Pumpkin Brownies- Irresistible Swirls Of Fall In Every Bite 

 Last Update March 6, 2024

By Jenny Zhang

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As the crisp autumn breeze carries the scent of fallen leaves and the warmth of cozy sweaters envelops us, there's no better time to embrace the flavors of the season. And what better way to celebrate the arrival of fall than with a delectable treat that combines two beloved classics into one irresistible dessert? Prepare to tantalize your taste buds with the delightful fusion of chocolate and pumpkin in the mouth watering pumpkin swirl brownie! These pumpkin brownies are packed with a delectable mix of pumpkin flavor and rich chocolate hues, and they have a dense, fudgy, and chewy texture that's hard to resist. And the best part is you can indulge in this delicious chocolate and pumpkin treat with less guilt, thanks to the fresh pumpkin puree, which is a vegetable after all.

One of the many joys of preparing pumpkin brownies during the autumn season is the availability of fresh pumpkins. By utilizing fresh pumpkins, you can create this delightful pumpkin brownies recipe. If you relish the art of carving pumpkins, this recipe provides a fantastic opportunity to utilize the pumpkin innards. Embrace the beauty of the Fall season and indulge in these scrumptious pumpkin swirl brownies. They offer an ideal way to savor seasonal flavors while making the most of those delightful pumpkins.

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 brownies every single time. Whether you're planning a fall-themed gathering, looking for a delightful dessert to enjoy with a warm cup of cocoa, or simply indulging your sweet tooth, the pumpkin swirl brownie will undoubtedly become a cherished addition to your recipe repertoire.

Pumpkin Brownie Recipe

Prep Time
15 minutes

Cook Time
30 minutes

Rest Time
5 minutes

Total Time
65 minutes

  • Cooking Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American
  • Servings: 12
  • Calories: 153
  • Courses: Dessert
  • Best Season: Fall

Ingredients

  • 1 cup pumpkin puree (unsweetened)
  • 3/4 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 cup chocolate chips (dark chocolate or semi-sweet)
  • 1/4 cup pure maple syrup or honey
  • 1/4 cup ghee butter (melted)
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
  • 1/4 cup cocoa powder (unsweetened)
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt

Directions

1. Preheat your 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 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 separate bowls, one for the chocolate brownie 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:

In another bowl, combine the pumpkin puree, oil, and pumpkin pie spice and stir the ingredients together until they are 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 pumpkin and brownie batters into the prepared pan of 8 x 8. 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 then some 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 comes out almost clean.

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

pumpkin brownie

Tips & Notes

Make sure your ingredients are at room temperature: Allow your eggs and ghee butter to come to room temperature before using them. This will help with better incorporation and a smoother batter.

Don't overmix the batter: When combining the wet and dry ingredients, mix them together until just combined. Avoid overmixing, as it can lead to denser brownies. It's perfectly fine if there are a few lumps in the batter.

Create a marbled effect: Use a toothpick or a knife to create a swirl pattern by gently dragging it through the pumpkin drops on top of the batter. Exercise caution to avoid overmixing the batter to maintain distinct swirls in the final result.

Nutritional Facts

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 12


Calories

153


% Daily Value*


Total Fat 8.3g

11%


Saturated Fat 4.9g

25%


Cholesterol 43mg

14%


Sodium 70mg

3%


Total Carbohydrate 17.5g

6%


Dietary Fiber 1.6g

6%


Total Sugars 8.3g



Protein 3g



Vitamin D 3mcg

15%


Calcium 41mg

3%


Iron 1mg

8%


Potassium 169mg

4%


*The % Daily Value (DV) tells you how much a nutrient in a food serving contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calorie a day is used for general nutrition advice.

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 the brownies cool entirely either 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.


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 plays a role in creating their moist and fudgy texture. If fresh pumpkin puree is unavailable, you can use canned pumpkin or substitute it with mashed sweet potatoes or butternut squash puree.

Avoid using canned pumpkin puree if you plan on using canned pumpkin pie filling. Pumpkin pie filling contains spice and sugar, affecting the final result.

Pure Maple Syrup or Honey

These natural sweeteners add sweetness and flavor to the brownies. They also help keep the brownies moist. If you don't have maple syrup or honey, you can use agave nectar or a granulated sugar alternative like coconut sugar or brown sugar. Please keep in mind that when making substitutions, the sweetness level and flavor profile may vary.

Ghee Butter

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

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, you can consider using a mixture of flaxseed meal or chia seeds combined with water. For each egg, combine 1 tablespoon of flaxseed meal or chia seeds with 3 tablespoons of water.

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

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 Powder

Cocoa powder introduces a luscious chocolate flavor to the pumpkin brownies and lends them a deep, dark color. In the event that cocoa powder is unavailable, you can substitute it with unsweetened cacao powder.

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 have the option to reduce the amount of salt or omit it completely.

Chocolate Chips

Chocolate chips introduce delightful bursts of chocolate flavor and provide a pleasant texture to the brownies. Depending on your preference, you can utilize dark chocolate chips, semi-sweet chocolate chips, or milk chocolate chips. If you don't have chocolate chips on hand, you can chop a chocolate bar into small chunks to use 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 that is frequently employed in pumpkin-based desserts. This flavorful mixture typically combines cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves, working harmoniously to produce a delicious and aromatic flavor profile.

In the event that you do not have pumpkin pie spice readily available, you can easily create your own blend by combining equal parts of ground cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves. Adjust the proportions to your liking, or follow a trusted pumpkin pie spice recipe.

pumpkin brownie swirl side

How To Elevate This Recipe

Add a Cream Cheese Swirl

Create a tangy and creamy contrast to the pumpkin swirl by adding a cream cheese layer. After softening the cream cheese, combine it with a small amount of sweetener and vanilla extract. Proceed to drop spoonfuls of the cream cheese mixture onto the brownie batter and create swirls by gently swirling it in.

Toasted Nuts

To introduce additional texture and flavor, generously sprinkle some toasted nuts, like chopped walnuts or pecans, over the batter prior to baking. This inclusion of nuts will lend a delightful crunch to every bite.

Swirl in Salted Caramel

To achieve a delectable combination of sweet and salty, incorporate homemade or store-bought salted caramel sauce by swirling it into the brownie batter. Use a toothpick or a knife to gently create swirls of caramel within the batter prior to baking.

Add Espresso Powder

Add a teaspoon of espresso powder to the dry ingredients for coffee lovers. The addition of espresso will elevate the chocolate flavor and bring a heightened depth to the overall taste of the pumpkin brownies.

Top with Whipped Cream

Serve each brownie square with a dollop of homemade whipped cream or whipped coconut cream. It adds a light and fluffy element to balance the richness of the pumpkin brownies.

Drizzle with Chocolate Ganache

Once the pumpkin brownies are cooled, drizzle them with a luscious chocolate ganache made from melted dark chocolate and a touch of cream. This will add a decadent touch and make them extra indulgent.

Garnish with Pumpkin Seeds

Toasted pumpkin seeds can be sprinkled on top of the pumpkin brownies to add a crunchy texture and a festive touch. They also serve as a reminder of the pumpkin flavor in the brownie.

How To Store Pumpkin Brownies?

If you have any leftover pumpkin brownies, it's best to store them in the refrigerator, and 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 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 you're 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). Use a plant-based butter substitute or melted coconut oil instead of ghee butter, and ensure that the chocolate chips you use are vegan or dairy-free.

Can I use pumpkin pie filling instead of pumpkin puree?

It is not recommended to use pumpkin pie filling as a substitute for pumpkin puree in this recipe. Pumpkin pie filling already contains added sweeteners and spices, which can affect the brownies' balance of flavors and texture.

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.

pumpkin brownie split

Jenny passionately advocates a holistic and natural approach to health and well-being. She has a Bachelor of Science degree and years of working in food sciences, specializing in organic & natural products. She is committed to helping others embrace a balanced, natural lifestyle that fosters well-being. Jenny believes that a harmonious balance between nutrition, fitness, and mindfulness is the key to unlocking the full potential of one’s well-being.