Imagine the richest, fudgiest brownie you've ever had, then give it a cozy autumn hug. That's exactly what these pumpkin brownies are all about, a truly magical fall dessert.

They're incredibly rich and chocolatey, with a hidden depth of warm spice that makes them utterly irresistible. Honestly, my family gobbles them up without even realizing they're eating something a little bit better for them.

Why You'll Adore This Recipe

This recipe is the hero of busy bakers and fall enthusiasts alike. You start with a simple brownie mix, which means you're just twenty minutes away from getting these beauties into the oven.

It's such an easy, fun process that it's perfect for making with kids. They love helping measure, dump, and swirl the beautiful batters together in the prepared pan.

And the result? A stunning, marbled treat that looks like it came from a professional bakery, absolutely perfect for Halloween parties or any autumn gathering.

Ingredients Needed for the Recipe

• 1 store-bought brownie mix (plus the ingredients listed on the box to make the batter)*
• 1/3 cup chocolate chips or chopped chocolate bar
• 4 ounces neufchatel or full fat cream cheese (½ block), softened
• ¾ cup pumpkin puree (about a half of a 15-ounce can)
• ¼ cup pure maple syrup
• 1½ teaspoons pumpkin pie spice
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• Flakey sea salt

The Secret to a Perfect Pumpkin Swirl

Creating that beautiful marbled effect is easier than you think, it just requires a gentle hand. The key is to not over-mix once you start swirling the two batters together.

You want to use a knife or a skewer to make bold, confident swirls through the layers. A few figure-eight motions will give you that gorgeous, bakery-worthy finish that makes these brownies so special.

How to make Pumpkin Brownies?

Preheat and Prepare

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F. Line a 9x9 inch baking pan with parchment paper, letting the edges hang over the sides for easy removal later; set your pan aside for now.

Make the Brownie Base

In a mixing bowl, prepare the brownie batter exactly as the package instructions direct you. Once it's smooth, gently fold in those glorious chocolate chips; set this chocolatey bowl aside.

Create the Pumpkin Magic

In a separate bowl, use a hand mixer to gently beat the softened cream cheese until it's completely smooth. Add the pumpkin puree, maple syrup, pumpkin pie spice, and vanilla, then mix it all until it's wonderfully combined and creamy.

Layer the Batters

Now, grab your prepared pan and spread about three-quarters of the brownie batter evenly across the bottom. Next, carefully spoon all of the pumpkin-cream cheese mixture over the top and spread it into a smooth layer.

Swirl and Bake

Drop the remaining brownie batter by small spoonfuls on top of the pumpkin layer. Take a knife and gently swirl it through the batters to create a beautiful marbled pattern.

Bake for 45-50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Immediately sprinkle the top with a little flakey sea salt for that perfect sweet-salty contrast.

Cool and Serve

Let the brownies cool completely on a wire rack before you even think about cutting them. This patience is crucial for getting those clean, perfect squares we all love.

Ingredient Substitutions and Swaps

Not a pumpkin fan? No problem at all. You can easily substitute the canned pumpkin with mashed sweet potato or even butternut squash puree.

For a dairy-free version, simply swap the cream cheese for a plant-based alternative and use your favorite dairy-free chocolate chips. It works like an absolute charm and tastes just as decadent.

Tips

For the cleanest cuts, chill the brownies in the pan for about an hour after they've cooled to room temperature. A sharp knife wiped clean between slices will give you those gorgeous, professional edges.

Don't skip the flakey sea salt at the end! It might seem like a small step, but it truly elevates the chocolate and spice flavors, making each bite incredibly complex and satisfying.

How to Store for Lasting Freshness

Keep these brownies in an airtight container in the refrigerator, where they'll stay deliciously fresh for up to five days. The cool temperature helps maintain their wonderfully fudgy texture.

They are also fantastic for freezing. Just wrap each brownie individually, pop them in a freezer bag, and freeze for up to three months. Thaw overnight in the fridge or for a few hours on the counter.

The Best Time to Serve These

These brownies are the undisputed star of any fall potluck or Halloween party. They bring a touch of elegant, seasonal flair to the treat table that guests absolutely adore.

They also make for a fantastic after-school snack or a lunchbox surprise. It's a sweet treat that secretly packs a nutritious punch from the pumpkin, which feels like a major win.

A Note on Dietary Tweaks

To make this recipe gluten-free, just use your favorite gluten-free brownie mix. We find that a fudge-style mix works best to maintain that dense, rich texture we all crave in a brownie.

Making it nut-free is incredibly simple—just ensure your brownie mix is nut-free and omit any nuts called for on the package or in any additional toppings. It's an easy way to make sure everyone can enjoy a slice.