Pumpkin Spice Brownies

Sink your teeth into the fudgy, aromatic delight of these Pumpkin Spice Brownies that perfectly capture autumn’s essence in every bite. The rich chocolate melds with warm pumpkin spices to create a dessert that’s simultaneously decadent and comforting. These Pumpkin Spice Brownies transform ordinary chocolate into a seasonal masterpiece that will have everyone asking for seconds. You’ll learn how to create the perfect balance of spice and chocolate while achieving that coveted crackly brownie top with a moist, tender center.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These Pumpkin Spice Brownies stand out from traditional brownies with their unique seasonal twist. The marriage of deep chocolate flavor with warm pumpkin spices creates an irresistible contrast that elevates this dessert beyond the ordinary. The texture is what makes these brownies truly special – a crisp, shiny top gives way to a fudgy center that melts in your mouth, while subtle pumpkin notes add moisture without sacrificing that classic brownie experience.

Perfect for fall gatherings, holiday dessert tables, or simply enjoying with a cup of coffee, these brownies require minimal effort but deliver maximum flavor. Even novice bakers can achieve spectacular results with this straightforward recipe. The aroma alone, with cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves mingling with rich chocolate, will transform your kitchen into the coziest spot in the house.

Ingredients

For these delectable Pumpkin Spice Brownies, you’ll need:

• 1 cup (226g) unsalted butter
• 2 cups (400g) granulated sugar
• 4 large eggs, room temperature
• 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
• 1 cup (125g) all-purpose flour
• 1 cup (85g) unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 2 teaspoons pumpkin pie spice (store-bought or homemade)
• ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon (for extra warmth)
• ⅓ cup (80g) pumpkin puree (not pumpkin pie filling)
• 1 cup (175g) semi-sweet chocolate chips

The pumpkin puree adds moisture without overwhelming the chocolate flavor, while the pumpkin pie spice blend introduces the signature fall flavors. Use high-quality cocoa powder for the richest chocolate taste and make sure your pumpkin puree is pure without added sugars or spices.

Pro Tips

Bloom Your Spices: To maximize the aromatic qualities in your Pumpkin Spice Brownies, add your spices to the melted butter mixture while it’s still warm. This “blooms” the spices, releasing their essential oils and intensifying their flavors throughout the brownie batter.

Perfect Fudgy Texture: The key to achieving the ideal fudgy texture in these spiced chocolate brownies is not overmixing once the flour is added. Stir just until no dry streaks remain—overmixing develops gluten, which can make brownies cakey rather than fudgy. Additionally, don’t overbake! The brownies should look slightly underdone in the center when you remove them from the oven as they’ll continue cooking from residual heat.

The Toothpick Test Trick: When testing your Pumpkin Spice Brownies for doneness, the toothpick should not come out completely clean. Look for moist crumbs adhering to the toothpick—this indicates the perfect fudgy center. A clean toothpick means you’ve gone too far, and you’ll end up with drier brownies.

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving overhang on the sides for easy removal. Lightly grease the parchment.

Step 2: In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium-low heat. Once melted, remove from heat and immediately stir in the granulated sugar until combined. The mixture will look grainy, and that’s perfectly normal.

Step 3: Allow the butter-sugar mixture to cool slightly (about 5 minutes) before whisking in the eggs one at a time, making sure each is fully incorporated before adding the next. Add the vanilla extract and whisk until the mixture becomes shiny and slightly thickened.

Step 4: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, salt, pumpkin pie spice, and additional cinnamon. The thorough mixing of dry ingredients ensures your Pumpkin Spice Brownies will have evenly distributed flavors.

Step 5: Gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture using a rubber spatula, mixing just until most of the dry streaks disappear. Add the pumpkin puree and fold a few more times until incorporated.

Step 6: Fold in ¾ cup of the chocolate chips, reserving the rest for topping. The batter will be thick and velvety – resist the urge to overmix! Spread the batter evenly in your prepared pan and sprinkle the remaining chocolate chips on top.

Step 7: Bake for 25-30 minutes, until the edges are set and a toothpick inserted about 2 inches from the edge comes out with a few moist crumbs. The center should still look slightly underdone, which ensures you’ll have perfectly fudgy Pumpkin Spice Brownies.

Step 8: Allow the brownies to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack before lifting out using the parchment overhang. For the cleanest cuts, refrigerate for at least 2 hours before slicing into squares with a sharp knife, wiping the blade between cuts.

Variations

White Chocolate Swirl Pumpkin Brownies: For an eye-catching version of these Pumpkin Spice Brownies, prepare the batter as directed, then melt 1 cup of white chocolate chips with 2 tablespoons of butter. Swirl this mixture into the brownie batter before baking for a beautiful marbled effect that adds a sweet, creamy contrast to the spiced chocolate base.

Pumpkin Cheesecake Brownies: Transform this recipe by creating a simple cheesecake swirl. Beat 8 ounces of softened cream cheese with ¼ cup sugar, 1 egg, and 1 tablespoon of vanilla until smooth. Pour the brownie batter into your prepared pan, drop spoonfuls of the cheesecake mixture on top, then swirl with a knife for a stunning dual-textured fall dessert.

Gluten-Free Pumpkin Spice Brownies: Easily adapt this recipe for gluten-free diets by substituting the all-purpose flour with a high-quality cup-for-cup gluten-free flour blend. The rich chocolate flavor and warming spices make these brownies so indulgent that no one will notice they’re gluten-free.

Storage and Serving

Store your Pumpkin Spice Brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days to maintain their fudgy texture and fresh flavor. For longer storage, refrigerate for up to a week, though the texture may become slightly more dense. You can also freeze the cut brownies for up to 3 months by wrapping them individually in plastic wrap and placing them in a freezer-safe container.

For an indulgent dessert, serve slightly warmed with a scoop of vanilla ice cream – the cold creaminess creates a delightful contrast with the spiced chocolate flavor. Create an elevated fall dessert by topping each brownie with freshly whipped cream sprinkled with a dusting of cinnamon or pumpkin pie spice. For a coffee shop experience at home, pair your Pumpkin Spice Brownies with a latte or hot apple cider for the ultimate autumn treat.

FAQs

Can I use pumpkin pie filling instead of pumpkin puree?
No, pumpkin pie filling contains added sugars and spices that will alter the flavor and texture of your Pumpkin Spice Brownies. Stick with pure pumpkin puree for the best results.

Why didn’t my brownies get that crackly top?
The signature crackly top comes from properly incorporating the eggs and sugar. Make sure to whisk the mixture until it becomes slightly lighter in color and develops a sheen before adding dry ingredients.

Can I use Dutch-processed cocoa powder?
Yes, Dutch-processed cocoa works beautifully in these brownies, providing a smoother, less acidic chocolate flavor that pairs wonderfully with the pumpkin spices.

How do I know when the brownies are done without overbaking?
The edges should be set but the center should still look slightly underdone. A toothpick inserted 2 inches from the edge should have moist crumbs attached, not wet batter.

Can I double this recipe?
Yes, you can double the recipe and bake in two separate pans. However, avoid using a single larger pan as this will affect the baking time and texture of your Pumpkin Spice Brownies.

Conclusion

These Pumpkin Spice Brownies are comfort food at its finest — a perfect harmony of rich chocolate decadence and warm autumn spices that capture the essence of the season. They’re the kind of dessert that brings people together, whether served at Halloween gatherings, Thanksgiving celebrations, or simply as a special treat to enjoy with a steaming mug of coffee on a crisp fall afternoon. With their fudgy centers, crackly tops, and aromatic spice blend, these brownies offer a memorable twist on a classic favorite that will have everyone reaching for seconds.

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