Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that your brownies bake evenly and come out perfectly fudgy.

Step 2: Prepare the Baking Pan

Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan with butter or line it with parchment paper for easy removal. This step is crucial for keeping your brownies from sticking!

Step 3: Melt the Butter

In a large saucepan, melt the unsalted butter over medium heat. Once melted, remove it from heat and let it cool slightly. This will help you avoid cooking the eggs when you combine them.

Step 4: Mix in the Sugar and Eggs

Stir in the granulated sugar, mixing well to combine. Next, add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Finally, stir in the vanilla extract until everything is well combined.

Step 5: Combine the Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, cocoa powder, and salt. Gradually add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; you want those brownies to stay fudgy!

Step 6: Bake the Brownies

Pour the brownie batter into the prepared baking pan and spread it evenly. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with a few moist crumbs. Be careful not to overbake—nobody wants dry brownies!

Step 7: Prepare the Chocolate Bark

While the brownies are baking, melt the semi-sweet chocolate chips. You can do this in the microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, or use a double boiler. If you want a shinier finish, add the optional coconut oil to the chocolate as it melts.

Step 8: Add the Toppings

Once the brownies are done, remove them from the oven and let them cool for about 10 minutes in the pan. Pour the melted chocolate over the brownies, spreading it out evenly. Immediately sprinkle your assortment of Halloween candies on top while the chocolate is still warm. Press them down gently to help them stick.

Step 9: Let It Set

Allow the chocolate to cool and set at room temperature or pop the brownies into the refrigerator for quicker setting. Once the chocolate has hardened, you can cut the brownies into squares.

Step 10: Enjoy!

Serve your Chocolate Bark Halloween Brownies on a festive platter or in individual cupcake liners for easy serving. They’re sure to be a crowd-pleaser!