Pumpkin Brownies Recipe

If you think brownies couldn’t possibly get any better, wait until you try these Pumpkin Brownies! They’re the ideal marriage of fudgy, chocolatey decadence and cozy autumn flavors, swirling creamy pumpkin cheesecake into glorious cocoa batter. Trust me, these aren’t just brownies—they’re a fall baking adventure in every bite.

Why You Should Make This Recipe

• Irresistible Fall Flavor: The rich chocolate and warmly spiced pumpkin layers are a match made in autumn heaven.
• Ultra Moist & Fudgy: Thanks to real pumpkin purée and a touch of oil, these brownies have an unbelievably tender crumb.
• No Fancy Equipment Needed: All you need are mixing bowls, a whisk, and simple pantry ingredients—no stand mixer required.
• Showstopping Looks: The marbled pumpkin cream cheese swirl makes every batch look like it came from a boutique bakery!

Ingredients & Substitutions

Don’t be fooled by their stunning looks—Pumpkin Brownies use everyday ingredients that create both bold flavor and gorgeous texture. Each element brings something special to the table, from the buttery richness to the creamy pumpkin cheesecake topping.

• Flour: This forms the base structure—stick with all-purpose for just the right crumb, but a 1:1 gluten-free blend can work in a pinch.
• Cinnamon & Pumpkin Pie Spice: These warm up the brownies with classic fall notes and complement the chocolate beautifully.
• Salt: Just a pinch sharpens all the other flavors; don’t skip it!
• Salted Butter: Melted butter makes the brownies rich and gives them their signature fudginess; unsalted works too, just add a tad more salt.
• Vegetable Oil: Makes the brownies extra moist—canola or melted coconut oil also work.
• Granulated & Light Brown Sugar: The mix of sugars ensures sweetness, a touch of caramelly depth, and perfect chew.
• Cocoa Powder: Go with Dutch-process or natural for a deep, chocolate-forward base.
• Eggs: Essential for binding and helping the brownies set just right.
• Vanilla Extract: A splash of vanilla rounds out both the chocolate and pumpkin flavors.
• Pumpkin Purée: The star of the show—choose pure pumpkin (not pie filling) for authentic flavor and natural moisture.
• Chocolate Chips: Use semisweet or dark for pops of melty goodness in every bite; save some for the topping!
• Cream Cheese: Full-fat and softened blends best for the creamy, dreamy pumpkin swirl.
• Pecans: Optional, but they add fantastic crunch and a nutty finish (walnuts or leave them out if you prefer nut-free).
• Cooking Spray: Helps the brownies release easily after baking; parchment paper also works wonders.

How to Make Pumpkin Brownies

Step 1: Prep the Pans and Preheat

Start by lightly spraying your 8×8″ baking dish with cooking spray, and for guaranteed easy brownie removal, line it with a piece of parchment so there’s a little overhang. With your pan ready to go, preheat the oven to 350°F.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, cinnamon, and salt until everything’s evenly distributed. This simple step ensures those gorgeous Pumpkin Brownies are spiced and seasoned in every bite.

Step 3: Make the Chocolate Base

Take another large bowl and whisk together your melted butter, vegetable oil, granulated sugar, light brown sugar, and cocoa powder. It should look glossy and smooth—this decadent base is what makes your brownies extra fudgy and flavorful!

Step 4: Combine Wet Ingredients

In a separate bowl, gently beat the eggs with vanilla and pumpkin purée until just blended. Don’t overmix—you just want the eggs broken up and everything homogenous.

Step 5: Bring the Batter Together

Pour your pumpkin-egg mixture into the chocolate batter. Whisk everything together until you see no streaks of egg or pumpkin. Now, sprinkle in the dry flour mixture and three-quarters of the chocolate chips, folding gently with a spatula just until combined. The batter should be thick, glossy, and full of chocolate chips!

Step 6: Make the Pumpkin Cream Cheese Topping

In another bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with light brown sugar, pumpkin pie spice, and pumpkin purée. Use a hand mixer on low or mix vigorously by hand until the topping is ultra-smooth and creamy.

Step 7: Layer and Swirl

Spread the brownie batter evenly in your prepared pan. Dollop spoonfuls of the pumpkin cream cheese mixture over the top. Take a toothpick or skewer and gently swirl the two together—keep the marbling a little rustic for that classic Pumpkin Brownies look!

Step 8: Top and Bake

Finish off by sprinkling the rest of the chocolate chips and chopped pecans on top. Bake for about 40 minutes, or until a toothpick poked in the center comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs. Let your Pumpkin Brownies cool completely in the pan before cutting—they’re even better (and neater!) this way.

How to Serve Pumpkin Brownies

Garnishes

These brownies already look and taste fantastic, but a dusting of powdered sugar, a drizzle of chocolate sauce, or a dollop of freshly whipped cream (spiked with a sprinkle of cinnamon!) will make each square absolutely irresistible.

Side Dishes

For a cozy dessert spread, serve Pumpkin Brownies alongside a steaming mug of chai, pumpkin spice latte, or even vanilla ice cream. You could even pair them with a bowl of apples for a totally autumnal treat tray.

Creative Ways to Present

Cut your brownies into festive shapes with cookie cutters, or layer cubes of brownie in parfait glasses with whipped cream and caramel for a showstopper dessert. Packaging a few in decorative boxes also makes a heartwarming homemade gift during pumpkin season!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once completely cooled, store your Pumpkin Brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days—though if your kitchen is warm, you might want to keep them in the fridge instead to maintain the cream cheese topping’s freshness.

Freezing

You can absolutely freeze these! Wrap each brownie individually or layer with parchment in a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator for best texture and flavor.

Reheating

To enjoy that just-baked gooeyness, warm your Pumpkin Brownies briefly in the microwave (10-15 seconds per square does the trick)—they’ll become extra soft and dreamy, just like fresh from the oven.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for a crowd-pleasing treat bursting with fall magic, these Pumpkin Brownies are the answer. Bake a batch for your next gathering—or just for yourself!—and watch them disappear in a swirl of chocolate and pumpkin goodness.

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