These pumpkin spiced brownies are a cozy treat, perfect for fall! They mix rich chocolate with warm pumpkin spice for a deliciously unique flavor.
Who knew brownies could get even better? I love enjoying them with a scoop of ice cream on top. Just remember to save some for later—if you can resist! 😋
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Butter: Unsalted butter is ideal for control over saltiness. If you need a dairy-free option, coconut oil works well, giving a slight coconut flavor.
Chocolate: Semisweet chocolate is key for richness. You can substitute dark chocolate or even use chocolate chips if you prefer convenience. Milk chocolate will give a sweeter taste.
Pumpkin Puree: Make sure to use pure pumpkin puree, not pumpkin pie filling, as the latter contains added sugars and spices. You can swap it with applesauce for a different flavor.
Pumpkin Pie Spice: This blend gives warmth to the brownies. If it’s unavailable, mix cinnamon, nutmeg, and a pinch of ginger and cloves.
Cream Cheese: Soften your cream cheese beforehand for easier mixing. If you’re after a healthier version, consider using Greek yogurt instead for a tangy twist.
How Do You Create the Perfect Swirl in Brownies?
Swirling in the pumpkin mixture can be tricky but fun! Start with a thick brownie batter and dollop your pumpkin mixture on top. Here’s how to get that beautiful swirl:
- Use a knife or toothpick to gently swirl the pumpkin mixture into the brownie layer.
- Don’t over-mix! Aim for a marbled look, so some pumpkin mixture remains visible.
- Keep the swirls subtle to maintain distinct layers of brownie and pumpkin flavors.
This technique not only makes them look great but also allows the flavors to meld beautifully in every bite!
Pumpkin Spiced Brownies
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1/2 cup (115g) unsalted butter
- 8 oz (225g) semisweet chocolate, chopped or chocolate chips
- 3/4 cup (150g) granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup (100g) brown sugar, packed
- 3 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup (65g) all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup (25g) unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 cup pumpkin puree (not pumpkin pie filling)
- 1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice (or 1/2 tsp cinnamon, 1/4 tsp nutmeg, pinch of cloves & ginger)
- 4 oz (115g) cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup (30g) powdered sugar
How Much Time Will You Need?
This scrumptious recipe takes about 15 minutes of prep time and 35-40 minutes of baking time, plus cooling. Allow for a total of about 1 hour to prepare, bake, and cool these delightful brownies before serving!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepping Your Oven and Pan:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Get a 9×9-inch square baking pan and line it with parchment paper. Leave some paper hanging over the sides, which will help you lift the brownies out later. Easy peasy!
2. Melting the Chocolate and Butter:
In a microwave-safe bowl or a double boiler, melt together the butter and semisweet chocolate until smooth. Give it a stir, then let it cool off a bit while you mix the dry and wet ingredients.
3. Mixing the Sugars and Eggs:
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the granulated sugar, brown sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and creamy. This part adds sweetness and richness to your brownies!
4. Combining Chocolate with the Egg Mixture:
Once your melted chocolate mixture has cooled slightly, pour it into the sugar and egg mixture. Stir it all together until it’s well combined. You want a lovely chocolatey mix!
5. Mixing the Dry Ingredients:
In a separate bowl, sift together the flour, cocoa powder, salt, and baking powder. This helps make your brownies fluffy and prevents any lumps!
6. Folding It All Together:
Now, gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined. Don’t overmix—this keeps your brownies from getting tough!
7. Preparing the Pumpkin Layer:
In another bowl, mix together the pumpkin puree, pumpkin pie spice, softened cream cheese, and powdered sugar until smooth. This will create a delicious layer of pumpkin flavor!
8. Creating the Brownie Layers:
Pour half of the brownie batter into your prepared pan, spreading it evenly. Next, dollop the pumpkin cream cheese mixture over this layer. Finally, pour the rest of the brownie batter on top, covering the pumpkin filling.
9. Swirling for a Marbled Effect:
Using a knife or skewer, gently swirl the pumpkin mixture into the brownie batter. You want a marbled effect, so be careful not to mix it too much!
10. Baking to Perfection:
Pop your brownies in the oven and bake for 35-40 minutes. Check with a toothpick; it should come out with a few moist crumbs—not wet batter.
11. Cooling and Cutting:
Once baked, let the brownies cool completely in the pan on a wire rack. Once cooled, lift them out using the parchment paper and cut into squares.
12. Serving Time:
Enjoy your rich, moist pumpkin spiced brownies! They’re delicious on their own, but you can also serve them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a light dusting of powdered sugar for extra sweetness!
These brownies are the perfect blend of rich chocolate and seasonal pumpkin spice, making them a delightful dessert to share or indulge in all by yourself! Enjoy the flavors of fall. 🍂🍫🌟
Can I Use a Different Type of Chocolate?
Absolutely! While semisweet chocolate gives the best flavor, you can substitute dark chocolate for a richer taste. If you’re in a pinch, chocolate chips will also work perfectly!
Is It Possible to Make These Brownies Gluten-Free?
Yes! You can easily make these brownies gluten-free by using a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend in place of the all-purpose flour. Make sure your baking powder is also gluten-free!
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, keep them in the fridge for up to a week or freeze them for up to 3 months!
Can I Add Nuts or Chocolate Chips?
Definitely! You can fold in some chopped nuts, like walnuts or pecans, or sprinkle chocolate chips into the batter for extra texture and flavor. Just be mindful of not overmixing!
