Ingredients
Brownie Batter
- ½ cup melted salted butter
- 1 cup dark chocolate chips (divided as 1 cup and ½ cup)
- 2 eggs
- 1 cup coconut sugar (or granulated sugar)
- 2 tbsp dark cocoa powder
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ¼ cup gluten free flour
- ¼ tsp espresso powder (optional, based on typical brownie recipes)
Cheesecake Layer
- 8 ounces cream cheese, room temperature
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 3 tbsp gluten free flour
- 1 egg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ½ cup pumpkin purée
- ½ tsp cinnamon
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8-inch square baking pan with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make removal easy.
- Melt Chocolate and Butter: In a bowl, combine the melted salted butter and 1 cup of dark chocolate chips. Stir until creamy and fully melted. If needed, microwave in 10 to 15 second intervals to help melt completely. Set aside to cool slightly.
- Mix Eggs and Sugar: In another mixing bowl, whisk the eggs and coconut sugar vigorously for 2 to 3 minutes until the mixture becomes light and frothy. This helps to create a light texture in the brownies.
- Combine Chocolate Mixture: Add the melted chocolate and butter mixture to the eggs and sugar. Stir gently to combine all the ingredients evenly.
- Add Dry Ingredients: Incorporate the dark cocoa powder, vanilla extract, gluten free flour, and espresso powder (if using). Stir until the batter is smooth and well combined.
- Layer the Brownie Batter: Spread about three-quarters of the brownie batter evenly into the prepared pan. Smooth it out with a spatula to create an even base.
- Prepare Cheesecake Layer: In a clean mixing bowl, beat together cream cheese, granulated sugar, gluten free flour, egg, and vanilla extract using an electric mixer until smooth and combined.
- Add Pumpkin and Spice: Mix the pumpkin purée and cinnamon into the cream cheese mixture. Beat just until combined to avoid overmixing, which can affect texture.
- Assemble Layers: Spread the pumpkin cheesecake mixture evenly over the brownie base. Then, drop spoonfuls of the remaining brownie batter on top of the cheesecake layer and use a knife to gently swirl the batters together, creating a marbled effect.
- Bake the Brownies: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 36 to 40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out mostly clean with a few moist crumbs.
- Cool and Serve: Remove the brownies from the oven and allow them to cool completely before slicing. This helps the layers to set and makes for easier cutting.
Notes
- You can substitute coconut sugar with granulated sugar if desired.
- Ensure the cream cheese is at room temperature to achieve a smoother cheesecake layer.
- For a more intense chocolate flavor, use high-quality dark chocolate chips.
- Espresso powder is optional but enhances the chocolate depth.
- Use gluten-free flour blend suitable for baking to maintain texture.
- Store leftovers covered at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerate for up to a week.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free