Ingredients
For the Brownies






For the Pumpkin Cream









Instructions
Step 1
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 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
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
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
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 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
Choose a large, sturdy bowl to mix your brownie batter. A larger size allows easy folding of ingredients without spills.



For a super smooth pumpkin cream, a hand blender works wonders. Just ensure it’s powerful enough to achieve a creamy texture.


A square 8x8 inch pan is ideal for achieving the perfect thickness of brownie. Grease it well to ensure easy removal after baking.


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Use a heat-resistant spatula for stirring your chocolate mixture and spreading batter evenly in the pan.


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To ensure your brownies are baked to perfection, use an oven thermometer. This avoids overheating that could dry out these delightful goodies.

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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.