Fudgy Ghost Marshmallow Brownies

Category: Sweet Endings

These decadent brownies offer a fudgy base made by melting butter and chocolate, blended with cocoa, sugars, and eggs. A playful assortment of chopped Reese’s peanut butter cups, M&M’s, and candy corn is folded into the batter, adding bursts of flavor and texture. After baking, each square is topped with a large marshmallow, then drizzled with melted white chocolate mixed with coconut oil. The finishing touch involves drawing faces on the marshmallows using black gel, creating whimsical ghost shapes perfect for gatherings. The result is a moist, rich brownie layered with creamy, sweet toppings and a delightful candy crunch.

A woman in a chef's uniform poses for a picture.
Updated on Fri, 19 Sep 2025 20:07:04 GMT
A chocolate brownie with white icing and marshmallows. Pin
A chocolate brownie with white icing and marshmallows. | applefoodie.com

These fudgy Ghost Marshmallow Brownies are everything I crave in a playful treat for October They are rich and chewy with melty chocolate inside and a parade of candy scattered throughout Each bite has a surprise from nutty peanut butter cups to pops of sweet candy corn and they come together with just a few steps right in your own kitchen When Halloween rolls around I make these for every party and the decorating never fails to get the kids giggling

I made these brownies during our first family Halloween in our new house and decorating each marshmallow ghost made for a sweet memory We laughed so hard at the silly faces that now everyone looks forward to a plateful each year

Ingredients

  • Butter: because it adds richness and creates a chewy texture choose high quality unsalted butter
  • Semisweet chocolate chips: for gooey chocolate depth the better the chips the richer your brownies
  • Granulated sugar: for structure and sweetness make sure it is fresh for best results
  • Brown sugar: packed for caramel notes that boost moistness dark or light both work
  • Large eggs: to bind the mixture and give brownies their signature fudgy crumb use the freshest eggs possible
  • Unsweetened cocoa powder: for extra chocolate intensity choose Dutch process for a darker flavor
  • Kosher salt: for balance and to sharpen flavors flaky or fine both work
  • All purpose flour: for structure sift to avoid lumps and get even mixing
  • Chopped peanut butter cups: for pockets of nutty richness I love using the classic brand
  • M and Ms: for color and crunchy bite use seasonal colors if you like
  • Candy corn: for a burst of sweet and festive fall flavor use fresh candy so it stays soft
  • Large marshmallows: to top each brownie and create the ghost shape pick the fluffiest ones in the bag
  • White chocolate chips: for the ghostly drizzle use a premium brand for smooth melting
  • Coconut oil: to help the white chocolate pour smoothly look for virgin coconut oil for mild flavor
  • Black decorating gel: for faces make sure it is soft and squeezable for easy decorating

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the Pan:
Brush a nine inch square pan with soft butter line with parchment so you have enough overhang to lift out later and then butter the parchment itself
Melt Butter and Chocolate:
In a large heatproof bowl over simmering water melt together cubes of butter and chocolate chips Stir gently until smooth and shiny with no lumps
Mix in Sugars and Eggs:
Remove bowl from heat Whisk in both granulated and brown sugar until totally dissolved Whisk in eggs one at a time until the batter is thick glossy and cohesive
Add Dry Ingredients and Candy:
Whisk in cocoa powder and salt Gently fold in the flour then scatter in chopped peanut butter cups M and Ms and candy corn Fold just until there are no streaks
Bake:
Pour batter into your prepared pan and smooth top Bake at three hundred fifty degrees until a toothpick in the center pulls out with moist crumbs about thirty five minutes Let the brownies cool completely in the pan
Cut and Top with Marshmallows:
Use the parchment overhang to lift brownies out and place on a cutting board Cut evenly into sixteen squares Place brownies on a parchment lined sheet and top each with a large marshmallow
Coat with White Chocolate:
In a microwave safe bowl combine white chocolate chips and coconut oil Heat until melted and smooth Drizzle by spoon over each marshmallow topped brownie making sure the marshmallows get fully coated Refrigerate until set
Decorate the Ghosts:
Once the chocolate is firm use black decorating gel to draw eyes and a mouth on each marshmallow turning each brownie into an adorable little ghost
A brownie with white frosting and a marshmallow shaped like a ghost. Pin
A brownie with white frosting and a marshmallow shaped like a ghost. | applefoodie.com

The marshmallows are always my favorite bit I never get tired of watching the faces kids design some spooky some goofy and absolutely all delicious

Storage Tips

Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days To keep the white chocolate crisp store in a single layer Refrigerate for up to a week but bring to room temperature before serving so the brownies stay chewy

Ingredient Substitutions

You can use a boxed brownie mix for even faster prep Switch the candies for chopped Snickers Kit Kats or mini cookies Swap coconut oil with a neutral oil if needed or use a little butter in the white chocolate drizzle

Serving Suggestions

These brownies make a perfect Halloween centerpiece Stack them on a platter like a graveyard or offer as a fun party dessert Cut larger squares for adults or smaller bites for kids dunk into warm milk or serve with vanilla ice cream on the side

A brownie with white icing and a marshmallow shaped like a ghost. Pin
A brownie with white icing and a marshmallow shaped like a ghost. | applefoodie.com

Cultural and Holiday Fun

Ghost brownies capture the nostalgic fun of trick or treating and let everyone get creative Baking them has become a Halloween tradition in many households Try them as part of a spooky dessert bar or wrap them up for neighborly treats

Frequently Asked Questions About the Recipe

→ What gives these brownies their fudgy texture?

The combination of melted butter and semisweet chocolate along with a balanced amount of flour and eggs creates a dense and moist texture that's characteristic of fudgy brownies.

→ Can I substitute the candies used in the brownies?

Absolutely! Feel free to replace Reese’s, M&M’s, and candy corn with your favorite chopped chocolates or candies to customize the sweetness and texture.

→ How do I ensure the marshmallows don’t burn while baking?

The marshmallows are added after baking the brownie base and then chilled, preventing them from melting or burning in the oven.

→ What is the purpose of coconut oil in the white chocolate drizzle?

Coconut oil helps melt the white chocolate smoothly and thins the mixture, making it easier to drizzle over the marshmallow topping evenly.

→ Can these brownies be made ahead of time?

Yes, they can be prepared a day in advance. Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator to keep the toppings intact and flavors fresh.

Ghost Marshmallow Brownies

Rich, fudgy brownies with marshmallow topping and candy pieces for festive flavor and texture.

Preparation Time
15 min
Cook Time
35 min
Total Time
50 min
By: Tyla

Category: Desserts

Skill Level: Intermediate

Cuisine: American

Yield: 16 Serves

Dietary Preferences: Vegetarian

Ingredients

→ Fats and Chocolate

01 1/2 cup unsalted butter, cut into cubes, plus additional for pan
02 1 1/4 cups semisweet chocolate chips

→ Sugars

03 3/4 cup granulated sugar
04 3/4 cup packed brown sugar

→ Eggs and Dry Ingredients

05 3 large eggs
06 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
07 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
08 1 cup all-purpose flour

→ Mix-ins

09 5 chopped Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups
10 1/2 cup M&M's candy
11 1/2 cup candy corn

→ Toppings

12 16 large marshmallows
13 1 1/2 cups white chocolate chips
14 3 tablespoons coconut oil
15 Black decorating gel for detailing

Steps

Step 01

Preheat oven to 350°F. Butter a 9x9-inch baking pan and line with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on two sides. Butter the parchment paper.

Step 02

In a large heatproof bowl over simmering water, melt 1/2 cup butter and semisweet chocolate chips, stirring until smooth. Remove from heat and whisk in granulated and brown sugars.

Step 03

Whisk in eggs one at a time until fully combined. Add cocoa powder and salt, then fold in flour, chopped Reese’s, M&M's, and candy corn until evenly distributed.

Step 04

Pour batter into prepared pan and bake 35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with moist crumbs. Allow to cool completely.

Step 05

Lift brownies from pan using parchment overhang and cut into 16 squares. Place squares on a parchment-lined rimmed baking sheet. Top each square with one marshmallow.

Step 06

Microwave white chocolate chips with coconut oil in a medium heatproof bowl until melted, stirring until smooth.

Step 07

Drizzle melted white chocolate over each marshmallow-topped brownie. Refrigerate until set, approximately 10 minutes. Use black decorating gel to create eyes and a mouth on each marshmallow.

Notes & Tips

  1. For quick preparation, substitute a boxed brownie mix and customize the candies to your preference.

Necessary Equipment

  • 9x9-inch baking pan
  • Parchment paper
  • Large heatproof bowl
  • Saucepan for double boiler
  • Microwave-safe bowl
  • Rimmed baking sheet

Allergy Information

Always double-check ingredient labels for allergens and consult a healthcare professional if you’re unsure.
  • Contains dairy, eggs, peanuts, and gluten.