If you’re looking for a dessert that’s perfectly cozy, a little bit indulgent, and just packs that fall flavor punch, you’re going to love this Easy Pumpkin Brownies Recipe. I absolutely love how moist and cakey these brownies turn out with a swirl of pumpkin goodness—it’s like your favorite autumn spices got all wrapped up in chocolate-y magic. Stick around because once you try this recipe, I promise it’ll become a seasonal staple in your kitchen.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Perfect Texture Balance: The blend of pumpkin and chocolate keeps these brownies moist without being cakey or dense.
- Simple Ingredients: No fancy or hard-to-find items – just what you probably have in your pantry right now.
- Great Flavor Swirl: The pumpkin and chocolate batters swirl together beautifully, creating a stunning marbled effect and incredible taste in every bite.
- Kid-Friendly and Crowd-Pleasing: My family goes crazy for these, and they’re easy enough to whip up for gatherings or just a rewarding snack.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Easy Pumpkin Brownies Recipe uses classic baking ingredients combined with pumpkin puree and warm spices to create that irresistible fall flavor. Pro tip: Be sure to use pure pumpkin puree, not pumpkin pie filling, to control the sweetness and spice level yourself.
- Butter: Use unsalted butter for better control over the saltiness; it melts perfectly with chocolate to form a rich base.
- Semisweet or Bittersweet Chocolate: Chopped chocolate melts smoothly and adds depth of flavor—chocolate chips could be a stand-in, but chopped bars work best.
- All-Purpose Flour: Gives structure to the brownies; make sure to measure it properly to avoid dryness.
- Baking Powder: Helps the brownies have a slight lift without becoming cakey.
- Salt: Just a touch to balance sweetness and enhance flavors.
- Sugar: The classic granulated sugar sweetens the batter perfectly.
- Large Eggs: Important to use at room temperature for better mixing and fluffiness.
- Pumpkin Puree: Not pumpkin pie mix! Adds moisture and earthy sweetness with zero extra sugar.
- Vegetable Oil: Keeps the pumpkin layer moist and soft without flavor interference.
- Cinnamon & Pumpkin Pie Spice: The essence of autumn in a sprinkle; adjust based on your favorite spice blend.
- Chocolate Chips (Optional): For sprinkling on top, adding melty pockets of chocolate goodness.
Variations
One of the things I love about this Easy Pumpkin Brownies Recipe is how flexible it is—you can easily switch things up to suit your mood or what you have in the pantry. I’ve tried a few tweaks myself that make it even more fun to bake and enjoy.
- Nutty Twist: I often add chopped walnuts or pecans to the batter for a satisfying crunch—my family loves the texture contrast!
- Spiced Up: Add a pinch of ground cloves or nutmeg if you want that extra layer of cozy spice.
- Gluten-Free: Swap the flour for a gluten-free all-purpose mix—just be sure it’s one that measures cup-for-cup.
- Chocolate Lovers: Double up on the chocolate chips or add white chocolate chips on top for a pretty and tasty variation.
How to Make Easy Pumpkin Brownies Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Pan and Ingredients
First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F. Line a 9×9-inch baking pan with foil or parchment paper (I prefer foil because it holds up nicely when I lift the brownies out), and give the bottom a good spray with non-stick oil—you don’t want these beauties sticking!
Step 2: Melt Butter and Chocolate
In a heavy pot over low heat, melt the butter and chopped chocolate together, stirring continuously until it’s glossy and smooth. Removing it from heat right away is key so it doesn’t burn—this chocolate mixture will become the rich base of your brownie batter.
Step 3: Mix Sugar and Eggs, Then Add Dry Ingredients
Using an electric mixer, beat together the sugar and eggs until the mixture is well combined and slightly thickened—this helps create a light texture. Then, stir in the flour, baking powder, and salt just until combined; don’t overmix or you’ll toughen your brownies!
Step 4: Divide Batter and Add Flavors
Here’s where the fun begins: split your batter evenly into two bowls. Into one, mix in the melted chocolate-butter mixture. In the other, add pumpkin puree, vegetable oil, cinnamon, and pumpkin pie spice. Stir each gently until smooth and fully combined.
Step 5: Layer and Swirl the Batters
Pour spoonfuls of each batter alternately into your prepared pan, then take a knife or skewer and gently swirl them together in a figure-eight or circular motion. This creates that gorgeous marbled effect you’re aiming for—so pretty and irresistible.
Step 6: Add Chocolate Chips and Bake
If you’re using chocolate chips, sprinkle them over the top now. Pop the pan into your preheated oven and bake for 40 to 45 minutes. I like to start checking at 40 minutes—insert a toothpick into the center, and it should come out almost clean with just a few moist crumbs. Overbaking dries them out, so keep an eye on it!
Step 7: Cool and Enjoy
Once baked, let the brownies cool completely on a wire rack before slicing. This step is crucial because the pumpkin swirl firms up as it cools, making for perfect squares that hold together. Trust me, patience here pays off.
Pro Tips for Making Easy Pumpkin Brownies Recipe
- Don’t Rush Melting Chocolate: Use low heat and stir often to prevent burning—burnt chocolate ruins the flavor fast!
- Swirling is Key: Take your time with the knife swirl; less is more to keep each flavor distinct.
- Check Oven Temperature: Ovens vary—using an oven thermometer helped me perfect the bake time on my brownies.
- Patience in Cooling: Cooling fully before cutting prevents crumbly edges and messy slices.
How to Serve Easy Pumpkin Brownies Recipe
Garnishes
I usually keep things simple with a light dusting of powdered sugar or a few extra chocolate chips scattered on top right before serving. Sometimes I add a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a special treat—yum!
Side Dishes
These pumpkin brownies pair wonderfully with hot beverages: a spiced chai latte, rich coffee, or even a cup of hot apple cider. I like having a warm drink alongside to amplify the cozy fall vibes.
Creative Ways to Present
For holiday gatherings, I’ve arranged pumpkin brownies on a festive platter with fall leaves and mini pumpkins as decor. You can also cut them into small bite-sized squares and serve with toothpicks for a fun buffet-style dessert station. It’s always a hit!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
I store leftover pumpkin brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If it’s warm in your kitchen or you’re keeping them longer, the fridge works well, just bring to room temp before serving for softer texture.
Freezing
Freezing these brownies works beautifully! I wrap each piece tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a zip-top freezer bag. When I want a treat, I thaw them overnight in the fridge or at room temperature—it’s like freshly baked every time.
Reheating
To reheat, I pop a brownie in the microwave for 15-20 seconds; it revives that soft, gooey texture. Just avoid overdoing it or the chocolate can seize up. Alternatively, a few minutes in a warm oven works well too.
FAQs
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Can I use canned pumpkin pie filling instead of pumpkin puree?
I don’t recommend it because pumpkin pie filling already contains added sugar and spices, which can throw off the flavor balance and sweetness of the brownies. Using pure pumpkin puree lets you control the taste perfectly.
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How do I prevent the brownies from being too cakey?
Mix just until combined and don’t overbeat the flour mixture. Also, dividing the batter and layering with pumpkin helps maintain that moist but slightly dense texture that’s ideal for these brownies.
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Can I make this recipe vegan?
You can try substituting eggs with flax eggs and using dairy-free butter and chocolate, but the texture will change. If you decide to experiment, expect a slightly different brownie consistency but still delicious.
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How long do these pumpkin brownies keep fresh?
If stored properly in an airtight container, they stay fresh up to 3 days at room temperature or about a week in the fridge. For longer storage, freezing is your best bet.
Final Thoughts
This Easy Pumpkin Brownies Recipe is hands-down one of my favorite ways to celebrate fall flavors without hours in the kitchen. It’s approachable, delicious, and always impresses. Whether you’re baking for your family or bringing a treat to work, I can’t recommend these enough—give them a try, and I’m sure you’ll be hooked just like we are!
Print
Easy Pumpkin Brownies Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 60 minutes
- Yield: 16 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These easy pumpkin brownies combine rich chocolate and warm pumpkin flavors in a moist, swirled dessert perfect for fall or any cozy occasion. Featuring a delightful marbled effect of chocolate brownie and pumpkin batter, these treats are simple to make and bake in under an hour.
Ingredients
Brownie Mixture
- 1/2 cup butter
- 6 oz semisweet or bittersweet chocolate (chopped)
- 2 cups all purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 1/2 cups sugar
- 4 large eggs at room temperature
Pumpkin Mixture
- 1 1/4 cups pumpkin puree (not pumpkin pie mix)
- 1/4 cup vegetable oil
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- 1 tsp pumpkin pie spice
Topping (Optional)
- 1/3 cup chocolate chips
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F. Line a 9×9 inch baking pan with foil or parchment paper and spray the bottom with non-stick oil to prevent sticking.
- Melt Chocolate and Butter: In a heavy pot over low heat, melt the butter and chopped chocolate together, stirring frequently until completely smooth. Remove from heat and set aside to cool slightly.
- Combine Sugar and Eggs: Using an electric mixer, beat the sugar and eggs together until very well combined and slightly thickened.
- Add Dry Ingredients: Stir in the flour, baking powder, and salt to the egg mixture, combining gently but avoiding overmixing to keep the batter tender.
- Divide Batter: Evenly divide the batter between two bowls. To one bowl, add the melted chocolate and butter mixture and stir until fully incorporated.
- Prepare Pumpkin Mixture: In the other bowl, stir in the pumpkin puree, vegetable oil, cinnamon, and pumpkin pie spice until smooth and well blended.
- Layer and Swirl: Alternate spoonfuls of the chocolate and pumpkin batters into the prepared pan. Use a knife to swirl the two batters together for a marbled effect.
- Add Topping: If desired, sprinkle chocolate chips evenly over the top of the batter swirl for extra chocolate flavor and texture.
- Bake: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 40 to 45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted near the center comes out almost clean with a few moist crumbs.
- Cool and Serve: Remove the brownies from the oven and let cool on a wire rack before lifting from the pan and slicing into 16 squares to serve.
Notes
- Delicious and easy pumpkin brownies from scratch in no time!
- Use real pumpkin puree, not pumpkin pie filling, for best results.
- Be careful not to overbake to keep brownies moist and fudgy.
- For a richer chocolate flavor, use bittersweet chocolate.
- Swirling batter creates a beautiful marbled appearance perfect for presentations.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 294 kcal
- Sugar: 23 g
- Sodium: 214 mg
- Fat: 14 g
- Saturated Fat: 9 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 38 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 3 g
- Cholesterol: 56 mg