Irresistible Vegan Pumpkin Brownies: A Spooktacular Treat

October is almost fully done and dusted, and you know what that means – it’s (almost) officially the end of spooky season! While pumpkin spice lattes and pumpkin pies may get all the attention, we’re here to introduce you to a new fall favourite: the most delicious vegan pumpkin brownies. These gooey, chocolatey, and perfectly spiced vegan pumpkin brownies treats are not only delicious but also packed with all the goodness of pumpkin and cocoa powder. Plus, they’re vegan and can be made gluten-free, making them a dessert option that everyone can enjoy. Our version has got normal flour, but we can talk about substitutions later on.

And with the amount of pumpkin recipes you can find on our blog, this season is sure to be a favourite of everyone! Make sure you check them all out, if you need a reminder:

• Pumpkin brioche: This recipe transforms a classic brioche into a delightful pumpkin-infused treat. It’s perfect for fall mornings or as the base for your next French toast adventure;
• Pumpkin gnocchi: A creative twist on traditional gnocchi, these soft, pillowy dumplings are infused with the earthy sweetness of the pumpkin. They pair wonderfully with a variety of sauces, from sage butter to a creamy anything;
• Pumpkin cheesecake donuts: These decadent donuts combine the rich, creamy goodness of cheesecake with the seasonal delight of pumpkin. A delectable dessert or indulgent breakfast choice;
• Pumpkin pie spice pancakes: A perfect fall breakfast, these fluffy pancakes are packed with warm pumpkin pie spices. They’re sure to bring cosy vibes to your morning routine;
• Pumpkin spice iced latte: For a refreshing and caffeinated fall beverage, look no further than the pumpkin spice iced latte. It’s a delicious way to enjoy the flavours of autumn, even on a warm day;
• Pumpkin ganache pie: A show-stopping dessert, this pie combines silky white chocolate ganache pumpkin filling with a luscious whipped cream topping. It’s a delightful twist on the classic pumpkin pie;
• Pumpkin madeleines: These little French tea cakes are infused with pumpkin flavour, making them an elegant and bite-sized fall treat that’s perfect for any occasion;
• Pumpkin cold foam: For those who prefer their coffee with a pumpkin twist, the pumpkin cold foam adds a frothy and creamy layer of autumn-inspired goodness to your daily brew;
• Pumpkin brioche French toast: Taking your pumpkin brioche to the next level, this recipe turns it into a delectable French toast, perfect for a leisurely brunch on crisp fall mornings;
• Pumpkin soup with chorizo: This deliciously earthy and spicy soup made with Spanish chorizo and pumpkin is the perfect pick-me-up now that the weather is getting a little colder.

In this blog post about vegan pumpkin brownies, we’ll walk you through a step-by-step vegan pumpkin brownie recipe that’ll have your taste buds singing. So, get ready to satisfy your sweet cravings and embrace the cosy fall vibes with these delightful vegan pumpkin brownies. Let’s dive in!

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Why Choose These Vegan Pumpkin Brownies?

Before we dive into the vegan pumpkin brownies recipe itself, let’s talk about why these are a fantastic choice. First and foremost, they are incredibly delicious! The combination of rich cocoa powder, sweet canned pumpkin puree, and a medley of warm spices creates a mouthwatering experience that’s perfect for the autumn season. And you know we love autumn to the point of no return. I am also guessing that, if you are here, you are a fall-lover too.

But it’s not just about the taste; these vegan pumpkin brownies also offer several health benefits thanks to their ingredients and the fact that, unlike other treats, are not fried or packed with butter. Let’s see those health benefits together.

The Power of Pumpkin

Pumpkin is a superstar in the world of nutritious vegetables. It’s low in calories but high in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. In particular, pumpkin is rich in:

• Vitamin A: Pumpkin is packed with beta-carotene, which your body converts into vitamin A. This vitamin is essential for good vision, a strong immune system, and healthy skin;
• Fibre: Pumpkin is a great source of dietary fibre, aiding digestion and helping you feel full for longer;
• Potassium: Potassium is crucial for maintaining healthy blood pressure, and pumpkin contains a good amount of it;
• Antioxidants: The antioxidants in pumpkin can help protect your cells from damage, potentially reducing the risk of chronic diseases.

Pumpkins also offer a variety of health benefits:

1. Nutrient-Rich: Pumpkins are low in calories and rich in essential nutrients like vitamin A, vitamin C, and potassium. They also contain smaller amounts of vitamins E and B, iron, and folate;
2. Rich in Antioxidants: The bright orange colour of pumpkin flesh is due to beta-carotene, a powerful antioxidant that is converted into vitamin A in the body. Antioxidants help protect cells from damage caused by free radicals;
3. Eye Health: The beta-carotene in pumpkins is beneficial for maintaining good vision and may reduce the risk of age-related macular degeneration;
4. Heart Health: The potassium and fibre in pumpkins can help support heart health by regulating blood pressure and reducing the risk of cardiovascular diseases;
5. Immune Support: The vitamins and antioxidants in pumpkins can boost the immune system and help the body fight illnesses;
6. Digestive Health: Pumpkin is a good source of dietary fibre, which aids in digestion and can help prevent constipation;
7. Weight Management: Due to their high fibre content and low-calorie count, pumpkins can be a helpful addition to a weight management diet;
8. Skin Health: The nutrients in pumpkin may contribute to healthier skin by promoting collagen production and protecting against UV damage (Healthline).

So, not only will you enjoy the delicious flavour of pumpkin in these vegan pumpkin brownies, but you’ll also reap the nutritional benefits. Which, if you ask me, it’s always a win-win!

Cocoa Powder Goodness

Cocoa powder is another star ingredient in these vegan pumpkin brownies. Cocoa, especially the dark variety, is known for its potential health benefits:

• Rich in Antioxidants: Cocoa contains a high level of flavonoids, which act as antioxidants and may help improve heart health;
• Mood Booster: It can stimulate the production of endorphins in your brain, which can help improve your mood and reduce stress;
• Good for Skin: The antioxidants in cocoa may improve skin texture and reduce the signs of ageing.

By combining the goodness of pumpkin and cocoa powder, these brownies are a treat for your taste buds and your health!

The Vegan Pumpkin Brownie Recipe

Now, let’s get down to the fun part – making these delicious vegan pumpkin brownies. You’ll need a few ingredients, a mixing bowl, and an oven to create these delightful vegan pumpkin brownies. Here’s the recipe:

What Ingredients do I need to make these vegan pumpkin brownies?

These vegan pumpkin brownies are made from one main batter, which then gets split into two, the pumpkin batter and the chocolate batter. Let’s dive deeper into the ingredients for the main batter, the pumpkin batter and the chocolate batter in our vegan pumpkin brownies recipe.

For the main batter:

• 1. Vegan Butter: Vegan butter is a plant-based substitute for traditional dairy butter. It’s essential in brownie recipes because it provides the rich, buttery flavour and moisture that makes brownies gooey and delicious. Vegan butter typically consists of oils, such as coconut or soybean, and emulsifiers. In this recipe for vegan pumpkin brownies, it adds a creamy texture to the brownies and helps bind the ingredients together;
• 2. Brown Sugar: Brown sugar is a key ingredient in baking because it contributes to the sweetness and moisture of baked goods. It also provides a subtle molasses flavour, which pairs perfectly with the chocolate in these brownies. While white sugar can be used in many recipes, brown sugar is often preferred for brownies because it creates a chewier texture;
• 3. Pumpkin Purée: Pumpkin purée is the star ingredient that gives these vegan pumpkin brownies their autumnal flair. It adds natural sweetness, moisture, and a lovely dark orange hue to the pumpkin batter. Pumpkin purée is often used in vegan baking to replace eggs and enhance the texture and moisture content of the baked goods;
• 4. Vanilla Extract: Vanilla extract is a flavour enhancer. It adds a delightful, warm aroma and a sweet, floral flavour to your brownies. It complements the chocolate’s richness, making the overall taste more complex and satisfying;
• 5. Flour: Flour serves as the structural backbone of the brownies, helping them hold their shape and maintain their texture;
• 6. Baking Powder: Baking powder is a leavening agent that helps the brownies rise and become light and airy. It contributes to the desired texture, making the brownies tender and slightly cake-like;
• 7. Salt: Salt enhances the flavours in your brownies by balancing the sweetness and intensifying the chocolate’s taste. It’s a small but crucial ingredient in the recipe, enhancing the overall flavour profile.

For the pumpkin batter:

• 1. Pumpkin Purée: This ingredient also plays a significant role in the pumpkin batter. It adds a natural sweetness and unmistakable pumpkin flavour. The pumpkin batter, when swirled with the chocolate batter, creates a delightful contrast of colours and flavours, giving these brownies their signature fall flair;
• 2. Flour: Flour in the pumpkin batter for the vegan pumpkin brownies helps thicken and bind the mixture. It ensures that the pumpkin batter has the right consistency for swirling with the chocolate batter;
• 3. Pumpkin Pie Spice: Pumpkin pie spice is a blend of warm, aromatic spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves. It’s a key flavour enhancer that infuses the pumpkin batter with the quintessential taste of autumn. It adds depth and complexity to the pumpkin layer, creating a harmonious balance with the chocolate.

For the chocolate batter part of the vegan pumpkin brownies:

• Cocoa Powder: Cocoa powder is the powerhouse of chocolate flavour in these brownies. It provides that rich, deep, and intense chocolate taste that we all love. Cocoa powder comes from roasted and ground cacao beans, and it contains antioxidants and compounds that can be beneficial for your health. In this recipe, it’s responsible for the brownies’ luscious chocolatey goodness.

These ingredients work in harmony to create a dessert that’s not only incredibly delicious but also suitable for a wide range of dietary preferences. The combination of the chocolate and pumpkin batters gives these vegan pumpkin brownies a delightful complexity, making each bite a unique and indulgent experience. So, whether you’re a fan of chocolate or pumpkin, there’s something for everyone in these vegan pumpkin brownies!

How do I MAKE THE VEGAN PUMPKIN BROWNIES?

These vegan pumpkin brownies are rich, fudgy, and absolutely irresistible. The pumpkin swirl adds a delightful touch, and the pumpkin pie spice infuses them with the warm, comforting flavours of autumn. Let’s see how to make them together, now that we have gathered all our ingredients.

First off, preheat your oven to 180°C and line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper.

In a large mixing bowl, beat the butter with the brown sugar, then add the pumpkin purée and vanilla extract. Stir until well combined.

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder and salt and mix. Add it to the main bowl and combine until smooth. Remove 3/4 of a cup of batter and set aside in a separate bowl. To this separate bowl add the extra pumpkin purée, flour and pumpkin pie spice and combine until smooth.

To the main batter, add the sifted cocoa powder and mix until just combined. Pour the cocoa batter into the prepared baking pan and spread it evenly. Layer the pumpkin batter on top and either leave it as is or swirl to your heart’s content.

Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out with a few moist crumbs. Allow the vegan pumpkin brownies to cool in the pan for at least 15 minutes before lifting them out using the parchment paper.

Once completely cool, cut the vegan pumpkin brownies into squares and enjoy!

Shop the vegan pumpkin brownies post

Vegan, but also Gluten-Free Goodness

As mentioned earlier, these brownies are vegan and can easily be made gluten-free, making them accessible to a wide range of dietary preferences. Here’s what makes them friendly for these diets:

Vegan Perfection

• No dairy: Vegan butter replaces traditional dairy products, making these brownies completely dairy-free;
• No eggs: Pumpkin puree is used to bind the ingredients, eliminating the need for eggs;
• No animal products: With no animal-derived ingredients, these brownies are a great choice for vegans and those looking to reduce their environmental footprint.

Gluten-Free Delight

• Gluten-free flour: The possibility of using gluten-free all-purpose flour ensures that individuals with gluten sensitivities or celiac disease can enjoy these vegan pumpkin brownies without worry.

Tips and Variations

Now that you’ve got the basic recipe down, let’s explore some tips and variations to make your vegan pumpkin brownies even more exciting:

• Add Nuts: Feel free to toss in some chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts for a delightful crunch;
• Go Extra Spicy: If you’re a fan of the classic pumpkin spice flavour, increase the pumpkin pie spice to 2 teaspoons for a more pronounced spice kick;
• Add Chocolate Chips: Because, admittedly, there is never enough chocolate;
• Adjust Sweetness: If you prefer your brownies less sweet, reduce the amount of brown sugar. Alternatively, you can use a sugar substitute like coconut sugar or stevia;
• Frosting Fun: Top your vegan pumpkin brownies with vegan cream cheese frosting for an indulgent twist;
• Experiment with Toppings: Sprinkle some extra chocolate chips, a pinch of sea salt, or a dusting of cocoa powder on top before baking.

Final Thoughts

These vegan pumpkin brownies are the perfect autumn indulgence. They are not only incredibly tasty but also nutritious, thanks to the health benefits of pumpkin and cocoa powder. Plus, being vegan, they accommodate a variety of dietary preferences.

PIN THESE VEGAN PUMPKIN BROWNIES FOR LATER!