Go Back
- 1 cup unsalted butter, melted - 2 cups granulated sugar - 4 large eggs - 8 oz cream cheese, softened - 1/2 cup powdered sugar - 1 cup pumpkin puree - 1 cup all-purpose flour - 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder - 1/2 teaspoon baking powder - 1/4 teaspoon salt - 1 teaspoon cinnamon - 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg Gathering the right ingredients is key for success in making Pumpkin Cream Cheese Swirl Brownies. Start with unsalted butter, which adds rich flavor. Granulated sugar gives the brownies sweetness and nice texture. You will also need large eggs for binding. For the cream cheese swirl, use softened cream cheese. It blends better and gives a smooth texture. Powdered sugar adds sweetness and helps the swirl set. Pumpkin puree lends a warm flavor and moisture. Next, prepare your dry ingredients. All-purpose flour forms the brownie base. Unsweetened cocoa powder adds deep chocolate flavor. Baking powder helps the brownies rise slightly, while salt enhances all flavors. Finally, spices like cinnamon and nutmeg bring warmth and seasonal notes. Each ingredient plays an important role in creating this delightful treat. - Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). - Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish or line it with parchment paper. - In a large bowl, mix the melted butter and granulated sugar until combined. - Add four large eggs one at a time. Mix well after each egg. Then stir in one teaspoon of vanilla extract. - In another bowl, sift together one cup of all-purpose flour, half a cup of cocoa powder, half a teaspoon of baking powder, and a quarter teaspoon of salt. - Gradually add this dry mix to the wet mix. Stir until just combined. - In a separate bowl, mix one cup of pumpkin puree, eight ounces of softened cream cheese, half a cup of powdered sugar, one teaspoon of cinnamon, and a quarter teaspoon of nutmeg until smooth. - Pour half of the brownie batter into the baking dish and spread it evenly. Spoon dollops of the pumpkin cream cheese mixture over the brownie batter. Then pour the rest of the brownie batter on top. - Use a knife or toothpick to swirl the batters together for a marbled look. - Bake in the preheated oven for 30 to 35 minutes. Check with a toothpick; it should come out mostly clean. - After baking, let the brownies cool in the pan for at least 15 minutes before slicing them into squares. Checking doneness To check if your brownies are done, use a toothpick. Insert it into the center of the brownies. If it comes out with a few moist crumbs, they are ready. If the toothpick is clean, they may be overbaked. Swirling techniques For the best swirl, use a knife or toothpick. After layering the batters, gently swirl them together. Avoid stirring too much; you want to see the marbled effect. Serving suggestions Serve your brownies on a rustic wooden board. This adds a nice touch for any gathering. You can cut them into squares or rectangles for easy serving. Garnishing ideas Dust the brownies lightly with powdered sugar. A sprinkle of cinnamon on top adds a warm flavor. Use festive pumpkin-themed plates to enhance the seasonal vibe. Overmixing the batter Be careful not to overmix the brownie batter. This can lead to dense and tough brownies. Mix just until combined for the best texture. Not using room temperature ingredients Make sure your cream cheese and eggs are at room temperature. This helps them blend smoothly into the batter. Cold ingredients can cause lumps and uneven mixing. {{image_2}} You can easily change the flavors of these brownies. Adding chocolate chips brings a sweet touch. I like to sprinkle a cup of semi-sweet chocolate chips into the batter. They melt nicely and blend well with the chocolate flavor. Incorporating nuts adds a nice crunch. Walnuts or pecans work great here. Just chop them roughly and fold in half a cup. The nuts give the brownies a rich texture and a homey feel. If you want a lighter version, try some simple swaps. Use unsweetened applesauce instead of butter. This keeps the brownies moist but cuts down on fat. You can also use a sugar substitute for a sweeter treat without the calories. For vegan options, replace the eggs with flaxseed meal. Mix one tablespoon of flaxseed meal with three tablespoons of water for each egg. Use almond milk instead of regular milk for a lighter taste. You can make these brownies fit any season. For Halloween, add fun toppings, like candy corn or spooky sprinkles. This makes the brownies festive and fun for kids and adults alike. For Thanksgiving, sprinkle in some chopped pecans and add extra cinnamon. This gives the brownies a warm, spicy flavor that fits the holiday. You can even top them with whipped cream for a special touch. To keep your pumpkin cream cheese swirl brownies fresh, store them in an airtight container. This helps keep them moist and prevents them from drying out. You can place parchment paper between layers to avoid sticking. For best results, store the brownies at room temperature for up to four days. If you want them to last longer, consider refrigerating them. Freezing brownies is a great way to save some for later. First, let the brownies cool completely. Then, cut them into squares. Wrap each square tightly in plastic wrap. After wrapping, place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They can last up to three months in the freezer. To thaw, take out a square and let it sit at room temperature for about an hour. You can also warm them in the microwave for a few seconds if you prefer them warm. These brownies have a good shelf life. When stored properly, they can last up to four days at room temperature. In the fridge, they can stay fresh for about a week. Look for signs of spoilage like a dry texture or an off smell. If they start to harden or develop mold, it's best to toss them. Enjoying them fresh is always the best way! Yes, you can use fresh pumpkin. Fresh pumpkin has a bright flavor and a nice texture. To use it, follow these steps: - Choose a small sugar pumpkin or pie pumpkin. - Cut it in half, remove the seeds, and roast until tender. - Scoop out the soft flesh and blend it until smooth. This fresh puree makes your brownies taste even better. It also adds a fun cooking experience. To check if the brownies are done, use a toothpick. Insert it into the center of the brownies. If it comes out mostly clean, they are ready. A few moist crumbs are okay. Here are some extra tips: - Look for a slight puff on top. - The edges should pull away from the pan. - Let them cool for a bit before slicing. This helps them firm up. If you need to substitute cream cheese, here are some great options: - Greek yogurt gives a nice tang and creaminess. - Silken tofu is a good vegan choice, but it may change the texture. - Ricotta cheese is also a creamy option that works well. Each alternative will change the flavor slightly, so choose based on your taste preference. Brownies blend flavors and textures to delight every bite. We covered essential ingredients, from cream cheese to spices. Following clear steps ensures your brownies are a success. Remember the tips to avoid common mistakes. Variations let you customize for seasons and tastes. Storing and freezing keep your treats fresh. Enjoy experimenting with these recipes and make them your own. You will impress your friends and family with your baking skills!

Pumpkin Cream Cheese Swirl Brownies

Indulge in the ultimate fall treat with these Pumpkin Cream Cheese Swirl Brownies! This delightful recipe combines rich chocolate brownies with a creamy pumpkin filling, perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth. Easily whip up this delicious dessert in just one hour and impress your friends and family. Click through to discover the full recipe and tips for serving these delicious brownies at your next gathering!
Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Ingredients
  

1 cup unsalted butter, melted

2 cups granulated sugar

4 large eggs

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1 cup all-purpose flour

1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder

1/2 teaspoon baking powder

1/4 teaspoon salt

1 cup pumpkin puree

8 oz cream cheese, softened

1/2 cup powdered sugar

1 teaspoon cinnamon

1/4 teaspoon nutmeg

Instructions
 

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9x13-inch baking dish or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.

    In a large mixing bowl, combine the melted butter and granulated sugar, whisking until well blended.

      Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.

        In another bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.

          In a separate bowl, mix the pumpkin puree, softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg until smooth.

            Pour half of the brownie batter into the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly. Spoon dollops of the pumpkin cream cheese mixture over the brownie batter, then pour the remaining brownie batter on top.

              Using a knife or toothpick, swirl the batters together to create a marbled effect.

                Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out mostly clean (a few moist crumbs are okay).

                  Once done, remove from the oven and let it cool in the pan for at least 15 minutes before slicing into squares.

                    Prep Time: 20 minutes | Total Time: 1 hour | Servings: 24 squares

                      - Presentation Tips: Serve the brownies on a rustic wooden board, dusted with a light sprinkle of powdered sugar and cinnamon for an extra touch. Use festive pumpkin-themed plates for a seasonal boost!