Description

A dense, moist, and fudgy brownie made with just five main ingredients, featuring a tangy cream cheese swirl and chocolate chips. Perfect for weeknight treats or impressing guests with minimal effort.

Ingredients

Scale

1 box (19 oz) chocolate brownie mix (standard, not fudge)
1 cup pumpkin puree (unsweetened, not pie filling)
2 large eggs
1/3 cup vegetable oil or melted butter
1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
8 oz cream cheese (full-fat, softened)
1/4 cup powdered sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
Flaky sea salt (optional, for topping)

Instructions

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking pan or line with parchment paper.
In a large mixing bowl, combine brownie mix, eggs, pumpkin puree, oil (or melted butter), and pumpkin pie spice. Mix on medium speed for about 2 minutes until just combined. Do not overmix.
Pour batter into prepared pan and spread evenly.
In a medium bowl, beat softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy.
Dollop spoonfuls of the cream cheese mixture over the brownie batter in random spots.
Gently swirl the cream cheese into the batter using a toothpick or small spoon to create a marbled effect. Avoid overmixing.
Sprinkle chocolate chips evenly over the top.
Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until edges are set and the center is slightly jiggly. A toothpick inserted should come out with moist crumbs.
Cool in the pan for at least 15 minutes, then lift out using parchment overhang and transfer to a cooling rack.
Cool completely for at least 30 minutes before slicing into squares. Sprinkle with flaky sea salt if desired.

Notes

Ensure cream cheese is fully softened to prevent clumping. Do not overmix the batter to maintain a fudgy texture. Brownies are best stored in the refrigerator due to the cream cheese. They can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Category: Dessert
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 square
Calories: 280
Sugar: 28
Sodium: 180
Fat: 14
Saturated Fat: 6
Carbohydrates: 38
Fiber: 1
Protein: 4

Keywords: pumpkin brownies, cream cheese swirl, fudgy brownies, 5-ingredient dessert, fall baking, pumpkin dessert, easy brownies