These pumpkin spiced brownies are a tasty treat, blending rich chocolate with warm pumpkin and spices. They’re super fudgy and perfect for fall! 🍂
Every bite feels like a cozy hug, and you’ll want to share them with friends—if you can resist eating them all yourself! I like to enjoy mine with a hot cup of coffee. ☕
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Unsalted Butter: This adds a rich flavor and moisture. If you’re short on butter, you can use coconut oil or a plant-based butter alternative.
Sugar: Granulated sugar is used for sweetness and texture. You could substitute it with brown sugar for extra moisture, or try coconut sugar for a healthier option.
Pumpkin Puree: This is key to giving the brownies their yummy flavor. If you don’t have pumpkin puree, you can use mashed sweet potato or applesauce as a substitute, though it will slightly change the taste.
Pumpkin Pie Spice: This blend of spices is essential for that fall flavor. If you’re out, you can mix your own with cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves.
Why Is Proper Mixing So Important?
Mixing the ingredients correctly makes a big difference in the final texture of your brownies. Here’s what to keep in mind:
- Mix the butter and sugar thoroughly to incorporate air, helping the brownies rise a bit.
- When adding eggs, beat them in well to ensure they blend perfectly.
- For the dry ingredients, combine gently. Overmixing can make brownies tough instead of fudgy. Just mix until you see no dry flour.
These simple steps can make sure your brownies come out moist and delicious every time!
Pumpkin Spiced Brownies
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Brownies:
- 1/2 cup (115g) unsalted butter
- 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup (120g) pumpkin puree (canned or fresh)
- 1/2 cup (45g) unsweetened cocoa powder
- 3/4 cup (95g) all-purpose flour
- 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice (or a blend of ground cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves)
For Topping:
- Optional: flaky sea salt for topping
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare and 25-30 minutes to bake. You’ll want to let them cool completely before slicing, which might take about 30 minutes. So, expect around 1 hour in total before you can dig in!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat and Prepare the Baking Pan:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While it heats up, take an 8-inch square baking pan and line it with parchment paper for easy removal later, or lightly grease it to prevent sticking.
2. Melt the Butter:
In a medium saucepan over low heat, melt the butter. Once it’s melted, take it off the heat and stir in the granulated sugar until everything is well blended and creamy.
3. Mix in Eggs and Pumpkin:
Add the eggs one at a time, making sure to beat well after each addition. Next, stir in the vanilla extract and pumpkin puree until the mixture is smooth and combined.
4. Combine Dry Ingredients:
In a separate bowl, whisk together the unsweetened cocoa powder, all-purpose flour, baking powder, salt, and pumpkin pie spice. This ensures that your brownies will have a nice, even flavor throughout.
5. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients:
Now, gradually add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients. Gently mix until just combined—don’t overmix, as this can make them tough. A few lumps are okay!
6. Pour and Bake:
Pour the brownie batter into your prepared baking pan and spread it evenly. If you want, sprinkle a little flaky sea salt on top for added flavor. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with moist crumbs. Remember—it’s better to underbake slightly than overbake!
7. Cool and Serve:
Once baked, take the pan out of the oven and let the brownies cool completely in the pan. This usually takes about 30 minutes. Once cool, slice them into squares and serve! Enjoy the rich, fudgy texture mixed with warm pumpkin spices with your friends and family!
These brownies are perfect for fall gatherings and cozy nights in. Enjoy every delicious bite!
Can I Use Canned Pumpkin for This Recipe?
Absolutely! Canned pumpkin puree is perfect for these brownies and saves time. Just make sure to use plain pumpkin puree and not pumpkin pie filling, which contains added sugars and spices.
Can I Substitute the Flour for a Gluten-Free Option?
Yes, you can use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend in place of regular all-purpose flour. Just ensure the blend contains xanthan gum for better texture.
How Can 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 for up to 3 months. Just make sure to wrap them well in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer bag.
What If I Don’t Have Pumpkin Pie Spice?
No problem! You can easily make your own blend by mixing equal parts cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and a pinch of cloves. Each of these spices contributes to the warm, cozy flavor characteristic of pumpkin spice!
