Pumpkin Swirl Brownies layer fudgy boxed brownie batter with a spiced pumpkin-and-cream-cheese mixture, then marble the two together in an 8×8-inch pan. The pumpkin layer brings cinnamon and pumpkin-pie spice while the brownie base stays dense and chocolatey.
The recipe makes 12 brownies in about 45 minutes, with 10 minutes of preparation and 35 minutes of baking. Depending on the oven, the center may need up to 40 minutes to become set.
Pumpkin Swirl Brownie Ingredients
For the pumpkin filling, use 4 ounces softened cream cheese, ⅔ cup pure pumpkin puree, 1 large room-temperature egg, ¼ cup granulated sugar, 1½ teaspoons pumpkin pie spice, 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon, and ½ teaspoon kosher salt.
For the brownie base, use one 18.3-ounce fudge brownie mix, 2 large room-temperature eggs, ½ cup vegetable oil, and 3 tablespoons water.
If you enjoy this recipe, you may also like Deep Fried Marshmallows.
How to Make Pumpkin Swirl Brownies
- Preheat the oven to 350°F. Spray an 8×8-inch pan or line it with parchment.
- Beat softened cream cheese, pumpkin puree, 1 egg, sugar, pumpkin pie spice, cinnamon, and salt on medium until completely smooth.
- Mix the fudge brownie mix with 2 eggs, vegetable oil, and water just until combined.
- Spread about two-thirds of brownie batter in the pan. Spoon the pumpkin mixture evenly over it.
- Add remaining brownie batter over the pumpkin, then gently swirl with a knife or toothpick.
- Bake 35 to 40 minutes, until the center is set and no longer jiggly. Cool in the pan at least 10 minutes before cutting 12 squares.
For food-safety guidance while cooking, use the USDA safe minimum temperature chart.
Prepare the Square Pan
Use Pure Pumpkin, Not Pie Filling
Beat the Pumpkin Filling Smooth
Mix the Fudgy Brownie Batter
Spread Two-Thirds of the Brownie Batter
Add Pumpkin, Then Remaining Brownie Batter
Swirl Gently for a Marbled Pattern
Bake Until the Center Is Set
Cool at Least Ten Minutes Before Cutting
Storage at Three Temperatures
Conclusion
At 350°F, prepare an 8×8-inch pan. Beat cream cheese, pure pumpkin, 1 egg, sugar, spices, and salt smooth. Mix fudge brownie mix with 2 eggs, oil, and water. Layer two-thirds brownie batter, pumpkin filling, and remaining batter; swirl gently. Bake 35 to 40 minutes until set, then cool at least 10 minutes and cut 12 brownies.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → Can I use pumpkin pie filling?
No. Use ⅔ cup 100% pure pumpkin puree so added sugar and spices stay exact.
- → How many eggs are used?
Use 3 total: 1 in the pumpkin filling and 2 in the brownie batter.
- → How do I know the brownies are baked?
After 35 to 40 minutes, the center should be set and no longer jiggly.
- → How many brownies does the recipe make?
Cut the cooled 8×8-inch pan into 12 brownies.