Delicious Pumpkin Brownies: The Perfect Fall Dessert Fusion

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These pumpkin brownies combine two of the best desserts — classic fudgy brownies and pumpkin pie — into one irresistible treat. The dense, chocolatey layer contrasts beautifully with the creamy, warmly spiced pumpkin swirl. They’re easy to make, full of seasonal flavor, and perfect for both chocolate lovers and pumpkin fans. Plus, they look gorgeous with their marbled top and rich, glossy finish.

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Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

Butter: Melted butter gives the brownies that rich, fudgy texture and deep flavor. You can use salted or unsalted, depending on your taste.

Granulated Sugar and Brown Sugar: A mix of both creates a perfect balance of sweetness and moisture. The brown sugar also adds a subtle caramel note.

Eggs: Provide structure and help achieve that chewy brownie consistency. Room-temperature eggs work best for smooth mixing.

Vanilla Extract: Enhances both the chocolate and pumpkin flavors with a subtle warmth.

All-Purpose Flour: Gives the brownies structure while keeping them soft and tender.

Cocoa Powder: The heart of the chocolate flavor. Use Dutch-processed for a deep, rich taste, or natural cocoa for a slightly lighter flavor.

Pumpkin Puree: Adds natural moisture and that signature pumpkin flavor. Be sure to use pure pumpkin, not pumpkin pie filling.

Pumpkin Pie Spice: A cozy blend of cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves that elevates the pumpkin layer beautifully.

Baking Powder: Gives the brownies a bit of lift without making them cakey.

Salt: Balances sweetness and enhances flavor.

Chocolate Chips (optional): For extra richness and melty pockets of chocolate throughout the brownies.

Directions

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper and lightly grease it.

In a large bowl, whisk together melted butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until smooth. Add the eggs and vanilla extract, whisking until glossy and combined.

In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt. Add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture and stir until just combined. Set aside ¾ cup of the brownie batter for the top layer.

In another bowl, mix together pumpkin puree, pumpkin pie spice, and a few spoonfuls of sugar if desired. Add ¼ cup of flour to slightly thicken the pumpkin mixture.

Spread most of the brownie batter into the prepared pan, then top with the pumpkin mixture. Dollop the reserved brownie batter on top and use a knife or skewer to swirl the two together gently, creating a marbled effect.

Bake for 35–40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with a few moist crumbs. Cool completely before slicing into squares. For clean cuts, chill in the fridge for 30 minutes before serving.

Essential Equipment

Must-Have Tools to Get Rolling

Here’s what you’ll want to have on hand:

Silicone Spatula – Durable, heat-resistant silicone spatula perfect for mixing, scraping, and spreading. Gentle on non-stick cookware and easy to clean.

Large pot – You’ll need this to boil the whole cabbage head and soften the leaves.

large bowl –Spacious, durable large bowl ideal for mixing, serving, or food preparation. Made from sturdy material and easy to clean.

Sharp knife – For coring the cabbage and slicing out the thick stem in each leaf. A paring knife works best.

Mixing bowl – A big bowl makes it easier to combine your meat and rice filling evenly.

Cutting board – For prepping cabbage leaves and rolling them like a pro.

9×13-inch baking dish – Ideal size to fit your rolled cabbage leaves snugly and prevent them from unraveling.

knife – A sharp, durable kitchen knife perfect for slicing, chopping, and dicing with ease.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes about 9 to 12 brownies. Prep time takes 15 minutes, baking takes 40 minutes, and cooling adds another 30 minutes. They’re ready in just over an hour and perfect for make-ahead desserts.

Storage/reheating

Store brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for up to 5 days. To reheat, warm individual squares in the microwave for 10–15 seconds for that just-baked gooeyness. These also freeze well — wrap tightly and freeze for up to 2 months.

Variations and Customizations

Chocolate Chip Pumpkin Brownies

Fold chocolate chips into the pumpkin layer for extra sweetness and texture.

Cream Cheese Swirl

Add a cream cheese swirl by mixing softened cream cheese with sugar and vanilla — it adds a cheesecake-like richness.

Nutty Crunch

Sprinkle chopped walnuts or pecans on top before baking for a bit of crunch and a nutty finish.

Espresso Infusion

Add a teaspoon of espresso powder to the brownie batter to intensify the chocolate flavor.

Gluten-Free Version

Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend instead of regular flour — the texture remains perfectly fudgy.

Salted Caramel Drizzle

After baking, drizzle salted caramel sauce on top for a decadent fall twist.

FAQs

1. Can I use boxed brownie mix for this recipe?

Yes! Prepare the mix as directed and add the pumpkin layer in the same way for a quick shortcut.

2. Can I use fresh pumpkin purée?

Absolutely — just make sure it’s smooth and well-drained so the batter doesn’t become watery.

3. How do I make the marbled effect?

Use a knife or skewer to gently swirl the brownie and pumpkin layers together before baking.

4. Can I make these dairy-free?

Yes, use plant-based butter and dairy-free chocolate chips.

5. How do I know when they’re done?

They’re ready when the center is set and a toothpick comes out with a few moist crumbs, not wet batter.

6. Can I double the recipe?

Yes, double the ingredients and bake in a 9×13-inch pan for the same time or slightly longer.

7. Can I add nuts?

Definitely — walnuts, pecans, or even hazelnuts work beautifully.

8. What’s the best way to serve them?

At room temperature with a dusting of powdered sugar or warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

9. Can I make them more chocolatey?

Add chocolate chips or drizzle melted chocolate over the cooled brownies.

10. Are they more fudgy or cakey?

These brownies are dense and fudgy, not cakey — perfect for chocolate lovers.

Conclusion

Delicious Pumpkin Brownies are the ultimate fall dessert — rich, comforting, and perfectly spiced. The fusion of fudgy chocolate and creamy pumpkin layers creates a dessert that feels both nostalgic and exciting. Whether you’re sharing them at a holiday gathering or baking a cozy weekend treat, these brownies bring together the best of autumn flavors in one irresistible bite. Each swirl of pumpkin and chocolate is a reminder that comfort food can be both indulgent and beautifully simple.

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