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As Halloween wraps up, families across the country find themselves in a familiar situation: a massive surplus of candy. Kids come home with bags overflowing with sweets, and before you know it, there’s enough candy to last until next Halloween, if not longer! While you could simply stash it away or donate it, there’s a much more delicious option. Enter trash brownies—a delightful dessert that acts as the perfect solution to your Halloween candy overflow. This guide will take you through everything you need to know about making these fun and indulgent treats, along with a few tips and variations to customize your brownies to perfection.

What Are Trash Brownies?

Trash brownies are essentially a pan of brownies adorned with a hodgepodge of leftover candies and treats. The beauty of these brownies is their versatility. You can use any brownie recipe you love or have on hand, whether it’s a classic homemade recipe or a quick box mix. The idea is to create a delightful mishmash of flavors and textures by adding various candies, making each bite a sweet surprise.

Why Trash Brownies?

These brownies are not just a clever way to use up leftover Halloween candy; they are also an excellent activity to do with kids. Children will enjoy helping to chop up candy and sprinkle it on top of the brownies, making them feel involved in the kitchen. Plus, it’s a great way to bond over something delicious. And who doesn’t enjoy a gooey, chocolatey treat, especially when it’s tailored to your candy preferences?

The Basic Brownie Recipe

Before we dive into the toppings and candy combinations, let’s establish a basic brownie recipe. This recipe can be modified according to what you have available and your flavor preferences.

Ingredients

• 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter
• 2 cups granulated sugar
• 4 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder

Instructions

1. Preheat Your Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
2. Melt the Butter: In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over low heat. Once melted, remove it from the heat and stir in the sugar, eggs, and vanilla.
3. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, mix the flour, cocoa powder, salt, and baking powder.
4. Blend Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually stir the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients until well combined. Be careful not to overmix.
5. Pour into Pan: Spread the brown batter evenly in the prepared pan.
6. Bake the Brownies: Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with a few moist crumbs (you don’t want to overbake!).
7. Cool: Allow the brownies to cool in the pan before adding your candy toppings.

Toppings Galore: Candy Combinations

Now comes the most exciting part—deciding what candies to sprinkle on top! You’ll want to add your toppings in the last 10-15 minutes of baking to keep them from melting completely. Here are some top recommendations that will make your trash brownies a hit:

Classic Halloween Candies

1. Oreos: Crushed Oreos add a delightful crunch and a creamy texture.
2. Peanut Butter Cups: These melt beautifully and add a delicious peanut buttery taste.
3. Kit Kats: The wafer layers of Kit Kats are perfect for layering in between brownie bites.
4. M&M’s: Colorful and fun, M&M’s add a sweet crunch that contrasts nicely with the soft brownie base.
5. Snickers: Chopped Snickers bars introduce caramel and nougat flavors that elevate the chocolate experience.
6. Twix: Combining chocolate, caramel, and cookie, Twix bars are a crowd favorite.
7. Rolos: Melting Rolos creates a gooey center that makes for a delicious surprise.
8. Heath Bars: These toffee treats deliver a delightful crunch and depth of flavor.

Unique Additions

• Pretzels: Adding salty pretzels provides a wonderful salty-sweet flavor balance, along with a delightful crunch.
• Marshmallows: For an added layer of gooeyness, mini marshmallows can be sprinkled on during the last few minutes of baking. Just remember, overbaking them will make them hard.
• Potato Chips: While not traditional Halloween candy, crushed potato chips give a unique salty-sweet twist, enhancing the texture and flavor profile.
• Gummy Candy: If you want to get adventurous, add gummy candies toward the end of baking. They’ll melt slightly, but their chewy texture will remain intact.

Baking Tips for Perfect Trash Brownies

1. Timing Is Key: To keep your toppings from melting completely, add harder candies like peanut butter cups and chocolate bars in the last 10-15 minutes of baking.
2. Be Mindful of Marshmallows: Only add marshmallows towards the end of the baking process. If they bake too long, they can harden and lose that delightful chewy texture.
3. Experiment and Customize: Feel free to mix and match candies based on your family’s favorites. The great thing about trash brownies is that there’s no wrong way to make them!
4. Watch the Bake Time: All ovens are different, so start checking your brownies a few minutes before the end of the suggested baking time. You’re aiming for a moist crumb, not a dry brownie!
5. Add Whipped Cream and Ice Cream: Once your brownies are baked and cooled, feel free to top them with whipped cream or a scoop of ice cream for an extra indulgent dessert experience.

Healthier Alternatives

While trash brownies are undoubtedly a treat, if you’re looking to create a slightly healthier version using your leftover candy, consider these alternatives:

• Whole Wheat Flour: Substitute part of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for added fiber.
• Reduce Sugar: You might replace part of the granulated sugar with applesauce, which can help retain moisture while cutting calories.
• Dark Chocolate: Use dark chocolate cocoa powder instead of regular cocoa powder for a healthier chocolate option.

Cleanup and Storage

After enjoying your trash brownies, you might wonder about storage or cleanup.

• Storage: Brownies can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If you want to keep them for longer, you can refrigerate them for up to two weeks or freeze them for up to three months. Make sure to separate layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
• Cleanup: One of the best parts about baking brownies is that cleanup can be as simple as rinsing your mixing bowls and spatula right away. If you’re using parchment paper, it also makes for easy cleanup since the brownies won’t stick to the pan.

Conclusion

Trash brownies are the perfect solution for not only managing leftover Halloween candy, but also for creating a unique, decadent dessert that’s fun to make with family. With endless possibilities for toppings and a simple baking process, they offer a delicious way to celebrate the spirit of Halloween long after the last trick-or-treater has left. So the next time you find yourself drowning in candy, gather your leftovers and whip up a batch of trash brownies. Your family will thank you for it!

For further ideas on utilizing Halloween sweets or exploring more fall-themed recipes, check out the Fill Your Plate blog.

Happy baking!

By Heide Kennedy, Arizona Farm Bureau Commutations Intern