Recipe and Photo Copyright by Elizabeth Barbone
Of course, candy makes Halloween sweet but there’s nothing quite like a homemade baked treat. These gluten-free pumpkin spice cheesecake brownies are beloved by kids of all ages—especially by those too old to trick or treat*.
These brownies are ridiculously easy to make. Just prepare one box of Price Chopper gluten-free brownie mix and top it with a pumpkin cheesecake mixture. To make the cheesecake, you combine cream cheese (regular or low fat), canned pumpkin, an egg, some sugar, and pumpkin spice. That’s it! Simply spread the cheesecake mixture on the brownie batter and swirl both batters together lightly with a knife. Pop the pan into a preheated oven and in about forty minutes, you’re rewarded with a rich treat that’s worthy of any holiday.
Although they’re hard to resist, these brownies taste better the day after they’re made. Allow the brownies to cool, cut into squares, and chill overnight. If you can’t wait to serve them, be sure to allow them to cool before serving. Right out of the oven, the cheesecake filling is soft and difficult to cut.
By the way, you’ll have a little canned pumpkin left after you make these brownies. So I included a recipe for a pumpkin spice smoothie.
*Speaking of trick or treat, be sure to check that the candy your child receives on Halloween is safe for his or her gluten-free diet. Jane Anderson at About.com put together an updated list for October 2014. (View the list here.)
Gluten-Free Pumpkin Spice Cheesecake Brownies
For the Brownie Base
nonstick cooking spray
1 box Price Chopper Gluten-Free brownie mix
2 large eggs
1/2 cup Price Chopper butter, melted and cooled
For the Pumpkin Cheesecake Topping
6 ounces Price Chopper cream cheese, regular or low-fat neufatel cheese
1 cup Price Chopper canned pumpkin (not pumpkin pie filling)
1 large egg
4 tablespoons granulated sugar
2 teaspoons pumpkin pie spice
Of course, candy makes Halloween sweet but there’s nothing quite like a homemade baked treat. These gluten-free pumpkin spice cheesecake brownies are beloved by kids of all ages—especially by those too old to trick or treat*.
These brownies are ridiculously easy to make. Just prepare one box of Price Chopper gluten-free brownie mix and top it with a pumpkin cheesecake mixture. To make the cheesecake, you combine cream cheese (regular or low fat), canned pumpkin, an egg, some sugar, and pumpkin spice. That’s it! Simply spread the cheesecake mixture on the brownie batter and swirl both batters together lightly with a knife. Pop the pan into a preheated oven and in about forty minutes, you’re rewarded with a rich treat that’s worthy of any holiday.
Although they’re hard to resist, these brownies taste better the day after they’re made. Allow the brownies to cool, cut into squares, and chill overnight. If you can’t wait to serve them, be sure to allow them to cool before serving. Right out of the oven, the cheesecake filling is soft and difficult to cut.
By the way, you’ll have a little canned pumpkin left after you make these brownies. So I included a recipe for a pumpkin spice smoothie.
*Speaking of trick or treat, be sure to check that the candy your child receives on Halloween is safe for his or her gluten-free diet. Jane Anderson at About.com put together an updated list for October 2014. (View the list here.)
Gluten-Free Pumpkin Spice Cheesecake Brownies
For the Brownie Base
nonstick cooking spray
1 box Price Chopper Gluten-Free brownie mix
2 large eggs
1/2 cup Price Chopper butter, melted and cooled
For the Pumpkin Cheesecake Topping
6 ounces Price Chopper cream cheese, regular or low-fat neufatel cheese
1 cup Price Chopper canned pumpkin (not pumpkin pie filling)
1 large egg
4 tablespoons granulated sugar
2 teaspoons pumpkin pie spice
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Spray a 8x8x2-inch square pan with nonstick cooking spray. Set aside.
- Prepare the brownie base: Combine brownie mix, eggs, and melted butter in a medium mixing bowl. Mix, either with a wooden spoon or electric mixer, until smooth. Spread 3/4 of brownie batter into the bottom of prepared pan. Set remaining batter aside.
- Prepare the pumpkin cheesecake topping: Cream the cream cheese until smooth in a small mixing bowl. Add the pumpkin and mix until smooth. Add the egg, granulated sugar, and pumpkin spice. Mix until smooth and well combined.
- Spread pumpkin cheesecake mixture over brownie base. Drop remaining batter, about one tablespoon each, over pumpkin cheesecake topping. Gently Drag a knife through the brownie base and cheesecake topping to marble.
- Bake until a knife inserted into the center of the brownies comes out clean, about 45 minutes.
- Remove pan from oven and place on a wire rack to cool. Chill overnight, cut into bars, and enjoy. Store leftover brownies covered and in the refrigerator for up to four days.
- Combine all ingredients in a blender. Blend on medium speed until smooth. Divide between two glasses and enjoy!