Pumpkin Spice Brownies Recipe

If you’re into cozy flavors and the magic of fall spices, you’re going to love this Pumpkin Spice Brownies Recipe. It’s that perfect combination of rich, fudgy chocolate brownies with a warm pumpkin spice twist that just feels like a hug in dessert form. I’ve made these countless times on chilly autumn afternoons, and each bite reminds me why pumpkin and chocolate are a match made in heaven.

What really makes this Pumpkin Spice Brownies Recipe special is the luscious pumpkin frosting that sits on top – creamy, slightly spiced, and so beautifully balanced against the deep chocolate notes inside. Whether you’re bringing these to a holiday gathering or simply enjoying a treat with your coffee, these brownies never fail to impress, and they’re an easy way to switch up your usual chocolate dessert game.

this …

Ingredients & Why They Work

Each ingredient in this Pumpkin Spice Brownies Recipe plays a key role, coming together to create rich layers of flavor and texture. I always recommend grabbing good-quality chocolate chips and fresh spices — it really makes a difference.

• Granulated Sugar: Sweetens the brownies while helping to create a tender texture.
• Unsalted Butter: Adds richness and helps achieve that fudgy brownie base.
• Whole Milk: Lightens the batter slightly and blends perfectly with the butter for smoothness.
• Milk Chocolate Chips: Melts into the batter for pockets of creamy chocolate.
• Flour: Provides structure to the brownies.
• Pumpkin Spice: Brings those classic autumn notes—cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves—all in one mix.
• Baking Soda: Gives a slight lift making sure brownies are dense but not heavy.
• Salt: Enhances all the flavors, balancing sweet and spice.
• Eggs: Bind everything together and add moisture.
• Vanilla Extract: Deepens the overall flavor—never skip this!
• Pumpkin Puree: Essential for the frosting, it adds moisture and pumpkin flavor.
• Powdered Sugar: Sweetens and smooths out the frosting texture.
• Pumpkin Pie Spice: Boosts the spice profile in the frosting for extra warmth.
• Kosher Salt: Just a pinch in the frosting to balance sweetness.

Tweak to Your Taste

I love making this Pumpkin Spice Brownies Recipe my own by adjusting the spices here and there or adding fun mix-ins. Don’t hesitate to customize it—after all, that’s part of the joy of baking! You can easily make it milder or more intense depending on your family’s preferences.

• Variation: Sometimes I’ll toss in chopped pecans or walnuts for a nice crunch—I find that texture contrast adds a lovely bite.
• Dairy-Free Option: Swap butter for coconut oil and whole milk for almond milk to make this recipe friendly for dairy-intolerant friends.
• Extra Spice Kick: Feel free to increase the pumpkin spice or add a dash of cayenne for a surprising hint of heat.
• Chocolate Lovers: Use dark chocolate chips instead of milk chocolate for deeper, richer flavor.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Pumpkin Spice Brownies Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Space

First things first, preheat your oven to 325°F and grease or line an 8×8 baking dish. This helps the brownies bake evenly and ensures you won’t struggle to get them out later. I usually use parchment paper—it’s my go-to for easy clean-up and perfect edges.

Step 2: Melt and Mix the Chocolate Base

In a small saucepan, combine the milk, butter, and sugar. Heat gently until it just starts to simmer—watch it closely so it doesn’t burn. As soon as it’s hot, remove from heat and stir in the milk chocolate chips until you have a silky smooth mixture. Let it cool for a few minutes; this prevents the eggs from cooking when you add them.

Step 3: Whisk Dry Ingredients Separately

While the chocolate mixture cools, whisk together the flour, pumpkin spice, baking soda, and salt in a separate bowl. This ensures the spices and leavening are evenly distributed so your brownies bake perfectly uniform.

Step 4: Combine Everything Gently

Add the eggs and vanilla extract to the cooled chocolate mixture and whisk until fully combined. Then gradually mix in your dry ingredients, folding them in with a spatula until just blended. Overmixing can make brownies tough, so be gentle and patient here.

Step 5: Bake and Cool

Pour the batter into your prepared pan and smooth the top. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, checking with a toothpick — it should come out clean or with just a few moist crumbs. Let the brownies cool completely before frosting; if they’re too warm, the frosting won’t set right and will melt into them instead.

Step 6: Make the Pumpkin Frosting

Using a stand mixer with a whisk attachment (or a hand mixer), beat together the softened butter and pumpkin puree until light and fluffy. Add in the pumpkin pie spice, vanilla extract, and a pinch of kosher salt. Slowly beat in the powdered sugar until you get a smooth, creamy buttercream. Taste it, and adjust sweetness or spice if needed.

Step 7: Frost and Serve

Once the brownies are completely cool, spread the pumpkin frosting evenly on top. This step is so satisfying — the creamy, spiced frosting is the cherry on top of these brownies. Cut into squares, serve, and get ready for all the compliments!

How to Serve Pumpkin Spice Brownies Recipe

Garnishes

I love sprinkling a little chopped toasted pecans or a dusting of cinnamon on top of the frosting just before serving—it adds a lovely crunch and extra cozy aroma that guests appreciate. Sometimes a dollop of whipped cream on the side is my go-to finishing touch.

Side Dishes

These brownies pair wonderfully with a cup of spiced chai tea or a big mug of coffee. For a fun weekend brunch, try serving them alongside vanilla bean ice cream or a warm apple cider to keep with the autumn vibes.

Creative Ways to Present

For Thanksgiving or a fall party, I like to cut the brownies into bite-sized squares, pop a decorative autumn-themed toothpick in each, and serve them on a rustic wooden board. Layering a few decorative leaves around the platter makes the presentation pop and gets everyone excited to dig in.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once frosted, store your Pumpkin Spice Brownies in an airtight container in the fridge to keep the frosting fresh and prevent drying out. They’ll stay wonderful for up to 4 days, though I bet they won’t last that long in your house!

Freezing

If you want to freeze these, I recommend freezing the brownies without frosting first. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and foil, then thaw before frosting to keep the texture and flavor intact. Once frosted, freezing can make the buttercream a bit grainy.

Reheating

To reheat, let refrigerated brownies come to room temperature or pop a single piece in the microwave for 10-15 seconds. This softens the brownie and frosting just enough to bring back that fresh-baked feel without melting the frosting too much.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Pumpkin Spice Brownies Recipe has become a favorite in my kitchen, especially when the days start getting cooler and I want something both comforting and a little festive. I hope you try it out soon—you’ll find it’s surprisingly simple but incredibly flavorful. Trust me, once you bite into those fudgy, spiced layers topped with creamy pumpkin frosting, you’ll see why this recipe is a keeper for all your cozy moments.

Print