My family has always loved pumpkin-flavored everything in autumn. From pumpkin bread to pumpkin pie, we can’t get enough. These Easy Pumpkin Brownies combine the best of both worlds: a rich, fudgy brownie base with a creamy pumpkin cheesecake swirl. They’re the perfect fall treat that’s easy enough for a weeknight dessert but special enough for a holiday gathering.
This recipe is a family favorite because it’s not only delicious but also incredibly simple to make. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a beginner, you can whip up a batch of these decadent brownies in no time. So, grab your apron and let’s get baking!
Why You’ll Love It
These Easy Pumpkin Brownies are more than just a dessert; they’re a warm hug on a chilly day. The fudgy, chocolatey brownie base paired with the creamy, spiced pumpkin cheesecake swirl is pure heaven. They’re the perfect balance of sweet and comforting, and they’re so easy to make that you’ll want to bake them all season long. Plus, the festive flavors make them ideal for fall gatherings and holidays.
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Easy Pumpkin Brownies
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 mins
- Yield: 16 brownies
Description
Indulge in the ultimate fall treat with these Easy Pumpkin Brownies. A rich, fudgy brownie base meets a creamy pumpkin cheesecake swirl, creating a perfect balance of flavors. Simple to make and perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
- 1 box brownie mix
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg, room temperature
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2/3 cup pumpkin puree (canned)
- 2 teaspoons pumpkin pie spice
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line a 9-inch square baking pan.
- Prepare brownie mix according to package directions. Stir in chocolate chips.
- Beat cream cheese, sugar, egg, and vanilla until smooth. Add pumpkin puree and spice.
- Spread half the brownie batter in the pan, top with cheesecake mixture, then the remaining batter. Swirl gently.
- Bake for 40-45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted comes out with moist crumbs. Cool completely before cutting.
Notes
For a richer flavor, use dark chocolate brownie mix. If you prefer a less sweet brownie, reduce the sugar in the cheesecake mixture by 1-2 tablespoons. To prevent overmixing, use a spatula to fold the pumpkin puree and spices into the cream cheese mixture.
- Prep Time: 20 mins
- Cook Time: 40-45 mins
- Category: Desserts
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
What You’ll Need
These Easy Pumpkin Brownies come together with two main components: the fudgy brownie base and the creamy pumpkin cheesecake swirl. Here’s what you’ll need to grab from your pantry:
For the Brownies:
- 1 box brownie mix (or your favorite homemade recipe)
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
For the Cheesecake Swirl:
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg, room temperature
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2/3 cup pumpkin puree (canned, not pumpkin pie filling)
- 2 teaspoons pumpkin pie spice
Using a brownie mix keeps things super simple, but feel free to use your favorite homemade recipe. You can even use our fudgy chocolate brownie recipe to get started!
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Preheat and Prep
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9-inch square baking pan and line it with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides for easy removal.
Step 2: Brownie Batter
Prepare the brownie mix according to the package directions. Stir in the semi-sweet chocolate chips.
Step 3: Cheesecake Swirl
In a separate bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until light and fluffy. Add the sugar and beat until combined. Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until smooth. Add the pumpkin puree and pumpkin pie spice, mixing until everything is well incorporated.
Step 4: Layer It Up
Spread half of the brownie batter into the prepared pan. Spoon the cheesecake mixture over the brownie batter and carefully spread it into an even layer. Top with the remaining brownie batter and gently swirl the two batters together using a knife or toothpick.
Step 5: Bake and Cool
Bake for 40-45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with a few moist crumbs. Let cool completely in the pan before cutting into squares.
Smart Tips & Tricks
- Don’t overbake! Overbaked brownies can be dry and crumbly. Start checking for doneness around the 40-minute mark. Insert a toothpick into the center – it should come out with a few moist crumbs attached. If it looks too wet, add a few more minutes and check again.
- Room temperature ingredients are key. Make sure your cream cheese and egg are at room temperature for the cheesecake swirl. This ensures a smooth, creamy texture and prevents lumps.
- Line your baking pan. Use parchment paper or foil with an overhang to line your pan. This makes it super easy to lift the brownies out and cut them into neat squares. See our page on baking tips for more helpful advice.
Flavor Twists
- Nutty Delight: Add chopped walnuts or pecans to the brownie batter for a crunchy texture.
- Chocolate Swirl: Instead of a cheesecake swirl, create a chocolate swirl by melting semi-sweet chocolate chips and drizzling them over the brownie batter before baking.
- Spice It Up: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of ground ginger to the cheesecake mixture for a warm, spicy kick.
- White Chocolate Dream: Use white chocolate chips in the brownie batter and add a swirl of white chocolate ganache on top of the baked brownies for an extra sweet treat. Or, you can even make it into a full white chocolate brownie by switching the milk and white chocolate components of our beloved blonde brownies.
How long do these pumpkin brownies last?
These brownies are best enjoyed within 3-4 days. Store them in an airtight container at room temperature or in the refrigerator to maintain their fudgy texture.
Can I freeze these brownies?
Yes, you can freeze these brownies for up to 3 months. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and foil before freezing. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
Can I use a homemade brownie recipe?
Absolutely! You can use your favorite from-scratch brownie recipe instead of the box mix. Just adjust the baking time as needed.
Should I use pumpkin puree or pumpkin pie filling?
Canned pumpkin puree is recommended for this recipe, not pumpkin pie filling. Pumpkin pie filling already contains spices and sweeteners, which would alter the flavor and texture of the brownies.
How to Serve
These Easy Pumpkin Brownies are delicious on their own, but here are some ideas to take them to the next level:
- A la mode: Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.
- Drizzle it: Add a drizzle of caramel sauce or chocolate ganache for extra indulgence.
- Dust with delight: Sprinkle powdered sugar or cinnamon on top for a touch of elegance.
- Pair it: Enjoy alongside a warm beverage, like a mug of hot chocolate or a cup of coffee. If you want to pair this dessert with another dish, our apple crisp is always a winning choice.
That’s a Wrap
These Easy Pumpkin Brownies are the perfect fall treat! They’re fudgy, rich, and have that irresistible pumpkin spice flavor. Whether you make them for a holiday gathering, a cozy night in, or just because, they’re sure to be a hit. If you loved these, check out our Desserts page for more delicious inspiration! Share the pumpkin spice love and tag us on Facebook or Instagram with your brownie masterpieces!
