Thursday, November 19, 2009


fall brownie spectacular

yes, you read that right. pumpkin+cheesecake+brownie. take it from someone who doesn't like pumpkin pie or plain brownies...these are so worth it. i do enjoy brownies with a twist, like cheesecake, mint, or turtle, so when i saw these i just had to give them a try.

i first saw them from the beantown baker, who adapted a recipe from cara's cravings. i used the adjusted measurements in this batch.




pumpkin spice cheesecake brownies (cara's cravings via beantown baker)
brownie batter:
3/4 c butter, melted
1 c sugar
1 tbsp vanilla extract
2 eggs
1/2 c all purpose flour
1/2 c special dark cocoa powder
1/4 tsp salt
2 tsp cinnamon

cheesecake batter:
8 oz cream cheese, softened
1 egg
1/2 c sugar
2 tbsp + 2tsp flour
2/3 c pumpkin puree
1/3 tsp vanilla extract
2/3 tsp cinnamon
1/3 tsp ground ginger
1/3 tsp ground cloves

1. beat together melted butter, sugar, and vanilla, then beat in eggs one at a time
2. combine dry ingredients, then gradually stir into butter mixture with a wooden spoon
3. in separate bowl, beat together cheesecake batter ingredients
4. spread about 2/3 of chocolate batter into greased 8x8 pan
5. spoon cheesecake batter over top
6. dollop remaining brownie batter over cheesecake batter, then swirl by running a knife back and forth through the pan
7. bake at 350F for 40 minutes, or until center is set
8. cool completely on wire rack and chill before cutting and serving



couldn't wait for pictures...

seriously. seriously! these are so good. i waited as long as i could to cut the brownies for photos (and a sample), but the center was still a bit warm. all was still ok and after being chilled, everything set nicely.

i've made a lot of desserts. i can't remember one being all that bad, but these are memorable for being that good. husband and i polished these off in record time, spoiling ourselves and missing our nightly dessert once they were gone. he has requested them for his coworkers, so i'll be making them at least once more this season.

4 comments:

Jen said...

aren't these surprisingly delicious? glad you liked them.

Stacey said...

I am DEFINITELY making these next weekend. My kitchen is in ruins right now as a new floor is installed, but these will be the perfect first treat to enjoy on my beautiful new hardwood floors! The pictures make them look so amazing, I hope I can wait another week!

Michelle said...

Thanks for posting this Alauna! They went really well with our butternut squash and pumpkin soup. :)

HanaĆ¢ said...

Oooh yum! Those look decadent. I love chocolate and I love pumpkin. Eating them together? Heaven! Will have to give this one a try!