Pumpkin Spice Brownies Recipe
Rich chocolate brownies flavored with warm pumpkin spice and topped with a smooth pumpkin spice buttercream. This Pumpkin Spice Brownies Recipe delivers a cozy fall dessert with deep chocolate flavor and a creamy, spiced frosting.
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Servings: 9 brownies
Ingredients
For the Brownies
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- ¼ cup unsalted butter
- 2 tbsp whole milk
- 1½ cups milk chocolate chips
- ⅔ cup all-purpose flour
- ½ tsp pumpkin pie spice
- ¼ tsp baking soda
- ½ tsp salt
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
For the Pumpkin Spice Buttercream Frosting
- ¾ cup unsalted butter softened
- 3 tbsp pumpkin puree
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 1½ tsp pumpkin pie spice
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- A pinch of kosher salt
Instructions
Step 1 – Prepare the Oven and Baking Dish
- Preheat the oven to 325°F (163°C). Lightly grease an 8×8-inch baking dish or line it with parchment paper to ensure easy removal of the brownies after baking.
Step 2 – Prepare the Chocolate Mixture
- In a medium saucepan set over medium heat, combine the milk, unsalted butter, and granulated sugar. Stir continuously until the mixture begins to gently simmer and the butter has fully melted.
- Remove the saucepan from the heat and add the milk chocolate chips. Stir until the chocolate chips have completely melted and the mixture becomes smooth and glossy. Allow the mixture to cool slightly before proceeding to the next step.
Step 3 – Combine the Dry Ingredients
- In a separate mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, pumpkin pie spice, baking soda, and salt. This step ensures the spices and leavening agents are evenly distributed throughout the brownie batter.
- Set the bowl aside.
Step 4 – Prepare the Brownie Batter
- Add the eggs and vanilla extract to the slightly cooled chocolate mixture and whisk until well combined.
- Gradually incorporate the dry ingredients into the chocolate mixture. Stir gently until the batter is smooth and fully combined, ensuring no dry pockets remain.
Step 5 – Bake the Brownies
- Pour the prepared brownie batter into the greased baking dish. Use a spatula to spread the batter evenly across the pan.
- Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs.
- Remove the brownies from the oven and allow them to cool completely before frosting.
Step 6 – Prepare the Pumpkin Spice Buttercream
- In a stand mixer fitted with the whisk attachment, combine the softened butter and pumpkin puree. Beat until the mixture is smooth and well incorporated.
- Add the pumpkin pie spice, vanilla extract, and a pinch of kosher salt. Scrape down the sides of the bowl with a spatula.
- Gradually add the powdered sugar while mixing on low speed. Continue beating until a smooth, light, and fluffy buttercream frosting forms.
Step 7 – Frost and Serve
- Once the brownies have completely cooled, spread the pumpkin spice buttercream evenly over the surface using an offset spatula.
- Cut the brownies into 9 squares and serve.
Notes
To prepare a gluten-free version of this Pumpkin Spice Brownies Recipe, replace the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour blend that contains xanthan gum or another binding agent.
Additionally, verify that the chocolate chips, pumpkin pie spice, powdered sugar, and other packaged ingredients are labeled certified gluten-free, as some brands may contain additives or be processed in facilities that handle gluten-containing products.
With these substitutions, the brownies will maintain their rich texture while remaining suitable for a gluten-free diet.