Spiderweb Brownies (Simple Box Mix Dessert)
These Spiderweb Brownies are one of the easiest Halloween desserts you can make. Starting with a boxed brownie mix keeps things simple, while stretchy melted marshmallows create spooky spider webs that look impressive with almost no decorating skills required.
If you're looking for a last-minute treat for a Halloween party, classroom celebration, or movie night, these brownies are always a hit. I love how something as simple as melted marshmallows transforms an ordinary pan of brownies into a festive dessert in just a few minutes.
If you're looking for another fun Halloween dessert, be sure to try our Witch Finger Cookies and Halloween Cookie Bars.
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Ingredients
With just two ingredients (plus the ingredients listed on your brownie mix), you'll have a spooky dessert that's as fun to make as it is to eat.
See the recipe card below for the exact quantities of each ingredient.
- Brownie Mix: Use your favorite boxed brownie mix and prepare it according to the package directions.
- Marshmallows: Once melted, marshmallows create the stretchy spiderweb effect that makes these brownies look Halloween-ready.
All you need to make these easy spiderweb brownies is a microwave-safe bowl and whatever items to make your brownies (mixing bowls, parchment paper, cooling rack, cooking spray, etc).
Variations
- Spiders: If you can find spider sprinkles or candy, place those on top for an extra spooky presentation. I use the little plastic spider rings to give the kids a toy to wear, but am very cautious that no-one will put them in their mouths.
- Sprinkles: Sprinkle on any fun Halloween sprinkles.
- Candy Eyes: Add candy eyes to turn the brownies into creepy monster treats.
- White Chocolate: Place melted chocolate in a piping bag and drizzle under the marshmallow webs for extra contrast; or instead of marshmallows.
- Bite-Sized: Cut the brownies into bite-sized squares for easy serving at parties.
How to Make Spiderweb Brownies
Follow these simple steps to turn an ordinary dessert into spooky brownies.
Make and bake your brownie batter according to the box instructions and allow them to cool completely.
Once cool enough to remove from the pan, place on a cutting board or wire rack then prepare your marshmallows
On low, in a microwave safe bowl, melt marshmallows until soft and gooey; it should take about 20-30 seconds. They will likely still hold their shape, and you can stir them up and they look meltier.
Once cooled enough to handle, using your fingertips, grab some marshmallow and slowly spread your hands and fingers apart to create a web design (note: you may want to lightly grease your fingertips to allow the marshmallow to come away from your hands easier).
Repeat until you have your desired look.
Hint: Spread the marshmallow from edge to edge, and pull down, to use the sides to break away from sticking to your fingers.
Recipe Tips
- Marshmallows: The marshmallows should be warm and stretchy, not piping hot. If the marshmallow becomes too firm, warm it for a few more seconds in the microwave.
- Work Quickly: Work quickly, as the marshmallow becomes harder to stretch as it cools.
- Clean Slices: For cleaner slices, let the webs set and then grease your knife between cuts.
- Styling Tip: Cut into individual brownies prior to, for easier slicing, and to pull webs down the sides of each piece.
If you're putting together a Halloween dessert table, our Halloween Puppy Chow makes the perfect pairing.
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Storage Instructions
- Room Temperature: Store the brownies in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Refrigerator: Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 1 week. Allow them to come to room temperature before serving for the best texture.
- Freezer: Freeze the undecorated brownies for up to 3 months. Add the marshmallow webs after thawing for the best appearance.
- Make Ahead: Bake the brownies a day in advance, then decorate them with the marshmallow webs shortly before serving.
Serving Suggestions
- Halloween Treats: Halloween Crockpot Candy, Halloween Brownies, Hot Dog Mummies, and Pumpkin Oreo Balls.
Spiderweb Brownie Recipe FAQs
Absolutely! Your favorite homemade brownie recipe works just as well. Just make sure the brownies have cooled completely before decorating.
If they're too hot, they'll slide off the brownies. If they're too cool, they'll harden. Let them cool until they're warm and stretchy for the best spiderweb effect.
No. Marshmallow fluff doesn't create the same stretchy strands as melted marshmallows, so regular marshmallows work best.
No! Your fingertips are all you need to create the spiderweb effect, making this one of the easiest Halloween brownie decorations.
Definitely! Kids love stretching the marshmallows into webs, although an adult should handle melting the marshmallows since they'll can be hot.
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Spiderweb Brownies
Equipment
- Mixing Bowls
- Baking Pan
- Parchment Paper
- Measuring Cups and Spoons
Ingredients
- 1 box brownie mix plus box ingredients
- 75 grams marshmallows or more
Instructions
- Make and bake your brownie batter according to the box instructions and allow them to cool completely.
- Once cool enough to remove from the pan, place on a cutting board or wire rack then prepare your marshmallows
- On low, in a microwave safe bowl, melt marshmallows until soft and gooey; it should take about 20-30 seconds. They will likely still hold their shape, and you can stir them up and they look meltier.
- Once cooled enough to handle, using your fingertips, grab some marshmallow and slowly spread your hands and fingers apart to create a web design (note: you may want to lightly grease your fingertips to allow the marshmallow to come away from your hands easier).
- Repeat until you have your desired look.
Notes
- Marshmallow Tip: Spread the marshmallow from edge to edge, and pull down, to use the sides to break away from sticking to your fingers.
- Marshmallows: The marshmallows should be warm and stretchy, not piping hot. If the marshmallow becomes too firm, warm it for a few more seconds in the microwave.
- Work Quickly: Work quickly, as the marshmallow becomes harder to stretch as it cools.
- Clean Slices: For cleaner slices, let the webs set and then grease your knife between cuts.
- Styling Tip: Cut into individual brownies prior to, for easier slicing, and to pull webs down the sides of each piece.
- Nutritional Info: Will vary based on how the brownies are prepared and how much marshmallow used.
Nutrition
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