Name: Monster Eye Brownie Bites Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 box (18.3 oz) Fudge Brownie Mix; 2 large Eggs; ⅔ cup Vegetable Oil; ¼ cup Water; 1 cup Unsalted Butter, softened; 3 cups Powdered Sugar, sifted; 1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract; 2 tablespoons Milk or Heavy Cream; Green Gel Food Coloring; 1 package Candy Eyeballs (various sizes); Red Gel Food Coloring (optional)

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Thoroughly grease and flour a 24-cup mini muffin pan to prevent sticking. If you don’t have a mini muffin pan, use a 9×13 inch baking pan and cut brownies into small squares after baking.

Step 2: In a large bowl, combine the brownie mix, eggs, vegetable oil, and water. Stir gently with a wooden spoon or spatula until just combined, leaving a few small lumps for a fudgy texture. Do not overmix.

Step 3: Spoon the batter into the muffin cups, filling each about two-thirds full. Bake on the center rack for 12–15 minutes. Brownies are done when a toothpick inserted comes out with moist crumbs but no wet batter.

Step 4: Immediately after removing the pan from the oven, press a small crater in the center of each brownie bite using the back of a greased teaspoon or wooden spoon handle.

Step 5: Let the brownie bites cool in the pan for 10–15 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before frosting to prevent melting.

Step 6: Beat the softened butter in a large bowl on medium speed for about 2 minutes until pale and fluffy.

Step 7: Gradually add powdered sugar one cup at a time, mixing on low until incorporated. Add vanilla extract and milk or cream, then beat on medium-high speed for 3–4 minutes until smooth and airy. Adjust consistency with more milk or powdered sugar as needed.

Step 8: Mix in green gel food coloring a few drops at a time until you reach your preferred shade.

Step 9: Spread or pipe a generous amount of green frosting into each brownie crater.

Step 10: Press candy eyeballs into the frosting while soft. Get creative with sizes and quantities. For extra spookiness, use a toothpick dipped in red gel to draw bloodshot veins on the eyes. Let frosting set for about 30 minutes before serving.

Tips & Variations

Use gel food coloring instead of liquid to avoid thinning the frosting and maintain vibrant color.

Try adding different colored frosting for unique monster looks, such as purple or orange.

If you prefer homemade brownies, substitute the mix with your favorite fudgy brownie recipe and cut into mini squares.

For extra flavor, stir in a teaspoon of espresso powder into the batter to enhance the chocolate.

Add chocolate chips or nuts to the brownie batter for texture and flavor variety.

Storage

Store the Monster Eye Brownie Bites in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. To keep them moist longer, refrigerate for up to a week, but bring to room temperature before serving for the best texture. Avoid freezing after frosting, as it may affect the candy eyes and frosting texture. Serve the brownies within 24 hours of decorating for freshest presentation.

FAQs

Can I make these brownie bites without a mini muffin pan?

Yes, you can bake the brownies in a standard 9×13 inch pan and cut them into small squares after baking. You won’t have the crater for frosting, so you may want to spread the frosting on top instead.

How do I prevent the frosting from melting on warm brownies?

Allow brownies to cool completely at room temperature before frosting. If the brownies are warm, the butter-based frosting will melt and slide off. Patience is key to getting neat, set frosting.