The Perfect Pumpkin Cheesecake Brownies Recipe for Fall Baking

Decadent chocolate brownies meet creamy autumn spices in this irresistible pumpkin cheesecake brownies recipe that promises pure indulgence.

Swirls of rich pumpkin cheesecake dance through dense, fudgy chocolate layers, creating a dessert that’s both elegant and comforting.

The warm, aromatic blend of cinnamon and nutmeg perfectly complements the deep chocolate base.

Each bite offers a luxurious contrast between smooth cheesecake and intense brownie texture.

fall baking reaches new heights with this show-stopping dessert that blends classic flavors in an unexpected way.

The recipe transforms simple ingredients into a stunning treat that will impress even the most discerning dessert lovers.

Prepare to be the star of any gathering with these extraordinary brownies that celebrate the best of seasonal baking.

Pumpkin Cheesecake Brownies Why This Combo Works

  • Dive into a delightful autumn-inspired dessert that transforms classic brownies with warm, comforting pumpkin spices and creamy cheesecake swirls.
  • Create a show-stopping dessert that looks professionally made, with beautiful marbled cheesecake patterns that will impress family and friends at gatherings.
  • Perfect for fall parties, potlucks, or weekend treats, these brownies combine the rich chocolate base with luxurious pumpkin cheesecake for a universally loved dessert.
  • Even novice bakers can achieve professional-looking results with easy step-by-step instructions and minimal specialized baking skills required.

Pumpkin Cheesecake Brownies Ingredients You’ll Need

Main Ingredients:
  • Pumpkin: A seasonal ingredient that adds a rich, earthy flavor and creamy texture to the brownies.
  • Cream Cheese, Mascarpone Cheese: Soft cheeses that create a smooth, tangy cheesecake layer with a luxurious mouthfeel.
  • Flour: The foundational ingredient that provides structure and helps bind the brownie batter together.
  • Cocoa Powder: Delivers a deep, intense chocolate flavor and dark color to the brownies.
  • Eggs: A crucial binding agent that helps create a rich and moist brownie texture.
Spices and Flavor Enhancers:
  • Cinnamon, Ginger, Nutmeg: Warm autumn spices that complement the pumpkin and add depth to the dessert.
  • Vanilla Extract: A classic flavoring that enhances the overall sweetness and aroma of the brownies.
  • Salt: Balances the sweetness and amplifies the other flavors in the recipe.
Sweeteners and Additional Mix-ins:
  • Sugar: Provides sweetness and helps create a tender brownie texture.
  • Chocolate Chips: Adds extra chocolate bursts and increases the dessert's indulgence.
  • Butter: Contributes richness and helps create a moist, tender brownie.

Baking Gear for Pumpkin Brownie Success

  • 9×9-inch baking dish: Essential for creating the perfect brownie size and shape.
  • Parchment paper: Helps easily remove brownies and prevents sticking.
  • Large mixing bowl: Crucial for combining dry brownie ingredients.
  • Small mixing bowls: Needed for separating and mixing different components.
  • Whisk: Perfect for blending dry ingredients and incorporating wet ingredients smoothly.
  • Electric mixer or hand mixer: Helps beat cheese and mix batters quickly and evenly.
  • Toothpick or small knife: Useful for creating beautiful swirl patterns in the cheesecake layer.
  • Measuring cups and spoons: Ensures accurate ingredient proportions.
  • Spatula: Helps spread batter evenly and scrape bowl sides.

Baking Pumpkin Cheesecake Brownies Step by Step

Step 1: Prepare Pumpkin Spice Blend

Combine pumpkin puree with warming spices of cinnamon, ginger, and nutmeg.

Add a pinch of salt to enhance the flavor profile.

Mix thoroughly until the spices are evenly distributed throughout the pumpkin.

Step 2: Create Creamy Cheese Mixture

In a separate mixing bowl, whip mascarpone and cream cheese together until smooth.

Incorporate the prepared pumpkin spice blend, blending gently to maintain a light texture.

Ensure no lumps remain in the mixture.

Step 3: Develop Cheesecake Base

Fold in granulated sugar, all-purpose flour, and vanilla extract into the cheese mixture.

Carefully add egg yolks one at a time, stirring between each addition.

The result should be a silky, rich cheesecake batter.

Step 4: Prepare Baking Station

Preheat the oven to a moderate temperature of 325°F.

Generously butter a 9×9-inch baking pan.

Line the bottom with parchment paper to ensure easy removal of the brownies.

Step 5: Mix Dry Brownie Ingredients

Whisk together flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and a touch of salt in a large mixing bowl.

Sift the ingredients to eliminate any potential clumps and ensure a smooth brownie base.

Step 6: Combine Brownie Wet Ingredients

In another bowl, melt butter and mix with sugar until well combined.

Incorporate whole eggs and vanilla extract, whisking until the mixture becomes light and fluffy.

Fold in chocolate chips for extra decadence.

Step 7: Merge Brownie Batter

Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring until just combined.

Be careful not to overmix, which can make the brownies tough.

Step 8: Layer Brownie Batter

Set aside half a cup of brownie batter.

Spread the remaining batter evenly across the prepared baking pan, creating a smooth base layer.

Step 9: Create Marbled Effect

Gently pour the cheesecake mixture over the brownie base.

Use a spoon to create 3-4 lines of reserved brownie batter on top.

Take a toothpick or thin knife and swirl the lines, creating a beautiful marbled pattern.

Step 10: Bake To Perfection

Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for approximately 45 minutes.

The top should look set, and a toothpick inserted should come out mostly clean with a few moist crumbs.

Step 11: Final Cooling

Allow the brownies to cool completely at room temperature.

Refrigerate for at least an hour before slicing to help the layers set and enhance the flavor melding.

Tricks for Swirled Pumpkin Cheesecake Brownies

  • Create beautiful marbled patterns by gently dragging a toothpick through the cheesecake and brownie layers in a zigzag motion for a professional-looking dessert.
  • Check brownies at 40 minutes and use a clean toothpick test to ensure a moist, fudgy texture without drying out the edges.
  • Refrigerate brownies for at least 2 hours to allow flavors to meld and achieve a firmer, more defined cheesecake layer.
  • Bring eggs, cream cheese, and mascarpone to room temperature for smoother mixing and a more consistent batter.

Brownie Variations for Fall Lovers

  • Gluten-Free Pumpkin Cheesecake Brownies: Replace regular flour with almond flour or gluten-free flour blend for a celiac-friendly version.
  • Vegan Autumn Brownies: Swap mascarpone and cream cheese with coconut cream, use flax eggs instead of regular eggs, and incorporate plant-based chocolate chips.
  • Low-Sugar Pumpkin Chocolate Treat: Substitute sugar with stevia or monk fruit sweetener, reduce chocolate chips, and use dark chocolate for lower sugar content.
  • Keto-Friendly Spiced Brownies: Use almond flour, replace sugar with erythritol, incorporate sugar-free chocolate chips, and add extra pumpkin pie spices for rich flavor.

Serving Pumpkin Cheesecake Brownies to Guests

  • Seasonal Serving Companions: Pair these decadent brownies with a warm spiced chai latte for maximum autumn comfort.
  • Dessert Plate Elegance: Dust the brownies with powdered sugar and garnish with small candied pecans or pumpkin seeds for a professional touch.
  • Chilled Indulgence: Serve slightly chilled from the refrigerator for a firmer texture and more intense flavor profile that highlights the creamy cheesecake layer.
  • Beverage Pairing: Complement the rich dessert with a cold glass of milk or a smooth espresso to balance the sweet and spicy notes.

Keeping Brownies Fresh for Snacking

  • Wrap the brownies tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil, keeping them in an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 5 days, maintaining their creamy texture and rich flavor.
  • Place brownies in a freezer-safe container with parchment paper between layers. Freeze for up to 3 months, ensuring they're completely sealed to prevent freezer burn.
  • Transfer frozen brownies to the refrigerator overnight. Let them sit at room temperature for 30 minutes before serving to restore their soft, decadent texture.
  • Warm individual brownies in the microwave for 10-15 seconds or in a preheated oven at 325F for 5-7 minutes, watching carefully to prevent overcooking.

FAQs

  • What ingredients make these brownies unique?

The combination of pumpkin spices, mascarpone cheese, cream cheese, and chocolate creates a rich, autumnal dessert that blends classic brownie flavors with seasonal pumpkin cheesecake notes.

  • Can I substitute any ingredients in this recipe?

Use canned pumpkin puree, not pumpkin pie filling. You can swap mascarpone with additional cream cheese, and use dark or milk chocolate chips based on preference.

  • How do I know when the brownies are perfectly baked?

When the top is just set and a tester comes out mostly clean, around 45 minutes at 325F. The edges should look slightly firm while the center remains slightly soft.

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Pumpkin Cheesecake Brownies Recipe


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4.8 from 35 reviews

  • Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
  • Yield: 16 1x

Description

Silky pumpkin cheesecake brownies blend autumn’s warmth with rich chocolate indulgence. Layers of spiced pumpkin swirl through fudgy brownie base, creating a delightful dessert you’ll crave all season long.


Ingredients

Scale

Pumpkin and Cheesecake Layer:

  • 8 ounces (226 grams) mascarpone cheese
  • 8 ounces (226 grams) cream cheese
  • 1/2 cup (120 milliliters) canned pumpkin
  • 2 large egg yolks
  • 3/4 cup (150 grams) sugar
  • 2 tablespoons (15 grams) flour
  • 1 tablespoon (15 milliliters) vanilla extract
  • 1 teaspoon cinnamon
  • 1/2 teaspoon ginger
  • 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt

Brownie Layer:

  • 1/2 cup (60 grams) flour
  • 1/2 cup (50 grams) unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 cup (113 grams) butter, melted
  • 3/4 cup (150 grams) sugar
  • 2 large eggs
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract

Topping:

  • 1/2 cup (85 grams) chocolate chips

Instructions

  1. Blend pumpkin puree with warming spices of cinnamon, ginger, and nutmeg, creating a fragrant autumn-inspired mixture.
  2. Whip mascarpone and cream cheese until smooth, gently folding in the spiced pumpkin mixture to create a silky cheesecake layer.
  3. Incorporate sugar, flour, and vanilla into the cheese mixture, then gradually mix in egg yolks until fully integrated.
  4. Prepare the baking vessel by buttering a 9×9-inch pan and lining with parchment paper, ensuring easy removal of the brownies.
  5. Sift together dry ingredients – flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt – creating a uniform chocolate base.
  6. Combine melted butter and sugar, whisking in eggs and vanilla until glossy, then fold in chocolate chips and gradually incorporate dry ingredients.
  7. Distribute most of the brownie batter evenly across the prepared pan, reserving a small portion for decorative swirling.
  8. Delicately pour the pumpkin cheesecake mixture over the brownie base, then create decorative lines with remaining batter using a spoon.
  9. Using a toothpick, artfully swirl the batter lines through the cheesecake layer, creating a marbled visual effect.
  10. Bake at 325°F for 45 minutes, watching for a set top and minimal moisture when tested with a knife.
  11. Allow brownies to cool completely at room temperature, then chill in refrigerator to set before slicing and serving.

Notes

  • Choose high-quality cocoa powder and pumpkin puree for rich, deep flavors that elevate the entire dessert.
  • Ensure all ingredients are at room temperature to help them blend smoothly and create a consistent texture.
  • Avoid overmixing the batters to prevent tough, dense brownies; mix just until ingredients are combined.
  • Use a sharp knife dipped in hot water when cutting for clean, precise brownie slices that showcase beautiful swirl patterns.
  • Prep Time: 30 minutes
  • Cook Time: 45 minutes
  • Category: Desserts, Snacks
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 16
  • Calories: 290
  • Sugar: 24 g
  • Sodium: 200 mg
  • Fat: 17 g
  • Saturated Fat: 10 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 30 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 4 g
  • Cholesterol: 70 mg
Marcus Reed

Marcus Reed

Founder & Food Content Creator

Expertise

Single-recipe development, Seasonal and local ingredient utilization, Food photography and styling, Culinary writing and content creation​

Education

Culinary Arts Certificate, Blue Ridge Community and Technical College, WV
Focus: Fundamentals of culinary techniques, emphasizing hands-on experience in small-scale kitchen settings.


Marcus’s story begins in Asheville, where good food and family kitchens shaped his earliest memories. After hands-on culinary training and a lot of trial (and a little error), he realized that real cooking isn’t about perfection, it’s about connection.
At Pan and Oven, Marcus crafts recipes that are easy to follow, packed with flavor, and built for real kitchens.

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