Easy & Fudgy Pumpkin Cheesecake Brownies Recipe: Your Ultimate Fall Dessert

Indulge in the perfect autumn treat with our Pumpkin Cheesecake Brownies! This delightful recipe brings together the rich, fudgy goodness of classic brownies with a creamy, spiced pumpkin cheesecake layer, all in one irresistible bite. It’s truly two desserts in one, offering a harmonious blend of flavors and textures that capture the essence of fall.

Get ready to elevate your fall baking game this weekend with a recipe that’s sure to become a new seasonal favorite! When faced with the delightful dilemma of choosing between two beloved desserts – a rich pumpkin cheesecake and classic fudgy brownies – we decided, why choose just one?

The result? These incredible Pumpkin Cheesecake Brownies! They seamlessly combine the decadent qualities of our favorite pumpkin cheesecake with the comforting chewiness of small batch brownies. Think of them as a delightful autumn cousin to our popular peanut butter cheesecake brownies, but with an enchanting fall twist, featuring warm pumpkin and aromatic cinnamon.

A secret ingredient in the brownie batter itself is cinnamon. This spice, often associated with pumpkin, surprisingly enhances the chocolate flavor, creating a deeper, more complex taste profile. We discovered this magical pairing with our chocolate chip pancakes and now incorporate cinnamon into chocolate recipes whenever it makes sense for an extra layer of warmth and spice.

Of course, no fudgy brownie is complete without a generous scattering of chocolate chips, adding delightful pockets of melted chocolate and extra texture. While pumpkin is often paired with white chocolate or graham crackers, it truly shines when combined with semi-sweet chocolate, as proven by other cherished recipes like our pumpkin bread mini loaves.

Beyond their delicious taste, these Pumpkin Cheesecake Brownies are incredibly versatile. With their distinct brown and orange layers, they can easily double as a festive black and orange treat for Halloween parties. And as an alternative to traditional pumpkin pie, they make a fantastic addition to any Thanksgiving potluck, offering a unique and memorable dessert option that everyone will adore. Who could resist these delightful squares of autumn bliss?

Ingredients For Perfect Pumpkin Cheesecake Brownies

Crafting these exceptional cream cheese pumpkin brownies requires a thoughtful selection of ingredients, each playing a crucial role in achieving the perfect balance of fudginess and creamy texture. Here’s a closer look at what you’ll need:

• Butter: Essential for the rich, moist, and fudgy texture of the brownies. Always opt for unsalted butter and avoid substitutions like margarine, which can alter the flavor and consistency.
• Unsweetened Chocolate: This is key for a deep, intense chocolate flavor that cocoa powder alone cannot replicate. It provides the backbone of the brownie’s richness.
• Cocoa Powder: Complements the unsweetened chocolate, adding another layer of complex chocolate notes and contributing to the dark, appealing color of the brownies.
• Granulated Sugar: Provides the necessary sweetness to balance the bitterness of the unsweetened chocolate and cocoa powder, while also helping to create that desirable chewy texture.
• Cinnamon and Salt: The ground cinnamon infuses the brownies with a warm, autumnal spice that surprisingly enhances the chocolate. Salt is a flavor enhancer, bringing out the best in both the chocolate and pumpkin.
• Large Egg: Acts as a binder and contributes to the structure and fudginess of the brownies. Ensure it’s at room temperature for better incorporation.
• Vanilla Extract: A universal flavor enhancer, vanilla brings out the best in chocolate and pumpkin, adding a subtle warmth to both layers.
• All-Purpose Flour: Provides just enough structure to hold the brownies together without making them cakey. Avoid overmixing once the flour is added.
• Semisweet Chocolate Chips: These melt into delicious pockets within the brownies, adding extra chocolatey goodness and a pleasant textural contrast.
• Full-Fat Cream Cheese: Crucial for a truly rich and creamy cheesecake layer. Do not substitute with low-fat or whipped cream cheese, as these will alter the texture and flavor significantly. Ensure it’s softened to room temperature for a smooth batter.
• Canned Pumpkin Puree: The star of the cheesecake layer, providing its signature flavor and vibrant color. Be sure to use 100% pumpkin puree, not pumpkin pie mix, which contains added spices and sugar.

How To Master Pumpkin Cheesecake Brownies: A Step-by-Step Guide

Creating these layered pumpkin cream cheese brownies is a straightforward process, resulting in a show-stopping dessert. Follow these steps for baking success:

1. Prepare Your Brownie Base: Begin by melting the butter and chopped unsweetened chocolate in a medium saucepan over low heat or in the microwave in 30-second intervals until completely smooth and combined. This forms the foundation of your fudgy brownie layer.
2. Whisk in Dry Ingredients: Remove the chocolate mixture from the heat. Whisk in the granulated sugar, cocoa powder, ground cinnamon, and salt. Don’t be alarmed if the mixture appears quite thick and grainy at this stage; this is normal and will smooth out with the next steps.
3. Incorporate Wet Ingredients: Next, whisk in the vanilla extract and the room temperature large egg. Continue whisking until the batter transforms into a smooth, moist, and glossy consistency.
4. Add Flour and Chocolate Chips: Switch to a rubber spatula and gently fold in the all-purpose flour until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to tough brownies. Finally, stir in the semisweet chocolate chips. Evenly spread this rich brownie batter into a greased or parchment-lined 8×8-inch baking pan.
5. Prepare the Cheesecake Layer: In a separate large mixing bowl, beat together the softened full-fat cream cheese and granulated sugar using an electric mixer until the mixture is light, creamy, and smooth, usually about 1-2 minutes. Make sure there are no lumps of cream cheese.
6. Add Pumpkin and Vanilla: Scrape down the sides of the bowl. Beat in the remaining large egg, canned pumpkin puree, and vanilla extract until just combined. Overmixing at this stage can incorporate too much air, which might cause the cheesecake layer to crack during baking.
7. Assemble and Bake: Carefully pour and spread the pumpkin cheesecake mixture evenly over the brownie batter in the prepared pan. Bake in your preheated 350°F (175°C) oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the edges of the cheesecake layer are set and slightly pulled away from the sides of the pan, and the center is just barely jiggly.
8. Cool and Chill for Perfection: Once baked, allow the brownies to cool completely to room temperature on a wire rack. This is crucial for the layers to set properly. Then, transfer them to the refrigerator and chill for at least 4 hours, or ideally overnight. This chilling time allows the flavors to meld beautifully and ensures clean, easy slicing.

Store any leftover Pumpkin Cheesecake Brownies in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week to maintain their freshness and delightful texture.

Tips for The Best Pumpkin Cheesecake Brownies

• Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure your egg and cream cheese are at room temperature. This helps them incorporate smoothly into the batters, preventing lumps and creating a more uniform texture.
• Don’t Overmix: For the fudgiest brownies, mix the flour into the brownie batter until just combined. Overmixing develops gluten, leading to tougher, more cake-like brownies. Similarly, avoid over-beating the cheesecake layer once the egg and pumpkin are added.
• Proper Chilling is Key: The 4-hour (or overnight) refrigeration period is not optional. It allows the cheesecake layer to firm up completely and the flavors to fully develop and meld, making for a much better eating experience and cleaner slices.
• Lining the Pan: For easy removal, always line your 8×8-inch pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on two sides. This acts as “handles” to lift the cooled brownies out of the pan.
• Test for Doneness: The cheesecake layer should look mostly set with a slight jiggle in the very center when gently shaken. A toothpick inserted into the brownie layer (avoiding the cheesecake) should come out with moist crumbs, not wet batter.
• Serving Suggestions: These brownies are fantastic on their own, but for an extra special treat, consider serving them with a dollop of whipped cream, a dusting of cinnamon, or a drizzle of caramel sauce.

More Delicious Brownie Recipes to Try

If you’re a fan of fudgy, decadent treats, you’ll love exploring these other brownie recipes from our collection:

• Kit Kat Cheesecake Brownies: A fun and crunchy twist on cheesecake brownies.
• Guinness Brownies: Rich, dark, and intensely chocolatey brownies with a hint of stout.
• Chocolate Covered Strawberry Brownies: A romantic and fruity take on classic brownies.
• Peanut Butter Brownies: Swirled with creamy peanut butter for an irresistible salty-sweet combo.

First published October 17, 2016. Updated and enhanced for timeless fall enjoyment.