Jump to Recipe Print RecipeAs the leaves begin to swirl in shades of amber and gold, I find myself dreaming of cozy kitchens and the warm aromas that fill the air. This is the season when my oven becomes my best friend, and there’s nothing quite like baking up a batch of Fudgy Pumpkin Brownies with Cream Cheese Swirl. These delightful treats marry the indulgence of chocolate with the comforting essence of pumpkin, making them a perfect addition to any fall gathering. Not only are these brownies incredibly easy to whip up using a store-bought mix, but they also offer gluten-free, nut-free, and dairy-free options, catering to various dietary needs. Imagine serving these at your next Halloween party or enjoying them with a warm cup of cider. They’re not just delicious; they’re a sneaky way to sneak some better-for-you ingredients into a guilty pleasure! Ready to indulge in this heavenly mix of flavors? Let’s dive into the recipe that will soon become a seasonal favorite! Why Are These Pumpkin Brownies Irresistible? Decadent and fudgy, these brownies redefine your dessert experience with their rich, chocolatey flavor perfectly balanced by sweet pumpkin. Easy-to-make, using a store-bought brownie mix means you’ll have them in the oven in no time! Dietary-friendly options let everyone join the fun—choose gluten-free or dairy-free and still enjoy every bite. Perfect for gatherings, these treats will impress your friends at parties, and the creamy swirl takes them to another level of indulgence. Plus, they’re a wholesome way to enjoy pumpkin, providing fiber and vitamin A. Don’t miss out on the seasonal joy of these delightful brownies! Pumpkin Brownie Ingredients • Get ready to bake your new favorite treat! For the Brownies • Store-bought brownie mix – This is the base for your brownies; pick a brand that fits your dietary needs, like gluten-free. • Chocolate chips (1/3 cup) – Adds a melty richness; opt for dark or dairy-free chocolate for a different twist. • Pumpkin puree (¾ cup) – Introduces moisture and pumpkin flavor; can be substituted with sweet potato puree if desired. • Flakey sea salt – Enhances sweetness and balances flavors; this is an optional finishing touch. For the Cream Cheese Swirl • Cream cheese (4 oz) – Brings a creamy texture and richness; use plant-based cream cheese for a dairy-free option. • Pure maple syrup (¼ cup) – Naturally sweetens the cream cheese mixture; feel free to swap with honey or agave syrup. • Pumpkin pie spice (1½ tsp) – Perfectly season the brownies; if you don’t have it, mix cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and cloves for a homemade version. • Pure vanilla extract (1 tsp) – Adds a depth of flavor; while not replaceable, vanilla powder can work in a pinch. With these ingredients, you’re one step closer to indulging in fantastic Pumpkin Brownies that everyone will love! Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Fudgy Pumpkin Brownies with Cream Cheese Swirl Step 1: Preheat and Prepare the Pan Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While it warms, line a 9×9 inch baking pan with parchment paper, allowing some overhang for easy removal later. This step is crucial for achieving the perfect texture in your fudgy pumpkin brownies, ensuring they don’t stick to the pan. Step 2: Mix the Brownie Batter In a large mixing bowl, prepare the store-bought brownie mix according to the package instructions. This typically involves combining the mix with water, oil, and eggs. Once the batter is ready, fold in 1/3 cup of chocolate chips, creating a rich, chocolatey mixture that will pair beautifully with the pumpkin flavors. Step 3: Prepare the Cream Cheese Mixture In a separate bowl, beat 4 oz of cream cheese until it’s smooth and creamy. Then, mix in ¾ cup of pumpkin puree, followed by ¼ cup of pure maple syrup, 1½ tsp of pumpkin pie spice, and 1 tsp of pure vanilla extract. This mixture should be well-combined, creating a sweet and spiced swirl for your fudgy pumpkin brownies. Step 4: Assemble the Layers Spread about ¾ of the brownie batter evenly in the prepared pan, ensuring it forms a solid base layer. Next, carefully spoon the pumpkin-cream cheese mixture over the brownie layer, spreading it out gently to cover as much surface area as possible. This layering will produce a delightful swirl between the two components. Step 5: Add the Final Brownie Layer Dot the remaining brownie batter over the pumpkin layer, creating small dollops across the surface. Using a knife, gently swirl the two mixtures together, combining them slightly without overmixing. This technique ensures you maintain the delicious fudgy texture of the brownies while allowing those lovely pumpkin swirls to shine. Step 6: Bake to Perfection Place the assembled pan in the preheated oven and bake for 45-50 minutes. To check for doneness, insert a toothpick into the center; it should come out with a few moist crumbs attached but not wet batter. The top will appear set and slightly crackled, indicating your fudgy pumpkin brownies are ready to come out. Step 7: Cool and Slice Once baked, remove the pan from the oven and allow the brownies to cool in the pan for about 15 minutes. Then, lift them out using the parchment paper overhang and place them on a wire rack to cool completely. Once cooled, slice into 16 squares, enjoying the rich flavors and creamy swirls ready to delight your family and friends! What to Serve with Fudgy Pumpkin Brownies with Cream Cheese Swirl Imagine the comforting aromas filling your kitchen as you sink into the cozy season with delightful treats that pair perfectly with these rich brownies. Vanilla Ice Cream: The creamy vanilla ice cream adds a cool, silky contrast that makes each bite of brownie even more indulgent. Whipped Cream: A dollop of freshly whipped cream offers a light, airy touch, balancing the rich flavors of the brownies. Spiced Chai Latte: The warm spices in chai enhance the fall notes of the brownies, creating a perfect sipping companion as you indulge. Chocolate Sauce: Drizzling warm chocolate sauce deepens the chocolate experience, making it an irresistible treat for chocolate lovers. Candied Pecans: The crunchiness of candied pecans offers a delightful textural contrast alongside the fudgy softness of the brownies. Pumpkin Spice Latte: Embrace the autumn spirit by pairing your brownies with this classic spiced beverage for a true fall celebration. Cinnamon Sugar Dusting: A light sprinkle of cinnamon sugar on top adds a warm sweetness that brightens up the rich chocolate flavor. Fresh Apple Slices: Crisp apple slices bring a refreshing bite and a hint of tartness that complements the sweetness of the brownies. Caramel Drizzle: A touch of caramel adds a buttery sweetness that pairs beautifully with the chocolate and pumpkin flavors. Hot Cider: Warm apple cider, infused with spices, rounds out the meal, providing warmth and a hint of nostalgia for your guests. Expert Tips for Fudgy Pumpkin Brownies • Room Temperature Cream Cheese: Ensure your cream cheese is at room temperature for a smooth, well-blended mixture that swirls beautifully in your brownies. • Avoid Overmixing: To keep your pumpkin brownies fudgy, avoid overmixing the brownie batter. Mix just until everything is combined for that rich texture. • Substitutions: Want to swap out ingredients? Use mashed sweet potato instead of pumpkin for a different flavor profile, or replace cream cheese with plant-based options for dairy-free brownies. • Check for Doneness: Insert a toothpick in the center of the brownies; it should come out with a few moist crumbs, not wet batter. This helps ensure your pumpkin brownies are perfectly baked. • Storage Tip: Keep leftover brownies in an airtight container in the fridge for up to five days, or freeze them to enjoy a taste of fall later. Special tip: make sure you label the containers! • Easy Cleanup: Use parchment paper to line your baking pan. It allows for easy removal of the brownies and simplifies cleanup after baking. How to Store and Freeze Pumpkin Brownies Fridge: Store the brownies in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. This keeps them fresh and moist, making it easy to enjoy a sweet treat whenever you crave one. Freezer: For longer storage, wrap individual brownies tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a sealable bag. They can be frozen for up to 3 months—perfect for savoring fall flavors later! Thawing: When you’re ready to enjoy your frozen pumpkin brownies, simply let them thaw in the fridge overnight or at room temperature for a couple of hours before indulging. Reheating: For a warm, fudgy experience, consider reheating your brownies in a microwave for about 10-15 seconds. This revives their delicious taste and texture, making them feel freshly baked! Pumpkin Brownies Variations & Substitutions Customize your pumpkin brownies to suit your taste and dietary needs while enhancing their flavors and textures! Gluten-Free: Use a gluten-free brownie mix to make these brownies suitable for everyone without compromising on flavor. Nut-Free: Omit any nuts or use seeds like sunflower or pumpkin seeds for a crunchy texture without allergens. Dairy-Free: Substitute cream cheese with plant-based cream cheese or silken tofu blended with a touch of maple syrup for a dairy-free twist. Sweetener Swap: Replace pure maple syrup with honey or agave syrup to adjust sweetness according to your preference. Spice It Up: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or additional ginger for a subtle spicy kick that complements the pumpkin. Texture Additions: Toss in some chocolate chips or chunks for extra gooeyness, making each bite rich and decadent. Flavor Infusion: Incorporate a teaspoon of orange zest into the cream cheese mixture for a bright, citrusy surprise. Top It Off: Drizzle melted chocolate or caramel sauce on top before serving for a decadent finishing touch that elevates the dessert experience! Feel free to experiment with these variations to create your perfect pumpkin brownie bliss! You might also enjoy exploring other pumpkin-inspired treats to further embrace the flavors of fall. Make Ahead Options These Fudgy Pumpkin Brownies are perfect for meal prep enthusiasts! You can prepare the brownie batter and the pumpkin-cream cheese mixture up to 24 hours in advance. Simply mix the brownie ingredients and refrigerate the pumpkin mixture separately to prevent browning. When you’re ready to bake, spread the brownie batter in the pan, layer the chilled cream cheese mixture on top, and swirl them together before popping them in the oven. This way, you’ll have fresh, bakery-style brownies with minimal effort, just as delicious as if you made them all at once! Enjoy hassle-free baking even on busy weeknights! Pumpkin Brownies Recipe FAQs What kind of pumpkin puree should I use? Absolutely, you should use canned pumpkin puree if you want a hassle-free option! Look for 100% pure pumpkin puree without any added sugars or spices for the best flavor. If you prefer a fresh touch, you can roast and puree your own pumpkin, but canned is super convenient and works just beautifully. How should I store my pumpkin brownies? To keep your brownies fresh, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. This method retains their moistness and flavor. Alternatively, you can wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a sealable bag for longer storage in the freezer for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy them, let them thaw in the fridge or at room temperature! Can I freeze pumpkin brownies? Yes, indeed! Freezing them is a great way to make a batch last longer. Simply wrap each brownie tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a sealable freezer bag. They will retain their delicious taste for about 3 months. Make sure to label the bag so you can easily find them when the pumpkin cravings strike! What to do if my brownies are too dry? If your brownies turn out a bit dry, it may be that they were overbaked or that the oven temperature was too high. To avoid this in the future, always check your brownies a few minutes before the recommended baking time. The toothpick test is your best friend: you want a toothpick with a few moist crumbs rather than wet batter for that perfect fudgy texture! Are these pumpkin brownies gluten-free? Yes! You can easily make these fudgy pumpkin brownies gluten-free by using a gluten-free brownie mix. Many brands offer delicious alternatives, so you don’t have to compromise on flavor. Just make sure to check for gluten contamination if you have dietary restrictions. This way, everyone can enjoy them! Can I substitute cream cheese in the recipe? Very much so! If you’re looking to make these brownies dairy-free, you can substitute the cream cheese with a plant-based cream cheese option. Just ensure it’s at room temperature for the best mixing results. You may also opt for silken tofu blended until smooth for a lower-fat alternative, maintaining that lovely creaminess in every bite! Decadent Pumpkin Brownies That Melt in Your Mouth Indulge in decadent pumpkin brownies that are fudgy and rich, making them a perfect seasonal treat. Print Recipe Pin Recipe Prep Time 15 minutes minsCook Time 50 minutes minsCooling Time 15 minutes minsTotal Time 1 hour hr 20 minutes mins Servings: 16 squaresCourse: DessertsCuisine: AmericanCalories: 150 Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes Ingredients 1x2x3x? For the Brownies1 package Store-bought brownie mix Choose based on dietary needs1/3 cup Chocolate chips Use dark or dairy-free3/4 cup Pumpkin puree Can substitute with sweet potato pureeFlakey sea salt Optional finishing touchFor the Cream Cheese Swirl4 oz Cream cheese Use plant-based for dairy-free1/4 cup Pure maple syrup Can substitute with honey or agave1 1/2 tsp Pumpkin pie spice Mix of cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and cloves if needed1 tsp Pure vanilla extract Vanilla powder can work in a pinch Equipment 9x9-inch baking panmixing bowlsWhiskspatula Method Step‑by‑Step InstructionsPreheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 9x9 inch baking pan with parchment paper.Prepare the brownie mix according to package instructions in a large mixing bowl. Fold in chocolate chips.In a separate bowl, beat cream cheese until smooth. Mix in pumpkin puree, maple syrup, pumpkin pie spice, and vanilla extract.Spread about 3/4 of the brownie batter in the prepared pan, then spoon the pumpkin-cream cheese mixture over it.Dot the remaining brownie batter over the pumpkin layer and swirl gently with a knife.Bake for 45-50 minutes. A toothpick should come out with a few moist crumbs.Allow to cool in the pan for 15 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack and cool completely before slicing into squares. Nutrition Serving: 1squareCalories: 150kcalCarbohydrates: 22gProtein: 2gFat: 7gSaturated Fat: 4gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 0.5gCholesterol: 20mgSodium: 120mgPotassium: 100mgFiber: 1gSugar: 10gVitamin A: 250IUVitamin C: 1mgCalcium: 15mgIron: 1mg NotesEnsure cream cheese is at room temperature for a smooth mixture. Avoid overmixing the brownie batter for best texture. Store in an airtight container and can be frozen for longer enjoyment. Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
