for headstones besides RIP could be EEK or BOO and mini candy pumpkins look cute sitting next to the headstones.
- If following the box recipe, you decide to use a 13 x 9" baking pan, the brownies will not be as thick and you may find it difficult to insert the Milano cookies so that they stay upright. If you go this route, break the cookies in half before inserting into the brownies.
- You could use any chocolate cookie or even a gingerbread cookie for the headstones, just make sure they are dry so the icing doesn't run.
- If you want to get really creative with this recipe, you could use different colors of icing to write the headstone names and dates.
- Storing: Leftover brownies can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: Brownies can also be frozen for up to 2 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and then bring to room temperature before serving.
Nutrition
All nutritional information is based on third-party calculations and should be considered estimates. Actual nutritional content will vary with brands used, measuring methods, portion sizes and more.
Enjoy!
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