Pumpkin Pecan Brownies

Oh wow the warm pumpkin smell hits you so fast. It feels cozy and sweet like fall in my kitchen. I made these on a cool day and it just felt right.

I love how the soft brownie mixes with the crunchy pecans. The texture feels fun and the flavor tastes rich and warm. Each bite makes me smile.

I like easy treats that feel comforting. This one gives that soft pumpkin taste with a little nutty crunch. You’ll want another piece right away.

So yeah let’s make it together. It’s simple and so yummy for fall days. Come on I’ll show you what to do.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Fudgy and Rich: These brownies are ultra moist and gooey, giving you that perfect balance of a cake-like texture without sacrificing richness.
• Perfect Fall Flavor: Pumpkin puree, cinnamon, nutmeg, and maple syrup come together to give this dessert the cozy, spiced flavor that’s ideal for autumn.
• Pecan Crunch: The crunchy pecans provide a lovely contrast to the soft, decadent brownie texture, adding texture and flavor to every bite.
• Quick and Easy: With simple ingredients and a straightforward method, these brownies are easy to make and perfect for busy fall days.
• Great for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a Thanksgiving dessert, a fall birthday, or just a weekend treat, these Pumpkin Pecan Brownies will impress everyone.

Required Kitchen Tools

Before we dive into the recipe, let’s take a quick look at the kitchen tools you’ll need to make these Pumpkin Pecan Brownies:

• 8×8-inch Baking Dish: This is the perfect size for this recipe, giving the brownies enough room to bake evenly.
• Parchment Paper: For easy removal and cleanup, use parchment paper to line your baking dish.
• Large Mixing Bowl: You’ll need a bowl to mix the wet ingredients and dry ingredients together.
• Whisk and Spatula: A whisk will help you combine the dry ingredients, and a spatula is perfect for mixing everything together and scraping the sides of the bowl.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: For accuracy in your measurements, especially when baking, a good set of measuring cups and spoons is essential.

Ingredients

Here’s a list of everything you’ll need to make these scrumptious Pumpkin Pecan Brownies:

• 1 cup canned pumpkin puree: This adds moisture, flavor, and that signature pumpkin taste we all love.
• 1/2 cup maple syrup: Adds natural sweetness with a hint of caramel-like flavor.
• 1/4 cup coconut oil, melted: For richness and moisture. You can also substitute with vegetable oil or melted butter.
• 1 tsp vanilla extract: A classic flavor that complements the pumpkin and spices beautifully.
• 1 cup all-purpose flour: This forms the base of the brownie batter and helps create that soft, gooey texture.
• 1/2 cup cocoa powder: For that deep chocolate flavor that pairs perfectly with pumpkin.
• 1 tsp baking soda: Helps the brownies rise and gives them a light, fluffy texture.
• 1/2 tsp salt: Enhances the flavors and balances out the sweetness.
• 1/2 tsp cinnamon: A warm, aromatic spice that’s perfect for fall baking.
• 1/4 tsp nutmeg: Another quintessential fall spice that enhances the overall flavor profile of the brownies.
• 3/4 cup pecans, chopped: These add a lovely crunch and nuttiness to each bite, making the brownies extra special.
• 1/2 cup vegan chocolate chips: Optional, but they add melty chocolate goodness that will have you coming back for seconds.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Baking Dish

To get started, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8-inch baking dish with parchment paper, allowing a little overhang on the sides for easy removal once the brownies are done baking. This will make it easier to lift them out of the dish without any fuss. If you don’t have parchment paper, you can also grease the dish, but parchment paper gives you a cleaner result.

2. Mix Wet Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the canned pumpkin puree, maple syrup, melted coconut oil, and vanilla extract. The pumpkin adds both moisture and flavor, while the maple syrup gives a subtle sweetness that pairs perfectly with the spices. The coconut oil will ensure the brownies remain soft and rich.

3. Combine Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Whisk these dry ingredients together so they are evenly distributed. The cocoa powder gives the brownies their chocolatey richness, while the spices (cinnamon and nutmeg) give them that perfect fall flavor.

4. Add Dry Ingredients to Wet Ingredients

Slowly add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring gently with a spatula to combine. Mix until just combined, being careful not to overwork the batter. The consistency should be thick and rich, with a smooth texture.

5. Fold in the Pecans and Chocolate Chips

Once the batter is well combined, fold in the chopped pecans and vegan chocolate chips. The pecans will add a crunchy texture that contrasts beautifully with the soft, fudgy brownie, and the chocolate chips will melt into the brownies, creating pockets of rich chocolate goodness.

6. Bake the Brownies

Pour the brownie batter into the prepared baking dish, using a spatula to spread it evenly. Smooth the top of the batter to ensure even baking. Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for about 30-35 minutes. You’ll know the brownies are done when the edges are slightly set, and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with just a few moist crumbs (not wet batter).

7. Cool and Slice

Allow the brownies to cool completely in the baking dish before slicing them into squares. If you’ve used parchment paper, lifting the brownies out of the dish is a breeze. Once they’ve cooled, slice into 9 large squares or 16 smaller ones, depending on how big you want your portions.

How to Serve Pumpkin Pecan Brownies

These Pumpkin Pecan Brownies are perfect on their own, but if you’re looking to elevate the experience, here are a few serving suggestions:

• Serve with a Scoop of Ice Cream: Pumpkin pairs wonderfully with vanilla or cinnamon ice cream. A scoop on top of a warm brownie is a fall dessert dream come true.
• Top with Whipped Cream: A dollop of homemade whipped cream or dairy-free whipped topping adds a touch of creaminess and sweetness to balance the rich brownies.
• Drizzle with Caramel Sauce: If you love a little extra sweetness, a drizzle of warm caramel sauce on top of your brownies will add a luxurious touch.
• Pair with Hot Chocolate or Coffee: These brownies pair wonderfully with a hot drink like coffee, tea, or a spiced hot chocolate for the ultimate cozy experience.

Variations for Pumpkin Pecan Brownies

While the classic version of these Pumpkin Pecan Brownies is absolutely delicious, feel free to get creative and make the recipe your own with these variations:

• Swap Pecans for Other Nuts: If you’re not a fan of pecans, you can substitute with walnuts, almonds, or even hazelnuts for a different texture and flavor.
• Add Pumpkin Seeds: For an extra crunch and a bit more pumpkin flavor, sprinkle some roasted pumpkin seeds on top of the brownies before baking.
• Use Different Sweeteners: If you prefer, you can swap the maple syrup for honey, agave nectar, or even coconut sugar for a different sweetness profile.
• Make It Vegan: This recipe is already dairy-free with the use of coconut oil and maple syrup, but if you want to make it fully vegan, ensure the chocolate chips are dairy-free and use flax eggs or chia eggs as a substitute for regular eggs.
• Add Spices: If you love fall spices, feel free to add a pinch of ground ginger or cloves for an extra depth of flavor.

Storing Pumpkin Pecan Brownies

These brownies are perfect for making ahead, and they store beautifully:

• Room Temperature: You can store the brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. They’ll remain soft and moist, perfect for enjoying with a cup of coffee or tea.
• In the Refrigerator: If you want to keep them fresh for a bit longer, store the brownies in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
• Freezing: To freeze, wrap individual brownies in plastic wrap and place them in a zip-top bag or airtight container. They’ll stay fresh for up to 2 months. To enjoy, simply thaw at room temperature or warm them up in the microwave.

Pumpkin Pecan Brownies Nutrition Information

Here’s an approximate breakdown of the nutrition per serving (based on 16 brownies):

Nutrient	Amount per Serving
Calories	220 kcal
Protein	3g
Carbohydrates	30g
Fiber	3g
Sugars	14g
Fat	10g
Saturated Fat	4g
Cholesterol	0mg
Sodium	100mg

Note: Nutrition may vary depending on ingredient brands and portion sizes.

Conclusion

These Pumpkin Pecan Brownies are the perfect fall treat. With their rich, fudgy texture, warm spices, and crunchy pecans, they capture all the best flavors of autumn in every bite. Whether you’re serving them at a party, enjoying them on a quiet fall afternoon, or gifting them to friends and family, these brownies are sure to be a hit.

So grab your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to enjoy a decadent dessert that celebrates everything we love about fall. Happy baking!