Pumpkin Cheesecake Chocolate Brownies (Print Version)

Fudgy brownies with pumpkin cheesecake layers and a touch of cinnamon spice.

# Ingredients:

→ Pumpkin Cheesecake Filling

01 - 3/4 cup pumpkin puree
02 - 3 ounces cream cheese or vegan cream cheese, softened
03 - 1/3 cup powdered sugar, sifted
04 - 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
05 - 1/4 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice, optional
06 - 1/4 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

→ Chocolate Brownie Layer

07 - 1 cup all-purpose flour, spelt flour, or gluten-free flour blend
08 - 3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
09 - 1/4 cup Dutch-process cocoa powder
10 - 1/2 teaspoon salt
11 - 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
12 - 2/3 cup granulated sugar
13 - 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
14 - 2 tablespoons cornstarch or ground flax seeds
15 - 1 cup water
16 - 2/3 cup coconut oil or unsalted butter, melted
17 - 1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract

# Steps:

01 - Combine pumpkin puree, cream cheese, powdered sugar, cinnamon, pumpkin pie spice, and vanilla extract in a large mixing bowl. Beat with a stand mixer or hand mixer on medium speed until the mixture is completely smooth and creamy.
02 - Preheat oven to 325°F. Grease a 9×13 inch baking pan with oil or line with parchment paper. Set aside.
03 - In a large bowl, whisk together flour, unsweetened cocoa powder, Dutch-process cocoa powder, salt, baking powder, granulated sugar, brown sugar, and cornstarch until thoroughly blended.
04 - Pour water, melted coconut oil or butter, and vanilla extract into the dry ingredients. Mix with a spatula just until smooth and evenly combined. Do not overmix.
05 - Spread brownie batter evenly in the prepared pan. Drop spoonfuls of the pumpkin cheesecake mixture over the brownie batter. Use a spoon or knife to gently swirl the two mixtures together for a marbled effect.
06 - Place the pan on the center rack and bake for 30 minutes, or until brownies are just set and slightly underbaked in the center.
07 - Remove baking pan from the oven and allow brownies to cool in the pan. Cut into squares once cooled and serve.

# Notes:

01 - Swirl the pumpkin layer gently through the brownie batter to create a distinct marbled appearance. For best texture, slice the brownies only after they have fully cooled.