Indulge in the richness of these skinny pumpkin cheesecake brownies, a perfect fusion of sweet, tangy, and creamy elements. This delightful dessert offers a healthy twist on traditional brownies, incorporating pumpkin and Greek yogurt into the mix for a unique take on a classic treat.
Photos of Skinny Pumpkin Cheesecake Brownies Recipe
Most ingredients in this recipe are pantry staples, but there are a few that you might need to look for. Pure pumpkin puree is different from pumpkin pie filling, so make sure to get the unseasoned variety for a more authentic flavor. Additionally, old-fashioned rolled oats are used rather than instant oats for their texture and nutritional benefits. Lastly, 0% Greek yogurt is a healthier alternative to the usual heavy cream found in traditional brownie recipes.
Ingredients for Skinny Pumpkin Cheesecake Brownies
old-fashioned rolled oats: These oats are key to the brownie's texture, providing volume and a hearty, nutty flavor.
0% greek yogurt: Used as a low-fat, high-protein substitute for heavy cream, it gives the brownies a rich, creamy consistency.
milk: Adds moisture to the batter, helping to achieve a fudgy texture.
egg whites: Provide structure and lift to the brownies.
pure vanilla extract: Enhances the flavors of the other ingredients.
salt: Balances the sweetness and intensifies the chocolate flavor.
baking powder: Leavening agent that helps the brownies rise.
pure maple syrup: Natural sweetener that adds a subtle hint of maple flavor.
unsweetened cocoa powder: Gives the brownies their deep chocolate flavor.
pure pumpkin puree: Adds moisture and a subtle earthy flavor to the cheesecake swirl.
cream cheese: Gives the cheesecake swirl its classic tangy flavor and creamy texture.
granulated sugar: Sweetens the cheesecake swirl.
egg yolk: Adds richness and binds the cheesecake swirl ingredients together.
ground cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves: These spices bring warmth and depth to the pumpkin cheesecake swirl.
One reader, Elbert Hanson says:
These skinny pumpkin cheesecake brownies are a game-changer! The combination of rich chocolate and creamy pumpkin cheesecake is simply divine. Plus, they're guilt-free and packed with protein. A must-try for anyone looking for a healthier dessert option that doesn't compromise on flavor.
Techniques Required for Making Skinny Pumpkin Cheesecake Brownies
How to prepare brownie batter: Blend the oat flour and the rest of the brownie ingredients in a blender until smooth, scraping down the sides as needed. The batter will be thin.
How to create pumpkin cheesecake swirl: Beat together the pumpkin puree and cream cheese until smooth. Add the sugar, egg yolk, and spices, then beat until combined and creamy. Drop spoonfuls of the pumpkin mixture onto the brownie batter and swirl gently with a knife to create a marbled effect, being careful not to overmix.
How To Make Pumpkin Cheesecake Brownies
Serve up a batch of these deliciously rich and lightened pumpkin cheesecake brownies! Enjoy fall flavors in every fudgy and creamy bite.
Serves:
Ingredients
For Brownies:
- ½cupold-fashioned rolled oats
- ¾cup0% Greek yogurt,vanilla, or plain, or regular yogurt, low-fat, or nonfat
- ¼cupmilk,such as almond milk, coconut milk, cow milk, or soy milk
- 2egg whites
- 2tsppure vanilla extract
- ¼tspsalt
- 1tspbaking powder
- ½cuppure maple syrup,or agave, or honey
- ½cupunsweetened cocoa powder
For Pumpkin Cheesecake Swirl:
- ¼cuppure pumpkin puree
- 2tbspcream cheese,reduced fat, softened to room temperature
- 2tbspgranulated sugar
- 1egg yolk
- 1tspground cinnamon
- ¼tspground nutmeg
- ¼tspground cloves
Instructions
-
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Spray an 8-inch square baking pan with non-stick cooking spray or line with parchment. Set aside.
Brownies:
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Grind the oats in the food processor to produce powdery flour. Add the oat flour and the rest of the brownie ingredients into a blender. For easier blending, place the liquid ingredients into the blender first.
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Blend until the mixture is smooth and the oats are ground up. Stop the blender and scrape down the sides a few times. The batter will be very thin.
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Pour batter into prepared baking dish.
Pumpkin Cheesecake Swirl:
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Beat together the pumpkin puree and cream cheese together on high speed until smooth. Add the sugar, egg yolk, and all of the spices. Beat until combined and creamy.
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Drop the pumpkin mixture by spoonfuls onto the batter, swirling gently with a knife to create a marbled effect; trying not to overmix.
To Bake:
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Bake for 22 to 25 minutes or until the brownies begin to pull away from the sides of the pan. Cover the brownies loosely with aluminum foil at the 15-minute mark.
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The brownies will be extra fudgy, so be sure to wait until completely cooled.
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Place in the refrigerator for 1 hour, for easier cutting.
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Cut into 12 squares, serve cold, and enjoy!
Recipe Notes
- If not gluten intolerant, use ½ cup of whole wheat flour instead of oat flour.
- For sweeter brownies, add a couple more tablespoons of maple syrup to the batter.
- These brownies can be stored in the refrigerator.
Nutrition
- Calories: 95.75kcal
- Fat: 2.14g
- Saturated Fat: 1.04g
- Trans Fat: 0.00g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 0.63g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.19g
- Carbohydrates: 17.13g
- Fiber: 1.93g
- Sugar: 11.36g
- Protein: 4.08g
- Cholesterol: 16.27mg
- Sodium: 107.13mg
- Calcium: 81.97mg
- Potassium: 152.06mg
- Iron: 0.86mg
- Vitamin A: 55.39µg
- Vitamin C: 0.22mg
Essential Technique Tip for Skinny Pumpkin Cheesecake Brownies Recipe
To ensure a smooth and well-blended brownie batter, it's crucial to grind the old-fashioned rolled oats into a fine flour using a food processor before adding them to the blender. This will help to create a more uniform texture in your brownies. Additionally, when adding the ingredients to the blender, always start with the liquid ingredients. This will facilitate easier blending and prevent the dry ingredients from sticking to the bottom of the blender.
Time-Saving Tips for Preparing Pumpkin Cheesecake Brownies
Prep ahead: Prepare the pumpkin cheesecake swirl and brownie batter the night before and store them separately in the refrigerator. This will save time on the day of baking.
Use a food processor: Grind the oats and mix the brownie ingredients in a food processor for quick and easy preparation.
Bake multiple batches: Double the recipe and bake two batches at once to save time and have extra brownies on hand.
Chill for easy cutting: Chilling the brownies in the refrigerator for at least an hour will make them easier to cut into neat squares.
Freeze for later: These brownies freeze well, so consider making a larger batch and freezing some for future enjoyment.
Substitute Ingredients For Skinny Pumpkin Cheesecake Brownies Recipe
old-fashioned rolled oats - Substitute with quinoa flakes: Quinoa flakes have a similar texture and nutty flavor, making them a suitable substitute for oats in this recipe.
0% greek yogurt - Substitute with low-fat cottage cheese: Low-fat cottage cheese can provide a similar creamy texture and tangy flavor to Greek yogurt in the brownie batter.
milk - Substitute with almond milk: Almond milk can be used as a dairy-free alternative, adding a subtle nutty flavor to the brownie batter.
egg whites - Substitute with applesauce: Applesauce can act as a binding agent and add moisture to the brownie batter, replacing the function of egg whites.
pure maple syrup - Substitute with honey: Honey can provide sweetness and moisture, similar to maple syrup, while adding a distinct floral flavor to the brownie batter.
unsweetened cocoa powder - Substitute with cacao powder: Cacao powder can be used as a healthier alternative to cocoa powder, offering a rich chocolate flavor with added nutritional benefits.
pure pumpkin puree - Substitute with butternut squash puree: Butternut squash puree has a similar texture and flavor profile to pumpkin puree, making it a suitable substitute for the pumpkin cheesecake swirl.
cream cheese - Substitute with Greek yogurt cream cheese: Greek yogurt cream cheese can provide a tangy and creamy texture, similar to traditional cream cheese, for the pumpkin cheesecake swirl.
granulated sugar - Substitute with coconut sugar: Coconut sugar can be used as a natural sweetener with a lower glycemic index compared to granulated sugar, offering a healthier alternative.
egg yolk - Substitute with flaxseed meal: Flaxseed meal can act as a binding agent and add a nutty flavor, replacing the function of egg yolk in the pumpkin cheesecake swirl.
ground cinnamon - Substitute with pumpkin pie spice: Pumpkin pie spice can provide a blend of warm spices, including cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves, enhancing the seasonal flavor profile of the pumpkin cheesecake swirl.
How to Beautifully Present Skinny Pumpkin Cheesecake Brownies
Elevate the plating: When presenting the skinny pumpkin cheesecake brownies, focus on creating an elegant and visually appealing arrangement. Use a clean, white plate to provide a striking contrast to the rich brownies. Consider using a dusting of cocoa powder or a drizzle of maple syrup to add a touch of sophistication to the presentation.
Incorporate seasonal garnishes: Embrace the flavors of fall by incorporating seasonal garnishes into the presentation. Consider adding a sprig of fresh mint or a dusting of ground cinnamon to evoke the warm, comforting essence of autumn.
Emphasize precision: Pay close attention to the placement of each component on the plate. Ensure that the pumpkin cheesecake swirl is delicately swirled into the brownie batter, creating a visually stunning marbled effect that showcases the skill and precision involved in the preparation.
Utilize negative space: Embrace the concept of negative space to allow the brownies to take center stage. By strategically leaving areas of the plate bare, you can draw attention to the exquisite details of the dessert, allowing it to shine as the focal point of the presentation.
Incorporate a touch of elegance: Consider adding a final touch of elegance to the presentation by garnishing the brownies with a delicate sprinkle of edible gold leaf or a dusting of powdered sugar. This subtle addition can elevate the overall aesthetic and create a sense of luxury.
Focus on balance and harmony: Strive to achieve a sense of balance and harmony in the presentation. Pay attention to the arrangement of the brownies and the pumpkin cheesecake swirl, ensuring that each element complements the others to create a visually stunning and harmonious composition.
Essential Tools for Making Pumpkin Cheesecake Brownies
- Food processor: A food processor is a versatile kitchen appliance used for chopping, slicing, shredding, and pureeing ingredients. It can be used to grind oats to make oat flour for the brownie batter in this recipe.
- Blender: A blender is used to mix and blend the ingredients for the brownie batter, ensuring a smooth and well-combined consistency.
- 8-inch square baking pan: This baking pan is used to bake the brownies. It provides the perfect size and shape for the brownie mixture to cook evenly.
- Mixing bowl: A mixing bowl is used to combine the ingredients for the pumpkin cheesecake swirl, allowing for easy mixing and blending of the pumpkin puree, cream cheese, and spices.
- Electric mixer: An electric mixer is used to beat together the pumpkin puree, cream cheese, sugar, egg yolk, and spices for the pumpkin cheesecake swirl until smooth and creamy.
- Knife: A knife is used to swirl the pumpkin cheesecake mixture into the brownie batter, creating a marbled effect before baking.
- Aluminum foil: Aluminum foil is used to cover the brownies loosely during baking to prevent over-browning while allowing them to cook through.
How To Store and Freeze Skinny Pumpkin Cheesecake Brownies
Once the brownies have completely cooled, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. To keep them extra fresh and moist, place a slice of bread in the container with the brownies. The bread will absorb any excess moisture and keep the brownies from drying out.
For longer storage, you can refrigerate the brownies in an airtight container for up to 1 week. Allow them to come to room temperature before serving for the best texture and flavor.
To freeze the brownies, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. Label the container with the date and freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw the brownies overnight in the refrigerator and bring them to room temperature before serving.
If you want to freeze individual brownies for quick and easy snacking, cut the cooled brownies into squares and wrap each one tightly in plastic wrap. Place the wrapped brownies in a freezer-safe bag or container and freeze for up to 3 months. You can thaw individual brownies at room temperature for about an hour or in the refrigerator for a couple of hours.
To maintain the best texture and flavor of the pumpkin cheesecake swirl, avoid freezing the brownies for too long. The longer they stay in the freezer, the more likely they are to develop freezer burn or off-flavors.
How To Reheat Leftover Skinny Pumpkin Cheesecake Brownies
To reheat leftover skinny pumpkin cheesecake brownies, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the brownies on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or aluminum foil. Cover the brownies loosely with foil to prevent them from drying out. Heat the brownies in the oven for 10-15 minutes, or until they are warmed through and the cream cheese swirl is slightly melted.
Another option is to use a microwave. Place a single brownie on a microwave-safe plate and heat it on high power for 15-20 seconds. If the brownie isn't warm enough, continue heating it in 5-second intervals until it reaches your desired temperature. Be careful not to overheat the brownie, as it may become rubbery or dry.
For a crispy exterior and a warm, gooey interior, try reheating the brownies in an air fryer. Preheat the air fryer to 350°F (175°C) and place the brownies in the basket, ensuring they aren't touching each other. Heat the brownies for 2-3 minutes, or until they are warmed through and slightly crispy on the outside.
If you want to maintain the fudgy texture of the brownies, consider reheating them in a steamer. Fill a pot with a few inches of water and bring it to a simmer. Place the brownies in a heat-proof dish and set it inside the steamer basket. Cover the pot and steam the brownies for 5-7 minutes, or until they are heated through and soft.
For a quick and easy method, you can also reheat the brownies in a skillet on the stovetop. Place a single brownie in a non-stick skillet over low heat. Cover the skillet with a lid and heat the brownie for 1-2 minutes on each side, or until it is warmed through and slightly crispy on the outside. This method works well if you want to add a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top of the warm brownie for a delicious dessert.
Random Fact about Skinny Pumpkin Cheesecake Brownies
The brownies in this recipe are made healthier by using Greek yogurt instead of butter, and oats instead of traditional flour. This makes them a guilt-free treat for those looking to indulge in a sweet dessert without compromising their health goals.
Is Making Pumpkin Cheesecake Brownies at Home Cost-Effective?
This skinny pumpkin cheesecake brownies recipe is relatively cost-effective for a household. The use of ingredients like oats, Greek yogurt, and pumpkin puree provides nutritional value at an affordable price. The combination of cocoa powder and pumpkin puree also offers a unique and flavorful experience. The approximate cost for a household of 4 people would be around $15-20, making it a budget-friendly dessert option. Overall, I rate this recipe an 8 for its balance of cost and flavor.
Are Pumpkin Cheesecake Brownies Healthy or Unhealthy?
This skinny pumpkin cheesecake brownie recipe is a healthier twist on a classic dessert. Here's an analysis of its nutritional value:
- The recipe uses whole grain oats, which provide fiber and nutrients.
- Greek yogurt and milk add protein and calcium while keeping the brownies moist.
- Egg whites are used instead of whole eggs, reducing the cholesterol and fat content.
- Pure maple syrup is a natural sweetener, offering a healthier alternative to refined sugar.
- Unsweetened cocoa powder provides rich chocolate flavor without added sugar.
- The pumpkin cheesecake swirl incorporates vitamin-rich pumpkin puree and a small amount of cream cheese for a creamy texture.
However, there are a few areas where the recipe could be improved:
- Replacing the granulated sugar in the pumpkin cheesecake swirl with a natural sweetener like maple syrup or honey would further reduce the refined sugar content.
- Using reduced-fat cream cheese instead of regular cream cheese would lower the overall fat content of the brownies.
- Incorporating additional healthy ingredients, such as chopped nuts or seeds, could boost the nutritional value and provide healthy fats and protein.
To make this recipe even healthier, consider the following suggestions:
- Substitute the all-purpose flour with whole wheat pastry flour or almond flour for added fiber and nutrients.
- Reduce the amount of maple syrup in the brownie batter and replace it with mashed ripe bananas or applesauce for natural sweetness.
- Add a handful of dark chocolate chips or cacao nibs to the batter for an extra antioxidant boost.
- Experiment with using pureed avocado or coconut oil instead of cream cheese in the pumpkin swirl for a healthier fat source.
- Top the brownies with a sprinkle of chopped pecans or walnuts for added crunch and healthy fats.
Editor's Opinion on Skinny Pumpkin Cheesecake Brownies Recipe
This recipe for skinny pumpkin cheesecake brownies is a delightful fusion of rich, indulgent flavors and wholesome ingredients. The use of oats and Greek yogurt in the brownie batter adds a nutritious twist, while the pumpkin cheesecake swirl introduces a luscious, seasonal element. The balance of cocoa and pumpkin spice creates a harmonious blend of autumnal flavors. The result is a guilt-free treat that doesn't compromise on taste. The marbled effect of the pumpkin cheesecake swirl adds visual appeal, making these brownies a perfect addition to any fall gathering.
Enhance Your Skinny Pumpkin Cheesecake Brownies Recipe with These Unique Side Dishes:
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Why trust this Skinny Pumpkin Cheesecake Brownies Recipe:
This recipe offers a guilt-free indulgence with 0% Greek yogurt and pure pumpkin puree for a creamy texture. The use of unsweetened cocoa powder and pure maple syrup ensures a rich, decadent flavor without the guilt. The incorporation of old-fashioned rolled oats adds a wholesome element, while the ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, and ground cloves infuse warm, seasonal spices. The careful blending process and marbling technique guarantee a visually stunning and deliciously satisfying treat. With a perfect balance of flavors and textures, this recipe promises a delightful experience for all pumpkin and cheesecake enthusiasts.
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