Pumpkin Brownies Recipe – Irresistible Swirls Of Fall In Every Bite 

As autumn unfurls its canvas, painting the world with the amber and gold of fallen leaves, and we nestle into the soft embrace of our favorite sweaters, the season's flavors beckon us with open arms. There's truly no better way to herald the cozy charm of fall than by diving into a dessert that marries the soul-soothing warmth of pumpkin with the decadent richness of chocolate.

Meet my favorite fall dessert, chocolate and pumpkin swirl brownies, a culinary masterpiece that swirls together the spice-kissed joy of pumpkin and the deep, luxurious tones of chocolate. Imagine sinking your teeth into the dense, fudgy layers of this brownie, where every bite is a symphony of autumnal bliss and chocolate indulgence.

In this blog post, we will guide you through how to make pumpkin brownies from scratch. Additionally, we will share valuable tips and tricks to help you achieve perfect results with your homemade brownies every single time.

Pumpkin Brownie Recipe

Ingredients

Directions

1. Preheat the oven to 350 F and prepare an 8x8 baking pan by lining it with foil or parchment paper. To prevent sticking, spray or pour oil or cooking spray on the bottom of the baking pan.

2. Using a mixer, combine maple syrup, vanilla extract, and eggs until they are well combined. Then add flour, baking powder, and salt, and stir until everything is well mixed.

3. Next, divide the batter evenly into two bowls: one for the chocolate batter and one for the pumpkin batter.

Chocolate Brownie Batter:

To create the decadent chocolate batter for these pumpkin brownies, mix the chocolate chips into the mix. Stir the mixture continuously until it becomes smooth. If you prefer an even more chocolatey flavor, you can also add in some cacao powder.

Pumpkin Batter:

Mix the pumpkin puree, oil, and pumpkin pie spice in another bowl and stir until fully combined. If you are using fresh pumpkins, be sure to cook them thoroughly and turn them into homemade pumpkin puree

4. To create a swirl, layer the chocolate and pumpkin batter into the prepared baking pan. Then, using a knife, create a zig-zag motion through the batter to mix and create a beautiful swirl effect. You can also pour some pumpkin batter and brownie batter on top until you finish both batters and then use a knife to run through.

5. Bake the brownies for approximately 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center is almost clean.

6. After the brownies are fully baked, remove them from the oven and allow them to cool in the baking pan for a few minutes. Next, transfer them to a wire rack to cool thoroughly before cutting them into square pieces.

Don't overbake: While the brownies are baking, be vigilant and monitor their progress. Check for doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center; it should emerge with a few moist crumbs, signaling that the brownies are cooked. Beware of overbaking, as it can lead to dry brownies.

Let the brownies cool completely: Ensure that they cool entirely in the baking dish or on a wire rack before cutting them into squares. This cooling period allows them to set and maintain their shape.

To Make it More Fudgy: If you like fudgy brownies, you will need to play around with the brownie recipe a bit. Adding more butter and chocolate will give it that dense, fudge texture. Another simple way is to leave out the leavening agent, baking powder.

To Make it More Cake-Like: For anyone who likes lighter and fluffier brownies, I recommend adding a small amount of baking powder or baking soda to help achieve the rise and result in a fluffier texture. Another simple way is to add an extra egg or two, as the extra eggs will incorporate more air, which will give that lighter and airier texture.

What are Pumpkin Brownies?

Pumpkin brownies are a delightful twist on the classic chocolate treat, infusing the rich, moist texture of brownies with the subtle sweetness and earthy notes of pumpkin. This fusion not only enhances the flavor profile but also boosts the nutritional value. Thanks to the pumpkin puree, these brownies are packed with vitamins, antioxidants, and fiber, making them a healthier alternative to regular brownies.

What Ingredients You Need To Make This Recipe

Pumpkin Puree

Pumpkin puree introduces moisture, natural sweetness, and a unique pumpkin flavor to the brownies. Additionally, it contributes to their moist and fudgy texture. If fresh pumpkin puree is unavailable, you can substitute canned pumpkin with mashed sweet potatoes or butternut squash puree.

Pure Maple Syrup

I like to avoid processed sugar when possible. So, I like to use maple syrup in this recipe, as it is natural and adds moisture to the brownies. However, you can also use other natural sugars, like coconut sugar, agave nectar, dates sugar, light brown sugar, and maple sugar.

Ghee Butter

Ghee butter adds richness and a buttery flavor to the brownies. Furthermore, it contributes to achieving a tender texture. You can substitute ghee butter with melted coconut oil or unsalted melted butter if it is unavailable.

Eggs

Eggs play a vital role in providing structure and binding the ingredients together. They also contribute to the texture and moisture of the brownies. If you require an egg substitute, consider using a mixture of flaxseed meal or chia seeds combined with water. Combine 1 tablespoon of flaxseed meal or chia seeds with 3 tablespoons of water for each egg.

Vanilla Extract

Vanilla extract elevates the overall flavor of the pumpkin brownies. If you don't have vanilla extract, you can omit it or substitute it with almond extract or any other extract that complements the pumpkin flavor.

All-purpose flour contributes to the structure of the pumpkin brownies and imparts a soft and tender texture. If you prefer a gluten-free alternative, you can substitute it with a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend or almond flour. It's important to note that the texture and taste may differ slightly with these substitutions.

Cocoa Or Cacao Powder

You can use either cocoa or cacao powder in this recipe. I like using cacao powder because it is less processed and contains more nutrients than cocoa. Cacao powder is made from cold-pressed, unroasted cacao beans, retaining more of the beans' natural properties. It has a more intense, slightly bitter chocolate flavor than cocoa powder. Brownies made with cacao powder will have a sharper, more robust chocolate profile.

While cacao is not a common baking ingredient, you can use cocoa powder instead. Cocoa powder is made from roasted cacao beans processed at high temperatures, which reduces its bitterness and results in a milder, more mellow chocolate flavor. This makes it ideal for creating brownies with a rich and deep chocolate taste that is not overly bitter.

Baking Powder

Baking powder assists in leavening the pumpkin brownies, resulting in a slightly lighter texture. If you find yourself without baking powder, you can create a substitute by combining 1/4 teaspoon of baking soda with 1/2 teaspoon of cream of tartar.

Salt

Salt plays a crucial role in enhancing the overall flavor of pumpkin brownies and balancing their sweetness. While it is an essential ingredient, if you are following a low-sodium diet, you can reduce or omit the salt completely.

Chocolate Chips

Chocolate chips introduce delightful bursts of chocolate flavor and provide a pleasant texture to the brownies. What type of chocolate chip to use in this recipe is personal preference. You can utilize dark chocolate chips, semisweet chocolate chips, or milk chocolate chips. I find dark and semisweet chocolate chips to work the best with this recipe. If you don't have chocolate chips on hand, you can chop a chocolate bar into small chunks and use them as a substitute.

Pumpkin Pie Spice

Using pumpkin pie spice in this recipe can be a wonderful way to enhance the warm and cozy flavors of the pumpkin swirl brownies. Pumpkin pie spice is a delightful blend of ground spices frequently employed in pumpkin-based desserts. This flavorful mixture typically combines cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves, working harmoniously to produce an absolutely delicious and aromatic flavor profile.

How To Store Leftover Pumpkin Brownies?

If you have any leftover pumpkin brownies, storing them in the refrigerator is best. This will help keep the pumpkin layer fresh, particularly if you used fresh pumpkins in the recipe. Simply transfer the pumpkin brownies to an airtight container and place them in the fridge until you can enjoy them again. You can refrigerate them for a longer shelf life, up to a week.

To freeze your pumpkin swirl brownies for long-term storage, simply wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or place them in an airtight container. Freeze pumpkin brownies can last up to two to three months in the freezer so that you can have a sweet treat anytime. When ready to enjoy them, simply thaw the pumpkin brownies in the refrigerator overnight before serving.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

How Can I Make The Pumpkin Brownies Vegan Or Dairy-Free?

To make the pumpkin brownies vegan or dairy-free, you can use a plant-based egg substitute like flaxseed meal or chia seeds mixed with water (1 tablespoon of flaxseed meal or chia seeds mixed with 3 tablespoons of water equals one egg). You can also use a plant-based butter substitute or melted coconut oil instead of ghee butter, and you should ensure that the chocolate chips you use are vegan or dairy-free.

Can I Use Pumpkin Pie Filling Instead Of Pumpkin Puree?

Use canned pumpkin puree and not pumpkin pie filling, as it contains spice and sugar, affecting the final result.

How Do I Know When The Pumpkin Brownies Are Done Baking?

You can determine the doneness of the pumpkin brownies by checking if the edges are set and inserting a toothpick into the center. Ideally, the toothpick should come out with a few moist crumbs. It is important to avoid overbaking as it can result in dry brownies. Keep in mind that baking times can vary, so it's advisable to monitor them closely and rely on the toothpick test as a guide.