Pumpkin Patch Brownies

5 from 1 vote

Pumpkin Patch Brownies is an easy way to bake a batch of chewy brownies and decorate them with frosting, dirt, and chocolate covered strawberry pumpkins. A pumpkin patch dessert is the perfect Halloween dessert

Prep Time15

Cook Time20

Total Time35

Course: Dessert

Cuisine: American

Servings:

Calories: 689kcal

Author: Jennifer Fishkind

Ingredients

1 box Duncan Hines Brownie Mix (plus ingredients needed to make on package)
15 Oreos crushed
16 oz pack fresh strawberries
12 oz package orange candy melts

For the Nutella frosting:

1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter softened
1 cup Nutella
2 cups powdered sugar
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
⅛ teaspoon salt
2 tablespoons heavy whipping cream

Instructions

Preheat the oven to 350° and spray a 9x13 pan with cooking spray. You can use a smaller sized baking pan if you want. Make sure to adjust the cooking time.
In a large mixing bowl, prepare the brownie mix as per box instructions and make sure not to overmix.
Pour the batter into the greased baking pan and spread evenly across, making sure to fill the corners. Then place in the oven and bake as per box instructions, about 20-23 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted an inch from the edge comes out clean. When finished, let cool on a wire rack completely before frosting and decorating.
For the chocolate covered strawberries: Wash and fully dry the strawberries then line a sheet tray with parchment paper. Place the candy melts in a microwave safe bowl and microwave on defrost or 50% setting for 1 minute. Give it a stir with a spoon and microwave in 30 second intervals, stirring between each time, until fully melted and creamy. Do not overheat as it will become thick. You can also use a double boiler instead to melt the chocolate if you have one. (If using different candy melts other than Wilton, go with package instructions.)
Holding the leaves on top, carefully dip each strawberry into the melted chocolate and place on the parchment paper lined tray. Repeat until all strawberries are dipped and covered in chocolate. You do not need to do the whole pack of strawberries, just how many you want on top of the brownies. I usually like to make a little extra. The chocolate hardens fast though, so try to work quickly.
Pour the leftover chocolate in a piping bag fitted with a Wilton #4 tip. If you don’t have a bag or tip, you can use a ziplock bag and snip a small piece of the corner off and pipe that way. Careful not to snip too much though. You can start small and do a practice line on parchment paper to see if you like the size, then snip more if needed.
Hold the piping bag firmly and decorate lines on your strawberry pumpkins. If the chocolate on the strawberries are dried, you can hold it to make decorating easier. Repeat until all strawberries are done and then set aside. You do not need to place in the refrigerator as they are more likely to “sweat”.
For the Nutella frosting: Place the Nutella in a microwave safe bowl and microwave for about 15 seconds and give it a stir with a spoon. We just want to soften it. It should not be fully melted and should not be hot, otherwise it will melt the butter. If it is hot, do not pour it in until it cools down.
In a large mixing bowl using a standing or handheld mixer, cream the butter on medium speed until creamy and there are no more lumps. Then add the Nutella and mix until it is well incorporated. Gradually add the powdered sugar and mix until combined. You can add more sugar if you would like it to be sweeter. Then add the vanilla, salt, and heavy whipping cream and mix again until it is fully incorporate. Make sure to scrape down the sides and mix as needed. Set aside.
For the Oreo topping: place Oreos into the food processor and pulse until you get fine crumbs. You can use the whole cookie, cream and all. If you don’t have a food processor, place in a ziplock bag and crush it with a rolling pin until you get crumbs. Place into a bowl and set aside.
Once the brownies have cooled, we can decorate! Pour the frosting over the brownies and spread evenly across. Sprinkle on the Oreo crumbs for the dirt and then top with your strawberry pumpkins.
Have fun and get creative with it. Enjoy!

Notes

Storage :

To Store: Store any leftover brownies in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The chocolate covered strawberries can be refrigerated in a separate container and will last 1-2 days in the refrigerator.

Tips:

Use your favorite chocolate brownie mix or homemade brownie recipe. If you don’t like brownies, this recipe can also be made using a cake mix or a homemade cake recipe.
You can use a store bought chocolate frosting if you are short on time.
If you are using different candy melts other than Wilton, make sure to follow the package instructions.
If you don’t have a piping bag or tip for the strawberries, you can use a ziplock bag and snip a small piece of the corner off and pipe that way. Careful not to snip too much though. You can start small and do a practice line on parchment paper to see if you like the size, then snip more if needed.
When microwaving the Nutella, you just want to soften it. It should not be fully melted and should not be hot, otherwise it will melt the butter. If it is hot, do not pour it into the butter until it cools down.

Nutrition