Easy Pumpkin Brownies Recipe

All during fall, I eat as many pumpkin-flavored things as I can! These amazing pumpkin brownies are one of them! Super simple to make and so delicious! I guarantee you that no one will even notice these moist and chocolatey brownies are vegan!

Are you a chocoholic? There’s something about cacao that makes us feel comforted straight away! Especially on colder days like in the fall.

Can’t you imagine, snuggling up on the sofa in the evening with a good book and some vegan chocolate? Sounds dreamy to me! But it sounds even better with some vegan pumpkin brownies instead! Don’t you agree?

If you love this combination of vegan chocolate and pumpkin, check out these pumpkin stuffed dates and this pumpkin chocolate pie. And if you’re looking for more ways to use up some pumpkin, consider making one of these vegan pumpkin recipes.

Why This Recipe Works

• Simple and easy to get ingredients. 
• All you need is one bowl and a baking pan. After you’re done you’ll be thankful not to wash a mountain of dishes. 
• Uses canned pumpkin so you can make it year-round.
• Freezes great for a treat when you’re unprepared. 
• A great way to get some veggies in while eating dessert! 

What Goes Into This Recipe

Let’s look at the main ingredients you need to make these vegan homemade pumpkin chocolate brownies.

• Flour: Simple all-purpose flour.
• Cocoa powder: Gives this brownie recipe plenty of rich, chocolate flavor.
• Baking powder and salt: The baking powder helps the brownies leaven and the salt enhances the sweetness and chocolate flavor.
• Pumpkin puree: Using canned pumpkin puree makes this an easy recipe however you can make your own puree too! Just be sure to let it drain very well. It tends to be slightly more watery than canned pumpkin. 
• Sweetener: This recipe uses agave or maple syrup. If you want to use sugar that’s fine as well but you may find the batter a bit thicker. It can help to mix granulated sugar with the pumpkin puree and oil first to help dissolve it a bit. 
• Oil: We recommend vegetable or canola oil but any healthy cooking oil with a neutral flavor works.

TOP TIP: Make sure you are grabbing canned pumpkin and not pumpkin pie filling. These are NOT the same thing!

How To Make Vegan Pumpkin Brownies

Here’s an overview of the steps involved in making this vegan brownie recipe. For detailed instructions, be sure to see the recipe card further down the page.

• 1) Before mixing up the pumpkin brownie batter, preheat the oven and get your pan ready.
• 2) Add all the ingredients to a medium bowl and use a wooden spoon or spatula to mix together until completely smooth.

• 3) Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and bake for 25 minutes or until the brownies are almost set but the center wobbles slightly.  

• 4) Remove the brownies from the oven and allow them to cool in the pan.
• 5) Once they are cooled, cut into squares and serve.

Expert Tips and FAQs

• Use canned pumpkin. While homemade puree is a good alternative, using canned pumpkin will guarantee more consistent results.
• Add your favorite mix-ins but keep it under a one-half cup.
• Allow the brownies to cool before cutting. They will continue cooking a bit as they cool. I find at least 20-30 minutes is perfect in order to enjoy them warm.

Variations

Jazz up your pumpkin brownies with your favorite additions! Try to keep the amount under a one-half cup and feel free to mix and match!

• Nuts: Add in your favorite chopped nuts! I think pecans and walnuts work best!
• Dried fruit: Dried cherries or cranberries would make a nice addition! 
• Vegan chocolate chips: Dark and semisweet chocolate chips are generally vegan!
• Add some spices: Add a teaspoon of cinnamon or pumpkin pie spice for extra fall flavors.
• Frosting: Prefer vegan brownies with a bit of frosting? Try this vanilla buttercream or customize it to make it chocolate flavored.

How to Store

Leftovers: Brownies are best stored at room temperature. Be sure to wrap them up well or transfer them to an airtight container. They will last up to three days.

Freezer: To extend the shelf life, freeze pumpkin brownies in an airtight container for up to three months. When ready to serve, thaw them out at room temperature for an hour or so.

More Vegan Chocolate Recipes

• Vegan Peanut Butter Cups
• Chocolate Chickpea Bar
• Soft Chocolate Chip Cookies
• Sweet Potato Chocolate Cake

Photos by Alfonso Revilla