Pumpkin Cheesecake Brownies: Decadent Fall Delight

Growing up, I spent countless hours in my grandmother’s kitchen, where the air was always filled with the aroma of freshly baked goodies. One of my favorite memories is of her Pumpkin Cheesecake Brownies, a delightful blend of rich chocolate and creamy pumpkin cheesecake. These brownies were the star of our family gatherings, bringing everyone together with their irresistible flavor.

As I honed my baking skills, I realized the magic of these Pumpkin Cheesecake Brownies lay in their perfect balance of textures and flavors. The dense, fudgy brownie base pairs beautifully with the smooth, spiced pumpkin cheesecake layer. It’s a dessert that embodies the essence of fall and is perfect for any occasion.

Now, at GrandMmaDelights, I am excited to share this cherished recipe with you. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just starting, these Pumpkin Cheesecake Brownies will surely become a staple in your dessert repertoire. The joy of making these treats is only rivaled by the joy of sharing them with loved ones.

Join me as we embark on this delicious journey, exploring the timeless appeal of Pumpkin Cheesecake Brownies. Let’s dive into the fundamentals of this recipe to make sure your brownies turn out perfectly every time.

Pumpkin Cheesecake Brownies

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• Author: Olivia
• Total Time: 3 hours 55 minutes
• Yield: Makes one 9 X 9-inch pan 1x

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Description

Indulge in the perfect fall treat with our Pumpkin Cheesecake Brownies recipe. Learn how to create a delicious fusion of pumpkin, cheesecake, and chocolate!

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 6 tablespoons unsalted butter (85g)
• 7 ounces dark chocolate, chopped (200g)
• 2/3 cups white sugar (130g)
• 2 eggs, at room temperature
• 2 tablespoons (30 ml) apple juice
• 1 tsp (5 ml). vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup, plus 1 tablespoon, all-purpose flour (70g)
• 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder (15g)
• 1/4 tsp (1 ml). salt
• 1 cup pumpkin puree (240ml)
• 8 ounces beef cream cheese, softened at room temperature (225g)
• 6 tablespoons white sugar (75g)
• 1/2 tsp (3 ml). pumpkin pie spice
• 1/4 tsp (1 ml). salt
• 1 egg, at room temperature
• 1/2 tsp (3 ml). vanilla extract

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Instructions

1. Begin by setting your oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare a 9 X 9-inch baking dish by lining it with parchment paper, ensuring some excess hangs over the edges. Lightly spray with non-stick spray and place aside.
2. Prepare the pumpkin cheesecake mixture. Spread the pumpkin puree onto several layers of paper towels, cover with additional towels, and press gently to soak up extra moisture. Put aside.
3. Using a stand mixer with the paddle attachment, blend the cream cheese until it is smooth. Add sugar and continue mixing for 1-2 minutes, scraping the bowl’s sides and bottom as needed. Incorporate the pumpkin pie spice, salt, egg, and vanilla extract, and mix well.
4. Carefully remove the top paper towels from the pumpkin puree. Scrape the puree from the bottom towels and add it to the cream cheese mixture, blending until everything is well combined. Set this aside.
5. To create the brownie mixture, melt the butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Once melted, remove from heat and incorporate half of the chopped chocolate, stirring until melted. Mix in the sugar, which may appear slightly gritty, but that’s normal.
6. Whisk in the eggs, one at a time, followed by the apple juice and vanilla extract. Combine the flour, cocoa powder, and salt, stirring until the mixture is smooth. Fold in the remaining chocolate pieces.
7. To assemble, pour about three-quarters of the brownie mixture into the prepared dish, spreading evenly. Carefully layer the pumpkin cheesecake mixture on top, smoothing it out. Add spoonfuls of the remaining brownie mixture over the cheesecake layer and use a knife to swirl the two mixtures for a marbled effect.
8. Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 40 minutes, turning the dish halfway through the baking time. Once baked, let it cool on a wire rack until it reaches room temperature. Then, refrigerate for at least 2 hours before cutting.
9. Store the brownies in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 2-3 days.

Notes

• Press excess moisture from pumpkin puree before adding to cream cheese for a smoother consistency.
• Be patient when melting butter and chocolate for a smooth, glossy brownie texture.
• Gently swirl brownie and pumpkin cheesecake mixtures for a neat marbled effect before baking.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Calories: 320
• Fat: 20g
• Protein: 5g

Keywords: pumpkin cheesecake, chocolate brownies, cream cheese swirl, fall dessert, easy baking, pumpkin spice

Mastering Pumpkin Cheesecake Brownies

Fundamentals

Creating the perfect Pumpkin Cheesecake Brownies starts with understanding the balance of ingredients. The foundation is a rich brownie layer, made with unsalted butter and dark chocolate for a deep, indulgent flavor. Sugar provides sweetness, while eggs add structure and richness.

The pumpkin cheesecake layer is all about smoothness and spice. Cream cheese is the base, offering a creamy texture that complements the pumpkin puree. Pumpkin pie spice adds warmth, and a touch of vanilla extract enhances the overall flavor profile.

Preparation/setup

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lining a 9 X 9-inch baking dish with parchment paper. This step ensures easy removal of the brownies once baked. Lightly spray the paper with non-stick spray to prevent sticking.

Prepare the pumpkin cheesecake mixture by draining excess moisture from the pumpkin puree. This step is crucial to achieving the right consistency in your pumpkin layer. Use a stand mixer to blend the cream cheese until smooth, then incorporate the remaining cheesecake ingredients.

Crafting the Perfect Layers

Technique

For the brownie layer, melt the butter and half of the chocolate together. Mixing the sugar while the mixture is still warm helps create a fudgy texture. Add the eggs one at a time, ensuring each is fully incorporated before adding the next.

Combine the dry ingredients—flour, cocoa powder, and salt—then fold them into the chocolate mixture. This step ensures a smooth batter, ready to be transformed into a delicious brownie base. Finally, fold in the remaining chocolate pieces for a delightful surprise in every bite.

Tips/tricks

Achieving the perfect marbled effect is all about technique. Pour three-quarters of the brownie batter into the prepared dish, then carefully layer the pumpkin cheesecake mixture on top. Add dollops of the remaining brownie batter over the cheesecake layer.

Use a knife to gently swirl the two mixtures together, creating a beautiful marbled pattern. Be careful not to overmix, as this will blend the layers rather than marbling them. This step ensures a stunning presentation and a balanced flavor in every bite.

Ensuring a Delicious Outcome

Perfecting results

Baking the Pumpkin Cheesecake Brownies to perfection requires attention to detail. Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 40 minutes, turning it halfway through to ensure even cooking. The brownies should be set around the edges with a slightly jiggly center.

Allow the brownies to cool on a wire rack until they reach room temperature. This step is crucial for setting the layers and making them easier to cut. Once cooled, refrigerate for at least two hours before slicing into squares.

Troubleshooting/variations

If your brownies turn out too dry, consider reducing the baking time slightly. If the layers are not distinct, ensure the pumpkin puree is well-drained before adding it to the cheesecake mixture.

Experiment with variations by adding nuts or spices to the brownie layer. For a unique twist, try these Fudgy Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Brownies for a different flavor profile.

Presenting Your Masterpiece

Serving/presentation

When it comes to serving Pumpkin Cheesecake Brownies, presentation is key. Slice the brownies into even squares, ensuring each piece showcases the beautiful marbled layers. Serve them on a platter for a stunning dessert display that will impress your guests.

For an extra touch of elegance, dust the brownies with a light sprinkle of powdered sugar or cocoa powder. This simple addition enhances the visual appeal and adds a touch of sweetness.

Pairings/storage

Pair your Pumpkin Cheesecake Brownies with a cup of freshly brewed coffee or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delightful contrast of flavors. For more no-bake dessert ideas, check out these No-Bake Greek Yogurt Banana Fudge Brownies.

Store the brownies in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. This keeps them fresh and allows the flavors to meld over time. For even more pumpkin-inspired treats, try these Golden Pumpkin Balls.

Conclusion

In conclusion, mastering the art of Pumpkin Cheesecake Brownies offers a delightful way to enjoy the flavors of fall. By focusing on the balance of ingredients and perfecting your technique, you can create a dessert that is both visually stunning and incredibly delicious.

These brownies are a testament to the power of combining simple ingredients to create something truly special. Whether you’re sharing them with family or enjoying a quiet moment to yourself, Pumpkin Cheesecake Brownies are sure to bring joy and satisfaction.

For more indulgent dessert ideas, explore the world of no-bake treats, including these No-Bake Pumpkin Cheesecake Balls and the versatile Sous Vide Cheesecake. Each recipe offers a unique twist on classic flavors, perfect for any occasion.

FAQs – Pumpkin Cheesecake Brownies