Turn an ordinary brownie into a fun and festive Halloween centerpiece with this Great Pumpkin Brownie! A rich brownie base is covered with bright orange frosting and decorated like a classic jack-o’-lantern.
It’s an easy Halloween dessert that’s perfect for parties, school celebrations, family movie nights, or a spooky dessert table. Kids will especially love helping create the pumpkin face with their favorite candies! 👻🍫
🛒 Ingredients
For the Brownie Base
- 1 box family-size brownie mix, enough for a 9×13-inch pan
- Ingredients called for on the brownie mix package, typically eggs, oil, and water
You can also use your favorite homemade brownie recipe.
For the Frosting
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2–3 cups powdered sugar
- 2–3 tablespoons milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Orange food coloring
For Decorating
- Assorted candies, such as:
- Chocolate chips
- Candy corn
- M&M’s
- Licorice strings
- Gummy worms
- Green food coloring, optional
- Chocolate chips or brown icing for the jack-o’-lantern face
👩🍳 Instructions
1. Prepare the Pan
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Grease a 12-inch pizza pan or line it with parchment paper. Make sure the pan has enough room for the brownie batter to spread without overflowing.
2. Prepare the Brownie Batter
Prepare the brownie mix according to the package directions, using the required eggs, oil, and water.
Pour the batter into the prepared pizza pan and carefully spread it into an even layer.
3. Bake
Bake for approximately 20–25 minutes, or until the brownie is set and a toothpick inserted near the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs.
Be careful not to overbake, as you want the brownie to remain soft and fudgy.
Allow it to cool completely in the pan before frosting.
4. Make the Orange Frosting
Add the softened butter to a large mixing bowl and beat until creamy.
Gradually add the powdered sugar, alternating with the milk, until the frosting reaches a smooth and spreadable consistency.
Mix in the vanilla extract, then add orange food coloring a little at a time until you achieve a bright pumpkin-orange color.
5. Frost the Brownie
Once the brownie has cooled completely, spread the orange frosting evenly over the entire surface.
Use a spatula to create a smooth pumpkin-like base for decorating.
6. Create the Jack-o’-Lantern Face
Now comes the fun part! Use chocolate chips, brown icing, or assorted candies to create the pumpkin’s eyes, nose, and spooky smile.
Use green-tinted frosting or green candy to create a stem at the top.
For an extra Halloween touch, add candy corn, M&M’s, licorice, or gummy worms around the pumpkin.
7. Slice and Serve
Allow the frosting and decorations to set for a few minutes.
Cut the Great Pumpkin Brownie into 12–16 wedges or squares, then serve and enjoy your festive Halloween creation! 🎃🍫
⭐ Tips for Success
- Cool completely before frosting: Warm brownies can cause the frosting to melt.
- Don’t overbake: Remove the brownie when it is just set for a softer texture.
- Use parchment paper: It makes cleanup easier and helps with serving.
- Let the kids decorate: Set out different candies and let everyone create their own pumpkin face.
- If your frosting is too thick, add milk 1 teaspoon at a time until it reaches the right consistency.
- If the frosting is too thin, add a little more powdered sugar.
👻 Fun Halloween Decorating Ideas
Make every Great Pumpkin Brownie different by using a variety of Halloween candies.
Try candy corn for teeth, licorice strings for hair, M&M’s for colorful details, or gummy worms crawling across the pumpkin.
You can even make several smaller brownies and decorate each one with a different spooky face for a fun Halloween dessert platter.
🧊 Storage
Store leftover brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3–4 days.
If your kitchen is warm or the frosting becomes too soft, refrigerate the brownies. Allow them to sit at room temperature for a few minutes before serving.
📋 Recipe Information
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 20–25 minutes
Total Time: About 45 minutes, plus decorating
Servings: 12–16
Calories: Approximately 290 kcal per serving
Category: Dessert / Brownies
Occasion: Halloween
❤️ Final Thoughts
This Great Pumpkin Brownie is an easy way to turn a simple box of brownie mix into a show-stopping Halloween dessert. The rich chocolate brownie, creamy orange frosting, and playful candy decorations make it as fun to look at as it is to eat.
Whether you’re hosting a Halloween party or simply looking for a festive treat to make with the family, this pumpkin brownie is sure to bring plenty of smiles. 🎃🧡🍫