Few things say “cozy comfort” quite like a batch of Pumpkin Brownies cooling on the counter, their swirled tops promising a rich fusion of fudgy chocolate and warmly spiced pumpkin. Think of this dessert as the best of both worlds: decadent and satisfyingly chocolatey, while still celebrating the spirit of fall with earthy pumpkin and fragrant spices. If you’re ready to shake up your traditional brownie game and fall in love with a new autumn favorite, you absolutely need to make these Pumpkin Brownies.

Ingredients You’ll Need

What makes these brownies truly spectacular is the balance of straightforward pantry staples and a couple of colorful autumn additions. Every ingredient earns its place, contributing a layer of texture, flavor, or irresistible aroma that will make you come back for seconds—maybe thirds!

Pumpkin puree: Use pure canned pumpkin for moisture, color, and that earthy sweetness—don’t grab the pumpkin pie filling by accident!
Unsalted butter: Melted butter creates rich, fudgy brownies and carries both chocolate and spices beautifully.
Granulated sugar: Sweetens and helps give that telltale shiny brownie top.
Brown sugar: Adds depth and caramel notes, pairing perfectly with pumpkin and chocolate.
Large eggs: Hold everything together and create that perfect, tender crumb.
Vanilla extract: Gives warmth and brings out the other flavors.
All-purpose flour: Enough to bring structure without making the brownies cakey.
Cocoa powder: Opt for unsweetened cocoa for a rich chocolate base—Dutch process or natural both work.
Bittersweet chocolate: Melted into the base for extra-chocolatey goodness.
Baking powder: A touch lifts the brownies just enough—don’t skip it!
Pumpkin pie spice: Cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and cloves for true pumpkin dessert magic.
Salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances every flavor.

How to Make Pumpkin Brownies

Step 1: Prepare Your Pan and Preheat

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lining an 8×8-inch pan with parchment paper. Leaving a bit of overhang makes it simple to lift out the Pumpkin Brownies for easy slicing later. Grease the pan lightly for good measure—you want every square to slide out perfectly!

Step 2: Melt Butter and Chocolate

In a small saucepan or heatproof bowl (using the microwave for quick cleanup), gently melt the butter together with the bittersweet chocolate. Stir constantly if you’re using the stovetop to keep things silky smooth, then set the mixture aside to cool slightly while you start the next step.

Step 3: Whisk Wet Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the granulated sugar, brown sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract until the mixture is glossy and slightly thickened. This is key to achieving that crackly brownie top we all love! Once smooth, whisk in the melted chocolate and butter mixture.

Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt together. This ensures the cocoa and leavening are evenly distributed so you won’t end up with any lumps or uneven bites.

Step 5: Make the Pumpkin Mixture

In another bowl, stir together the pumpkin puree and pumpkin pie spice. If you want even more depth, add a pinch of extra cinnamon—it’ll really amplify the pumpkin flavor in your Pumpkin Brownies.

Step 6: Mix & Swirl

Fold the dry ingredients into the chocolate mixture until just combined—don’t overmix or your brownies could get tough. Pour two-thirds of the batter into your prepared pan, then layer the pumpkin mixture over it. Dollop the remaining brownie batter on top and use a skewer or butter knife to create dramatic, delicious swirls. This is the moment where your Pumpkin Brownies start looking bakery-worthy!

Step 7: Bake to Perfection

Bake for 35–40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted comes out with just a few moist crumbs clinging to it. Let your Pumpkin Brownies cool in the pan for at least 20 minutes before lifting them out—this helps them set up for clean, beautiful bars.

How to Serve Pumpkin Brownies

Garnishes

Dress up your Pumpkin Brownies with a light dusting of powdered sugar, a drizzle of melted chocolate, or a scattering of chopped toasted pecans for that irresistible crunch. A sprinkle of flaky sea salt before serving really brings all the flavors alive and adds a gourmet touch.

Side Dishes

Serve your Pumpkin Brownies warm with a scoop of vanilla or cinnamon ice cream for a dreamy dessert combo, or alongside a dollop of lightly sweetened whipped cream. For a festive coffee break, pair them with a cup of spiced chai or rich hot cocoa—the flavors will play off each other beautifully!

Creative Ways to Present

Turn your Pumpkin Brownies into an extra-special treat by cutting them into small squares and arranging on a platter for a fall party. Or, stack brownie cubes with layers of ice cream and caramel sauce to make Pumpkin Brownie parfaits. They’re stunning as the centerpiece of an autumn dessert board with berries, spiced nuts, and dark chocolate chunks.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store leftover Pumpkin Brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If your kitchen is especially warm, move them to the fridge to maintain their fudgy texture, bringing them back to room temperature before serving for full flavor.

Freezing

Pumpkin Brownies freeze beautifully! Wrap individual squares in plastic wrap and tuck them in a freezer-safe bag or container. You can stash them for up to 2 months—just remember to thaw at room temperature before enjoying, or pop a square in your lunch to take on the go.

Reheating

To bring back that fresh-from-the-oven magic, microwave a Pumpkin Brownie for 10-15 seconds. For a crisper edge, try reheating in a 300°F (150°C) oven for 5 minutes. Top with ice cream or chocolate sauce while warm for the ultimate comfort dessert.

FAQs

Can I use fresh pumpkin instead of canned?

Absolutely! Just be sure to cook and puree your pumpkin until very smooth and strain off excess liquid—fresh pumpkin tends to be watery compared to canned, which can change the brownie texture.

Are Pumpkin Brownies gluten-free?

As written, these use all-purpose flour, but you can swap in your favorite 1:1 gluten-free flour blend for a delicious gluten-free version. Be sure the blend contains xanthan gum for best texture.

Can I make them dairy-free?

Yes! Replace the butter with melted coconut oil or a quality non-dairy butter substitute, and use dairy-free chocolate to keep the Pumpkin Brownies completely plant-based.

What’s the best way to get perfect swirls?

Use a thin butter knife or wooden skewer and drag it gently through dollops of pumpkin and brownie batter, working in figure-eights or swirled motions. Don’t over-swirl or the layers will blend too much—just a few moves are all you need for those bakery-style ribbons.

Can I double the recipe for a bigger crowd?

Definitely! Double all ingredients and bake the Pumpkin Brownies in a 9×13-inch pan. Watch the baking time—check around the 40-minute mark but allow a bit longer if needed to ensure the center is set.

Final Thoughts

If you’re on the hunt for a foolproof way to elevate your fall baking game, don’t hesitate to try Pumpkin Brownies. Their rich, swirled layers bring together all the things we adore about autumn—warm spice, real chocolate, and the pure joy of sharing a homemade treat. Grab your whisk, invite a friend, and get swirling!

Pumpkin Brownies Recipe