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Cozy Pumpkin Cream Cheese Swirl Brownies

pumpkin cream cheese swirl brownies - featured image

These cozy pumpkin cream cheese swirl brownies combine rich chocolate, warm autumn spices, and a tangy cream cheese swirl for a moist, tender dessert perfect for chilly nights and seasonal gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1/2 cup (113g) unsalted butter, melted
  • 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
  • 2 large eggs, room temperature
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 3/4 cup (95g) all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 cup (50g) unsweetened cocoa powder (preferably Dutch-processed)
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/3 cup (about 80g) pumpkin puree (canned or homemade, not pumpkin pie filling)
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
  • 4 ounces (113g) cream cheese, softened
  • 1/4 cup (50g) granulated sugar
  • 1 large egg yolk
  • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease an 8×8-inch (20×20 cm) square baking pan or line it with parchment paper, leaving an overhang for easy removal.
  2. In a large bowl, combine the melted butter and granulated sugar. Stir until smooth and glossy.
  3. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
  4. In a separate bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger.
  5. Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture using a spatula, mixing gently until just combined. Do not overmix.
  6. Fold in the pumpkin puree carefully until the batter is glossy and smooth.
  7. Prepare the cream cheese swirl by beating the softened cream cheese with sugar, egg yolk, and vanilla extract until smooth and fluffy.
  8. Pour the brownie batter into the prepared pan and spread evenly.
  9. Dollop the cream cheese mixture over the brownie batter in spoonfuls.
  10. Use a toothpick or skewer to swirl the cream cheese into the brownie batter with gentle, circular motions to create a marbled effect.
  11. Bake for 30-35 minutes, checking doneness by inserting a toothpick in the center; it should come out with a few moist crumbs but no wet batter.
  12. Remove from oven and let cool completely in the pan on a wire rack.
  13. Once cooled, lift brownies out using the parchment paper (if used). Cut into 12 squares and serve.

Notes

Softening the cream cheese before mixing is key to avoid lumps and achieve a smooth swirl. Do not overmix the batter after adding flour to keep brownies fudgy. Use a toothpick for gentle swirling to maintain the marbled effect. Baking times may vary by oven; start checking at 30 minutes.

Nutrition

Keywords: pumpkin brownies, cream cheese swirl, autumn dessert, easy brownies, pumpkin spice, fall recipe, chocolate pumpkin brownies