
Fall's favorite treat has arrived! These Chocolate Pumpkin Squares blend a gooey brownie bottom with swirls of pumpkin cheesecake on top. The combo of deep chocolate and smooth pumpkin makes a dessert that's absolutely perfect for cozy autumn days. We've thrown in warm pumpkin spices that'll make your kitchen smell amazing. These squares are great for family gatherings or just when you want something sweet after dinner.
INGREDIENTS- Box brownie mix: 1 package (homemade works too) as your chocolate foundation
- Cream cheese: 8 oz, softened, needed for the pumpkin topping
- Canned pumpkin: 2/3 cup (pure pumpkin, not the pie mix), gives that authentic fall flavor
- Pumpkin pie spice: 2 tsp, adds that warm autumn touch to the topping
- Vanilla extract: ½ tsp, enhances the pumpkin layer's taste
- Egg: 1, room temperature, helps the topping stay together
- Granulated sugar: ½ cup, sweetens up the pumpkin layer
- Semi-sweet chocolate chips: 1 cup, makes the brownie base extra chocolatey
- Step 8:
- After they've cooled completely, grab the parchment edges and lift the whole thing out. Cut into squares and enjoy!
- Step 7:
- Bake for 40-45 minutes until a toothpick stuck in comes out with just a few sticky crumbs.
- Step 6:
- Drop spoonfuls of remaining brownie mix over the pumpkin layer and run a knife through to create pretty swirls.
- Step 5:
- Pour half your brownie batter into the pan and smooth it out. Pour all the pumpkin mixture on top and spread evenly.
- Step 4:
- Stir the pumpkin and pumpkin pie spice into your cream cheese mixture until everything's well mixed.
- Step 3:
- For the pumpkin part: Whip the cream cheese until it's light and fluffy. Mix in sugar, egg, and vanilla until smooth.
- Step 2:
- Mix up the brownie batter according to package directions and mix in the chocolate chips. Set it aside for now.
- Step 1:
- Get your oven hot at 350°F. Put parchment paper or foil in a 9-inch square pan and give it a light spray with cooking oil.
- These taste amazing with a cold scoop of vanilla ice cream on top when they're still a bit warm.
- Keep any leftovers in a sealed container on your counter for up to 3 days, or pop them in the fridge where they'll stay good for a week.
- Want a stronger pumpkin kick? Just add more pumpkin spice to match your taste buds.
- Don't like semi-sweet chocolate? No problem! Try milk chocolate or dark chocolate chips instead.
Tips from Well-Known Chefs
- According to Ina Garten, adding a tiny bit of cinnamon to your brownie mix can really bring out the chocolate flavor.
