As the air becomes crisp and pumpkin flavors start appearing everywhere, there’s one fall dessert you simply can’t resist—pumpkin brownies. This delightful fusion combines the rich, fudgy texture of classic brownies with a creamy, spiced pumpkin swirl, making it the perfect treat to embrace autumn. Whether you’re hosting a fall gathering, need a sweet addition to your Thanksgiving spread, or just want to enjoy a cozy night in, these pumpkin brownies are the answer. In this article, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know to make this dessert, from ingredients and instructions to tips and FAQs. Let’s get started!
Why You’ll Love These Pumpkin Brownies
Pumpkin brownies bring together the best of both worlds—rich chocolate and warm autumn flavors. The layers of fudgy brownie and creamy pumpkin cheesecake not only taste delicious but also create a beautiful visual contrast. And the best part? They’re super easy to make, even if you’re short on time. Here’s why you’ll fall head over heels for these treats:
- Easy to prepare: Using a brownie mix keeps things simple, while the pumpkin swirl adds a homemade touch.
- Perfect for fall: The combination of pumpkin pie spice and pumpkin puree gives these brownies a seasonal flavor.
- Crowd-pleaser: Whether it’s for family, friends, or co-workers, these brownies are sure to impress everyone.
Ingredients for Pumpkin Brownies
To make this pumpkin brownie recipe, you’ll need the following ingredients. Using high-quality ingredients ensures a rich flavor and perfect texture. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can also make the brownies from scratch.
Here’s what you’ll need:
- 1 box of brownie mix (or your favorite homemade recipe)
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 egg (room temperature)
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
- 2/3 cup pumpkin purée (not pumpkin pie filling)
- 2 tsp pumpkin pie spice (a mix of cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves)
Substitutions and Add-ins
Want to make these pumpkin brownies your own? Here are some options:
- Use dark chocolate chips for a deeper flavor.
- Add walnuts or pecans for crunch.
- Try butterscotch chips for a sweeter twist.
Step-by-Step Directions
1. Preheat the oven
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (or follow the instructions on your brownie mix package). Grease a 9-inch square baking pan, and for easy removal later, line it with parchment paper.
2. Prepare the brownie mix
Mix the brownie mix according to the package directions. Stir in the semi-sweet chocolate chips and set the mixture aside.
3. Make the pumpkin cheesecake layer
In a separate bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until it becomes smooth and fluffy. Gradually add the sugar, then mix in the egg and vanilla extract until the batter is smooth. Finally, stir in the pumpkin purée and pumpkin pie spice until everything is well combined.
4. Layer and swirl
Spread half of the prepared brownie batter into your greased baking pan, making sure the surface is smooth. Next, pour the pumpkin cheesecake mixture over the brownie layer, spreading it evenly. Then, spoon the remaining brownie batter on top and use a knife to swirl the two layers together, creating a beautiful marbled effect.
5. Bake the brownies
Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 40-45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with a few moist crumbs. Be careful not to overbake; you want the brownies to remain fudgy!
6. Cool and serve
Allow the pumpkin brownies to cool completely in the pan before cutting them into squares. This helps them set properly and makes for cleaner cuts.
Notes and Tips for Perfect Pumpkin Brownies
Here are some handy tips to ensure your pumpkin brownies turn out perfect every time:
- Check the cream cheese: Make sure your cream cheese is fully softened before mixing it with the other ingredients to avoid lumps.
- Swirling technique: Don’t over-swirl the layers. A few gentle swirls will give you that marbled look without blending the two batters too much.
- Let them cool: Be patient! These brownies need to cool completely to set properly. If you cut them while they’re still warm, they may be too soft and messy.
Nutritional Information & Health Benefits
While these pumpkin brownies are undoubtedly a treat, the inclusion of pumpkin puree adds a dose of vitamins and nutrients, making them a slightly healthier option compared to standard brownies.
Health Benefits of Pumpkin
Pumpkin is packed with vitamin A, which is great for eye health, and it’s also rich in fiber and low in calories. This helps balance out some of the indulgence in these brownies, making them a dessert you can feel a little better about eating.
Nutritional Breakdown Per Serving:
- Serving: 1 square
- Calories: 250
- Carbohydrates: 34g
- Protein: 4g
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Cholesterol: 45mg
- Sodium: 220mg
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 26g
- Vitamin A: 120% DV
- Calcium: 6% DV
- Iron: 10% DV
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Yes! These pumpkin brownies can be made up to two days in advance. Simply store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator, and they’ll stay fresh. You can also freeze them for up to two months.
Absolutely! To make gluten-free pumpkin brownies, simply use a gluten-free brownie mix and ensure that your other ingredients, like the chocolate chips and pumpkin purée, are gluten-free.
Yes, you can use homemade pumpkin purée. Just make sure it has a similar consistency to the canned variety and is well-drained to avoid extra moisture in the brownies.
Leftover pumpkin brownies can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. For longer storage, refrigerate them for up to a week or freeze them for up to two months.
In addition to pumpkin pie spice, you can enhance the flavor by adding a pinch of cinnamon, nutmeg, or ginger to the brownie batter itself. This will complement the pumpkin layer beautifully.
Final Thoughts
Pumpkin brownies are the ultimate fall dessert, combining the comforting flavors of pumpkin spice with the richness of chocolate. They’re easy to make, visually appealing, and oh-so-delicious. Whether you’re enjoying them with a hot cup of coffee or serving them at a fall gathering, these brownies are sure to become a new seasonal favorite.
So, why not bake a batch of these brownies today? You’ll be in pumpkin heaven with every bite!
More Relevant Recipes
Print
Pumpkin Brownies: A Delicious Twist on a Fall Classic
To make these pumpkin brownies, you’ll need a few simple ingredients, many of which you might already have in your pantry. The combination of pumpkin puree and pumpkin pie spice gives the brownies a warm, autumnal flavor, while the brownie mix and chocolate chips provide the rich, chocolatey goodness.
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 9 squares 1x
Ingredients
- 1 box of brownie mix (or make from scratch)
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 egg (room temperature)
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
- 2/3 cup pumpkin purée (not pumpkin pie filling)
- 2 tsp pumpkin pie spice
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 350°F (or the temperature listed on your brownie mix box). Grease a 9-inch square baking pan, and for easier removal later, line it with parchment paper.
- Prepare the brownie batter: Make the brownie mix according to the package instructions, stirring in the chocolate chips at the end. Set the mixture aside.
- Mix the cheesecake layer: In a separate bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until it’s smooth and fluffy. Then, add in the sugar, followed by the egg and vanilla extract, mixing until the texture is smooth.
- Add the pumpkin: Stir the pumpkin purée and pumpkin pie spice into the cream cheese mixture, ensuring everything is well combined.
- Layer the brownies: Spread half of the brownie batter into the prepared pan, smoothing out the top. Then, pour the pumpkin cheesecake mixture over this layer, spreading it evenly. Finally, spoon the remaining brownie batter on top and use a knife to swirl the brownie and pumpkin layers together.
- Bake to perfection: Pop the pan into the oven and bake for 40 to 45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with just a few moist crumbs.
- Cool and cut: Let the brownies cool completely before cutting them into squares. This step is important to ensure that they hold their shape and don’t crumble.
Notes
- Use quality ingredients: While a store-bought brownie mix works well for convenience, making your brownies from scratch can give an even richer flavor.
- Don’t skip the swirling: The swirl pattern not only makes these pumpkin brownies visually appealing, but it also distributes the flavors nicely.
- Adjust the sweetness: If you prefer your brownies on the less-sweet side, reduce the amount of sugar in the pumpkin layer slightly.
- Storage tips: These pumpkin brownies can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. They also freeze well for up to 2 months—just make sure to wrap them tightly.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 square
- Calories: 250kcal
- Sugar: 26g
- Sodium: 220mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 34g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 45mg