Ingredients
Brownie Batter
- 1 store-bought brownie mix (plus the ingredients listed on the box to make the batter)
- 1/3 cup chocolate chips or chopped chocolate bar
Pumpkin Cream Cheese Swirl
- 4 ounces neufchatel or full fat cream cheese (½ block), softened
- ¾ cup pumpkin puree (about half of a 15-ounce can)
- ¼ cup pure maple syrup
- 1½ teaspoons pumpkin pie spice
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
Finishing Touch
- Flakey sea salt, for topping
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350℉. Line a 9×9 inch baking pan with parchment paper, ensuring some overhang for easy removal later. Set aside.
- Prepare Brownie Batter: In a mixing bowl, prepare the brownie batter according to the package instructions. Once combined, stir in the chocolate chips to distribute them evenly throughout the batter. Set aside.
- Make Pumpkin Cream Cheese Mixture: In a separate mixing bowl, gently beat the cream cheese with a hand mixer until smooth and creamy. Then add the pumpkin puree, pure maple syrup, pumpkin pie spice, and vanilla extract. Continue mixing until all ingredients are well combined and smooth.
- Layer Brownie Batter in Pan: Pour about three-quarters of the prepared brownie batter into the lined baking pan. Spread it evenly with a spatula to create a uniform layer.
- Add Pumpkin Swirl Layer: Spoon the pumpkin-cream cheese mixture over the brownie batter layer. Use a spatula to gently spread it out into an even layer, covering the brownie batter completely.
- Top with Remaining Brownie Batter and Swirl: Drop the remaining brownie batter in about nine small spoonfuls scattered over the pumpkin layer. Using a knife, gently swirl the two batters together to create a marbled effect. Be careful not to overmix.
- Bake: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 45-50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs. Watch carefully to avoid overbaking.
- Cool and Finish: Remove the brownies from the oven and immediately sprinkle the top with flakey sea salt. Allow the brownies to cool completely on a wire rack to set before cutting.
- Serve: Once cooled, cut into 16 evenly sized squares and enjoy your delicious pumpkin swirl brownies.
Notes
- Use neufchatel cheese for a lower-fat alternative to cream cheese with similar texture.
- Make sure the cream cheese is softened for smooth blending.
- Swirling creates a beautiful marbled effect; don't overmix or the layers will blend completely.
- Flakey sea salt adds a nice contrast to the sweet brownie and pumpkin flavors.
- Store brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to a week.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45-50 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian