Get ready for a cozy treat with these Pumpkin Spiced Brownies! They mix rich chocolate with warm pumpkin spice, creating a perfect fall dessert.
I love how these brownies bring the flavors of fall right into my kitchen. They make my house smell amazing, and who can resist a little chocolatey goodness? 🍫
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pumpkin Puree: Make sure to use pure pumpkin puree and not pumpkin pie filling, which has extra sugars and spices. If pumpkin isn’t available, you can use butternut squash puree as a good substitute.
Unsweetened Cocoa Powder: This ingredient is crucial for that rich chocolate flavor. You can substitute it with Dutch-process cocoa for a slightly different flavor, but avoid sweetened cocoa mixes.
Spices: The combination of cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves makes these brownies festive. If you’re short on some spices, you can use pumpkin pie spice mix instead—just adjust to your taste.
Granulated Sugar: You can switch to brown sugar for a deeper flavor and extra moisture! It can give your brownies a nice caramel touch.
How Do You Ensure Your Brownies are Moist and Fudgy?
The secret to perfectly moist and fudgy brownies lies in mixing and baking. Here’s how to achieve this:
- Don’t overmix the batter after adding the dry ingredients—it can make the brownies tough. Stir until just combined.
- Check for doneness a few minutes early! The toothpick test is key; it should have a few moist crumbs, not clean.
- Let the brownies cool completely before cutting. This helps them set up nicely for cleaner squares.
Enjoy these tips, and your pumpkin spiced brownies will turn out delicious every time! 🍂
How to Make Pumpkin Spiced Brownies
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1/2 cup (115g) unsalted butter
- 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/3 cup (35g) unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/2 cup (65g) all-purpose flour
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 cup (120g) pumpkin puree (not pumpkin pie filling)
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
- Optional: 1/2 cup (90g) chocolate chips or chopped nuts
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare and an additional 25-30 minutes to bake. Plus, allow some time for the brownies to cool completely before cutting, which takes about 30 minutes. So, in total, you’re looking at around an hour to enjoy these delicious treats!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease or line an 8×8 inch baking pan with parchment paper, making it easier to remove the brownies later.
2. Melt the Butter:
In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over low heat. Once melted, remove the saucepan from heat, and stir in the granulated sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract using a wooden spoon or a whisk until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
3. Combine Dry Ingredients:
In a separate bowl, sift together the cocoa powder, all-purpose flour, salt, and baking powder. Mixing these ingredients separately ensures an even distribution throughout the batter.
4. Mix it All Together:
Gradually stir the dry ingredients into the butter mixture. Mix until it’s just combined—be careful not to overmix! Then, gently fold in the pumpkin puree and spices (cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, cloves) until everything is well incorporated. If you’re adding chocolate chips or nuts, fold them in now too!
5. Pour and Smooth:
Pour the brownie batter into the prepared pan, and use a spatula to spread it evenly across the bottom.
6. Bake:
Place the pan in your preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes. Keep an eye on them! When a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with a few moist crumbs (not wet batter), they’re ready.
7. Cool and Serve:
Let the brownies cool completely in the pan on a wire rack. Once cooled, cut them into squares. Enjoy these moist and rich brownies, perfect for sharing or savoring on your own!
Happy baking! 🎃
Can I Use a Different Type of Flour?
Absolutely! You can use whole wheat flour for a healthier option, but keep in mind it may affect the texture slightly. Almond flour can also work for a gluten-free option, though the brownies may be less dense.
What Should I Do If I Don’t Have Pumpkin Spice?
No worries! You can create your own blend using 1 teaspoon of cinnamon, 1/2 teaspoon of nutmeg, 1/4 teaspoon of ginger, and a pinch of cloves. Mix them together and add to the batter as a substitute for pumpkin spice.
How Can I Store Leftover Brownies?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want to keep them longer, you can refrigerate them for up to a week or freeze them for up to 3 months. Just be sure to wrap them well to prevent freezer burn!
Can I Add More Chocolate?
Of course! Feel free to add more chocolate chips or even swirl in some melted chocolate or Nutella into the batter before baking for an extra chocolatey treat!