Description
Brownie Bottom Pumpkin Cheesecake is a luscious fall dessert that combines a fudgy chocolate brownie base with a creamy, warmly spiced pumpkin cheesecake layer. Perfect for autumn gatherings and holidays, this easy-to-make treat balances rich chocolate with classic pumpkin spices for an unforgettable seasonal indulgence.
Ingredients
Scale
Brownie Base
- 1 box brownie mix or homemade brownie batter (enough for one 9-inch pan)
- Non-stick spray or butter for greasing the pan
Pumpkin Cheesecake Filling
- 16 oz (450g) cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup (245g) pumpkin puree (not pumpkin pie filling)
- 3/4 cup (150g) granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
Optional Add-ins and Variations
- Chopped pecans or walnuts (for nutty twist)
- Extra ginger or allspice (to boost spice)
- Melted dark chocolate (for chocolate swirl)
- Gluten-free brownie mix (for gluten-free option)
- Plant-based cream cheese and flax eggs (for vegan adaptation)
Instructions
- Prepare the Brownie Base: Mix your brownie batter according to package or homemade recipe instructions. Pour the batter into a greased 9-inch springform pan and bake partially to create a sturdy yet soft base.
- Mix the Pumpkin Cheesecake Filling: In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth. Add pumpkin puree, sugar, eggs, vanilla extract, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves. Mix until fully combined and creamy.
- Layer and Bake Together: Pour the pumpkin cheesecake filling evenly over the cooled brownie base. Smooth the top, then bake until the cheesecake is set but still slightly jiggly in the center.
- Cool Completely: Let the cheesecake cool at room temperature. Then refrigerate for several hours or overnight to develop flavors and firm up.
- Serve and Enjoy: Carefully remove the cheesecake from the pan. Slice to showcase the distinct brownie bottom and creamy pumpkin layers, then serve as desired.
Notes
- Don’t overbake: The cheesecake should still have a slight wobble in the center when removed from the oven.
- Use room temperature ingredients for a smooth and lump-free filling.
- Line the pan with parchment paper for easier removal and clean edges.
- Chill overnight for best sliceability and flavor melding.
- Optional water bath during baking helps prevent cracks and maintains moist texture.
- To cut clean slices, dip a sharp knife in hot water and wipe between each cut.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 piece (1/12 of cake)
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sugar: 25 g
- Sodium: 210 mg
- Fat: 22 g
- Saturated Fat: 12 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 35 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 5 g
- Cholesterol: 85 mg
Keywords: pumpkin cheesecake, brownie bottom cheesecake, fall dessert, autumn recipe, pumpkin spice cheesecake, holiday dessert