Spiced Pumpkin Cream Cheese Brownies Recipe

There is something utterly magical about the combination of rich chocolate, warm spices, and creamy pumpkin swirled into one gorgeous treat — the Spiced Pumpkin Cream Cheese Brownies. These brownies are the perfect marriage of fudgy chocolate with a velvety pumpkin cream cheese layer, delivering moist, flavorful squares that taste like autumn on your fork. Whether you’re baking for a cozy gathering or just craving something special, this recipe brings together simple ingredients for a show-stopping dessert that everyone will adore.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of Spiced Pumpkin Cream Cheese Brownies starts with an approachable list of pantry staples and a few seasonal highlights that work beautifully together. Each ingredient plays a delightful role, from the deep chocolate intensity to the aromatic pumpkin-spice cream cheese layer that complements every bite.

• Unsalted butter (1 cup): Provides a rich, velvety base and helps melt the chocolate smoothly for that fudgy texture.
• Unsweetened baking chocolate (3 oz): Adds deep, intense cocoa flavor without extra sweetness, balancing the pumpkin’s natural sweetness.
• Cocoa powder (1/2 cup): Reinforces chocolate richness and gives these brownies their classic dark color.
• Granulated sugar (2 1/2 cups + 3/4 cup): Sweetens both the brownie and pumpkin cream cheese layers perfectly.
• Kosher salt (1 tsp total): Enhances all flavors by balancing sweetness and spices.
• Vanilla extract (1 tbsp + 2 tsp): Brings warmth and depth to both batters, complementing the spices and chocolate.
• Large eggs (5 total): Bind ingredients and add moisture for a tender crumb and creamy filling.
• All-purpose flour (1 1/2 cups): Ensures structure in the dense brownie layer without making it cakey.
• Cream cheese (16 oz, softened): Creates the luscious, tangy pumpkin cheesecake layer that contrasts beautifully with the chocolate.
• Ground cinnamon (1 tsp): Key spice adding warm, cozy flavor tied to pumpkin’s seasonal charm.
• Ground ginger (1/2 tsp): Introduces a subtle kick that enlivens the pumpkin cream cheese.
• Ground cloves (1/4 tsp): Offers a fragrant earthiness that rounds out the spice profile perfectly.
• Canned pumpkin puree (1 cup): Brings moist, smooth pumpkin flavor to the cheesecake layer.
• Heavy cream (1/3 cup): Adds silkiness and richness to the pumpkin cream cheese mixture.

How to Make Spiced Pumpkin Cream Cheese Brownies

Step 1: Prepare the Pan and Oven

Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and generously butter or spray a 9-by-13-inch pan. This simple preparation ensures your brownies will come out cleanly without sticking, creating perfect squares when it’s time to serve.

Step 2: Melt Butter and Chocolate

Gently melt the butter and unsweetened baking chocolate over low heat, stirring often. This step is crucial as it forms the base of the fudgy brownie, creating rich, velvety chocolate that’s silky and smooth. Once melted, take the pot off the heat before adding the cocoa powder, sugar, salt, and vanilla to avoid cooking the eggs in the next step.

Step 3: Mix the Brownie Batter

Beat the eggs into the chocolate mixture one at a time, whipping quickly so they don’t scramble. Fold in the flour carefully to keep the batter thick and glossy—this is the foundation for your decadent brownie texture. Pour about three-quarters of this batter into your prepared pan and smooth it out evenly for a uniform bake. Save the rest for swirling on top later.

Step 4: Whip the Pumpkin Cream Cheese Layer

Using an electric mixer, beat the cream cheese until silky smooth. Add sugar, cinnamon, ginger, salt, and cloves, mixing well. Incorporate the eggs one by one, ensuring everything is combined without lumps. Fold in the pumpkin puree, heavy cream, and vanilla until your cream cheese layer is creamy and luscious—this provides that signature pumpkin-spice goodness in every bite.

Step 5: Assemble the Layers and Swirl

Pour the pumpkin cream cheese mixture evenly over the brownie base. Dot the reserved brownie batter on top, then carefully swirl with a dull knife to create a beautiful marbled effect. The key here is not to overmix—keep those bold streaks distinct for a stunning presentation and a harmonious blend of flavors.

Step 6: Bake and Cool

Bake your masterpiece for 40 to 45 minutes. A toothpick inserted in the center should come out clean. Let the brownies cool completely on a wire rack before slicing into 24 squares. Trust me, patience here rewards you with the best texture and those perfect fudgy-cream cheese bites!

How to Serve Spiced Pumpkin Cream Cheese Brownies

Garnishes

A dusting of powdered sugar or a light sprinkle of cinnamon sugar on top adds visual appeal and an extra touch of sweetness. For a more decadent approach, consider a dollop of whipped cream and a small drizzle of caramel sauce to enhance the autumnal vibe. Even a few toasted pecans scattered on top bring a lovely crunch contrast.

Side Dishes

These brownies are wonderful on their own, but pairing them with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream or a chilled glass of spiced chai tea elevates the experience. The creamy ice cream balances the spices and richness, while the chai’s aromatic spices resonate perfectly with the pumpkin spice in the brownies.

Creative Ways to Present

For festive gatherings, cut the Spiced Pumpkin Cream Cheese Brownies into bite-sized squares and arrange them on a decorative platter with seasonal garnishes like mini pumpkins or cinnamon sticks. Serving them on parchment paper-lined trays makes cleanup easy and invites a casual, inviting vibe. You could also sandwich two brownie squares with a creamy frosting for a playful pumpkin-spiced brownie sandwich.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep leftover Spiced Pumpkin Cream Cheese Brownies fresh by storing them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. Beyond that, refrigeration is best to maintain the cream cheese layer’s freshness and prevent dryness.

Freezing

If you want to make these ahead, they freeze beautifully. Wrap individual squares tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. Frozen brownies will keep for up to three months and thaw quickly at room temperature when you’re ready for a delicious treat.

Reheating

To enjoy warm brownies, pop them in the microwave for about 15 seconds or in a warm oven (around 300°F) for 5–10 minutes. This revives the fudgy texture and melts the cream cheese layer slightly, creating a truly irresistible experience.

FAQs

Can I use fresh pumpkin instead of canned puree?

Absolutely! Just roast and puree fresh pumpkin until smooth, then measure out one cup for the recipe. Fresh pumpkin may be a little less watery if roasted properly, so your texture will stay spot on.

What if I don’t have all the spices for the cream cheese layer?

The cinnamon is key, but if you’re missing ginger or cloves, feel free to use all cinnamon or substitute nutmeg for a slightly different but still delicious spice profile.

Can I make these brownies gluten-free?

Yes! Swap the all-purpose flour for a 1-to-1 gluten-free baking flour blend. Make sure your blend contains xanthan gum for the best texture, and your Spiced Pumpkin Cream Cheese Brownies will be just as delightful.

Do I have to use cream cheese in the pumpkin layer?

Cream cheese gives the luscious tang and creamy texture, but if you prefer, mascarpone or ricotta cheese could work as alternatives with slightly different flavors and consistencies.

How long will these brownies keep fresh?

Stored in an airtight container in the fridge, these brownies will keep fresh and tasty for about 4 to 5 days. Beyond that, they might lose some moisture but will still be enjoyable.

Final Thoughts

The Spiced Pumpkin Cream Cheese Brownies truly are a celebration of autumn flavors and chocolate indulgence all wrapped up in one irresistible dessert. I encourage you to try this recipe soon, whether for a special occasion or a cozy night in. Once you taste that melty pumpkin cream cheese swirled through fudgy brownie, you’ll understand why it’s a favorite worth sharing again and again.

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