Introduction

Chocolate Pumpkin Brownies with Swirl are a luxurious twist on traditional brownies, blending fudgy chocolate with the cozy warmth of pumpkin and spices. A swirl of spiced pumpkin puree cuts through the rich chocolate, creating an eye-catching marbled effect and a perfect balance of flavors.

These brownies are indulgent yet comforting, combining the richness of chocolate with the natural sweetness and slight tang of pumpkin. They’re ideal for fall gatherings, Halloween parties, Thanksgiving desserts, or cozy weekends at home. Every bite offers a tender, gooey texture with a subtle hint of autumn spices, making them irresistible for both kids and adults.

Why I Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it takes classic chocolate brownies and elevates them with the seasonal flavor of pumpkin. The fudgy chocolate layer pairs beautifully with spiced pumpkin, creating a dessert that is both rich and light, decadent yet comforting. The marbled swirl is not only visually stunning but also provides an even distribution of flavors in every bite. Baking these brownies fills the kitchen with the warm aroma of cocoa, cinnamon, and nutmeg — pure autumn bliss.

Why It’s a Must-Try Dish

• Fudgy & Decadent: Rich chocolate base with tender texture.
• Seasonal Twist: Pumpkin adds natural sweetness and cozy spices.
• Visually Stunning: Marbled swirl looks bakery-professional.
• Perfect for Fall: Ideal for Halloween, Thanksgiving, or autumn gatherings.
• Flavor Harmony: Chocolate and pumpkin complement each other beautifully.

Preparation and Cooking Time

• Preparation Time: 15 minutes
• Baking Time: 30–35 minutes
• Cooling Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour

Servings and Nutritional Info

• Servings: 16 brownies
• Calories: Approximately 280–320 kcal per brownie

Course & Cuisine

• Course: Dessert / Snack
• Cuisine: American / Fall-Inspired

Ingredients

For the Chocolate Brownie Layer:

• 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp baking powder

For the Pumpkin Swirl:

• 1/2 cup pumpkin puree
• 2 tbsp granulated sugar
• 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
• 1/8 tsp ground cloves
• 1/4 tsp vanilla extract

Optional Toppings:

• Chocolate chips
• Chopped pecans or walnuts
• Powdered sugar dusting

Cooking Directions (Overview)

1. Preheat oven and prepare pan.
2. Prepare chocolate brownie batter.
3. Prepare pumpkin swirl mixture.
4. Pour brownie batter into pan and dollop pumpkin mixture on top.
5. Use a knife or skewer to swirl pumpkin into the chocolate.
6. Bake until set but still fudgy.
7. Cool, slice, and serve.

Step-by-Step Preparation Method

Step 1: Preheat Oven & Prepare Pan

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Grease or line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper.

Step 2: Prepare Chocolate Brownie Batter

1. In a medium bowl, mix melted butter and sugar until smooth.
2. Beat in eggs and vanilla extract.
3. Sift cocoa powder, flour, salt, and baking powder, then fold into wet mixture until just combined.

Step 3: Prepare Pumpkin Swirl

1. In a small bowl, combine pumpkin puree, sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and vanilla extract until smooth.

Step 4: Assemble the Brownies

1. Pour brownie batter into prepared pan and smooth the top.
2. Spoon pumpkin mixture in dollops over the chocolate batter.
3. Using a knife or skewer, gently swirl the pumpkin through the chocolate to create a marbled effect.

Step 5: Bake

1. Bake for 30–35 minutes, or until the edges are set and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with a few moist crumbs (do not overbake to keep fudgy texture).
2. Cool in the pan on a wire rack for 15 minutes before slicing.

Step 6: Serve

• Slice into 16 squares and serve at room temperature.
• Optionally, top with chocolate chips, nuts, or a dusting of powdered sugar.
• Perfect with coffee, milk, or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

Recipe Tips

• Do Not Overmix: Keeps brownies tender and fudgy.
• Drain Excess Moisture: Ensure pumpkin puree is thick to avoid soggy brownies.
• Use a Toothpick for Swirls: Lightly swirl for a beautiful marbled pattern.
• Check Doneness Carefully: Fudgy brownies can be underbaked slightly for perfect texture.
• Cool Completely Before Slicing: Helps clean edges and preserves swirl design.

Variations

• Chocolate Chip Pumpkin Brownies: Fold in ½ cup chocolate chips before swirling.
• Nutty Pumpkin Swirl: Sprinkle toasted pecans or walnuts on top before baking.
• Caramel Swirl: Drizzle caramel sauce along with pumpkin puree for extra decadence.
• Mini Brownies: Bake in a mini muffin tin for bite-sized treats; reduce baking time to 20 minutes.
• Spiced Pumpkin: Add pumpkin pie spice instead of individual cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves for a richer flavor.

Freezing & Storage

• Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Refrigeration: Keep covered for up to 1 week; allow to come to room temperature before serving.
• Freezing: Wrap brownies individually or in pan tightly with foil; freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight at room temperature.

Special Equipment Needed

• 8×8-inch baking pan
• Parchment paper
• Mixing bowls
• Spatula or spoon
• Whisk
• Knife or skewer (for swirling)

FAQ

Q1: Can I use canned pumpkin puree?
Yes, use pure pumpkin puree, not pumpkin pie filling.

Q2: Can I make these gluten-free?
Yes, substitute all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.

Q3: Can I make mini brownies?
Yes, use a mini muffin tin and reduce baking time to 20 minutes.

Q4: Can I add chocolate chips to the batter?
Absolutely! Fold in ½ cup chocolate chips for extra richness.

Conclusion

Chocolate Pumpkin Brownies with Swirl are a decadent, fudgy, and visually stunning dessert that perfectly marries the richness of chocolate with the cozy flavors of pumpkin and fall spices. Ideal for seasonal gatherings, holidays, or weekend indulgence, these brownies are easy to make yet impressive in flavor and presentation. With their marbled swirls and fudgy texture, they’re guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser and a festive treat for autumn.