Pumpkin-Kissed Cheesecake Brownies

This picture is a sweet sweet smell of a challenge. I was given an half-eaten bag of pumpkin spice Hershey kisses the other day by a sweet sweet friend of mine. She seemed to be in a panic. "I don't know what to do with these Lauren!" "I haven't been able to sleep at night because I know these would be so good in something, but I can't come up with anything. I need you!!!" Ok, so it really wasn't that epic, but it sure was exciting. Either way, I still had a daunting task before me. I needed to make something slightly heavenly out of these amazing little pumpkin flavored delights. Time to get to work.

First of all, I figured that nothing goes better with pumpkin...then pumpkin pie itself! Luckily my pantry was well-equipped for this little experimental shindig. My mind is still a'rollin.

Brownies! Of course! So, I whipped up a batch of homemade brownies. (Ok, I lie...I used a box) Then I found some cream cheese, made a little topping, and into the oven. I felt as if I was awaiting my death sentence or coronation. Not sure which yet.

And then, I decided that I should probably melt some of these pumpkin kisses and drizzle it on top of the brownies, if they actually decided to bake properly...still anxious at this point.

(Giggling inside) I can't say that I've ever experienced something quite like this in my entire life. It's the perfect combination of three desserts: pumpkin pie, brownies, and cheesecake. If I had words to describe how these make me feel inside, I would share them. But, I don't, so I can't help you. You might just have to try them out yourself ;)

Pumpkin-Kissed Cheesecake Brownies

Items Needed:

• One box Fudge brownies
• Oil, water, and eggs called for on the box
• 1 (8 ounce) package softened cream cheese
• 1/4 cup sugar
• 1/2 cup Libby's Pumpkin Pie Mix
• 1/2 tsp. vanilla
• 1 egg
• About 30 Hershey's Pumpkin Spice Hershey Kisses

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 350* F. Grease a 9x13 inch pan with cooking spray.
2. Prepare brownies as directed on the package, spread evenly into prepared pan.
3. Combine softened cream cheese and sugar with electric mixer. Beat until light and fluffy, about one minutes.
4. Add pumpkin pie mix, egg, and vanilla.
5. Pour cream cheese mixture over brownie batter and cut with knife to incorporate the two batters together, it may be a little difficult because they are two different thicknesses...stick with it...you can do it!)
6. Plop about 16 Hershey Kisses into the batter, pushing down slightly.
7. Bake for 40-45 minutes or until center is firm to the touch, do not over bake.
8. Let cool for one hour before cutting. Cut with a sharp knife, cleaning knife after every cut to obtain nice clean cut brownies.)
9. Next, melt about 15 Kisses for about 20 seconds intervals in the microwave. Drizzle over cooled and cut brownies.
10. Serve and be served compliments, that's usually how it works ;)
    
    

These went over like a giant hit. Look below, do you see that Hershey Kiss popping out. Oh-la-la.

The only thing that's left? A Miss Cupcake sticker! Now, they are ready!