These Pumpkin Spiced Brownies are a delicious twist on the classic treat! They combine rich chocolate with warm pumpkin and spices for a cozy fall flavor.
Honestly, who can resist chocolate and pumpkin together? It’s like a hug in dessert form! I love enjoying them with a cup of hot cocoa. Perfect for sharing or secretly keeping for yourself! ☕️
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Unsalted Butter: Butter adds richness to the brownies. If you need a dairy-free option, you can use coconut oil or a dairy-free butter substitute. Just melt it the same way!
Canned Pumpkin Puree: This is the star ingredient giving flavor and moisture. If you can’t find pumpkin puree, mashed sweet potatoes work well too, but they will alter the taste slightly.
Pumpkin Pie Spice: It’s a mix of spices that brings warmth to the brownies. If you don’t have this spice blend on hand, you can make your own using cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves. Just adjust the amounts to taste!
Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips: These are optional but highly recommended for extra chocolatey goodness. You can swap them with dark chocolate chips, milk chocolate chips, or even white chocolate if you like a different twist.
How Do I Ensure My Brownies Are Fudgy and Not Dry?
The key to fudgy brownies is in the mixing and baking time. Here’s what to keep in mind:
- Mix the wet and dry ingredients just until combined. Overmixing can lead to tough brownies.
- Keep an eye on your brownies as they bake. The toothpick test is crucial. It should come out with some moist crumbs, not completely clean, which signals they are overbaked.
- Let them cool in the pan. This helps them firm up a bit, making them easier to cut and giving them that dense texture.
Avoid cutting them too soon, as they may fall apart. Wait for them to cool, and you’ll get perfectly fudgy brownies every time!
Delicious Pumpkin Spiced Brownies
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup brown sugar, packed
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/3 cup canned pumpkin puree
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice (a blend of cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves)
- 1/2 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare and 25 to 30 minutes to bake. Plus, you’ll need a little time for the brownies to cool before cutting them into squares. In total, you can expect about an hour (including cooling time) before you get to enjoy these yummy treats!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Next, prepare your baking pan by lining it with parchment paper or greasing it lightly with butter or spray to prevent sticking. This will make it super easy to lift the brownies out later!
2. Melt the Butter:
In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over low heat, stirring gently as it melts. Once it’s all melted, take it off the heat and add in the granulated sugar and brown sugar. Stir them in until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
3. Mix in the Eggs & Flavors:
Add the eggs to the butter and sugar mixture, one at a time. Make sure to stir well after each egg to blend it nicely. Then, mix in the vanilla extract and pumpkin puree until everything is smooth and creamy.
4. Combine the Dry Ingredients:
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, salt, and pumpkin pie spice. This helps to ensure the dry ingredients are evenly distributed throughout the brownies.
5. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients:
Gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture. Be careful not to overmix! You’re looking for just combined; a few lumps are totally fine!
6. Add Chocolate Chips:
If you’re using chocolate chips, stir them in now. They add an extra treat to your brownies, but feel free to leave them out if you prefer!
7. Bake the Brownies:
Pour the batter into your prepared baking pan and spread it out evenly with a spatula. Bake in the preheated oven for 25 to 30 minutes. Keep an eye on them, and use a toothpick to test for doneness; it should come out with a few moist crumbs attached.
8. Cool and Cut:
Once they’re done baking, remove them from the oven and allow the brownies to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack. Once cool, cut them into squares and enjoy!
9. Serving Suggestions:
These Pumpkin Spiced Brownies are delicious on their own, but you can also serve them warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of caramel sauce for an extra treat!
10. Enjoy!
Now, enjoy every bite of your rich, fudgy Pumpkin Spiced Brownies! Perfect for fall gatherings or just a sweet indulgence at home.
Can I Use Fresh Pumpkin Instead of Canned?
Absolutely! You can use fresh pumpkin puree instead of canned. Just make sure to roast and puree the pumpkin until it’s smooth. One cup of freshly cooked pumpkin will work well in this recipe!
How Should I Store Leftover Brownies?
Store any leftover brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. If you want to keep them longer, refrigerate them for up to a week, or freeze for up to three months. Just make sure to let them cool completely before storing!
Can I Make These Brownies Gluten-Free?
Yes! You can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend. Make sure it includes xanthan gum, which helps with texture. The end result will still be deliciously fudgy!
What Can I Use Instead of Eggs?
If you’re looking for an egg substitute, you can use 1/4 cup of unsweetened applesauce or mashed banana for each egg. Both options will add moisture and work well with the pumpkin flavor in the brownies!
