Pumpkin Brownies with Cream Cheese Swirl are the ultimate cozy-season dessert. They combine the deep, rich chocolatey goodness of fudgy brownies with the warm spices and velvety sweetness of pumpkin puree — all topped with an elegant, tangy cream cheese swirl. The result? A gorgeous marbled treat that feels like the perfect marriage between brownies and pumpkin cheesecake.

These brownies suit every occasion — Halloween, Thanksgiving, fall parties, bake sales, or simply enjoying with coffee on a chilly evening. They look gourmet but are surprisingly easy to make, making them a crowd-pleasing dessert that tastes every bit as amazing as it looks!

Why I Love This Recipe

Two desserts in one — brownie + pumpkin cheesecake flavor together!
Moist, fudgy, and perfectly spiced — never dry!
The swirl design looks fancy with minimal effort
Kid-friendly, party-friendly, gifting-friendly!
Makes your kitchen smell like fall

Why It’s a Must-Try Dessert

Classic chocolate brownies get a seasonal upgrade
Pumpkin + cream cheese = unbeatable flavor harmony
They store and freeze beautifully — excellent for make-ahead treats
Even people who say “I don’t like pumpkin” change their minds after one bite!

Recipe Summary

Category	Details
Course	Dessert
Cuisine	American
Prep Time	20 minutes
Cook Time	35–40 minutes
Total Time	~1 hour
Servings	12 brownies
Approx. Calories	~270 per brownie

Ingredients

For Brownie Batter:

1 cup (2 sticks/226g) unsalted butter, melted
1 cup granulated sugar
¾ cup brown sugar
3 large eggs
1 tbsp vanilla extract
1 cup all-purpose flour
1 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1 tsp baking powder
½ tsp salt

For Pumpkin Cream Cheese Swirl:

8 oz (225g) cream cheese, softened
½ cup pumpkin puree (not pumpkin pie mix)
¼ cup sugar
1 large egg yolk
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 tsp pumpkin pie spice (or cinnamon + nutmeg combo)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1 — Prepare the Pan & Oven

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C)
Grease or line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper

Step 2 — Make the Brownie Batter

Whisk melted butter, white sugar, and brown sugar together
Add eggs and vanilla; mix until glossy
Sift in flour, cocoa powder, baking powder & salt
Fold gently until just combined (don’t overmix)

Step 3 — Make the Pumpkin Cream Cheese Swirl

Beat cream cheese until smooth
Add pumpkin puree, sugar, egg yolk, vanilla, spices
Mix until creamy

Step 4 — Layer & Swirl

Spread ¾ of the brownie batter into pan
Dollop pumpkin cream cheese mixture on top
Add remaining brownie batter in spoonfuls
Use a knife to gently swirl for a marbled look

Step 5 — Bake

Bake 35–40 minutes
Center should be set but still slightly fudgy
Cool completely before slicing for clean edges

How to Serve

Serve at room temperature or slightly chilled. Pair with:

Whipped cream
A scoop of vanilla or cinnamon ice cream
Hot chocolate, chai latte, or coffee ☕️

Perfect for fall celebrations and dessert tables!

Recipe Tips

Don’t overbake — fudgy is best!
Bring cream cheese to room temperature to avoid lumps
For cleaner swirls, drag knife lightly through surface only
Use real pumpkin puree for best texture
Chill before cutting for perfect, sharp slices

Variations to Try

Variation	What to Change
Extra Chocolatey	Add chocolate chips to brownie batter
Nutty Crunch	Add chopped pecans or walnuts
Mocha Version	Add 1 tbsp espresso powder to brownie batter
Gluten-Free	Swap with certified GF all-purpose flour blend
Spice Lover	Increase pumpkin pie spice to 1.5–2 tsp
Mini Bites	Bake in muffin cups for perfectly portioned treats

Storage & Freezing

Method	Duration	Notes
Room Temp	2 days	Airtight container; keep cool
Refrigerated	5–6 days	Best texture & freshness
Frozen	2 months	Wrap individually, thaw before eating

Special Equipment Needed

9×13-inch baking pan
Hand mixer or stand mixer
Parchment paper
Offset spatula or knife for swirling

FAQ

Q1: Can I use pumpkin pie filling?
❌ No — it contains sugar and spices that will change the recipe balance.

Q2: Can I double the swirl mixture?
✅ Yes, but brownies will be more cheesecake-like and need longer baking.

Q3: How do I know they’re done?
Edges will look set and a toothpick from the brownie portion should come out with moist crumbs — not raw batter.

Q4: Can this be made ahead?
Absolutely! Chill overnight — the flavor gets even better.

Conclusion

Pumpkin Brownies with Cream Cheese Swirl are the perfect dessert to celebrate the cozy warmth of fall. With rich chocolate, spiced pumpkin, and creamy swirls, every bite feels like autumn happiness. Easy to make, gorgeous to serve, and guaranteed to impress — this is a must-bake recipe for the season!