Pumpkin Cheesecake Swirl Brownies: A Decadent Fall Treat

Fall is officially here, and that means it’s pumpkin season! If you love pumpkin as much as I do, you will want to try these Pumpkin Cheesecake Swirl Brownies. They combine brownies’ rich, fudgy goodness with the creamy, spiced flavors of pumpkin cheesecake. These brownies are perfect for cozy fall afternoons, family gatherings, or Halloween parties. Let’s dive into this simple yet decadent recipe!

Ingredients

For the Brownie Layer:

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt

For the Pumpkin Cheesecake Swirl:

• 4 oz cream cheese, softened
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup pumpkin puree (not pumpkin pie filling)
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
• Pinch of ground cloves (optional)

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper or lightly grease it to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Make the Brownie Batter

1. Whisk together the melted butter and sugar in a large bowl until combined.
2. Add the eggs and vanilla extract and continue whisking until smooth.
3. Sift in the cocoa powder, flour, baking powder, and salt. Stir everything together with a spatula until just combined. Be careful not to overmix!
4. Set the brownie batter aside while you prepare the pumpkin cheesecake layer.

Step 3: Make the Pumpkin Cheesecake Swirl

1. In a separate bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and sugar until smooth and creamy.
2. Add the pumpkin puree, egg, vanilla extract, and spices (cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and optional cloves). Mix until everything is well incorporated.

Step 4: Assemble the Brownies

1. Pour about two-thirds of the brownie batter into the prepared baking pan and spread it evenly.
2. Gently spoon the pumpkin cheesecake mixture over the brownie layer in dollops.
3. Add the remaining brownie batter on top of the pumpkin mixture in small dollops.
4. Use a knife or toothpick to swirl the brownie and pumpkin cheesecake layers together. Create beautiful swirls but be careful not to overdo it—too much mixing will combine the layers instead of giving them that gorgeous marbled effect.

Step 5: Bake

Bake for 30–35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with only a few moist crumbs attached. You want them to be fudgy, so don’t overbake!

Step 6: Cool and Serve

Allow the brownies to cool completely in the pan. Once cooled, slice into squares and enjoy! These brownies taste even better after they’ve been chilled in the refrigerator for a couple of hours, letting the flavors meld.

Tips for the Perfect Brownies:

1. Don’t overmix the batter: This keeps the brownies dense and fudgy.
2. Use room-temperature cream cheese: It will mix more efficiently, resulting in a smooth cheesecake layer.
3. Let them chill: If you have the patience, refrigerating these brownies for a few hours enhances the flavors and creates a denser texture, making them even more delicious.

Storage:

Store these Pumpkin Cheesecake Swirl Brownies in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. You can also freeze them for up to 2 months. Just thaw in the refrigerator when you’re ready to indulge again!

These Pumpkin Cheesecake Swirl Brownies are the ultimate fall dessert! The combination of rich chocolate brownie with spiced pumpkin cheesecake creates a balance of sweet, creamy, and fudgy flavors that’s irresistible. Whether you’re a pumpkin lover or a brownie fanatic, this recipe will leave you satisfied and craving more.