Delicious Pumpkin Brownies: The Perfect Fall Treat!

Okay, let’s do this! Time to share my ultimate, sanity-saving Pumpkin Brownies recipe with my mom tribe.

It’s the perfect blend of fall flavors and chocolatey goodness, and trust me, even the pickiest eaters in my house gobble them up. Let’s get baking!


Okay, so let me tell you about the first time I ever made Pumpkin Brownies. It was a rainy October afternoon, the kind where the kids were bouncing off the walls and I was desperate for something to occupy them (and myself!). I remembered seeing a recipe online and thought, “Why not?” I figured it was worth a try!

The kitchen became a flour-covered disaster zone, but amidst the chaos, something magical happened. The warm, spicy aroma of pumpkin filled the air, and the kids actually stopped fighting to help stir the batter. When we finally pulled those Pumpkin Brownies out of the oven, they were gooey, chocolatey perfection.

The best part? Everyone devoured them! It was one of those rare moments where the whole family was happy and content, all thanks to a simple batch of Pumpkin Brownies. It was delicious, easy, and a great way to connect as a family! Since then, it’s become a fall tradition, and I’ve tweaked the recipe to make it even easier for busy weeknights.

These Pumpkin Brownies have saved me from the 5 PM panic more times than I can count! They’re quick to whip up, require minimal ingredients, and always satisfy those chocolate cravings. Plus, sneaking in some pumpkin puree is a mom win in my book!

If you’re looking for a delicious and easy treat that the whole family will love, you’ve come to the right place. Join me in the kitchen, and let’s make some Pumpkin Brownies magic together!

INGREDIENTS You’ll Need:

Okay, fellow kitchen warriors, let’s talk ingredients. This Pumpkin Brownies recipe is all about simplicity. No fancy stuff here, just everyday ingredients that you probably already have in your pantry. Trust me, this Pumpkin Brownies ingredient list is SHORT because mama doesn’t have time for fancy!

Here’s what you’ll need:

  • 1 cup all-purpose flour: The base of our Pumpkin Brownies. I usually use unbleached, but any kind works.
  • 1 cup granulated sugar: For sweetness, of course!
  • 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder: This gives our Pumpkin Chocolate Brownies that rich, chocolatey flavor.
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking powder: Helps the brownies rise a bit.
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt: Balances out the sweetness.
  • 1 cup pumpkin puree: The star of the show! Make sure it’s pumpkin puree, not pumpkin pie filling.
  • 1/2 cup vegetable oil: Keeps the brownies moist.
  • 2 large eggs: Binds everything together.
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Adds a touch of flavor.
  • 1/2 cup chocolate chips: Because what are brownies without chocolate chips?
  • Optional: 1/2 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice: This adds a little extra warmth and spice.
A spread of raw ingredients ready to be mixed for making homemade Pumpkin Brownies

No worries if you don’t have pumpkin pie spice! You can substitute with 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon and a pinch of nutmeg. I use that trick all the time when making these Pumpkin Brownies!

You can grab most of these ingredients at Target or Walmart while doing your regular grocery run. I love one-stop shopping, especially when I have the kids in tow!

This Pumpkin Brownies recipe doesn’t have to break the bank! Look for store-brand ingredients to save a few bucks.

Here’s a mom hack that saved my sanity: I always keep a can or two of pumpkin puree in my pantry, just in case I need a quick dessert or a way to sneak some veggies into the kids’ meals.

My family loves when I add extra chocolate chips to these Pumpkin Brownies! Feel free to add more or use different kinds of chocolate chips, like milk chocolate or white chocolate.

For leftovers (if there are any!), store these Pumpkin Brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. You can also freeze them for longer storage.

Let’s Make it Happen!

Alright, kitchen warriors, let’s get baking! This is where the magic happens. Follow these simple steps, and you’ll have a batch of delicious Pumpkin Brownies in no time. I promise, it’s easier than folding a fitted sheet!

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour an 8×8 inch baking pan. This will prevent the Pumpkin Brownies from sticking.
  2. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt. Make sure there are no lumps!
  3. In a separate bowl, combine the pumpkin puree, oil, eggs, and vanilla extract. Whisk until smooth.
  4. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir until just combined. Be careful not to overmix. A few lumps are okay.
  5. Fold in the chocolate chips and pumpkin pie spice (if using). Now it’s starting to look (and smell!) amazing!
  6. Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and spread evenly.
  7. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with moist crumbs. Here’s where I used to mess up my Pumpkin Brownies – don’t overbake them!
  8. Let the brownies cool completely in the pan before cutting into squares. This is the hardest part, I know! While your Pumpkin Brownies are doing its thing, pour yourself that well-deserved coffee!

In my chaotic kitchen, this Pumpkin Brownies recipe usually takes about 45 minutes from start to finish. That includes prep time, baking time, and cooling time. Perfect time to fold that laundry pile!

Your Pumpkin Brownies should smell amazing by now! The edges should be set, and the center should be slightly soft.

Don’t panic if your Pumpkin Brownies looks a little cracked on top! That’s perfectly normal and actually adds to their charm.

Here’s a family-tested shortcut and time-saver: Use a box of brownie mix and just add the pumpkin puree and pumpkin pie spice. Boom! Easy Pumpkin Brownies!

Here’s a cooking confession: I’ve definitely forgotten to add the eggs before. Don’t worry, you’re not alone! Just add them in and mix well. It’ll still work out! This Pumpkin Brownies recipe is pretty forgiving.

I highly recommend checking out this Pumpkin Cream Cheese Brownies Recipe — The Mom 100 for some brownie-spiration.

How We Love to Eat This!

Now for the best part: eating! This Pumpkin Brownies recipe is delicious on its own, but we also love to get creative with toppings and pairings. Here are some of our favorite ways to enjoy these fudgy Pumpkin Brownies:

The kids devour this Pumpkin Brownies when I serve it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream and a drizzle of caramel sauce. It’s the perfect dessert after a long day of school.

This Pumpkin Brownies is perfect for those crazy weeknight dinners when you need a quick and easy treat to satisfy everyone’s sweet tooth.

We also love to bring these fudgy Pumpkin Brownies to potlucks and bake sales. They’re always a hit! Plus, I find it is so much fun and heartwarming to share them with family and friends.

For presentation tips that actually matter to families, I like to cut the brownies into fun shapes using cookie cutters. The kids love it! You can also sprinkle some powdered sugar or mini chocolate chips on top for extra flair.

Leftover ideas because we always have them! Crumble the Pumpkin Brownies over yogurt or oatmeal for a delicious breakfast treat.

For seasonal variations, I’ve tried adding chopped nuts or dried cranberries to the batter. They add a nice texture and flavor.

The guests/friends reactions to my Pumpkin Brownies are always positive. Everyone always raves about how moist and flavorful they are.

These easy Pumpkin Brownies remind me of another family favorite! For more sanity-saving treat ideas, check out my Pumpkin French Toast Roll-Ups.

I also really enjoy taking inspiration from recipes such as Fudgy Pumpkin Brownies – Around My Family Table.

I have also seen recipes that inspire me such as Pumpkin Cheesecake Brownies {Easy + Elegant} – WellPlated.com.

FAQs: Your Questions Answered

Okay, let’s tackle some common questions about these easy Pumpkin Brownies! I know you’re probably thinking, “Can I really pull this off?” Trust me, you can! Here are some answers to your burning questions:

Can my picky eater handle this Pumpkin Brownies?

This is a question I get all the time! Most picky eaters don’t even realize there’s pumpkin in these brownies. The chocolate flavor is dominant, and the pumpkin adds moisture and a subtle sweetness. If your picky eater is particularly sensitive, start with a small piece and see how they react. You can always call them Pumpkin Chocolate Brownies to make them sound more appealing!

What if I burn my Pumpkin Brownies? (Asking for a friend… okay, it was me!)

We’ve all been there! If your Pumpkin Brownies are slightly burnt on the edges, you can try to carefully trim them off with a knife. If they’re burnt all the way through, well, consider it a learning experience. Don’t beat yourself up! Just make another batch.

Can I make this Pumpkin Brownies ahead for meal prep?

Absolutely! These Pumpkin Brownies are perfect for meal prep. Just bake them according to the instructions and store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. You can also freeze them for longer storage.

Can I use a different kind of flour?

I haven’t tried it myself, but I’ve heard that you can use gluten-free flour in this recipe. Just be sure to use a gluten-free flour blend that’s designed for baking.

Can I use sugar substitutes?

Yes, you can experiment with sugar substitutes in these Pumpkin Brownies. I recommend using a sugar substitute that’s designed for baking and following the package instructions for conversion.

Can I add nuts or other mix-ins?

Absolutely! Feel free to add chopped nuts, dried cranberries, or any other mix-ins that you like. Just fold them into the batter before baking.

What if I don’t have pumpkin pie spice?

No problem! You can substitute with 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon and a pinch of nutmeg.

This Pumpkin Brownies recipe is pretty flexible, so don’t be afraid to experiment and make it your own!

Final Thoughts:

This Pumpkin Brownies recipe is more than just a dessert; it’s a symbol of cozy fall days, family togetherness, and sanity-saving sweetness. It’s special to my family because it’s a treat that everyone enjoys, and it’s a reminder that even in the midst of the beautiful chaos, we can always find time for a little bit of baking and a lot of love.

Here are my Pumpkin Brownies Mom Hacks:

  • Use a box of brownie mix as a shortcut! Just add the pumpkin puree and pumpkin pie spice.
  • Make a double batch and freeze half for later.
  • Let the kids help with the stirring and chocolate chip adding!

Here are some family-tested Pumpkin Brownies variations:

  • Cream Cheese Pumpkin Brownies: Add a layer of cream cheese filling on top of the brownie batter before baking. For cream cheese topping check out my Homemade Spiced Pumpkin Butter.
  • Peanut Butter Pumpkin Brownies: Swirl peanut butter into the brownie batter before baking.
  • Salted Caramel Pumpkin Brownies: Drizzle salted caramel sauce over the baked brownies.

My son loves the Cream Cheese Pumpkin Brownies, my daughter prefers the classic version with extra chocolate chips, and I’m a sucker for the Salted Caramel Pumpkin Brownies.

I encourage you to make this Pumpkin Brownies recipe your own. Add your favorite mix-ins, experiment with different flavors, and most importantly, have fun!

I hope this Pumpkin Brownies recipe brings as much joy to your family as it has to mine. Remember, it does not need to be perfect to be memorable! Happy baking, fellow kitchen warriors! And don’t forget, these are incredible Pumpkin Chocolate Brownies that will be sure to please! You can do this and make the best Pumpkin Brownies!

A batch of freshly baked and cut Pumpkin Brownies displayed on a plate

 

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Pumpkin Brownies

Delicious Pumpkin Brownies on Display

These fudgy pumpkin brownies are a perfect fall treat! They combine the rich flavor of chocolate with the warmth of pumpkin spice for a delicious and easy dessert.

  • Author: Vivien
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Total Time: 45 minutes
  • Yield: 16 servings
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baked
  • Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, melted
  • 2 cups granulated sugar
  • 1 cup packed brown sugar
  • 4 large eggs
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 cup pumpkin puree
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • ¾ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
  • 1 cup chocolate chips, optional

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13 inch baking pan.
  2. In a large bowl, combine the melted butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar. Beat until well combined.
  3. Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract and pumpkin puree.
  4. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, salt, and pumpkin pie spice.
  5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
  6. Stir in the chocolate chips, if using.
  7. Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and spread evenly.
  8. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with moist crumbs attached.
  9. Let the brownies cool completely in the pan before cutting into squares.

Notes

Serve these brownies with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra special treat!

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