Get ready to cast a spell on your taste buds with our delicious Hocus Pocus Brownies!
These bewitching treats, also known as Hocus Pocus Spellbook Brownies, combine rich chocolate flavor with a touch of magic, creating an irresistible dessert experience.
One bite and you'll be under their delicious spell!
The Hocus Pocus Brownies recipe finds its inspiration in the classic 1993 Halloween movie, "Hocus Pocus," where the Sanderson sisters, three witch sisters cast spells and brew potions to create mischief.
These enchanting brownies capture the spirit of the film, making them a perfect addition to any Halloween party or a cozy movie night at home.
The recipe has also gained popularity among both movie fans and dessert lovers alike, as it adds a touch of whimsy and magic to the traditional chocolate brownie.
So, whether you're looking to impress your guests with a themed treat or simply want to indulge in some bewitching goodness, these Hocus Pocus Spellbook Brownies are sure to conjure up smiles and delight your taste buds!
Ingredients
Prepared brownie batter: The foundation of our Hocus Pocus Brownies, using a boxed mix ensures a consistent, rich chocolate flavor and moist texture. It also saves time which is a huge plus when getting ready for Halloween.
Eggs, olive oil, and water: These are the typical ingredients needed to prepare the boxed brownie batter. Eggs provide structure and richness, while olive oil adds moisture and a hint of fruity flavor. Water helps achieve the desired consistency for the batter.
Black decorating icing/gel: This is used to create the magical details on our Hocus Pocus Spellbook Brownies. The black color provides a striking contrast against the brownies, making the decorations stand out and add a touch of enchantment to the treat.
Candy eyeballs: Small candy eyeballs bring our brownies to life, adding a playful, whimsical touch that captures the essence of the Hocus Pocus movie.
Non-stick cooking spray: Essential for ensuring that your bewitching brownies don't stick to the pan, non-stick cooking spray allows for easy removal and a perfect presentation every time.
See recipe card for quantities.
Instructions
Let's begin our magical journey to create these enchanting Hocus Pocus Brownies!
Start by preheating your oven to the temperature indicated on the brownie batter box.
Start by preparing the brownie batter by pouring the powder into a large mixing bowl. Then add the eggs, oil and water as indicated on the box instructions.
Next, lightly coat an 8-inch baking pan with non-stick cooking spray to ensure a flawless release of your bewitching treats.
Pour the brownie batter into the prepared pan and bake according to the box directions.
Once baked, allow the brownies to cool before cutting them into 12 equal-sized rectangles (4 x 3).
Carefully press one candy eye into each brownie on the right side, about halfway down, making sure to leave enough space by the edges to draw a circle around each eye.
Using the black decorating icing/gel, draw a circle around the candy eye, and create marks along the left side from top to bottom to resemble the book seams.
Slightly further in on the brownie, add lines vertically or in swirls (your choice) to give character to each brownie spellbook. Don't forget to add half circles to the corners above and below the eye!
Serve your magical Hocus Pocus Spellbook Brownies and enjoy the bewitching flavors!
Substitutions
Here are some possible substitutions for our Hocus Pocus Brownies recipe:
Brownie batter: If you prefer making brownies from scratch, you can replace the boxed mix with your favorite homemade brownie recipe.
Eggs: For an egg-free alternative, you can use a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons water) or a store-bought egg replacement product.
Olive oil: You can substitute olive oil with other oils like vegetable oil, coconut oil, or melted unsalted butter for a different flavor profile or based on your dietary preferences.
Candy eyeballs: If candy eyeballs are unavailable, you can create your own using white chocolate chips and a dot of black decorating icing/gel for the pupils, or use round-shaped candies like M&M's or Smarties.
Black decorating icing/gel: In case you don't have black decorating icing/gel, you can make your own by mixing white icing with black food coloring or use melted dark chocolate as an alternative for drawing the details on the brownies.
Variations
Make them peanut butter brownies: Our chocolate peanut butter brownies would be amazing turned into spell book brownies like these!
Storage
To ensure your Hocus Pocus Brownies stay fresh and delicious, follow these storage instructions:
- Room temperature: After the brownies have cooled completely, store them in an airtight container or cover them with plastic wrap. They should remain fresh for up to 3-4 days at room temperature.
- Refrigeration: If you prefer your brownies chilled or if your kitchen tends to be warm, you can store them in the refrigerator. Place the brownies in an airtight container or wrap them with plastic wrap to prevent them from drying out. They should stay fresh for up to a week when stored this way.
- Freezing: To store the brownies for an extended period, you can freeze them. Wrap each brownie individually in plastic wrap, then place them in a zip-top freezer bag or an airtight container. Label the container with the date and contents, and store them in the freezer for up to 3 months. To enjoy, let the brownies thaw at room temperature for a couple of hours before serving.
Note: If your brownies have frosting or any additional toppings, it's best to refrigerate them, especially if the frosting contains dairy products.
Also, keep in mind that some decorations, like the black decorating icing/gel, may become sticky or runny when exposed to moisture or condensation.
In such cases, it's better to store the brownies at room temperature in a cool, dry place.
Top Tips
Here are some top tips to ensure your Hocus Pocus Brownies turn out perfectly every time:
- Preparation: Read through the entire recipe before getting started, and gather all your ingredients and tools ahead of time to make the process smooth and enjoyable.
- Baking: To achieve the perfect texture and doneness, follow the baking instructions on the brownie mix box or your chosen homemade recipe. Keep an eye on the brownies during the last few minutes of baking, as oven temperatures can vary.
- Cooling: Allow the brownies to cool completely before cutting and decorating them. This will help prevent them from falling apart or becoming too soft while you work on the details.
- Decorating: Use a steady hand and a small, fine-tipped tool (like a toothpick) to help you create precise and intricate designs with the decorating icing/gel. If you're not confident in your artistic abilities, practice on a piece of parchment paper before moving on to the brownies.
- Customization: Don't be afraid to get creative with your decorations! Feel free to experiment with different colors, shapes, and patterns to make your Hocus Pocus Brownies truly unique and magical.
- Serving: Present your brownies on a festive platter or tiered dessert stand to showcase their enchanting design and impress your guests.
- Storing: Follow the storage instructions provided above to keep your brownies fresh and delicious for as long as possible. Remember to store them properly based on their specific decorations and ingredients.
Recipe
Hocus Pocus Brownies
These hocus pocus spellbook brownies are perfect for Halloween party or a scary movie night!
Ingredients
- Prepared brownie batter, boxed
- Typically needed for boxed brownies: 2 eggs, olive oil and water.
- Black decorating icing/gel
- 12 candy eyeballs, small
- Non-stick cooking spray
Instructions
- Preheat oven as per brownie box instructions
- Prepare batter following box directions
- Coat 8" baking pan with non-stick spray
- Pour batter into pan, bake as directed
- Cool brownies, cut into 12 rectangles (4 x 3)
- Press candy eye on right side of each brownie, leaving space for circle
- Draw circle around eye, book seams, lines, and half circles with black icing/gel
Notes
Take these brownies up a notch by adding chocolate chunks to your brownie mix before baking!
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