Pumpkin Brownies Recipe

Gooey Chocolate Pumpkin Brownies Recipe: Fall’s Sweet Delight

These decadent pumpkin brownies merge autumn’s warmth with chocolate’s rich embrace, creating a dessert that whispers comfort.

Unexpected combinations often spark culinary magic in unexpected ways.

Chocolate and pumpkin dance together, weaving a tapestry of deep, complex flavors that surprise and delight.

Moist, fudgy textures promise an indulgent experience beyond typical seasonal treats.

Subtle spices hint at cozy afternoons and crisp evenings spent around the kitchen.

Baking these brownies invites creativity and joy into your kitchen.

Let this recipe become your new fall favorite that everyone will request again and again.

Why Pumpkin Brownies Are A Fall Favorite

  • Swirl Up Seasonal Delight: These pumpkin brownies transform classic chocolate brownies into a festive autumn treat that combines rich chocolate with warm, spicy pumpkin flavors in every bite.
  • Effortlessly Impressive Dessert: Perfect for home bakers of all skill levels, this recipe requires minimal technical skills while delivering a stunning marbled presentation that looks professionally made.
  • Quick Crowd-Pleaser: Ready in just about 45 minutes from start to finish, these brownies are an ideal last-minute dessert for gatherings, potlucks, or weekend family treats that will impress everyone without demanding hours of preparation.
  • Customize Your Comfort: Versatile enough to serve as a cozy fall dessert or dress up with optional toppings like whipped cream or vanilla ice cream, making it adaptable for casual and slightly more elegant occasions.

Everything In Pumpkin Brownies

Dry Ingredients:
  • All-Purpose Flour: Provides structure and texture to the brownies, essential for a perfect base.
  • Cocoa Powder: Delivers rich chocolate flavor and deep brown color to the brownie batter.
  • Baking Powder: Helps the brownies rise and creates a light, tender crumb.
  • Salt: Enhances overall flavor and balances the sweetness of the brownies.
Wet Ingredients:
  • Butter, Sugar: Classic combination that creates a rich, tender base for the brownies.
  • Eggs: Bind ingredients together and add moisture to the batter.
  • Vanilla Extract: Adds depth and warmth to the overall flavor profile.
Pumpkin Layer Ingredients:
  • Pumpkin Puree, Pumpkin Pie Spice, Cinnamon: Bring classic autumn flavors and warm spices to the brownie, creating a seasonal twist.
  • Sugar, Egg, Vanilla Extract: Complement the pumpkin and add sweetness and richness to the swirl layer.

Easy Steps For Pumpkin Brownies

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Crank up your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grab a 9×13-inch baking pan and line it with parchment paper or give it a generous coating of cooking spray. This prepares the perfect stage for your delicious creation.

Step 2: Create Chocolate Base

Grab a mixing bowl and get ready to craft your chocolatey foundation. You’ll need:
  • Melted butter
  • Sugar
  • Eggs
  • Vanilla extract
  • Cocoa powder
  • All-purpose flour
  • Baking powder
  • Salt

Whisk the melted butter and sugar until they become best friends. Add eggs one at a time, mixing thoroughly. Stir in vanilla. In a separate bowl, combine dry ingredients. Gently fold the dry mixture into the wet ingredients until just combined. Set this chocolate magic aside.

Step 3: Whip Up Pumpkin Swirl

In another bowl, blend together:
  • Pumpkin puree
  • Sugar
  • Egg
  • Vanilla extract
  • Pumpkin pie spice
  • Cinnamon
  • Pinch of salt

Mix until smooth and creamy, creating a luscious autumn-inspired layer.

Step 4: Layer and Swirl

Pour about two-thirds of the chocolate batter into your prepared pan, spreading it evenly. Dollop the pumpkin mixture across the surface. Add remaining chocolate batter on top. Take a butter knife and gently swirl the layers, creating a mesmerizing marbled pattern that looks as good as it tastes.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Slide the pan into the preheated oven. Bake for 30-35 minutes. You’ll know they’re done when a toothpick comes out with just a few moist crumbs. Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan – patience is key!

Step 6: Serve and Indulge

Slice into 12-16 squares of pure bliss. For an extra touch of decadence, top with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. These bars are guaranteed to make taste buds dance with joy!

Pro Tip: These bars taste even better the next day, so don’t be afraid to make them in advance. Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.

Smart Tips For Pumpkin Brownies

  • Optimize Pumpkin Puree: Drain excess moisture from canned pumpkin by placing it on paper towels to prevent watery brownies and ensure a rich, dense texture.
  • Master the Swirl Technique: Use a butter knife or toothpick to create gentle, random swirls without overmixing, which maintains distinct pumpkin and chocolate layers.
  • Boost Flavor Complexity: Enhance the pumpkin spice by adding a pinch of ground nutmeg or cardamom for a more sophisticated, warm autumn taste profile.
  • Customize Dietary Needs: Substitute gluten-free flour for regular flour and use dairy-free butter alternatives to make these brownies accessible for different dietary restrictions.
  • Perfect Baking Timing: Check brownies early and remove from oven when a few moist crumbs remain to guarantee a fudgy, not dry, dessert texture.

How To Keep Pumpkin Brownies Soft

  • Refrigerate brownies in an airtight container for up to 5 days to maintain their delicious texture and flavor.
  • Cover the container tightly with plastic wrap or a sealed lid to prevent moisture loss and keep the brownies soft and moist.
  • For longer storage, freeze the brownies by wrapping each piece individually in plastic wrap, then placing them in a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag.
  • Frozen brownies can stay fresh for up to 3 months – simply thaw at room temperature for about 30 minutes before enjoying.
  • Pro tip: Place a piece of parchment paper between layers when storing to prevent the brownies from sticking together and preserve their perfect swirled appearance.

Top Matches For Pumpkin Brownies

  • Brew Cozy Chai Companion: A warm, spiced chai latte perfectly complements the rich pumpkin and chocolate flavors, enhancing the brownie's warm autumnal notes with its creamy, aromatic profile.
  • Scoop Vanilla Dream Topping: Creamy vanilla ice cream provides a cool, smooth contrast to the dense brownie texture, balancing the warmth of pumpkin pie spices and intensifying the dessert's decadence.
  • Pair Caramel Crunch Contrast: Sprinkle toasted pecans or serve alongside caramel sauce to add a nutty crunch and sweet depth that elevates the brownie's complex flavor landscape.
  • Pour Espresso Intensity: A strong shot of espresso or dark roast coffee cuts through the sweetness, highlighting the rich chocolate and bringing out the subtle pumpkin undertones with its robust character.

Fresh Twists On Pumpkin Brownies

  • Nutty Pumpkin Brownies: Add chopped pecans or walnuts to the brownie batter for a crunchy texture and rich, earthy flavor.
  • Chocolate Chip Pumpkin Brownies: Sprinkle semi-sweet or dark chocolate chips throughout the batter for extra chocolate intensity.
  • Cream Cheese Pumpkin Brownies: Swirl softened cream cheese into the pumpkin mixture for a tangy, creamy element that complements the chocolate and pumpkin.
  • Salted Caramel Pumpkin Brownies: Drizzle homemade or store-bought salted caramel sauce over the cooled brownies for a decadent, sweet-salty finish.

Common Questions On Pumpkin Brownies

  • What makes pumpkin brownies different from regular brownies?

Pumpkin brownies combine the rich chocolate flavor of traditional brownies with the warm, spicy notes of pumpkin pie. The pumpkin adds moisture, creates a unique marbled look, and introduces a subtle autumn-inspired taste that elevates the classic brownie.

  • Can I make these brownies gluten-free?

Yes, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Just ensure the blend is suitable for baking and use a 1:1 replacement ratio. The pumpkin and other ingredients will remain the same, maintaining the brownie’s delicious flavor.

  • How do I know when the pumpkin brownies are perfectly baked?

Look for a toothpick that comes out with a few moist crumbs when inserted into the center. The edges should be slightly pulling away from the pan, and the top should look set but not completely dry. Overbaking will result in dry brownies, so watch them carefully in the last few minutes.

  • Are pumpkin brownies suitable for people who don't like pumpkin pie?

Absolutely! These brownies have a subtle pumpkin flavor that complements the chocolate, rather than overwhelming it.

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Pumpkin Brownies Recipe

Pumpkin Brownies Recipe


5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.7 from 8 reviews

  • Total Time: 50 minutes
  • Yield: 16 1x

Description

Harvest season brings magic with Pumpkin Brownies, a delightful dessert blending rich chocolate and warm autumn spices. Moist chocolate layers dance with pumpkin swirls, offering you a perfectly balanced sweet treat that celebrates seasonal comfort.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 1 cup (225 grams / 8 ounces) unsalted butter, melted
  • 2 cups (400 grams) granulated sugar
  • 4 large eggs, at room temperature
  • 1 cup (120 grams) cocoa powder
  • 1 cup (125 grams / 4.4 ounces) all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup (240 grams / 8.5 ounces) pumpkin puree

Spices and Seasonings:

  • 1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • ½ teaspoon baking powder
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract

Sweeteners:

  • ⅓ cup (65 grams) granulated sugar
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • Pinch of salt

Instructions

  1. Prepare the baking environment by heating the oven to 350F (175C) and lining a 9×13-inch pan with parchment paper, ensuring complete coverage and smooth edges.
  2. Craft the chocolate base by whisking melted butter and sugar until silky. Incorporate eggs individually, blending thoroughly after each addition. Fold in vanilla extract with gentle motions.
  3. Create a dry mixture of cocoa powder, flour, baking powder, and salt, sifting ingredients to eliminate potential lumps. Gradually integrate dry components into wet mixture, stirring until a uniform, glossy batter emerges.
  4. Develop the pumpkin layer by combining pumpkin puree with sugar, egg, vanilla, pumpkin pie spice, cinnamon, and a delicate pinch of salt. Whisk until the mixture achieves a smooth, consistent texture.
  5. Construct the layered dessert by spreading two-thirds of chocolate batter across the prepared pan. Delicately distribute pumpkin mixture in artistic dollops over the chocolate foundation.
  6. Create visual intrigue by adding remaining chocolate batter and using a butter knife to marble the layers, generating swirling patterns that intertwine pumpkin and chocolate.
  7. Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, monitoring until a inserted toothpick reveals minimal moisture with a few tender crumbs clinging to its surface.
  8. Allow brownies to cool completely within the pan, permitting structural integrity to develop and flavors to meld.
  9. Slice into elegant squares, presenting with optional accompaniments like whipped cream or vanilla ice cream for an elevated dessert experience.

Notes

  • Ensure butter is completely melted and cooled before mixing to prevent scrambling eggs and maintain smooth batter consistency.
  • Use high-quality cocoa powder for rich, deep chocolate flavor that complements the pumpkin swirl perfectly.
  • Gently swirl the batters with a butter knife in figure-eight motions to create beautiful marbled patterns without overmixing.
  • For gluten-free version, substitute all-purpose flour with almond flour or gluten-free baking blend to maintain similar texture and structure.
  • Control sweetness by reducing sugar slightly or using alternative sweeteners like maple syrup or coconut sugar for healthier option.
  • Enhance pumpkin spice flavor by adding extra ground ginger or nutmeg for more complex, warming undertones.
  • Store brownies in airtight container at room temperature for 3-4 days or refrigerate for up to a week to maintain moisture and freshness.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 35 minutes
  • Category: Desserts, Snacks
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 16
  • Calories: 234
  • Sugar: 16 g
  • Sodium: 80 mg
  • Fat: 12 g
  • Saturated Fat: 7 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 30 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 3 g
  • Cholesterol: 45 mg
Emily Morgan

Emily Morgan

Food Critic & Kitchen Tips Specialist

Expertise

Global Food Exploration & Critique, Simple Kitchen Hacks & Time-Saving Tips, Presentation & Plating Techniques, Culinary Research & Storytelling.

Education

New York University

  • Program: Bachelor’s in Journalism
  • Focus: Combined foundational journalism training with deep dives into global food traditions, restaurant criticism, and the cultural role of cuisine.

Emily Morgan has journeyed across the globe, collecting culinary secrets that turn everyday ingredients into impressive meals.

Based in Seattle and armed with a Journalism degree from NYU, she blends thorough research with a flair for presentation, ensuring every dish looks just as good as it tastes.

Focusing on fresh flavors, simple methods, and a bit of fun, Emily shows home cooks how to elevate their daily cooking without fancy gadgets or complex steps.

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