If you’re a fan of pumpkin, prepare to be delighted by these pumpkin brownies! Combining the rich, fudgy texture of classic brownies with the warm, flavors of pumpkin and spices, this recipe is a perfect fall treat. Imagine the aroma of pumpkin filling your kitchen—it’s pure bliss!
This easy-to-follow recipe not only produces brownies that are moist and delicious but also allows for creative twists with optional add-ins like nuts and chocolate chips. Whether you enjoy them as a cozy snack or a dessert, these pumpkin brownies are sure to become a new favorite in your fall baking repertoire.
Ingredients
- Flour
- Cocoa powder
- Baking powder
- Salt
- Pumpkin puree
- Agave or maple syrup (sugar can be used as well)
- Vegetable or canola oil
How To Make Pumpkin Brownies
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure even baking.
Prepare a baking pan (an 8×8-inch or similar size works best) by greasing it lightly with vegetable oil, butter, or cooking spray. Alternatively, line the pan with parchment paper for easy removal and minimal cleanup. Make sure the parchment extends slightly over the sides of the pan, creating “handles” to lift the brownies out once baked.
In a medium-sized mixing bowl, whisk together:
- all-purpose flour: This gives structure to the brownies.
- unsweetened cocoa powder: This provides the rich chocolate flavor.
- baking powder: This helps the brownies rise slightly, giving them a soft texture.
- salt: Enhances the flavor and balances the sweetness.
Whisk thoroughly to ensure the cocoa powder is evenly distributed and no lumps remain. Set aside.
In another medium bowl, combine:
- pumpkin puree
- agave or maple syrup (or 3/4 cup granulated sugar if preferred): Sweetens the brownies while keeping them soft.
- vegetable or canola oil: Provides fat, which contributes to the moist and rich texture of the brownies.
Stir the wet ingredients together with a wooden spoon, spatula, or whisk until smooth and well blended. The mixture should be uniform with no visible streaks of pumpkin or syrup.
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, stirring gently with a spatula or wooden spoon. Mix just until the batter is smooth and all the ingredients are fully incorporated. Avoid overmixing, as this can lead to dense brownies.
Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and spread it evenly using the back of a spoon or an offset spatula. The batter may be thick, so take your time to ensure an even layer for consistent baking.
Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 25 minutes, or until the brownies are almost set. The edges should look firm, while the center should have a slight wobble. This ensures the brownies remain fudgy as they cool.
To check doneness, insert a toothpick about 1 inch from the edge of the pan. It should come out with a few moist crumbs but not wet batter.
Remove the pan from the oven and place it on a wire rack to cool completely. Cooling in the pan allows the brownies to set further and prevents them from crumbling when cut.
Once cooled, lift the brownies out of the pan using the parchment paper handles (if used). Place them on a cutting board and slice them into squares or rectangles, depending on your preference.
Serve immediately or store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, refrigerate them for up to a week or freeze for up to 2 months.
Top Tips
- If you prefer a more chocolate-forward flavor, consider adding 1/2 cup of chocolate chips or chunks to the batter before baking.
- For a festive touch, sprinkle chopped nuts, seeds, or a dusting of powdered sugar on top before serving.
- Ensure you use pure pumpkin puree and not pumpkin pie filling, as the latter contains added sugars and spices that can alter the recipe’s balance.
Variations
- We enjoy adding walnuts to these pumpkin spice brownies.
- Enhance the autumn flavors by incorporating a teaspoon of cinnamon or pumpkin pie spice.
- Add a layer of delectable cream cheese frosting on top.
- Opt for dark or semisweet chocolate chips, as they are usually vegan-friendly!
How To Store
Keep brownies at room temperature for the best taste. Make sure to wrap them tightly or store them in an airtight container, and they’ll stay fresh for up to three days.To keep brownies longer, place them in an airtight container and freeze for up to three months. When you’re ready to enjoy, let them thaw at room temperature for about an hour.
More Recipes
Pumpkin Brownies
Ingredients
- 1 ¼ cups of flour
- ½ cup of cocoa powder
- 2 teaspoons of baking powder
- ½ teaspoon of salt
- 1 ½ cups of pumpkin puree
- ⅓ cup of agave or maple syrup sugar works too
- ¼ cup of vegetable or canola oil
Instructions
- Heat your oven to 350°F (180°C) and prepare a 9×9-inch (17×17 cm) baking pan by greasing it.
- Combine all the ingredients in a medium bowl and stir with a wooden spoon or spatula until the mixture is completely smooth.
- Transfer the batter to the prepared baking pan and bake for 25 minutes, or until the brownies are nearly set but the center still has a slight wobble.
- Take the brownies out of the oven and let them cool in the pan.
- After they have cooled, slice them into squares and enjoy.