Cinnamon-Spiced Dark Chocolate Pumpkin Brownies

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Dense, fudgy brownies infused with pumpkin puree and warm cinnamon, blending rich chocolate flavor with fall spices. This American-inspired Halloween recipe, ready in about 50 minutes, layers pumpkin puree, dark chocolate chips, unsalted butter into a dessert worth slowing down for — great for weekend baking, holiday tables, or any time you want a sweet payoff at the end of a meal. Each serving lands at about 150 calories and feeds 16, so it slots into a weekend bake or a special-occasion dessert tray. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 15 min Cook: 35 min Serves 16 American cuisine 150 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat oven to 350°F and grease an 8x8-inch square baking pan or line with parchment paper.
  2. Step 2: Melt 1/2 cup unsalted butter and 1 cup dark chocolate chips together in a heatproof bowl over simmering water, stirring until smooth.
  3. Step 3: Remove from heat and whisk in 1 cup granulated sugar, then 2 large eggs one at a time, followed by 1 tsp vanilla extract.
  4. Step 4: Stir in 1 cup pumpkin puree until fully combined.
  5. Step 5: In a separate bowl, sift together 3/4 cup all-purpose flour, 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder, 1 tsp ground cinnamon, 1/4 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp baking powder.
  6. Step 6: Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined, taking care not to overmix.
  7. Step 7: Pour batter into prepared pan and smooth the top with a spatula.
  8. Step 8: Bake for 30-35 minutes until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with moist crumbs but no wet batter.
  9. Step 9: Let cool completely before cutting into 16 squares and serving.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Cinnamon-Spiced Dark Chocolate Pumpkin Brownies take to make?

Total time is about 50 minutes (15 min prep + 35 min cook). Most home bakers find this fits a weekend afternoon; chill or store as the recipe directs before serving.

How do I store leftover Cinnamon-Spiced Dark Chocolate Pumpkin Brownies?

Cool fully before storing. Most baked desserts keep at room temperature in an airtight container for 2–3 days, or in the fridge for up to 5 days. Cream- or custard-based desserts must go in the fridge within 2 hours; reheat gently or serve cold per the recipe.

Can I substitute ingredients in Cinnamon-Spiced Dark Chocolate Pumpkin Brownies?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Cinnamon-Spiced Dark Chocolate Pumpkin Brownies for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 16 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 16). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Cinnamon-Spiced Dark Chocolate Pumpkin Brownies?

American halloween like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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