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To make Pumpkin Cream Cheese Brownie Swirl, you need: - 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour - 1 cup sugar - ½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder - 1 teaspoon baking powder - ½ teaspoon salt - ½ cup unsalted butter, melted - 2 large eggs - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract - 1 cup pumpkin puree - 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon - ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg - 8 oz cream cheese, softened - ¼ cup powdered sugar - 1 egg yolk - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (for cream cheese mixture) These ingredients help create a rich brownie base with a creamy pumpkin swirl. The combination of cocoa powder and pumpkin gives a great taste. You will need some simple tools: - Mixing bowls - Baking dish - Whisk and spatula These tools make it easy to mix ingredients and bake your brownies. Having everything ready will help you enjoy the process. 1. Preheat the oven and prepare the baking dish. Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x13 inch baking dish or use parchment paper for easy brownie removal. 2. Mixing dry ingredients. In a large bowl, whisk together these dry ingredients: - 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour - 1 cup sugar - ½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder - 1 teaspoon baking powder - ½ teaspoon salt 3. Combining wet ingredients. In another bowl, mix: - ½ cup unsalted butter, melted - 2 large eggs - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract Stir until all blends well. 1. Making the pumpkin mixture. In a separate bowl, combine: - 1 cup pumpkin puree - 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon - ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg - A pinch of salt Mix until the texture is smooth. 2. Preparing the cream cheese swirl. Beat together: - 8 oz cream cheese, softened - ¼ cup powdered sugar - 1 egg yolk - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract Blend until creamy and well mixed. 1. Layering the brownie batter and pumpkin mixture. Spread half of the brownie batter in the baking dish. Then, dollop the pumpkin mixture over it. Use a spatula to spread it gently. 2. Swirling the layers together. Add spoonfuls of the cream cheese mixture on top of the pumpkin. Next, spread the remaining brownie batter over this layer. 3. Baking times and testing for doneness. Use a knife or skewer to swirl the layers lightly. Bake for 30-35 minutes. A toothpick should come out with a few moist crumbs, not wet batter. Let the brownies cool completely before cutting them into squares. Avoiding overmixing Mixing too much can make brownies tough. When you combine the wet and dry ingredients, stir until just blended. Stop as soon as you don’t see dry flour. This helps keep your brownies soft and fudgy. Proper baking times and temperatures Baking at the right temperature is key. Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). Check your brownies at 30 minutes. Insert a toothpick in the center. It should come out with a few moist crumbs. If it’s wet, bake for another few minutes. Adding spices or chocolate chunks You can boost flavor by adding spices. Try adding a pinch of ginger or cloves. For extra richness, fold in chocolate chunks into the brownie batter. This gives a nice surprise with every bite. Serving suggestions for a gourmet touch Serve the brownies on a pretty platter. Dust them with powdered sugar for a nice look. You can also drizzle caramel sauce on top. A dollop of whipped cream or a sprinkle of cinnamon adds a lovely touch too. {{image_2}} You can change some ingredients for different diets. For a gluten-free option, swap all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend. Make sure it has xanthan gum for better structure. This way, you can still enjoy the rich texture. If you need dairy-free alternatives, use coconut cream instead of cream cheese. You can also try almond milk in place of regular milk. These swaps keep your brownies creamy and tasty without dairy. Adding different spices can enhance the flavor. Instead of just nutmeg, try allspice or cardamom. Each spice brings a unique twist to the pumpkin and cream cheese mix. A dash of ginger can also add warmth to the flavor. You can also make your brownies crunchy. Consider adding nuts, like walnuts or pecans, for texture. If you love chocolate, sprinkle chocolate chips into the batter. They melt and create delightful pockets of chocolate throughout the brownies. To keep your Pumpkin Cream Cheese Brownie Swirl fresh, store them in an airtight container. This helps prevent air from drying them out. If you leave them at room temperature, they last about three to four days. For longer storage, put them in the fridge. They can stay fresh there for up to a week. If you want to store brownies for longer, freezing is a great option. First, let the brownies cool completely. Then, cut them into squares. Wrap each square tightly in plastic wrap. Place the wrapped brownies in a freezer-safe bag or container. They can last for up to three months in the freezer. When you’re ready to enjoy, take them out of the freezer. Let them thaw in the fridge overnight. This helps keep their texture and flavor intact. If you want them warm, pop them in the microwave for a few seconds. Enjoy your delicious brownies! Can I make it ahead of time? Yes, you can make these brownies a day ahead. Just store them in an airtight container. This allows the flavors to blend nicely. How do I know when it's baked perfectly? To check for doneness, insert a toothpick into the center. If it comes out with a few moist crumbs, your brownies are ready. Avoid wet batter on the toothpick. What can I substitute for pumpkin puree? If you don’t have pumpkin puree, use applesauce instead. It adds moisture and sweetness. You can also try mashed sweet potatoes for a similar flavor. Can I use a different type of cheese? Yes, you can use mascarpone or ricotta cheese in place of cream cheese. Each will change the flavor slightly but will still taste great. What to serve with pumpkin brownies? These brownies pair well with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream. You can also serve them with a sprinkle of cinnamon on top for extra flavor. Best drinks to pair with this dessert A warm cup of chai tea or a glass of cold milk works well. You can also try a sweet dessert wine for a special touch. This blog post covered how to make delicious pumpkin cream cheese brownies. We looked at the main ingredients like flour, sugar, and cream cheese. I shared step-by-step instructions to help you through baking. You also learned tips to avoid mistakes and different ways to store your brownies. Next time you bake, remember these tricks to make your brownies stand out. Try new flavors or swaps if you want to mix things up. Enjoy your baking journey and delicious treats!

Pumpkin Cream Cheese Brownie Swirl

Indulge in the ultimate fall treat with these Pumpkin Cream Cheese Brownie Swirls! This delightful dessert features rich cocoa brownies swirled with creamy pumpkin and a luscious cream cheese mixture that will leave everyone wanting more. Perfect for gatherings or cozy nights in, these brownies are easy to make and packed with seasonal flavor. Click through to discover the full recipe and make your autumn dessert dreams a reality!
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Ingredients
  

1 ½ cups all-purpose flour

1 cup sugar

½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder

1 teaspoon baking powder

½ teaspoon salt

½ cup unsalted butter, melted

2 large eggs

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1 cup pumpkin puree

1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

½ teaspoon ground nutmeg

8 oz cream cheese, softened

¼ cup powdered sugar

1 egg yolk

1 teaspoon vanilla extract (for cream cheese mixture)

Instructions
 

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x13 inch baking dish or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.

    In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt until thoroughly combined.

      In another bowl, mix the melted butter, 2 eggs, and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract until blended.

        Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir until just combined. Do not over mix.

          In a separate bowl, mix together the pumpkin puree, cinnamon, nutmeg, and a pinch of salt until smooth.

            Next, prepare the cream cheese swirl by beating the softened cream cheese with the powdered sugar, egg yolk, and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract until creamy and well combined.

              Spread half of the brownie batter into the prepared baking dish. Then, dollop the pumpkin mixture over the brownie base and spread it gently with a spatula.

                Add spoonfuls of the cream cheese mixture on top of the pumpkin layer, and then spread the remaining brownie batter over it.

                  Using a knife or a skewer, swirl the layers together to create a marbled effect, being careful not to mix them completely.

                    Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with a few moist crumbs (not wet batter).

                      Allow the brownies to cool completely in the pan before cutting them into squares.

                        Prep Time: 20 mins | Total Time: 1 hr | Servings: 12

                          - Presentation Tips: Serve the brownies on a platter dusted with powdered sugar and a drizzle of caramel sauce for an extra touch of sweetness. Garnish with a sprinkle of cinnamon or a dollop of whipped cream if desired. Enjoy!