Name: Pumpkin Brownies
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: PT-488852H14M11S
Total time: PT-488852H14M11S
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup all-purpose flour; ½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder; ½ tsp baking powder; ¼ tsp salt; ½ cup butter, melted; 1 cup granulated sugar; ½ cup brown sugar; 2 large eggs; 1 tsp vanilla extract; ¾ cup pumpkin purée (unsweetened); 1 tsp pumpkin pie spice (or mix of cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves); ½ cup chocolate chips or chopped nuts (optional)

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Pumpkin brownies strike the perfect balance between indulgent and comforting. The fudgy brownie base satisfies any chocolate craving, while the pumpkin layer adds warmth, spice, and moisture. You’ll love how beautifully the flavors blend together—and how simple the recipe is to make. Whether for a Halloween party, Thanksgiving dessert, or just a cozy night in, these brownies are always a hit.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

All-purpose flour
Unsweetened cocoa powder
Granulated sugar
Brown sugar
Butter (melted)
Eggs
Vanilla extract
Pumpkin purée (unsweetened)
Pumpkin pie spice or a mix of cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves
Baking powder
Salt
Optional: chocolate chips or chopped nuts

Directions

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
In one bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt.
In another bowl, combine melted butter, granulated sugar, brown sugar, eggs, and vanilla. Mix until smooth.
Add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture and stir until just combined to create the brownie batter.
In a separate bowl, mix pumpkin purée with pumpkin pie spice (and a little extra sugar if desired).
Pour most of the brownie batter into the prepared pan, reserving about 1/2 cup.
Spread the pumpkin mixture over the brownie layer evenly.
Spoon the remaining brownie batter over the top and use a knife to swirl it gently.
Bake for 35–40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with just a few moist crumbs.
Let cool completely before slicing into squares.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes 9–12 brownies.
Preparation time: 15 minutes
Baking time: 35–40 minutes
Total time: 50–55 minutes

Variations

Vegan Version: Use dairy-free butter, a flax egg, and plant-based chocolate.
Gluten-Free: Substitute all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour.
Extra Chocolatey: Add chocolate chips or a layer of ganache on top after baking.
Nutty Twist: Fold in chopped pecans or walnuts for added texture.
Cream Cheese Swirl: Add a layer of sweetened cream cheese to create pumpkin cheesecake brownies.

Storage/Reheating

Store pumpkin brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for up to 5 days. For longer storage, freeze them for up to 2 months—just thaw at room temperature before serving. To reheat, warm a slice in the microwave for 10–15 seconds for that freshly-baked feel.

FAQs

Can I use fresh pumpkin instead of canned?

Yes, just make sure it’s cooked, puréed, and well-drained to match the texture of canned purée.

How do I make the brownies fudgy?

Don’t overmix the batter and avoid overbaking. Slightly underbaked brownies will stay fudgier as they cool.

Can I use a boxed brownie mix?

Yes. Use the boxed mix for the brownie layer and make the pumpkin layer from scratch for a quicker option.

What size pan should I use?

An 8×8-inch square pan works best, but a 9×9-inch pan will yield thinner brownies and may bake faster.

Are these brownies sweet?

They’re perfectly balanced—rich chocolate with lightly sweet and spiced pumpkin. Adjust sugar to taste.

Can I add spices to the brownie layer?

Yes, adding a touch of cinnamon or espresso powder to the brownie batter can enhance flavor depth.

Do these brownies need to be refrigerated?

Only if you’re storing them for more than a couple of days. Otherwise, room temperature is fine.

How can I tell when they’re done baking?

Insert a toothpick—it should come out with a few moist crumbs, not wet batter. Don’t overbake.

Can I make these in advance?

Yes, they taste even better the next day as the flavors meld. Store tightly covered until ready to serve.

Will kids like these brownies?

Absolutely! The chocolate base makes them kid-approved, and the pumpkin adds a fun, seasonal twist.

Conclusion

Pumpkin Brownies are a delicious mashup of two beloved flavors—rich chocolate and spiced pumpkin—brought together in one irresistible dessert. Whether you’re baking for a special fall occasion or just because, these brownies are simple to make, full of cozy flavor, and guaranteed to satisfy. Once you try them, they’ll become a seasonal favorite you’ll look forward to every year.