These pumpkin brownies are a fun twist on the classic treat! They mix rich chocolate with creamy pumpkin to create a tasty and moist dessert everyone will love.
I swear, the first time I made these, I couldn’t stop sneaking bites! The pumpkin adds a nice touch of spice. They make the perfect fall snack or a cozy evening treat!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Unsalted Butter: This adds richness to the brownies. If you’re out, melted coconut oil works well as a substitute. Just remember it will give a slightly different flavor.
Cocoa Powder: You can use unsweetened cocoa powder for a deeper chocolate flavor. If you need a substitute, try using carob powder, although it will alter the taste slightly.
Canned Pumpkin Puree: Make sure it’s pure pumpkin puree, not pumpkin pie filling, to avoid extra spices and sugar. If you want a homemade touch, you can cook and puree fresh pumpkin as well.
Cream Cheese: This creamy ingredient is essential for the swirl. If you’re looking for a lighter option, you can use Greek yogurt instead, though the texture will be different.
Spices: Feel free to adjust the spices based on your taste. You can add a pinch of cloves or allspice for a stronger fall flavor if you like.
How Do I Create a Beautiful Pumpkin Swirl?
The pumpkin swirl is key for both flavor and presentation in these brownies. To get a good swirl, follow this simple method:
- Prepare both the brownie batter and pumpkin mixture separately.
- Pour the brownie batter into the pan, then spoon the pumpkin mixture on top.
- Using a knife or skewer, gently swirl through the batters. Go slowly to avoid mixing them completely, creating a marbled look.
- Be sure to go deep enough to blend the flavors but not so deep that they become one color.
This swirling technique not only enhances the appearance but also gives each bite a mix of chocolate and pumpkin goodness!
How to Make Delicious Pumpkin Brownies
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Brownie Layer:
- 1/2 cup (115g) unsalted butter, melted
- 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/3 cup (40g) unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/2 cup (65g) all-purpose flour
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 cup (90g) chocolate chips (optional)
For the Pumpkin Swirl:
- 1/2 cup (120g) canned pumpkin puree
- 4 oz (115g) cream cheese, softened
- 1/3 cup (65g) granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
- 1/4 tsp ground ginger
- 1/4 tsp vanilla extract
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare and 30 to 35 minutes to bake. Plus, you’ll want to let the brownies cool completely, which usually takes about 30 minutes. So, you can expect a total of around 1 hour to 1 hour and 15 minutes before you can enjoy these delicious treats!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat Your Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While it’s warming up, line an 8×8 inch baking pan with parchment paper or give it a light greasing with butter or cooking spray. This will help your brownies come out easily once they’re baked!
2. Mix the Brownie Batter:
In a mixing bowl, pour in the melted butter. Then, add the granulated sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract. Mix everything together until it’s nice and smooth. This will be your delicious brownie base!
3. Combine Dry Ingredients:
Now, sift in the unsweetened cocoa powder, all-purpose flour, salt, and baking powder into the same bowl. Stir gently until just combined, being careful not to over-mix. If you’d like, fold in some chocolate chips at this stage for extra chocolaty goodness!
4. Prepare the Pumpkin Mixture:
In another bowl, take the softened cream cheese and pumpkin puree, and beat them together until smooth. This will create a deliciously creamy pumpkin layer.
5. Add Flavor to the Pumpkin:
Next, mix in the granulated sugar, egg, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and vanilla extract into the pumpkin mixture. Beat until it’s fully combined and smooth. This will give your pumpkin layer a cozy, spiced flavor.
6. Layer the Batter:
Grab your prepared baking pan! Pour half of the brownie batter into the pan and spread it out evenly with a spatula. Then, spoon half of the pumpkin mixture over the brownie layer, spreading it out gently. Do the same with the remaining brownie batter and then top with the last bit of pumpkin mixture.
7. Create the Swirl:
Now comes the fun part! Use a knife or skewer to gently swirl the pumpkin mixture into the brownie batter. Make sure to mix them a little, but don’t go too deep—this will create beautiful swirls that look amazing!
8. Bake:
Pop the pan into your preheated oven and bake for about 30 to 35 minutes. To check if they’re done, insert a toothpick into the center. It should come out mostly clean, with just a few moist crumbs sticking to it.
9. Cool and Slice:
Once baked, take your brownies out and let them cool in the pan for a while. After about 30 minutes, carefully lift them out using the parchment paper and let them cool completely on a wire rack. Once cool, slice into squares!
10. Serve and Enjoy:
These pumpkin brownies are now ready to be served! Enjoy them as a special treat for yourself or share them with friends and family. The combination of chocolate and pumpkin is sure to delight everyone!
Can I Use Fresh Pumpkin Instead of Canned?
Absolutely! You can use fresh pumpkin puree. Just peel and roast a sugar pumpkin until soft, then puree it in a blender or food processor. Make sure to drain any excess moisture for the best texture in your brownies.
What If I Don’t Have Cocoa Powder?
If you’re out of cocoa powder, you can substitute it with carob powder; however, it will give a different flavor. You could also try using melted dark chocolate instead, but you will need to adjust the sugar since chocolate is sweetened.
Can I Make These Brownies Gluten-Free?
Yes, you can! Simply substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Just make sure to choose one that includes xanthan gum, or add a small amount separately for better structure.
How Should I Store Leftover Brownies?
Store any leftover brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, you can refrigerate them for up to a week or freeze them by wrapping individually in plastic wrap, then placing in a freezer bag for up to 3 months. Just thaw at room temperature when you’re ready to enjoy!