Witch Cauldron Brownies

Amethyst · October 28, 2025, 9:28pm

Witch Cauldron Brownies

Time: 30 minutes mins prep + 15 minutes mins cook + 1 hour hr cooling
Servings: 16 brownies

Ingredients:

1 box fudge brownie mix, plus ingredients to make it
1 cup unsalted butter, softened
½ teaspoon vanilla extract
1 ¾ cups powdered sugar
gel food coloring, any Halloween-themed color
large nonpareils, for decoration, in a complementing color to the frosting
candy eyes, for decoration
candy bones, for decoration

Directions:

Preheat oven to 350°F. Generously spray a muffin tin with baking spray, then set it nearby.

In a large bowl, prepare fudge brownie batter per package instructions.

Pour batter into prepared muffin tin, filling cavities about 2/3 full (roughly 1/4 cup of batter).

Bake brownie cups 10-15 minutes or until a toothpick tester comes out clean with no crumbs.

While brownies are still warm, use a 1 tablespoon measuring spoon to press an indent in top of each brownie, creating a well for cauldrons.

Transfer muffin tin to a wire cooling rack and allow brownies to cool (still in tin) completely, about 1 hour.

While brownies cool, prepare frosting. Using a stand mixer (or hand mixer + large bowl), whip butter and vanilla extract on high until fluffy.

Drop mixer speed to medium and slowly add sugar to butter, mixing thoroughly in between.

Turn off the mixer. If using multiple colors, divide frosting into even portions. Add food coloring and mix until the desired color is reached.

When ready to decorate, scoop a dollop of frosting (1-2 tablespoons) and place it in the well of the brownie.

Use a spoon or butter knife to poke and pull frosting until it creates a potion-like shape that you like; messy is okay. Decorate frosting with sprinkles, candy eyes, and candy bones. Repeat this step until all brownie cauldrons have been decorated.

Serve as desired.

Notes:

Storage Instructions:

Store cauldron brownies in a sealed container on the counter for 1–2 days. In the refrigerator, they can last 4–6 days.

Freezing Instructions:

Bake brownies and allow to cool completely.
Wrap in plastic wrap or foil, individually or in a single layer
If decorated, chill in the freezer until frosting is firm before wrapping.
Place wrapped brownies in a freezer-safe bag or sealed container.
Freeze for up to 3 months.
To serve, thaw in the refrigerator overnight.

Cauldron Decorating Tips:

To make these delicious cauldrons adorably creepy, you only need a few decorations on top of the buttercream frosting:

Sprinkles: Such as large or small nonpareils (the opaque, round sprinkles). These will give the cauldrons the look of a bubbling brew.

Candy Eyes: Because what witch’s potion is complete without a few critters in the mix?

Candy Bones: Stirring stick? Body of your enemies? You decide.

Pretzel Sticks: Can be a stirring stick or add to the vibe with a witch’s broom.

Preparing in Advance:

For best results, I recommend making them no more than 24 hours in advance. Once prepared, witch brownie cauldrons can be stored either in a sealed container on the counter or in the refrigerator. If stored in the refrigerator, allow the frosting time to soften at room temperature before serving (typically one hour).

Chrisy’s Final Notes:

Choosing a Brownie Flavor:

I used fudge brownie mix for a chewier, sturdier cauldron, but you can use any brownie flavor you’d like. To ensure the cauldrons hold up, make sure that the brownies are baked long enough so the tester toothpick comes out clean.

Preparation Tip:

When making the brownies, be sure to use baking spray (or a similar alternative, such as greasing with butter and flour or cake release) and not cooking spray. This recipe doesn’t use cupcake liners (so that the edges appear more smooth and cauldron-like) and in my experience, the cooking spray wasn’t enough to keep the brownies from aggressively sticking to the side of the tin. Baking spray should ensure an easy release from the tin.

Recommended Food Coloring:

If you’re curious what food coloring I used, I had picked up the Betty Crocker Food Colors in Neon (which comes with green, orange, purple, and pink). I was pleasantly surprised with how they turned out!
Peak Flavor:
Like with many baked goods, the flavor of these brownies will intensify after one or two days.

Nutritional Facts:

Recipe courtesy of Homemade Hooplah.com