Pumpkin Brownies

Photo Credit: mybakingaddiction.com

Ingredients: 

Brownies: 

• 4 ounces unsweetened chocolate; coarsely chopped
• 3/4 cup unsalted butter, cut into cubes
• 1 1/4 cups sugar
• 3 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup Gold Medal all-purpose flour

Pumpkin Swirl:

• 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
• 1/2 cup pumpkin puree
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1 1/2 teaspoons homemade pumpkin pie spice
• 1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

Ganache:

• 4 ounces semisweet chocolate, chopped
• 1/2 cup heavy cream

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Line an 8×8 inch baking pan with foil and spray with nonstick cooking spray.
   
2. Microwave chocolate and butter in a large microwave-safe bowl at medium (50% power) for 3-4 minutes or until butter is melted. While the chocolate is melting, prepare the pumpkin layer. In a medium bowl, combine cream cheese, pumpkin puree, sugar, pumpkin pie spice and vanilla. Beat with an electric mixer well combined and smooth. Set aside.
   
3. Once the butter is melted, remove the bowl from the microwave and stir until chocolate is melted. Whisk in sugar, eggs, vanilla and salt. Gradually add in flour; stir until just combined.
   
4. Spread 3/4 the batter into prepared pan. Spoon pumpkin filling by tablespoonfuls evenly over batter. Spoon remaining brownie batter over filling. Use a knife or wooden skewer to cut through the batter several times in different directions to create a swirled pattern. Bake in preheated oven for 30-35 minutes - do not overbake
   
5. Remove to cooling rack to cool completely. Before serving, prepare the ganache.
   
6. To make the ganache, pour the chopped chocolate into a medium mixing bowl, set aside. Pour the heavy cream into a microwave safe measuring cup (Pyrex) and microwave on high for about 1 minute or until bubbles begin to form on the surface. Take care to not overheat because the cream will boil over. Pour the hot cream over the chocolate and allow it to sit for about 3 minutes. Use a small whisk to combine the mixture into a smooth chocolate glaze. Spoon the ganache over the brownies.

Original Recipe: mybakingaddiction.com