Pumpkin Cheesecake Swirl Brownies

Introduction

Pumpkin Cheesecake Swirl Brownies are a delightful fusion of two beloved desserts: rich, fudgy chocolate brownies and creamy, spiced pumpkin cheesecake. Perfect for fall, these brownies combine the deep decadence of chocolate with the cozy warmth of pumpkin pie spice, creating a dessert that’s both indulgent and festive. The marbled swirl not only makes them look bakery-worthy but also ensures every bite has the perfect balance of flavors and textures.

Whether you’re baking for a holiday gathering, a cozy weekend treat, or just to celebrate pumpkin season, these brownies bring the best of autumn to your dessert table. With their beautiful presentation, rich flavor, and crowd-pleasing appeal, Pumpkin Cheesecake Swirl Brownies are a fall dessert you’ll want to make again and again.

Why I Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it feels like the best of fall wrapped into one decadent dessert. The brownies are everything I want in a chocolate treat—rich, fudgy, and deeply satisfying. But then the pumpkin cheesecake swirl comes in with its creamy texture and warm spices, adding a cozy, seasonal twist that makes each bite feel special.

What I adore most is how beautiful and impressive these brownies look with their marbled design, yet they’re surprisingly easy to make. They strike that perfect balance of being indulgent without being overly heavy, making them a treat I’m excited to bake for family, friends, or just myself. Every time I pull a pan of these from the oven, the kitchen fills with the comforting aroma of chocolate and pumpkin spice, and it instantly feels like autumn has arrived.

Why It’s a Must-Try Dish

• Best of both worlds – chocolate + pumpkin cheesecake.
• Visually stunning – the swirl makes it look bakery-worthy.
• Perfect for fall holidays – Thanksgiving, Halloween, or Friendsgiving.
• Rich and indulgent – fudgy brownies meet silky cheesecake.
• Make-ahead friendly – stays moist and delicious for days.

Recipe Info

• Preparation Time: 20 minutes
• Cooking Time: 40–45 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
• Servings: 16 brownies
• Calories (per serving): ~260 kcal
• Cuisine: American
• Course: Dessert

Ingredients

For the Brownie Batter:

• ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• ⅓ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• ½ cup all-purpose flour
• ¼ tsp baking powder
• ¼ tsp salt

For the Pumpkin Cheesecake Swirl:

• 8 oz cream cheese, softened
• ½ cup pumpkin purée (not pumpkin pie filling)
• ⅓ cup granulated sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• ½ tsp ground cinnamon
• ¼ tsp ground nutmeg
• ¼ tsp ground ginger
• Pinch of cloves (optional)

Quick Directions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Prepare brownie batter and pour into a lined baking pan.
3. Mix pumpkin cheesecake filling and spoon over brownie layer.
4. Swirl layers with a knife.
5. Bake 40–45 minutes, cool completely, then slice.

Step-by-Step Recipe Preparation

Step 1: Prep the Pan

• Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
• Line a 9x9-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang for easy removal.

Step 2: Make the Brownie Batter

• In a medium bowl, whisk melted butter and sugar until smooth.
• Add eggs and vanilla; whisk until combined.
• Stir in cocoa powder, flour, baking powder, and salt until just combined.
• Spread most of the batter (reserve ¼ cup) evenly in the prepared pan.

Step 3: Make the Pumpkin Cheesecake Mixture

• In a mixing bowl, beat cream cheese until smooth.
• Add pumpkin purée, sugar, egg, vanilla, and spices; beat until creamy and well combined.

Step 4: Assemble and Swirl

• Spoon the pumpkin cheesecake mixture over the brownie layer.
• Drop the reserved brownie batter in dollops on top.
• Use a knife or skewer to swirl the two batters together for a marbled effect.

Step 5: Bake

• Bake for 40–45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted near the center comes out mostly clean.
• Cool completely in the pan before slicing.

How to Serve

• Slice into squares and serve at room temperature or chilled.
• Pair with coffee, hot chocolate, or spiced tea.
• Add a dollop of whipped cream or a drizzle of chocolate syrup for extra indulgence.

Additional Recipe Tips

• Don’t overmix the batter—this keeps brownies fudgy.
• Let brownies cool fully before cutting for neat slices.
• For cleaner swirls, use a butter knife and make figure-eight motions.
• Chill in the fridge for 1–2 hours for firmer, cheesecake-like texture.

Variations

• Gluten-Free: Use 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.
• Extra Chocolatey: Add ½ cup chocolate chips to the brownie batter.
• Nutty Twist: Swirl in ¼ cup chopped pecans or walnuts.
• Spiced Up: Add pumpkin spice instead of individual spices.

Freezing & Storage

• Storage: Keep in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days.
• Freezing: Freeze tightly wrapped bars (without cutting) for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before serving.

Special Equipment Needed

• 9x9-inch baking pan
• Mixing bowls
• Electric hand or stand mixer
• Whisk
• Spatula
• Parchment paper

Conclusion

Pumpkin Cheesecake Swirl Brownies are the ultimate fall dessert—decadent, festive, and beautiful. With fudgy chocolate brownie base and creamy spiced pumpkin cheesecake swirls, they’re a perfect balance of rich and cozy flavors. Whether for a holiday gathering, bake sale, or weeknight indulgence, these brownies are guaranteed to impress and satisfy.