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Decadent Pumpkin Cream Cheese Swirl Brownies with fudgy and cheesecake layers.

Pumpkin Cream Cheese Swirl Brownies

Rich and chocolatey brownies swirled with a creamy pumpkin cheese layer, perfect for fall baking and potlucks.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Servings: 9 pieces
Course: Dessert, Snack
Cuisine: American, Fall
Calories: 250
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Brownie Batter
  • 1 cup Butter, melted Gives classic brownie richness
  • 1 cup Granulated sugar For that shiny brownie top
  • 2 large Eggs Provides structure and thickens batter
  • 1 teaspoon Vanilla extract Small thing, big difference
  • 1/2 cup Unsweetened cocoa powder Use a decent quality for flavor
  • 1 cup All purpose flour Just enough to hold the batter together
  • 1/2 teaspoon Salt Enhances chocolate flavor
For the Pumpkin Cream Cheese Layer
  • 8 oz Cream cheese, softened Make sure it's softened to avoid lumps
  • 1/2 cup Pumpkin puree Not pumpkin pie filling
  • 1/4 cup Granulated sugar For sweetness in the cream cheese layer
  • 1 teaspoon Vanilla extract Adds flavor to the layer
  • 1 teaspoon Pumpkin pie spice Can substitute with a mix of cinnamon and nutmeg

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease an 8 x 8 inch pan or line with parchment paper.
  2. In a bowl, whisk together melted butter and sugar until combined.
  3. Add eggs and vanilla extract, and whisk until glossy.
  4. Stir in cocoa powder, flour, and salt until mixed; the batter will be thick.
  5. In another bowl, beat softened cream cheese until smooth. Mix in pumpkin puree, sugar, vanilla, and pumpkin spice until creamy.
Baking
  1. Spread about two-thirds of the brownie batter into the prepared pan.
  2. Spoon the pumpkin cream cheese mixture over the brownie layer in dollops.
  3. Drop spoonfuls of the remaining brownie batter on top.
  4. Use a butter knife to gently swirl the mixtures together.
  5. Bake for 30 to 40 minutes, until edges are set and center is barely set. A toothpick should come out with moist crumbs.
Cooling and Serving
  1. Let the brownies cool completely and then slice for clean edges.

Notes

Cream cheese should be softened to avoid lumps. Do not overbake the brownies for fudgy texture. If serving for a potluck, chill and slice at the event for cleaner swirls.