Best Pumpkin Swirl Fudgy Brownies (Easy Recipe)

Pumpkin brownies combine the deep flavor of cocoa with the subtle notes of pumpkin and spices. The result is a rich, fudgy brownie with a distinct pumpkin twist. Easy to prepare and perfect for the fall season, this recipe provides a unique take on traditional brownies.

Pumpkin desserts are a necessity during the fall, especially with special holidays like Halloween and Thanksgiving approaching. If you’re a fan of pumpkin recipes, you might also be interested in this Pumpkin Pie recipe and Pumpkin Snickerdoodle recipe.

Ingredient Notes

• Butter: Provides richness to the brownies.
• Granulated Sugar & Brown Sugar: Both sugars combine to give a perfect sweetness and moistness.
• Eggs: Offers structure and sets the brownie base.
• Vanilla Extract: Complements the chocolate flavor.
• Cocoa Powder: Use Dutch-processed cocoa powder.
• All-Purpose Flour: Helps in binding and giving structure.
• Baking Powder & Salt: Provides rise and flavor.
• Pumpkin Swirl Ingredients: Sweetened condensed milk makes the pumpkin layer creamy. Make sure that you use pure pumpkin puree and NOT pumpkin pie filling. You can substitute the spices with pumpkin pie spice. See recipe notes for the measurements.
• Ganache: Dark chocolate and heavy cream create a rich topping.

Step by Step Instructions

• Preparation: Preheat oven to 350°F. Using cooking spray, grease and line a baking dish with parchment paper.
• Combine Sugars & Butter: In a medium bowl, melt the butter with both granulated sugar and brown sugar.
• Wet Ingredients: Beat eggs and vanilla extract in a large bowl. Add the butter-sugar mixture.
• Dry Ingredients: Sift in cocoa powder, flour, baking powder, and salt. Mix until just combined.
• Pumpkin Swirl: Blend the pumpkin ingredients in a blender.
• Layering: Pour half the brownie batter, add the pumpkin mixture, and then the rest of the brownie batter, creating an even layer. Use a kitchen knife for a creamy pumpkin swirl.
• Baking: Place in the oven and bake until a wooden skewer comes out clean from the top of the brownies.
• Ganache: Drizzle the chocolate mixture over the cooled brownies.

Hint: For a richer and deeper chocolate flavor in your brownies, consider using dark cocoa powder instead of regular cocoa powder. This small change can elevate the overall taste and give your brownies an intense chocolatey punch. You can find quality dark cocoa powder here.

Substitutions

• Vegan/Dairy-Free: Replace butter with vegan butter. Use a dairy-free alternative for the sweetened condensed milk, such as coconut milk-based condensed milk.
• Gluten-Free: Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Ensure your baking powder and other ingredients are gluten-free as some may contain additives.

Variations

• For a spicier kick, use chai spice mix.
• Stir in semi-sweet chocolate chips for an added decadance.
• Nuts: Add a crunch to your brownies by folding in 1/2 to 3/4 cup of your favorite nuts like walnuts or pecans to the brownie batter before baking. 

Equipment

• Blender: Essential for achieving a smooth pumpkin batter for the swirl. Any standard or high-speed blender will do. If you don’t have one, you can also use a food processor.
• Baking Dish: A 9×9 baking dish is ideal, but any similar-sized baking dish will suffice. If using a different size, adjust the cooking time accordingly.

Find my favorite baking pan here and my go-to blender here.

Frequently Asked Questions