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- 1 cup pumpkin puree - 1 cup granulated sugar - 1/2 cup brown sugar - 1/2 cup vegetable oil - 2 large eggs - 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour - 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder - 1 teaspoon baking powder - 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon - 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg - 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger - 1/4 teaspoon salt - 8 oz cream cheese, softened - 1/4 cup powdered sugar - 1 tablespoon milk The key to making great Pumpkin Spice Cream Cheese Brownies lies in the ingredients. Each component plays a role in the flavor and texture. - Pumpkin puree gives moisture and a rich taste. It also brings autumn vibes. - Granulated and brown sugar add sweetness. Brown sugar gives a deeper flavor due to its molasses content. - Vegetable oil keeps the brownies soft and moist. It helps blend the ingredients well. - Eggs act as binders. They provide structure and richness to the brownies. - All-purpose flour is the base. It gives the brownies their body. - Cocoa powder adds that luscious chocolate flavor, balancing the pumpkin. - Baking powder helps the brownies rise. It creates that perfect soft texture. - Spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger add warmth and depth. They enhance the fall flavor. - Salt is important. It balances the sweetness and enhances all flavors. For the cream cheese layer, you'll need: - Cream cheese adds richness and a creamy texture. It creates a lovely contrast. - Powdered sugar sweetens the cream cheese without adding graininess. - Milk thins the cream cheese mixture. It makes it easy to spread. - Whipped cream - Pumpkin pie spice Garnishes like whipped cream and pumpkin pie spice can elevate your brownies. They create a beautiful finish and add extra flavor. Enjoy customizing your treats! - Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). - Grease a 9x13 inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper. - In a large bowl, combine the pumpkin puree, granulated sugar, brown sugar, vegetable oil, eggs, and vanilla extract. - Whisk until smooth and well mixed. - In another bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and salt. - Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture. Stir gently until just combined. - Be careful not to overmix. - In a small bowl, beat the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and milk until creamy and smooth. - Pour half of the brownie batter into the prepared pan. Spread it evenly with a spatula. - Spoon dollops of the cream cheese mixture over the brownie batter. Spread gently for a marbled look. - Pour the remaining brownie batter over the cream cheese layer. Use a knife to swirl the layers for a beautiful effect. - Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes. Check doneness by inserting a toothpick. It should come out mostly clean with a few moist crumbs. Avoiding overmixing Mixing too much can ruin the texture. Stir just until the dry and wet ingredients blend. You want a few lumps to keep them soft and chewy. Using room temperature ingredients Let your eggs and cream cheese sit out before you start. Room temperature ingredients mix better and create a smoother batter. This step helps the brownies bake evenly. Importance of checking oven temperature An oven thermometer is your best friend. Ovens can be off by quite a bit. If your oven runs hot, your brownies may burn. If it runs cool, they may not cook through. Recommended pan sizes for baking Use a 9x13 inch pan for even baking. This size gives the brownies the right thickness. If you want thicker brownies, use an 8x8 inch pan but adjust the baking time. Ideas for serving and garnishing Serve brownies on a wooden board for a rustic touch. Dust with powdered sugar for a sweet look. Add whipped cream and pumpkin pie spice for extra flair. Creating an appealing visual with layers When you cut the brownies, show off the marbling. The cream cheese layer creates a beautiful contrast. Arrange the slices neatly to highlight this stunning effect. {{image_2}} You can make these brownies even more delightful by adding chocolate chips. Just fold in about a cup of semi-sweet or dark chocolate chips to the batter. They melt into gooey pockets of goodness. The extra richness pairs well with the pumpkin spice. Incorporating nuts is another great way to boost flavor. Chopped walnuts or pecans add a nice crunch. Sprinkle about half a cup into the batter for an extra layer of texture. You can also use a mix of nuts for a unique taste. If you're following a gluten-free diet, you can swap the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free blend. Look for blends that include xantham gum for the best results. This keeps your brownies soft and chewy. Always check the labels to ensure your ingredients are gluten-free. For a vegan option, replace the eggs with flax eggs. To make one flax egg, mix one tablespoon of ground flaxseed with three tablespoons of water. Let it sit for five minutes. Use plant-based milk in place of regular milk for the cream cheese layer. This keeps the texture creamy and delicious. In winter, you might want to try white chocolate variations. Swapping some cocoa powder for white chocolate chips creates a different flavor. This gives a sweet contrast to the pumpkin spice. You can also swap the pumpkin for other ingredients. Try using mashed bananas or applesauce for a fruity twist. Both options keep the brownies moist and add a unique taste. Experiment with different flavors to find your favorite! To keep your pumpkin spice cream cheese brownies fresh, store them properly. First, let the brownies cool completely. Then, you can store them in an airtight container. If you have space in your fridge, place them there. They will stay fresh for about a week. For longer storage, use the freezer. Wrap the brownies tightly in plastic wrap. Then, place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. This way, they can last for up to three months. When you want to enjoy them again, just thaw them in the fridge overnight. Reheating brownies is simple. You can use the microwave or the oven. If you use the microwave, place one brownie on a plate. Heat it for about 10-15 seconds. This method warms the brownie without drying it out. If you prefer the oven, preheat it to 350°F (175°C). Wrap the brownie in foil to keep it moist. Heat it for about 5-10 minutes. This way, your brownie will warm up and stay soft. Enjoy your delicious treat! Yes, you can use fresh pumpkin. Just cook and puree it first. This gives a nice flavor. Fresh pumpkin may have more moisture. Drain it if needed to avoid soggy brownies. To reduce sweetness, cut back on the sugar. Use 3/4 cup of granulated sugar instead. You can also add a pinch of salt to balance the flavors. Try adding dark cocoa powder for a richer taste. You can use Greek yogurt as a substitute for cream cheese. It gives a similar tangy flavor with less fat. Silken tofu can also work well. Blend it until smooth for a creamy texture. Check the brownies at 30 minutes. Insert a toothpick in the center. If it comes out with a few moist crumbs, they are done. If the toothpick is wet with batter, bake for a few more minutes. Yes, you can make these brownies in advance. Store them in an airtight container. They keep well in the fridge for up to five days. You can also freeze them for longer storage. Just thaw before serving. These brownies blend pumpkin and chocolate, creating a delicious treat. We covered ingredients, step-by-step baking, and tips to perfect your brownies. Try adding nuts or chocolate chips for fun twists. Store leftovers with care to keep them fresh. With this guide, you can enjoy tasty brownies anytime. Baking these treats will wow your family and friends. Happy baking!

Pumpkin Spice Cream Cheese Brownies

Indulge in the ultimate fall treat with these Pumpkin Spice Cream Cheese Brownies! This delicious recipe combines rich chocolate and creamy pumpkin flavors for a delightful dessert that's perfect for any occasion. With easy-to-follow steps and simple ingredients, you'll create a marbled masterpiece that will impress your friends and family. Click through to discover how to make these irresistible brownies and savor autumn in every bite!
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Ingredients
  

1 cup pumpkin puree

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1 cup granulated sugar

1/2 cup brown sugar, packed

1/2 cup vegetable oil

2 large eggs

1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour

1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder

1 teaspoon baking powder

1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg

1/2 teaspoon ground ginger

1/4 teaspoon salt

8 oz cream cheese, softened

1/4 cup powdered sugar

1 tablespoon milk

Instructions
 

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

    In a large mixing bowl, combine the pumpkin puree, granulated sugar, brown sugar, vegetable oil, eggs, and vanilla extract. Whisk until smooth and well combined.

      In another bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and salt.

        Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, stirring gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.

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

            Pour half of the brownie batter into the prepared pan, spreading it evenly with a spatula.

              Spoon dollops of the cream cheese mixture over the brownie batter, then spread it gently to create a marbled effect.

                Pour the remaining brownie batter over the cream cheese layer and use a knife to swirl the layers for a beautiful marbled look.

                  Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out mostly clean with a few moist crumbs.

                    Allow the brownies to cool in the pan for at least 20 minutes before slicing into squares.

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

                        - Presentation Tips: Serve the brownies on a rustic wooden board dusted with powdered sugar and garnished with a sprinkle of cinnamon. For an extra touch, top each brownie with a dollop of whipped cream and a sprinkle of pumpkin pie spice.