Ingredients

For the Pumpkin Cream

150 grams (5.5 ounces) pumpkin
50 grams (3.5 tablespoons) cream cheese
1 tablespoon sugar
Vanilla extract, to taste
Orange or mandarin zest

Instructions

Step 1

Prepare the Pumpkin Cream

Preheat your oven and roast the pumpkin until it is soft and tender. Once cooled, add it to a blender with cream cheese, sugar, vanilla extract, and your choice of orange or mandarin zest. *Blend* until smooth and creamy.

Step 2

Melt the Chocolate

Melt the butter, either using a stovetop or a microwave. While the butter is still hot, pour it over finely chopped *dark chocolate*. Stir until completely combined and smooth.

Step 3

Combine Eggs and Sugar

In a separate bowl, beat the eggs with sugar and a *pinch of salt* until light and fluffy. Gradually mix in the chocolate mixture until well incorporated.

Step 4

Incorporate the Dry Ingredients

Sift the flour into the wet ingredients and gently fold until the batter is just combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the brownies soft.

Step 5

Assemble the Brownies

Pour the brownie batter into a prepared baking pan. Using a spoon, *dollop* the pumpkin cream over the batter. Use a skewer to create a marbled effect, if desired. Ensure you use all the cream to have enough flavor throughout.

Step 6

Bake to Perfection

Bake in a preheated oven at 180°C (350°F) for 25-30 minutes. Keep a close eye to avoid overbaking, as the brownie should remain *moist and dense* inside. Allow cooling before serving for the best texture.

Servings

Start by letting your warm pumpkin brownies cool slightly before slicing them. Their **gooey center** and **crisp top** are perfect when served warm, so try them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an inviting contrast of temperatures.🍦

💡 For a cozy gathering, dust a bit of powdered sugar or cocoa on top. This simple trick gives your brownies a gourmet look and adds a hint of sweetness.

☕ Looking for a coffee companion? Pair these brownies with a latte or freshly brewed espresso. The dark chocolate and coffee complement each other beautifully, providing a rich, indulgent treat.

If presenting them at a festive event, consider topping with a dollop of *whipped cream* and grated dark chocolate for a bit of flair. Adding thin, crisp slices of orange or mandarin on the side can enhance the presentation and add a splash of color to your serving platter. 🍊

Equipment

Variations

Gluten-Free Variation: Replace the regular flour with 40 grams of almond flour or a gluten-free baking flour mix suitable for brownies. These alternatives create a nutty flavor while keeping the fudgy texture intact. 🌰

Vegan Option: Swap the butter for a vegan butter substitute and use flax eggs instead of regular ones (2 tablespoons of ground flaxseed mixed with 5 tablespoons of water). For the cream cheese, opt for a vegan cream cheese alternative. These modifications ensure the brownies remain rich and tasty without animal products! 🌿

Faq

  • Why did my brownies turn out too dry?

    This could be due to overbaking. Ensure you bake at 180°C for the recommended 25-30 minutes and check them slightly earlier as ovens can vary.

  • How do I store leftover brownies?

    Keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days or refrigerate to extend freshness up to a week.

  • Can I add nuts to my brownie mix?

    Absolutely! Adding chopped nuts such as walnuts or pecans can introduce a delightful crunch. Fold them into the batter just before pouring it into the pan.

  • How do I know my brownies are done?

    The edges should be set while the center remains slightly soft. A toothpick inserted in the center should come out with some moist crumbs clinging to it, not completely clean.

  • How can I adjust the sweetness level?

    Reduce the sugar in the brownie batter slightly if you prefer less sweetness, or adjust the sweetness of the pumpkin cream to balance the overall flavor.

  • Can I prepare the pumpkin cream in advance?

    Yes, the pumpkin cream can be prepared a day ahead and stored in the refrigerator. Just ensure it's at room temperature before adding it to the brownie batter.

Nutrition facts

Decadent Pumpkin and Chocolate Brownies Recipe
Recipe Yield:8 servings
Calories:Estimated calories per serving based on typical brownie recipes
Calories (Min - Max):250 - 300
Total Fat:16g
Saturated Fat:10g
Protein:4g
Total Carbohydrate:27g
Total Sugars:18g