Vegan pumpkin cheesecake brownies for a fall-inspired dessert

I remember the first time I tried to bake something fancy. Picture this: I’m standing in my kitchen at a delightful time of fall, cozy via my favorite socks, inspired by a Pinterest recipe that claimed to be “super easy.” Spoiler alert: it totally wasn’t. Flour was everywhere, my hair was probably standing on end, and my cat was staring me down as if I had personally offended him. I ended up with a loaf that looked like a dense, confused brick. Did it taste good? Well, let’s just say that it tasted… *unique*. That’s how my love-hate relationship with baking began.

Fast forward a few mishaps later, I stumbled upon the recipe for Vegan pumpkin cheesecake brownies. It was like a divine light shone down from the heavens. I thought, “This is it, this is my moment!” Not only did it promise to be delicious, but it also had the word “brownie” in the title. *Le sigh*, all my childhood dreams in one dish! So, I rolled up my sleeves, dusted off my apron (which usually just hangs there for decoration), and embarked on my brownie journey. If I could make these beauties, I could finally redeem myself in the culinary world.

To say these Vegan pumpkin cheesecake brownies are a hit would be an understatement. They’ve become a staple in my recipe arsenal. What’s better than combining the flavors of pumpkin spice—think warm sweaters and falling leaves—with the rich, creamy goodness of cheesecake? Trust me on this one; your taste buds will leap for joy! I mean, who wouldn’t want a slice of autumn on their plate? Let me show you why these brownies might just become your new go-to comfort dessert.

Why Vegan Pumpkin Cheesecake Brownies Are Great

– **They’re ridiculously easy to make** – Honestly, if I can pull this off without turning my whole kitchen into a confetti explosion, so can you!
– **They’ll impress your friends and family** – When you offer these, expect gasps of disbelief and declarations of chef status. You might just find yourself being the “baking guru” of your friend group.
– **Perfect for fall and all year round** – Sure, they scream autumn, but who says you can’t have pumpkin-spice dreams in April?
– **Surprisingly healthy** – Eating these tasty treats feels like indulging while still being nice to your body. Pumpkin and nut butter? Let’s just say they come with bonus health perks!
– **You can customize them** – Feel free to throw in chocolate chips or nuts if you’re in the mood for a delightful surprise in every bite. What’s better than a little extra magic in your desserts?

Preparation & Cooking Time

– Total Time: 45 minutes
– Preparation Time: 15 minutes
– Cooking Time: 30 minutes
– Servings: 12 servings
– Calories per serving: Approximately 150-175 calories
– Key Nutrients: Protein: 3g
– Carbs: 22g
– Fat: 7g

Ingredients You Need

Alright, ready for a quick shopping adventure? Here’s the list of treasures you’re going to need:
– 1 can of pure pumpkin puree – The star of the show, bringing all those fall vibes!
– 1 cup of almond butter – Yep, this is the creamy goodness that holds everything together.
– 1 cup of maple syrup – This isn’t just a sweetener; it’s liquid sunshine for your brownies.
– ¼ cup of cocoa powder – Because brownies need chocolate, no question!
– 1 teaspoon of baking powder – The magic dust for fluffiness!
– ½ teaspoon of vanilla extract – It’s like a hug in liquid form.
– 1 teaspoon of pumpkin pie spice – For that homey, warm flavor that screams cozy nights!
– Pinch of salt – A little contrast to bring all the flavors alive!
– 1 block of vegan cream cheese – This part is key for the cheesecake swirl, adding a heavenly layer.
– Optional chocolate chips – If you’re feeling daring, go ahead and toss them in!

Ingredient Highlights & Variations

Let’s dive into the details about some of these ingredients because they’re special in their own right!
– **Pumpkin Puree:** This isn’t just a holiday classic; it’s packed with beta-carotene. It’ll have you brightening up even the gloomiest of days! Plus, it’s naturally sweet, making it an easy way to befriend your sweet tooth.
– **Almond Butter:** It’s not just for toast. This nutty delight adds a silky texture and is loaded with healthy fats. Who knew that being healthy could taste this good? If you’re not a fan, feel free to experiment with peanut butter or sunflower seed butter.
– **Maple Syrup:** This liquid gold is not just for pancakes. It brings a neutral sweetness that complements the earthy pumpkin beautifully. A little secret? You can also use agave nectar or a sugar substitute if you’re feeling adventurous.
– **Pumpkin Pie Spice:** This delightful mix is a must-have for the season. If you don’t have it, just blend some cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and a hint of cloves because who needs store-bought when you can craft your own?
– **Vegan Cream Cheese:** This creamy marvel is the bridge to cheesecakey goodness without the dairy. Feel free to switch it up with a vegan Greek yogurt for added tanginess!

Step-by-Step Instructions

Here comes the best part—the fun and simple steps to create your vegan pumpkin cheesecake brownies!
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Let’s get that party started!
2. In a bowl, mix together pumpkin puree, almond butter, maple syrup, and vanilla extract. Stir like it’s the most crucial potion you’ll ever make.
3. Add in the cocoa powder, baking powder, pumpkin pie spice, and salt. Mix until it’s smooth and filled with autumn vibes.
4. Grab a separate bowl for the cheesecake layer. Beat the vegan cream cheese until silky, then sweeten it with a little extra maple syrup. You’ll want this mixture to be dreamy!
5. Pour half the brownie batter into a prepared baking dish—use parchment paper for easy removal later.
6. Spoon dollops of cream cheese mixture over the brownie batter, followed by the remaining brownie batter on top. Swirl it to create those gorgeous marbled effects.
7. Bake for about 30 minutes or until the edges are slightly set (taking care not to overbake, because no one likes dry brownies).
8. Let them cool for a bit (good luck on that) before slicing into squares.
9. Optional: Garnish with festive sprinkles or a drizzle of chocolate for added flair.

How to Serve It

Now that you’ve got your scrumptious brownies, let’s talk about serving them in style!
– Serve them warm, with a dollop of vegan whip cream on top and a sprinkle of cinnamon. It’s like a warm hug from your grandma!
– Pair them with some hot coffee or a comforting cup of tea—perfect for that brunch date or cozy night in.
– Feeling fancy? Arrange them on a cute plate adorned with fall leaves. They’ll look like they’ve just come down from baking heaven.
– Want to share your creation? Cut them into fun shapes with cookie cutters for an unexpected twist!
– Don’t forget to enjoy them while cozied up in your favorite blanket—seriously, it’s a non-negotiable step!

FAQ

Can I use regular cream cheese instead of vegan?
Of course, if you’re not vegan, go for it! Just be prepared for a cheesecake experience that might come with a bit of a different vibe.

Can I use pumpkin spice extract if I don’t have the spice blend?
Using extract is a convenient way to infuse that flavor. Just remember to adjust based on how strong it is—nobody wants a pumpkin extract bomb!

What’s a good substitute for almond butter?
Peanut butter or cashew butter work like a charm! Who said we can’t play bedroom buddy with nut butter?

Can I freeze these brownies?
Yes, you can! They can be stored in the freezer and will thaw beautifully for future delicious cravings—perfect if you want to make a double batch.

I don’t have maple syrup. What now?
Relax, my friend. Just swap it with agave, honey, or even coconut sugar mixed with a splash of liquid for sweetness. You still got options!

Conclusion

Now that we’ve walked through the ins and outs of creating these incredible Vegan pumpkin cheesecake brownies together, I hope you’re feeling inspired to give them a whirl. Trust me when I say, every bite transports you straight to a fall wonderland. I love to enjoy these treats with family and friends, swapping stories and laughter around the table while the tempting aroma fills the room. I can’t wait to hear how you personalize your brownies or the funny kitchen mishaps you encounter along the way. It’s all part of the joy of cooking. Comment below with your results—let’s keep the deliciousness rolling!