Posted Sep 18, 2021, Updated Jun 23, 2024 As the summer fades into fall I begin to crave fall desserts like pumpkin pie, pumpkin cake, pumpkin cookies, etc. However, I am a chocolate lover through and through – so I created these Pumpkin Brownies as a way to satisfy my need for all things pumpkin without forsaking my first love – chocolate (these caramel brownies and Nutella brownies are also must-make recipes)! These Pumpkin Brownies are fudgy with a shiny, crinkly top and have pumpkin puree in the batter. They are the perfect fall dessert for chocolate lovers and only take 30 minutes to make.
Pumpkin Brownies: Ingredients & Substitutions
Let’s discuss the ingredients in this pumpkin brownie recipe, as well as possible substitutions.
All-purpose flour. For a gluten-free version, feel free to substitute a 1:1 gluten-free all purpose flour blend. Cocoa powder. regular unsweetened cocoa powder is the best choice for these pumpkin brownies. You can use extra dark cocoa powder for an even more intense chocolate flavor. Pumpkin Pie Spice. Use store bought or make your own with this recipe: homemade pumpkin pie spice. Fine Sea Salt. I recommend using pure fine sea salt in baking and cooking. If you use iodized table salt decrease the amount by half. Chocolate. The form of chocolate you use doesn’t matter too much. Chips, chopped bars, discs, etc. all work equally well because it’s being melted. However the quality and cocoa content of your chocolate will affect the final outcome. I typically use Ghirardelli 60% dark chocolate chips. Salted butter. Unsalted butter works well too, you may just need to adjust the amount of sea salt in the recipe! Coconut oil or ghee can also be used in this recipe, but butter is my favorite. Granulated sugar. Any granulated sugar works well in this brownie recipe. I use organic cane sugar. Vanilla extract. Make sure to use pure vanilla extract, and not imitation. Pumpkin puree. You can use fresh homemade pumpkin puree or canned puree. Eggs. I have not tried using egg substitutes in this brownie recipe. If you do and it works well for you please let me know in the comments below! Chocolate chips. Again choose your favorite, use chips or chopped chocolate. You can even substitute white chocolate chips, cinnamon chips, etc.
How to Make Pumpkin Brownies
This pumpkin brownie recipe comes together in 30 minutes and is fairly simple to make. We’ll walk through the process step-by-step, and don’t forget to watch the video. To begin, mix flour, cocoa powder, pumpkin pie spice and sea salt together in a small bowl and set aside. Then, melt the chocolate and butter together in a microwave safe bowl, or on the stovetop over low heat. Stir until smooth and glossy. Set aside to cool slightly before using. This step is absolutely critical to achieve the shiny, crinkly top in any brownie recipe! So be sure to follow the instructions! In the bowl of a standing mixer, or in a large bowl with a hand mixer, beat eggs for 1 minute or until pale and thick. Then, add sugar and beat for an additional 30-60 seconds, until the sugar is dissolved. Next, add the pumpkin and vanilla and beat on medium speed until the mixture is smooth. Then add the melted & cooled chocolate/butter mixture and stir on low speed until batter is smooth and homogenous (uniform throughout). Finally, add the dry ingredients, mix on low speed until just incorporated and there are no lump, then stir in the chocolate chips.
Bake
Pour the pumpkin brownie batter into the prepared pan and bake until the top is set and the brownies are only very slightly “jiggly”, 25-30 minutes. I prefer to bake them for a shorter amount of time because I love fudgy gooey brownies, but baking longer results in a more traditional texture.
Cool
Place the brownie pan on a wire cooling rack to cool completely.
Cut & Serve
Once cooled, cut the pumpkin brownies into squares and serve. I usually cut them into 16 brownies, but you can also cut them larger into 9 squares. I suggest serving them with a scoop of homemade vanilla ice cream or a dollop of homemade whipped cream. You can also frost them with chocolate buttercream frosting, or chocolate ganache!
Store
Store these pumpkin brownies in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 5-7 days.
Freeze
To freeze, let the pumpkin brownies cool completely. Then, wrap the individual brownies in plastic wrap and put them in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 2 months. If you make and love our recipes, it would mean so much to me if you would leave a comment and rating! And don’t forget to follow along with us on Instagram, Pinterest, Facebook, and Youtube – be sure to tag @joyfoodsunshine and use the hashtag #joyfoodsunshine so we can see your creations!
