Oh man, fall is my favorite, and I’m so excited! I just baked these Fall Flavored Cream Cheese Brownies, and they’re super good. They taste like a warm, cozy hug.
You know I love yummy fall flavors, right? These brownies have pumpkin, cinnamon, and creamy cheese swirls. Every bite feels like autumn in my mouth!
I bet you’re craving these brownies now, huh? They’re so easy to make, and my house smells amazing. I can’t stop munching on them!
Come on, let’s make these brownies together! Grab some chocolate and pumpkin, and I’ll share my recipe. It’s gonna be so fun!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Fall in Every Bite: Warm spices like cinnamon and nutmeg bring an autumnal touch to classic brownies.
- Ultimate Fudgy Texture: The combination of dark chocolate, butter, and brown sugar ensures an irresistibly fudgy consistency.
- Creamy Swirl Perfection: A velvety cream cheese layer infused with maple extract adds a luscious contrast.
- Easy to Make: Simple ingredients and straightforward steps make this a foolproof recipe.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: Enjoy these brownies as a comforting dessert, a Thanksgiving treat, or a cozy afternoon snack with a cup of coffee.
Required Kitchen Tools
- Mixing bowls
- Hand or stand mixer
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Whisk
- 8×8-inch baking pan
- Parchment paper
- Spatula
- Knife or skewer (for swirling)
Ingredients
Brownie Base:
- Unsalted butter: 1/2 cup (melted)
- Dark chocolate, chopped: 6 oz
- Granulated sugar: 3/4 cup
- Brown sugar: 1/4 cup
- Large eggs: 2
- Vanilla extract: 1 tsp
- All-purpose flour: 3/4 cup
- Cocoa powder: 1/4 cup
- Ground cinnamon: 1 tsp
- Ground nutmeg: 1/2 tsp
- Salt: 1/4 tsp
Cream Cheese Swirl:
- Cream cheese, softened: 8 oz
- Powdered sugar: 1/3 cup
- Large egg yolk: 1
- Maple extract: 1 tsp
Variations for Fall Flavored Cream Cheese Brownies
- Pumpkin Spice Brownies: Add 1/4 cup of pumpkin puree to the cream cheese mixture and increase cinnamon to 1 1/2 tsp.
- Pecan Crunch Brownies: Stir in 1/2 cup chopped pecans for a nutty texture.
- Caramel Drizzle: Drizzle homemade caramel sauce over the brownies before baking for extra gooeyness.
- Extra Chocolatey: Fold in 1/2 cup dark chocolate chips into the brownie batter for a richer texture.
- Espresso Kick: Add 1 tsp of instant espresso powder to enhance the chocolate flavor.
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Preheat and Prepare the Pan
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang for easy removal.
2. Melt the Chocolate and Butter
In a heatproof bowl, melt the dark chocolate and butter together using a double boiler or microwave in 30-second intervals. Stir until smooth. Let it cool slightly.
3. Mix the Wet Ingredients
In a mixing bowl, whisk together granulated sugar, brown sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract until light and fluffy. Slowly add the melted chocolate mixture and mix until combined.
4. Sift the Dry Ingredients
In another bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture using a spatula, being careful not to overmix.
5. Prepare the Cream Cheese Swirl
In a separate bowl, beat together cream cheese, powdered sugar, egg yolk, and maple extract until smooth and creamy.
6. Assemble the Brownies
Pour the brownie batter into the prepared baking pan, spreading it evenly. Dollop the cream cheese mixture over the brownie batter in spoonfuls. Use a knife or skewer to gently swirl the cream cheese into the brownie batter, creating a marbled effect.
7. Bake the Brownies
Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with a few moist crumbs. Be careful not to overbake, as the brownies will continue to cook slightly as they cool.
8. Cool and Slice
Let the brownies cool in the pan for 15-20 minutes, then use the parchment paper overhang to lift them out. Transfer to a wire rack and let them cool completely before slicing into squares.
Serving and Decoration
These Fall Flavored Cream Cheese Brownies taste incredible on their own, but here are some ways to make them even more indulgent:
- Dust with powdered sugar for an elegant finish.
- Drizzle with warm maple glaze to enhance the fall flavors.
- Top with whipped cream and a sprinkle of cinnamon for a bakery-style treat.
- Pair with vanilla ice cream for a decadent dessert.
- Serve with a pumpkin spice latte for the ultimate fall experience.
Storing Fall Flavored Cream Cheese Brownies
- Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
- Refrigerator: Keep in the fridge for up to 5 days. Let them come to room temperature before serving.
- Freezer: Wrap individual slices in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before enjoying.
Nutrition Information for Fall Flavored Cream Cheese Brownies
Serving Size: 1 brownie (assuming 16 servings from an 8×8-inch pan)
Calories: ~300 kcal
Total Fat: 17g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0.3g
Cholesterol: 75mg
Sodium: 150mg
Total Carbohydrates: 35g - Dietary Fiber: 2g
- Sugars: 28g
Protein: 4g
Vitamin A: ~450 IU
Calcium: ~40mg
Iron: ~1.5mg
Fall Flavored Cream Cheese Brownies
Course: Uncategorized16
brownies15
minutes30
minutes~300
kcalIngredients
1/2 cup unsalted butter (melted)
6 oz dark chocolate (chopped)
3/4 cup granulated sugar
1/4 cup brown sugar
2 large eggs
1 tsp vanilla extract
3/4 cup all-purpose flour
1/4 cup cocoa powder
1 tsp ground cinnamon
1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
1/4 tsp salt
8 oz cream cheese (softened)
1/3 cup powdered sugar
1 large egg yolk
1 tsp maple extract
Directions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease an 8×8-inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper, leaving an overhang for easy removal.
- Make Brownie Batter: In a medium bowl, whisk together melted butter and 1 cup sugar until smooth. Add 2 eggs and 1 tsp vanilla extract, mixing well. Stir in cocoa powder, flour, and salt until just combined (do not overmix). Spread about 2/3 of the brownie batter evenly into the prepared pan.
- Prepare Cream Cheese Layer: In another bowl, beat softened cream cheese and 1/4 cup sugar with a hand mixer until creamy. Add 1 egg, 1/2 tsp vanilla extract, and pumpkin pie spice, mixing until smooth.
- Assemble: Spread the cream cheese mixture evenly over the brownie batter in the pan. Drop spoonfuls of the remaining brownie batter on top. Use a knife or toothpick to swirl the batters together, creating a marbled effect.
- Bake: Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with a few moist crumbs. The cream cheese layer should be set but slightly jiggly.
- Cool and Serve: Let the brownies cool completely in the pan on a wire rack (about 1 hour). If using parchment, lift out and cut into 16 squares. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Conclusion for Fall Flavored Cream Cheese Brownies
These Fall Flavored Cream Cheese Brownies are the perfect autumn treat, combining the rich, fudgy goodness of classic brownies with a creamy, spiced cream cheese swirl that captures the cozy essence of fall. The warm flavors of cinnamon, nutmeg, and pumpkin spice (or similar fall spices) in the cream cheese layer complement the deep chocolate base, creating a delightful balance of sweet and seasonal. Easy to make and visually stunning with their marbled appearance, these brownies are sure to impress at any fall gathering, from cozy family nights to festive holiday parties. Enjoy them with a hot cup of coffee or cider for the ultimate autumn indulgence!
Fall Flavored Cream Cheese Brownies FAQs
Can I make these brownies ahead of time?
Yes! You can bake them a day in advance and store them in an airtight container at room temperature or in the refrigerator.
Can I use milk chocolate instead of dark chocolate?
Dark chocolate gives the brownies a richer flavor, but you can use milk chocolate if you prefer a sweeter taste.
Can I make these gluten-free?
Absolutely! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.
How do I get perfect swirls in my brownies?
Use a knife or skewer and gently drag it through the cream cheese mixture in a swirling motion without overmixing.
Can I double this recipe?
Yes! Double the ingredients and bake in a 9×13-inch pan. Adjust the baking time to 35-40 minutes.