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To make these tasty brownies, you need these key ingredients: - 1 cup unsweetened cocoa powder - 1 cup all-purpose flour - 1 cup granulated sugar - 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed - 1/2 teaspoon baking powder - 1/2 teaspoon baking soda - 1/4 teaspoon salt - 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted and cooled - 3 large eggs - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract - 1 cup pumpkin puree - 1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice - 8 oz cream cheese, softened - 1/4 cup powdered sugar Each ingredient plays a vital role in the final taste and texture. The cocoa powder gives rich chocolate flavor, while pumpkin adds moisture and a hint of fall spices. You can enhance your brownies with some optional ingredients: - Chopped nuts, like walnuts or pecans - Chocolate chips for extra chocolatey goodness - A pinch of sea salt on top for contrast Adding these ingredients can take your brownies to the next level. Nuts add crunch, while chocolate chips boost richness. Accurate measurements are key in baking. Here are some tips: - Use a kitchen scale for dry ingredients. - Spoon flour into your measuring cup and level off. - Make sure to pack brown sugar firmly in the cup. These small steps help ensure your brownies bake evenly. Accurate measurements lead to the perfect texture and flavor. Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x13-inch brownie pan or use parchment paper for easy removal. In a large bowl, whisk together these dry ingredients: - 1 cup unsweetened cocoa powder - 1 cup all-purpose flour - 1 cup granulated sugar - 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed - 1/2 teaspoon baking powder - 1/2 teaspoon baking soda - 1/4 teaspoon salt Mix them well. In another bowl, combine: - 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted and cooled - 3 large eggs - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract Stir these wet ingredients until smooth. Gradually add the wet mix to the dry mix. Stir gently until just combined. Overmixing can make the brownies tough. Next, let’s make the pumpkin layer. In a separate bowl, mix: - 1 cup pumpkin puree - 1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice Stir well to blend the flavors. Then, in another small bowl, beat together: - 8 oz cream cheese, softened - 1/4 cup powdered sugar Whisk until smooth and fluffy. This will create a rich and creamy layer. Pour half of the brownie batter into your prepared pan. Use a spatula to smooth it out into an even layer. Next, dollop the pumpkin mixture over this layer. Use a knife or toothpick to swirl it gently, creating a marbled effect. Then, pour the remaining brownie batter on top. Spoon the cream cheese mixture over this layer. Swirl again to form a beautiful design. Bake in your preheated oven for 30-35 minutes. Check for doneness by inserting a toothpick in the center. It should come out with a few moist crumbs but not wet batter. Let the brownies cool in the pan for at least 15 minutes. Then slice them into squares and serve. Enjoy your delicious creation! One mistake is overmixing your batter. This can lead to tough brownies. Mix until just combined for a softer texture. Another issue is not measuring ingredients correctly. Use dry measuring cups for flour and cocoa. Liquid ingredients should be in liquid measuring cups. Finally, avoid opening the oven door too often. This can change the temperature and affect your bake. To get the best brownies, start with room temperature eggs and butter. This helps the batter mix well. Use a quality cocoa powder for rich flavor. Grease your pan properly or use parchment paper. This makes it easy to lift out the brownies. Bake until a toothpick comes out with a few moist crumbs. This keeps the brownies fudgy and delicious. For a stunning presentation, serve your brownies on a rustic wooden board. Dust them with powdered sugar for a light touch. Add a dollop of whipped cream on top for extra creaminess. A sprinkle of cinnamon adds warmth and flavor. Serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a treat everyone loves. {{image_2}} You can easily make these brownies gluten-free. Just swap regular flour with a gluten-free blend. Look for a mix that works well in baking. This will keep the brownies soft and tasty. Be sure to check that your cocoa powder is also gluten-free. You can play with flavors to make these brownies your own. Consider adding chocolate chips for a sweet twist. Walnuts or pecans can add a nice crunch. If you love spices, try adding a pinch of nutmeg or ginger to the pumpkin mix. You can also use flavored cream cheese, like vanilla or maple, for a fun twist. Think about different seasons for your brownies. In spring, try adding fresh berries for a fruity touch. In summer, mix in some citrus zest like orange or lemon. For winter, add peppermint extract to the cream cheese mix for a festive flair. Each season offers a new way to enjoy this treat! To keep your pumpkin cream cheese swirl brownies fresh, store them in an airtight container. Line the bottom of the container with parchment paper to avoid sticking. Place the brownies in a single layer. If you stack them, add parchment paper between layers. This helps maintain their moisture and flavor. Store them at room temperature for up to four days. If you want them to last longer, consider freezing. Freezing brownies is easy. First, let them 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. Label the bag with the date. They can stay in the freezer for up to three months. When you crave a treat, simply take one out and enjoy the taste of fall. To bring back the soft, gooey texture, reheat your brownies. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the brownies on a baking sheet. Heat for about 10 minutes. You can also microwave them. Place a brownie on a microwave-safe plate, cover it with a damp paper towel, and heat for 15-20 seconds. This keeps them moist and delicious. Enjoy each bite! No, pumpkin pie filling has added spices and sugar. This will change the taste. If you want the best flavor, use plain pumpkin puree. It gives you control over the spices you add. To check for doneness, insert a toothpick in the center. If it comes out with a few moist crumbs, your brownies are ready. If it has wet batter, bake a little longer. Keep an eye on them to avoid overbaking. You can use Greek yogurt as a healthier option. It gives a creamy texture and adds protein. Another option is silken tofu blended until smooth. Both options will change the flavor a bit, but they work well. These brownies can last for about 3 days at room temperature. Store them in an airtight container to keep them fresh. If you want to keep them longer, consider refrigerating them. They can last up to a week that way. In this post, we explored pumpkin cream cheese swirl brownies. You learned about key ingredients and optional flavors to enhance your treat. The step-by-step guide provided clear instructions for making delicious brownies with perfect layers. We covered tips to avoid mistakes and improve baking results, as well as ideas for serving. You also discovered storage methods and variations like gluten-free options. Now, it's time to have fun baking and share these tasty brownies with friends and family!

Pumpkin Cream Cheese Swirl Brownies

Indulge in the ultimate fall treat with these Pumpkin Cream Cheese Swirl Brownies! This easy recipe combines rich cocoa brownies with a creamy pumpkin filling, creating a deliciously marbled dessert that's perfect for any gathering. Made with simple ingredients, these brownies are sure to impress your friends and family. Click through to explore the full recipe and get baking today—your taste buds will thank you!
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Ingredients
  

1 cup unsweetened cocoa powder

1 cup all-purpose flour

1 cup granulated sugar

1/2 cup brown sugar, packed

1/2 teaspoon baking powder

1/2 teaspoon baking soda

1/4 teaspoon salt

1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted and cooled

3 large eggs

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1 cup pumpkin puree

1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice

8 oz cream cheese, softened

1/4 cup powdered sugar

Instructions
 

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

    In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the cocoa powder, all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, brown sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt until well combined.

      In another bowl, mix the melted butter, eggs, and vanilla extract until smooth. Gradually combine the wet ingredients with the dry ingredients, stirring until just incorporated.

        In a separate bowl, combine the pumpkin puree and pumpkin pie spice, mixing well to blend the flavors.

          In a small bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and powdered sugar together until smooth and fluffy.

            Pour half of the brownie batter into the prepared pan, smoothing it into an even layer.

              Dollop the pumpkin mixture over the brownie batter, then swirl gently with a knife or toothpick to create a marbled effect.

                Pour the remaining brownie batter on top and then spoon the cream cheese mixture over. Swirl again for a beautiful pattern.

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

                    Allow to cool in the pan for at least 15 minutes before slicing into squares and serving.

                      Prep Time: 20 mins | Total Time: 55 mins | Servings: 12

                        Presentation Tips: Serve the brownies on a rustic wooden board dusted lightly with powdered sugar. For an extra touch, garnish each brownie with a small dollop of whipped cream and a sprinkle of cinnamon. Enjoy!