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Easy Fudgy Pumpkin Brookies Recipe

I absolutely love how this Easy Fudgy Pumpkin Brookies Recipe brings together two of my favorite fall flavors—rich, gooey chocolate brownies and warmly spiced pumpkin bars. The texture is just perfect: fudgy, chewy, and with a tender crumb that melts in your mouth. Each bite feels like a cozy hug on a chilly day, making it a must-try treat when you want something unique yet utterly comforting.

When I first tried this recipe, I was amazed at how simple it was to pull off such a decadent dessert without fussing over complicated steps. You’ll find that it’s the kind of baking project that feels special enough for gatherings but easy enough to whip up any weekend afternoon. Whether you’re making it for a holiday party, a casual coffee date, or just because, this Easy Fudgy Pumpkin Brookies Recipe will quickly become a go-to in your dessert arsenal.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Two Desserts in One: The perfect combo of fudgy brownies and spiced pumpkin bars saves time and impresses every time.
  • Foolproof & Easy: Even if you’re not a seasoned baker, this recipe is straightforward and forgiving.
  • Perfect Texture: Delightfully gooey and fudgy brownies with a soft, flavorful pumpkin layer that’s not dry.
  • Great for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a holiday, potluck, or cozy night in, these brookies are sure to please all ages.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Each ingredient in this Easy Fudgy Pumpkin Brookies Recipe is key to balancing the rich chocolate flavors with the warm spices of pumpkin. Using quality chocolate and fresh spices really makes these bars memorable, so take a moment to choose the best you can find.

  • Unsalted Butter: Melted for the pumpkin layer and softened for the brownie layer; using unsalted helps control saltiness.
  • Pumpkin Puree: Use canned or homemade pumpkin puree for best flavor and moisture.
  • Dark Brown Sugar: Adds depth and moisture to the pumpkin layer; you can swap with light brown sugar if needed.
  • Granulated Sugar: Balances sweetness and texture in the pumpkin layer.
  • Egg Yolk: Gives richness to the pumpkin bars without adding too much moisture.
  • Vanilla Extract: Enhances the flavors of both layers beautifully.
  • Baking Soda: Helps give the pumpkin bars the right rise and texture.
  • Salt: Brings out all the flavors, don’t skip it.
  • Ground Nutmeg, Cinnamon, Ginger, Allspice: Classic pumpkin pie spices that create that irresistible fall aroma and taste.
  • All-Purpose Flour: The foundation that holds the pumpkin bars together.
  • Brownie Mix or Unsweetened Baking Chocolate, Cocoa Powder, Sugar, Eggs, Chocolate Chips: For the fudgy brownie layer, you’ll want quality ingredients to get that rich, gooey texture.
Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

I love customizing this Easy Fudgy Pumpkin Brookies Recipe depending on the season or the occasion. Feel free to switch up spices, add mix-ins, or even make it vegan-friendly with a few tweaks to suit your taste buds.

  • Pecan or Walnut Add-in: My family goes crazy when I toss chopped nuts into the brownie layer for a delightful crunch.
  • Spice it Up: Experiment with more or less cinnamon and ginger, or add a pinch of cloves to deepen those cozy fall vibes.
  • Vegan Version: Substitute butter with coconut oil and use flax eggs instead—works surprisingly well here!
  • Chocolate Swap: Use white chocolate chips instead of dark for a sweeter twist that’s strangely addictive.

How to Make Easy Fudgy Pumpkin Brookies Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Pumpkin Layer

Start by melting the butter and mixing it with pumpkin puree, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until smooth and well combined. Add the egg yolk, vanilla, baking soda, salt, and the warming spices (nutmeg, cinnamon, ginger, allspice). Stir in the flour last to form a soft dough. I like to mix just until combined here—overmixing makes the pumpkin bars tough, so take it easy.

Step 2: Make the Fudgy Brownie Batter

For the brownie layer, melt butter and unsweetened baking chocolate together until silky. Then whisk in sugar and eggs, followed by vanilla extract. Combine the cocoa powder and flour separately before folding them into the wet ingredients. Finally, gently fold in chocolate chips—this is what makes the brownies extra gooey and decadent!

Step 3: Assemble and Bake

Press the pumpkin layer evenly into your lined baking pan. Carefully spread the brownie batter on top, smoothing it out but not disturbing the pumpkin layer beneath. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted near the center comes out with just a few moist crumbs. You’ll love how the edges get crisp and the center stays fudgy.

Step 4: Cool and Slice

Let the brookies cool completely in the pan before slicing. This step is key because cutting while warm can make the layers blend and get messy. Once cooled, use a sharp knife, wiped between cuts, for perfect bars. Trust me—this patience pays off big!

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Pro Tips for Making Easy Fudgy Pumpkin Brookies Recipe

  • Don’t Skip Cooling: Allow brookies to cool completely before slicing to keep layers distinct and clean.
  • Quality Chocolate Matters: Using a good unsweetened baking chocolate takes the brownie layer from good to irresistible.
  • Layer Carefully: Gently spread brownie batter over pumpkin to avoid mixing layers; an offset spatula helps here.
  • Watch Baking Time: Check towards the end of baking to prevent overbaking; you want fudgy, not dry.

How to Serve Easy Fudgy Pumpkin Brookies Recipe

The image shows several thick, square chocolate brownies stacked neatly on a white marbled surface. The brownies have a rich, dark brown color with a dense and moist texture. Each square is topped with shiny chocolate chips that add small glossy spots on the matte surface. The top brownie is placed slightly leaning on another, showing the soft and fudgy inside. In the background, a small pumpkin is slightly out of focus, adding an autumn feel to the photo. The photo was taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

I often dust the top with a light sprinkle of powdered sugar for a pretty finish, or add a few extra chocolate chips right after baking while the brownies are still warm so they melt slightly. Sometimes, I’ll add a drizzle of caramel sauce for extra indulgence—my kids love that touch.

Side Dishes

This dessert pairs wonderfully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream to balance the richness. A hot cup of coffee or chai tea also makes a cozy sidekick, perfect for a chilly afternoon treat.

Creative Ways to Present

I’ve served these brookies on a rustic wooden board garnished with fresh autumn leaves and a small bowl of spiced whipped cream for holiday parties. They also look lovely stacked in a glass jar tied with twine as a sweet homemade gift for friends.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftover pumpkin brookies in an airtight container at room temperature, and they stay moist and fudgy for up to 3 days. Refrigeration can dry them out slightly, so if you’re keeping them longer, wrap tightly and store in the fridge.

Freezing

Freezing works great for this recipe—just slice into bars and wrap each individually or layer with parchment paper in a freezer-safe container. They keep well for up to 3 months, and when you’re ready, thaw them overnight in the fridge.

Reheating

To revive that fresh-out-of-the-oven warmth, pop a brookie in the microwave for about 10 seconds or warm it briefly in the oven wrapped in foil. This method keeps the fudgy texture intact and makes them taste freshly baked.

FAQs

  1. Can I use a boxed brownie mix instead of making brownies from scratch?

    Absolutely! Using a boxed brownie mix is a convenient shortcut that works well for this recipe. Just prepare it according to the package instructions and layer it on top of the pumpkin batter. It’s a great way to save time without sacrificing that fudgy texture.

  2. Can I substitute canned pumpkin puree with fresh pumpkin?

    Yes, you can! Just roast and puree fresh pumpkin until smooth. Keep in mind that homemade puree may have slightly more moisture, so you might need to adjust baking time or slightly reduce other liquids to avoid a soggy bottom layer.

  3. How do I make sure the brookies bake evenly?

    Press the pumpkin layer evenly in the pan and gently spread the brownie batter on top without mixing the two layers. Baking at a moderate temperature (350°F) helps, as does using an oven thermometer to ensure consistent heat. Checking doneness with a toothpick near the center avoids overbaking.

  4. Can I make these brookies gluten-free?

    Yes! Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend that measures cup for cup, and choose a gluten-free brownie mix or make the brownie layer from scratch using gluten-free ingredients. The texture might vary slightly but still delicious.

  5. What’s the best way to store leftover pumpkin brookies?

    Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days to keep them soft and fudgy. For longer storage, freeze the bars individually wrapped for up to 3 months, then thaw and warm before serving.

Final Thoughts

This Easy Fudgy Pumpkin Brookies Recipe has quickly become one of those baking gems that I turn to anytime I want to wow family and friends without spending hours in the kitchen. It’s the kind of dessert where the flavors and textures just sing together perfectly, but the method stays delightfully simple. I truly hope you enjoy making and sharing these brookies as much as I do—they feel like a little slice of fall happiness in every bite!

Print
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Easy Fudgy Pumpkin Brookies Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.8 from 113 reviews
  • Author: Nora
  • Prep Time: 30 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Total Time: 60 minutes
  • Yield: 24 bars
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Description

Delight in these Easy Fudgy Pumpkin Brookies, a delicious fusion of pumpkin cookie bars and rich, fudgy chocolate brownies. Perfectly spiced with cinnamon, nutmeg, and allspice, and topped with indulgent chocolate chips, these bars offer a moist, gooey texture that’s ideal for fall gatherings or anytime you crave a comforting treat.


Ingredients

Pumpkin Cookie Layer

  • ½ cup (113g) unsalted butter, melted
  • ⅓ cup (81g) pumpkin puree
  • ¾ cup (150g) packed dark brown sugar (light may be substituted)
  • ¼ cup (50g) granulated sugar
  • 1 large egg yolk
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • ½ teaspoon baking soda
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • ¼ teaspoon ground ginger
  • ¼ teaspoon ground allspice
  • 1 ¾ cups (217g) all-purpose flour

Chocolate Brownie Layer

  • 4 ounces (113g) unsweetened baking chocolate, coarsely chopped
  • ¾ cup (170g) unsalted butter
  • 1 ¾ cups (350g) sugar
  • 3 large eggs
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 2 tablespoons (10g) unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 1 cup (124g) all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup (170g) chocolate chips


Instructions

  1. Prepare the Pumpkin Cookie Layer: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the melted unsalted butter, pumpkin puree, dark brown sugar, granulated sugar, egg yolk, and vanilla extract until smooth and combined. In a separate bowl, sift together the baking soda, salt, ground nutmeg, ground cinnamon, ground ginger, ground allspice, and all-purpose flour. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet pumpkin mixture, stirring just until a soft dough forms. Set aside.
  2. Make the Chocolate Brownie Batter: In a heatproof bowl set over simmering water or in a microwave, melt the unsweetened baking chocolate and butter together until smooth. Remove from heat and stir in sugar. Allow mixture to cool slightly before adding the eggs one at a time, beating well after each. Mix in vanilla extract and unsweetened cocoa powder. Fold in all-purpose flour until just combined, then fold in the chocolate chips gently.
  3. Assemble the Brookies: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper. Spread the prepared pumpkin cookie dough evenly into the bottom of the pan. Carefully spoon the chocolate brownie batter on top, spreading it evenly over the pumpkin layer without mixing the two layers.
  4. Bake: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for approximately 30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the brownies comes out with a few moist crumbs attached but not wet batter.
  5. Cool and Serve: Remove the brookies from the oven and allow them to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack. Once cooled, cut into 24 bars and serve. Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to a week.

Notes

  • These pumpkin brookies combine the flavors of pumpkin spice cookie bars with rich chocolate brownies for a unique fall dessert.
  • Chocolate chips in the brownie layer add extra gooeyness and texture.
  • You can substitute light brown sugar if preferred in the pumpkin cookie layer.
  • Make sure to not mix the pumpkin and brownie layers; layering them separately creates the classic brookie effect.
  • For best results, allow the brookies to cool completely before slicing to avoid crumble.
  • Perfect for seasonal parties, potlucks, or as a comforting homemade treat for friends and family.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 brownie (approximately 1/24th of recipe)
  • Calories: 304 kcal
  • Sugar: 28 g
  • Sodium: 90 mg
  • Fat: 15 g
  • Saturated Fat: 9 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
  • Trans Fat: 1 g
  • Carbohydrates: 42 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 4 g
  • Cholesterol: 55 mg

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