Owl Brownies Recipe

If you’re looking for a dessert that’s both fun and absolutely delicious, you’re going to adore this Owl Brownies Recipe. I stumbled upon this charming take on classic brownies a while back, and ever since, it’s been a showstopper in my kitchen. Imagine fudgy, rich brownies paired with playful candy decorations that turn each square into an adorable owl face. Trust me, whether you’re baking for a party, a holiday, or just because, this recipe never fails to bring smiles—and it tastes as good as it looks!

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Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of this Owl Brownies Recipe is in its simplicity—combining a trusty boxed brownie mix with fun candy toppings that bring your brownies to life. I recommend sticking to ingredients you can find easily, plus a few candies that add color and personality.

• Betty Crocker™ Fudge Brownie Mix: The fudgy base of these brownies; you’ll appreciate how moist and rich it turns out.
• Water, vegetable oil, and eggs: Used as per the brownie mix instructions, these keep the batter just right.
• Betty Crocker™ Rich & Creamy Chocolate Frosting: This frosting sets the stage for the owl’s “face” while adding extra chocolatey goodness.
• Gummy peach ring candies: These form the outer rim of the owl’s eyes—the bright color really pops!
• Betty Crocker™ Candy Shop candy eyeballs: The perfect candy component that gives each owl its whimsical character.
• Candy corn: Used for the nose; quirky and fitting for seasonal celebrations.
• Reese’s Minis peanut butter cups: Cut into quarters, they become the owl’s expressive eyebrows—my favorite touch!

Variations

I love playing around with the decoration part of this Owl Brownies Recipe—you can truly make it your own! Sometimes I swap out candies depending on the occasion or who I’m serving them to. Feel free to experiment and make it yours.

• Nut-Free Variation: Skip the peanut butter cups and use chocolate chips or mini marshmallows for the eyebrows; my nephew is allergic and still loves them!
• Seasonal Colors: In fall, I switch peach rings for orange and yellow gummy bears to match autumn vibes; it keeps things festive and fun.
• Vegan Twist: Use a vegan brownie mix and dairy-free frosting; I tried this for a friend and nobody missed the dairy at all!
• Extra Crunch: Sprinkle chopped nuts or crushed cookies on top of the frosting before adding candy—it’s my secret to added texture.

How to Make Owl Brownies Recipe

Step 1: Prep and Batter Magic

Preheat your oven to 350°F and line a 13×9-inch pan with foil, leaving an overhang on the sides to lift the brownies out later—this trick makes cleanup and serving way easier. Don’t forget to spray the foil with cooking spray so none of those gooey brownies stick. Follow the instructions on your brownie mix box to prepare the batter. Once your batter is ready, spread it evenly in the pan for consistent baking.

Step 2: Bake with Patience

Bake the brownies for 22 to 25 minutes. Here’s a tip: insert a toothpick about 2 inches from the side of the pan—it should come out clean or with just a few moist crumbs to know they’re done perfectly. I always watch the clock but trust the toothpick test to avoid overbaking, which dries brownies out.

Step 3: Cool, Lift, and Frost

Let the brownies cool completely in the pan on a cooling rack—this usually takes about an hour, but rushing this step can make the frosting slide. Once cool, lift the brownies out with the foil overhang and place them onto a flat surface. Slather on that rich chocolate frosting—don’t be shy!—and then use a sharp knife to cut the brownies into 6 rows by 4 rows to make 24 square “owls.”

Step 4: Decorate the Owls

This is where the magic happens! Attach two gummy peach ring candies on each brownie for the eyes, placing two candy eyeballs in the centers. Use a single piece of candy corn for the nose right in the middle, and position the two peanut butter cup quarters (cut side down) at the top for eyebrows. When I first tried this, making the eyes symmetrical was a bit fiddly, but now I use a small offset spatula to help nudge candies into place—it makes decorating quicker and neater.

How to Serve Owl Brownies Recipe

Garnishes

I usually keep it simple with the candy decorations, but sometimes I sprinkle a tiny pinch of powdered sugar for a snowy effect—perfect for a winter party. If you want to get fancy, you can add some colored sugar sprinkles around the edges for an extra festive touch that makes the owls pop.

Side Dishes

These owl brownies are a sweet treat on their own, but I love serving them alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. For parties, pairing them with a simple fruit platter balances the richness, making the dessert spread feel well-rounded.

Creative Ways to Present

For Halloween or fall gatherings, I’ve placed the owl brownies on a large platter lined with autumn leaves or placed edible candy “branches” made from pretzel sticks around them to mimic forest branches—it’s adorable and always prompts compliments. I even served them stacked as a “tree” centerpiece once, which was a hit for a kid’s party.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once decorated, I keep leftover owl brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. The candies hold up well, and the brownies stay moist. If my kitchen is warm, I store them in the fridge but bring them back to room temp before serving for the best taste and texture.

Freezing

I’ve frozen unfrosted brownies (cut but not decorated) wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and foil for up to 3 months. When you’re ready, thaw completely, then frost and decorate—this keeps the candy fresh and the brownies moist. It’s a nice shortcut for prepping ahead.

Reheating

If you want to warm up leftover brownies, gently microwave a single piece for 10-15 seconds—enough to soften without melting the candy decorations. Reheating batches isn’t recommended as candy may melt and eyebrows might shift, so I usually leave larger quantities cool.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

I honestly can’t recommend this Owl Brownies Recipe enough—it’s one of those sweets that makes baking joyful and playful, while still delivering on rich, chocolaty flavor. Every time I bring these to a gathering, people ask for the recipe, and kids’ faces light up when they see the silly owl faces staring back at them. If you want a dessert that’s easy to make but makes a big impression, this is your go-to. Go ahead, give it a try—I promise it’ll become a favorite in your kitchen too!

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