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To make these tasty brownies, you need: - 1 cup unsweetened cocoa powder - 1 cup all-purpose flour - 1 ½ cups sugar - ½ teaspoon baking powder - ½ teaspoon baking soda - ½ teaspoon salt - 1 cup unsalted butter, melted - 4 large eggs - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract These ingredients form the base of your brownies. The cocoa powder gives a rich chocolate flavor while the butter adds moisture. For the pumpkin cream cheese swirl, gather: - 1 cup pumpkin puree - 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon - ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg - 1 cup cream cheese, softened - ¼ cup powdered sugar - 1 egg yolk Pumpkin puree adds a warm, earthy taste. The spices bring out the fall flavor. Cream cheese adds creaminess and a slight tang, balancing the sweetness. You can make your brownies even better with: - A dusting of powdered sugar - Whipped cream - A sprinkle of cinnamon - Chopped nuts or chocolate chips These toppings can enhance the look and taste. They also give you a chance to add your personal touch! {{ingredient_image_1}} To start, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x13 inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper. This step helps your brownies come out cleanly. In a large bowl, sift together the cocoa powder, flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. This mix should be even and fluffy. In another bowl, whisk together the melted butter, eggs, and vanilla extract. Once mixed, pour this into the dry ingredients. Stir until just combined; don’t over-mix. Now it’s time to create the pumpkin mixture. In a small bowl, combine the pumpkin puree, ground cinnamon, and ground nutmeg. Mix until smooth. This will add a warm flavor to your brownies. The spices make the pumpkin shine. Set this bowl aside for later. Next, let’s make the cream cheese swirl. In a separate bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with powdered sugar and egg yolk until creamy. This mix should be smooth and well combined. Now, you’re ready to layer your brownies. Spread half of the brownie batter evenly in the prepared pan. Drop spoonfuls of the pumpkin mixture and cream cheese mixture over the brownie layer. Use a knife or skewer to gently swirl them together to create a marbled effect. Pour the rest of the brownie batter on top and repeat with more spoonfuls of both pumpkin and cream cheese mixes. Swirl again to create a beautiful pattern. Finally, bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes. Use a toothpick to check; it should come out with a few moist crumbs. Let the brownies cool for at least 15 minutes before slicing and serving. Enjoy your delicious treat! To achieve the perfect swirl in your brownies, start with the right tools. Use a knife or a skewer for swirling. After layering your pumpkin and cream cheese mixtures, drag it lightly through the brownie batter. Do this gently to avoid mixing too much. You want a marbled look, not a uniform blend. Aim for smooth, flowing lines. This adds beauty to your brownies. Baking time is key for these brownies. Set your timer for 30 to 35 minutes. To check if they 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 wet, bake for a few more minutes. Keep an eye on them to avoid overbaking. Brownies are best when they stay soft and fudgy. Using high-quality ingredients makes a big difference. Start with fresh pumpkin puree. This brings natural sweetness and moisture. Choose good cocoa powder for rich flavor. Unsalted butter gives control over saltiness. Use full-fat cream cheese for a creamy swirl. Quality ingredients result in better taste and texture. Trust me, your taste buds will thank you! Pro Tips Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure your cream cheese and eggs are at room temperature for a smoother batter and better incorporation. Don't Overmix the Batter: Mix the brownie batter just until combined to maintain a fudgy texture. Overmixing can result in cake-like brownies. Swirling Techniques: Use a knife or skewer to create beautiful swirls, but avoid overdoing it to keep defined layers of pumpkin and cream cheese. Cooling is Key: Allow the brownies to cool completely in the pan before cutting to ensure clean edges and prevent them from falling apart. {{image_2}} You can easily make gluten-free brownies. Swap all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend. Look for a blend that works well in baking. This option keeps the taste rich and moist. You won’t miss the gluten at all! To make these brownies vegan, use flax eggs instead of regular eggs. Mix 1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed with 2.5 tablespoons of water for each egg. Replace butter with coconut oil or vegan butter. Use a dairy-free cream cheese for the swirl. These changes keep the brownies tasty and plant-based. You can add fun flavors to your brownies. Try adding chocolate chips for extra richness. Chopped nuts also add crunch and flavor. A pinch of sea salt can boost the sweet taste. You might even add a dash of ginger or cloves for warmth. Mix these in before baking for a unique twist! To keep your pumpkin cream cheese swirl brownies fresh, store them in an airtight container. This helps prevent them from drying out. It’s best to keep them at room temperature for up to three days. If you want to extend their life, move them to the fridge. They can last there for about a week. Just let them sit at room temperature for a bit before serving. Freezing these brownies is easy and 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. Place the wrapped brownies in a freezer-safe bag or container. They can last up to three months in the freezer. When you’re ready to enjoy, just thaw them in the fridge overnight. To reheat leftover brownies, you have a few options. If you want a soft brownie, use the microwave. Heat them for about 10-15 seconds. For a crispier edge, try the oven. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and warm the brownies for about 5-10 minutes. Enjoy them warm for the best taste! Yes, you can use fresh pumpkin. First, you need to cook the pumpkin. Cut it in half, remove the seeds, and roast it until soft. Then, scoop out the flesh and mash it until smooth. This gives you a fresh pumpkin puree. Just make sure to measure the same amount as the recipe calls for. Fresh pumpkin can add a nice flavor! The best way to check brownies is with a toothpick. Insert it into the center. If it comes out with a few moist crumbs, they are done. If it comes out clean, they may be overbaked. Keep an eye on them at the 30-minute mark to avoid drying out. You want them soft and fudgy! If you need a substitute for cream cheese, try using Greek yogurt or mascarpone. Both options offer a creamy texture. You can also use ricotta cheese, but it may change the flavor slightly. For a vegan option, use silken tofu blended until smooth. Each substitute will provide a different taste, so choose based on your preference! You’ve learned how to make delicious pumpkin cream cheese swirl brownies. We covered the main ingredients, step-by-step instructions, and handy tips. You now have variations and storage info to keep your brownies fresh. Remember, quality ingredients make a big difference in taste. Have fun experimenting with flavors and don’t hesitate to try new toppings. With these steps, you can bake something wonderful and enjoy every bite. Enjoy your baking journey!

Pumpkin Cream Cheese Swirl Brownies

Delicious brownies with a rich pumpkin and cream cheese swirl.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Servings 12
Calories 250 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1.5 cups sugar
  • 0.5 teaspoon baking powder
  • 0.5 teaspoon baking soda
  • 0.5 teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup unsalted butter, melted
  • 4 large eggs
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 cup pumpkin puree
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 0.5 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 1 cup cream cheese, softened
  • 0.25 cup powdered sugar
  • 1 egg yolk egg yolk

Instructions
 

  • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9x13 inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper for easier removal.
  • In a large bowl, sift together cocoa powder, flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt until well combined.
  • In another bowl, whisk together the melted butter, eggs, and vanilla extract. Pour this mixture into the dry ingredients and stir until just combined.
  • In a separate small bowl, combine the pumpkin puree, ground cinnamon, and ground nutmeg until smooth.
  • For the cream cheese swirl, beat the softened cream cheese with powdered sugar and egg yolk until creamy and well-mixed.
  • Spread half of the brownie batter evenly in the prepared baking pan. Drop spoonfuls of pumpkin puree mixture over the brownie layer. Then add spoonfuls of the cream cheese mixture on top.
  • Gently swirl the pumpkin and cream cheese mixtures into the brownie batter using a knife or skewer, creating a marble effect.
  • Pour the remaining brownie batter over the top and repeat with more spoonfuls of pumpkin and cream cheese mixers. Swirl once more to combine slightly.
  • Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with a few moist crumbs.
  • Let the brownies cool in the pan for at least 15 minutes before slicing and serving.

Notes

Cut the brownies into squares and dust with powdered sugar on top. Serve with a dollop of whipped cream and a sprinkle of cinnamon for an extra touch.
Keyword brownies, cream cheese, dessert, pumpkin