Create decadent Pumpkin Cheesecake Brownie Bars, combining rich chocolate brownie with a spiced pumpkin cheesecake swirl for the ultimate fall dessert.
Author:Elias Rodger
Prep Time:20 minutes
Cook Time:35 minutes
Total Time:55 minutes
Yield:9 large bars
Category:Dessert Bars
Method:Baking
Cuisine:American
Diet:Vegetarian
Ingredients
Scale
1 cup all-purpose flour
1 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
8 ounces cream cheese, softened
1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
1/2 cup pumpkin puree
1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
1 large egg (for cheesecake layer)
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line an 8×8 inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang for easy removal.
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt for the brownie base.
In a separate large bowl, whisk the melted butter and granulated sugar until combined. Whisk in the 2 eggs and vanilla extract until smooth.
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined. Do not overmix. Press the brownie batter evenly into the prepared pan.
In another bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth. Beat in the brown sugar, pumpkin puree, and pumpkin pie spice until fully incorporated. Beat in the remaining 1 egg.
Dollop spoonfuls of the pumpkin cheesecake mixture over the brownie batter.
Use a knife or skewer to gently swirl the cheesecake layer into the brownie batter to create a marbled effect.
Bake for 30 to 35 minutes. The edges should be set, and a toothpick inserted near the center should come out with moist crumbs attached.
Let the bars cool completely in the pan on a wire rack before lifting out using the parchment overhang. Cut into squares.
Notes
For a beautiful presentation, sprinkle the cooled bars with a light dusting of powdered sugar or cinnamon.
If you prefer a denser brownie, reduce the baking time by 3-5 minutes.
Ensure your cream cheese is fully softened to avoid lumps in the cheesecake layer.