Easy Pumpkin Brownies Recipe
I can’t wait to share this Easy Pumpkin Brownies Recipe with you because it blends the cozy autumn vibes of pumpkin with the rich indulgence of chocolate, creating brownies that are perfectly moist and just a little bit special. Whether you’re looking for a change-up from traditional brownies or a quick seasonal treat, this recipe hits the mark every time. I love how simple it is—just one bowl, minimal ingredients, and under 40 minutes from start to finish.
It’s the kind of recipe that works great for an afternoon snack, a Thanksgiving dessert table, or an easy bake to share with friends. Plus, these brownies have a lovely subtle pumpkin flavor that pairs beautifully with the cocoa, making them both familiar and delightfully unique. Trust me, once you try this Easy Pumpkin Brownies Recipe, it’ll quickly become one of your go-to fall recipes.
Why This Recipe Works
- Simple Ingredients: Everything comes together in one bowl with pantry staples you likely already have.
- Moist, Not Messy: Pumpkin puree keeps the brownies tender and moist without needing extra butter or eggs.
- Perfect Texture: Baking just right ensures fudgy centers with a slight wobble for that ideal brownie feel.
- Flexible Sweetness: Agave or maple syrup offer natural sweetness, but you can easily swap in sugar for your taste.
Ingredients & Why They Work
This Easy Pumpkin Brownies Recipe balances rich cocoa with smooth pumpkin puree, giving moist texture and deep flavor. I always recommend using canned pumpkin puree over homemade for consistent results—plus, it’s super convenient.
- Flour: Provides structure so your brownies hold together nicely without being cakey.
- Cocoa Powder: Adds that lush chocolate flavor; make sure to use unsweetened for the best taste.
- Baking Powder: Just enough to give a little lift but keep them dense and fudgy.
- Salt: Enhances the chocolate and balances the sweetness perfectly.
- Pumpkin Puree: Moisture-rich and naturally sweet, key to that tender texture and fall flavor.
- Agave or Maple Syrup: For natural sweetness and a subtle flavor twist; you can swap with sugar if you prefer.
- Vegetable or Canola Oil: Keeps the brownies moist without overshadowing pumpkin’s flavor.
Tweak to Your Taste
I love making this Easy Pumpkin Brownies Recipe my own by adding little twists here and there, which really lets your personality shine in the kitchen. Whether you like nuts, chocolate chips, or a dash of warming spices, there’s room to customize and tweak.
- Spice it up: I often add a half teaspoon of cinnamon and a pinch of nutmeg to give that classic pumpkin spice vibe — super cozy!
- Add-ins: Sometimes I fold in chopped walnuts or dairy-free chocolate chips for extra texture and gooey pockets of chocolate.
- Sweetener swaps: Maple syrup adds a lovely richness compared to agave; sugar will give a more traditional brownie sweetness.
- Make it gluten-free: You can experiment with gluten-free flour blends, but expect a slightly different texture.
Step-by-Step: How I Make Easy Pumpkin Brownies Recipe
Step 1: Preheat & Prep Your Pan
Start by setting your oven to 350°F (180°C) and greasing a 9×9-inch pan—this classic square shape bakes the brownies evenly and makes cutting them a breeze later. Giving the pan a good coat of oil or butter, or lining it with parchment, will ensure your brownies slide out perfectly every time.
Step 2: Mix Your Ingredients Together
In one medium bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt until fully combined—this helps prevent clumps and makes the batter smooth. Then add the pumpkin puree, agave (or your chosen sweetener), and oil. Stir everything until the mixture is completely smooth with no dry patches.
Step 3: Bake & Check for Doneness
Pour the batter into your prepared pan and pop it into the oven for about 25 minutes. You’ll want to look for a mostly set bake with a slightly wobbly center—this indicates that beautiful fudgy texture. Don’t overbake! Trust me, it’s worth waiting for them to cool to get that perfect moist brownie.
Step 4: Cool and Cut
Once out of the oven, let your pumpkin brownies cool in the pan at room temperature for at least 20–30 minutes. The cooling time lets them finish baking gently and makes cutting neater. When they’re thoroughly cooled, slice into squares and get ready to enjoy!
Pro Tips for Making Easy Pumpkin Brownies Recipe
- Use Canned Pumpkin: I’ve found canned pumpkin puree gives the most consistent texture and flavor—homemade can be a little watery sometimes.
- Don’t Overbake: The slight wobble in the center is the sweet spot—overbaking dries them out, so keep an eye on your oven.
- Cool Fully Before Cutting: This step really helps the brownies set and prevents crumbly edges when slicing.
- Try Mix-Ins Sparingly: Adding more than half a cup of nuts or chocolate chips can weigh down the brownies and change baking times.
How to Serve Easy Pumpkin Brownies Recipe
Garnishes
I often sprinkle a little powdered sugar over the top or dust with cinnamon for an extra seasonal touch. Sometimes, a swirl of cream cheese frosting or a drizzle of caramel sauce elevates these brownies into something a bit more decadent, especially when sharing at gatherings.
Side Dishes
These pumpkin brownies pair wonderfully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a simple cup of coffee or hot chai tea—perfect cozy combos for chilly days. For celebrations, you can serve alongside roasted nuts or a fruit salad to balance the richness.
Creative Ways to Present
For a festive touch, I like to cut them into bite-sized squares and arrange them on a platter with fresh cranberries and rosemary sprigs for a holiday party. Wrapping individual brownies in parchment paper tied with twine makes for charming homemade gifts too!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
I store leftover pumpkin brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days—just make sure they’re fully cooled before sealing the container, or they get a bit soggy. For longer storage, the fridge works but I prefer room temp for ideal texture.
Freezing
These brownies freeze beautifully! I like to cut them into squares first, wrap each piece tightly in plastic wrap, then pop them in a freezer-safe bag. They keep well for up to 3 months—perfect for prepping treats ahead of time.
Reheating
To reheat, I let frozen brownies thaw at room temp for about an hour, then warm briefly in the microwave (15–20 seconds) or oven just until soft. This helps restore that “freshly baked” feel without drying them out.
FAQs
-
Can I make this Easy Pumpkin Brownies Recipe vegan?
Yes! This recipe is essentially vegan as written since it uses oil instead of butter and no eggs. Just be sure to use your favorite vegan-friendly sweetener and double-check your cocoa powder is vegan. It’s a simple, plant-based dessert option.
-
Can I substitute pumpkin puree with something else?
While pumpkin puree is best for that distinct flavor and moist texture, you can substitute with sweet potato puree or canned butternut squash puree for a similar effect—just expect a slightly different taste. Avoid watery purees as they can alter the brownie texture.
-
How do I know when my pumpkin brownies are done?
Look for the edges to be set and the center to still wobble slightly when you gently shake the pan. This means they’re perfectly baked and fudgy inside—overbaking will dry them out, so it’s good to check at the 25-minute mark.
-
Can I add nuts or chocolate chips?
Absolutely! Adding up to half a cup of chopped nuts or chocolate chips adds texture and extra flavor. Just fold them into the batter gently and keep an eye on baking time as these mix-ins can affect how the brownies bake.
Final Thoughts
This Easy Pumpkin Brownies Recipe really holds a special place in my heart—it’s one of those simple treats that always turns heads and brings a little seasonal warmth to the table. I hope you’ll give it a try soon because I honestly believe it’s the perfect way to enjoy pumpkin and chocolate without fuss. Once you taste these, they’ll be your quick, go-to fall dessert, just like they are mine.
Print
Easy Pumpkin Brownies Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 9 brownies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This easy pumpkin brownies recipe combines the rich flavors of cocoa with moist pumpkin puree to create a delicious and healthier twist on traditional brownies. Perfectly moist and lightly fudgy, these brownies are simple to make and ideal for fall or anytime you crave a comforting treat.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 1 ¼ cups flour
- ½ cup cocoa powder
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups pumpkin puree
- ⅓ cup agave or maple syrup (sugar works too)
- ¼ cup vegetable or canola oil
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F (180 degrees C). Grease a 9×9 inch (17×17 cm) baking pan to prevent sticking.
- Mix Ingredients: In a medium bowl, thoroughly combine all dry and wet ingredients until the batter is completely smooth without lumps.
- Bake the Brownies: Pour the batter evenly into the prepared pan. Bake for 25 minutes or until the edges are set and the center wobbles slightly, indicating a moist but not raw interior.
- Cool the Brownies: Remove the pan from the oven and allow the brownies to cool completely in the pan. This cooling lets them finish cooking and helps with cutting.
- Cut and Serve: Once cooled, cut into 9 equal squares and enjoy your moist pumpkin brownies.
Notes
- Use canned pumpkin puree for consistent results; homemade puree can be used but may vary.
- Add your favorite mix-ins such as nuts or chocolate chips, but keep additions under ½ cup to maintain texture.
- Allow the brownies to cool for at least 20-30 minutes before cutting to let them set perfectly and enjoy them warm.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 brownie
- Calories: 150 kcal
- Sugar: 9 g
- Sodium: 100 mg
- Fat: 7 g
- Saturated Fat: 1 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 20 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 2 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
