Pumpkin Spice Brownies with Pumpkin Pie Spice Frosting Recipe

Oh, you’re going to love this treat—my Pumpkin Spice Brownies with Pumpkin Pie Spice Frosting Recipe is basically fall wrapped up in a cozy dessert. The rich, chocolatey base combined with that warm pumpkin spice hit makes these brownies feel like a warm hug on a chilly day. I first made these on a crisp autumn weekend, and they’ve since become my go-to snack for anytime I want something sweet but with a seasonal twist.

What’s great about this Pumpkin Spice Brownies with Pumpkin Pie Spice Frosting Recipe is how approachable it is—you don’t need fancy tools or ingredients, just some love and a few pantry staples. Whether you’re baking for a friend’s gathering or just indulging yourself (no judgment here!), these brownies bring that perfect balance of spice and sweetness that’ll have everyone asking for seconds.

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Ingredients & Why They Work

Each ingredient in this Pumpkin Spice Brownies with Pumpkin Pie Spice Frosting Recipe has a role in building that perfect autumn dessert. From the chocolate chips melting into a luscious base to the pumpkin puree adding moisture and warmth, it’s an ingredient lineup made to impress and satisfy.

• Granulated Sugar: Sweetens the batter just right without being too heavy.
• Unsalted Butter: Adds richness and keeps flavors pure without extra salt interference.
• Whole Milk: Helps in melting the chocolate smoothly and keeps the batter moist.
• Milk Chocolate Chips: Their creamy sweetness balances pumpkin spice wonderfully.
• Flour: Provides structure to hold the brownies together with a tender crumb.
• Pumpkin Spice: That warm blend—cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves—makes all the difference in capturing fall vibes.
• Baking Soda: Gives just enough rise so the brownies aren’t too dense but still fudgy.
• Salt: Enhances flavor depth and balances the sweetness.
• Eggs: Bind everything and add to the fudgy texture.
• Vanilla Extract: Adds a subtle sweetness and aroma that meld all flavors together.
• Pumpkin Puree: In the frosting, contributes moisture and authentic pumpkin flavor.
• Powdered Sugar: For creamy, smooth frosting texture without grittiness.
• Pumpkin Pie Spice (for frosting): Amping up the spice notes in the frosting for that extra cozy kick.
• Kosher Salt (pinch): Balances the frosting’s sweetness perfectly.

Tweak to Your Taste

I love playing around with this Pumpkin Spice Brownies with Pumpkin Pie Spice Frosting Recipe depending on my mood or what’s in my pantry. Sometimes I stir in chopped nuts or swap milk chocolate chips for dark chocolate if I want a deeper chocolate flavor. You should feel free to make it your own too!

• Variation: Adding a handful of toasted pecans right into the batter gives a delightful crunch and extra warmth—one time, I made them for a family brunch and they vanished fast.
• Dairy-Free Option: You can swap out butter for coconut oil and use a plant-based milk to make this recipe dairy-free, just expect a slightly different texture but still delicious.
• Spice Level: If you love pumpkin spice flavor, try adding an extra 1/4 teaspoon of pumpkin spice to the batter or frosting to amp things up.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Pumpkin Spice Brownies with Pumpkin Pie Spice Frosting Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Workspace and Oven

First things first, preheat your oven to 325°F and grease an 8×8 baking dish or line it with parchment paper. I always find prepping the pan upfront makes the process smooth and avoids any sticking troubles later—plus, it saves time when your batter’s ready to go.

Step 2: Melt Butter, Milk, and Sugar with Chocolate

In a saucepot over low heat, combine the unsalted butter, granulated sugar, and whole milk. Warm it gently until it just begins to simmer—watch closely so it doesn’t boil over. Then turn off the heat and stir in the milk chocolate chips until they melt into a smooth, glossy mixture. This part always feels a bit magical to me; it’s like creating a luscious chocolate foundation full of promise.

Step 3: Mix Dry Ingredients Separately

While the chocolate mixture cools slightly, whisk together the flour, pumpkin spice, baking soda, and salt in a separate bowl. Keeping your dry ingredients ready helps the next step flow smoothly and ensures everything mixes evenly without clumps.

Step 4: Combine Eggs and Vanilla with Chocolate Mixture

Add the eggs and vanilla extract directly into the slightly cooled chocolate mixture. Whisk everything together until smooth and shiny—this gives your brownies a lovely rich texture. Remember, don’t add the eggs while the chocolate is too hot or you’ll end up with scrambled eggs (been there, learned that!).

Step 5: Incorporate Dry Ingredients Gently

Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet batter using a spatula or whisk. Mixing just until combined helps keep your brownies tender instead of tough or cakey. Pour the batter into your prepared pan and spread it evenly.

Step 6: Bake and Cool

Bake the brownies for 25 to 30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean (a few moist crumbs are perfect). Once out of the oven, let them cool completely in the pan before frosting. This cooldown step is crucial; frosting warm brownies will cause it to melt and slide off, and nobody wants that mess!

Step 7: Whip Up Pumpkin Pie Spice Frosting

Using a stand mixer fitted with a whisk attachment (or a hand mixer), beat softened butter with pumpkin puree until creamy. Add in pumpkin pie spice, vanilla extract, and a pinch of kosher salt. Scrape down the sides with a spatula, then slowly add powdered sugar until smooth and fluffy. Taste it—sometimes I add a little more spice or sugar based on my mood.

Step 8: Frost and Slice

Once your brownies are fully cooled, spread that luscious frosting evenly over the top. I like to use an offset spatula for smooth results, but a butter knife works too! Then slice into nine generous squares, and you’re ready to serve this fall favorite.

How to Serve Pumpkin Spice Brownies with Pumpkin Pie Spice Frosting Recipe

Garnishes

I often top these brownies with a few extra chocolate chips or a sprinkle of crushed pecans—it adds a fun little contrast in texture. If you want to get fancy, a dash of cinnamon or some festive edible gold dust makes them pop at parties.

Side Dishes

Serving these brownies alongside a scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream or a cup of spiced chai tea turns them into a full cozy treat experience. On colder days, a mug of hot apple cider makes a perfect pairing as well.

Creative Ways to Present

I’ve wrapped individual brownie squares in parchment and tied them with twine for easy gifting—such a sweet homemade touch for friends and neighbors during the holiday season. Layering them in a pretty glass trifle bowl with whipped cream and caramel drizzle is another wow-worthy way to serve.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

These brownies keep beautifully in an airtight container at room temperature for about 3 days, though I usually stash mine in the fridge if it’s warm—this helps the frosting hold up and prevents melting. I always recommend letting refrigerated brownies sit for 10–15 minutes before eating so they soften up again.

Freezing

If you want to freeze them, I suggest slicing beforehand and wrapping each brownie individually in plastic wrap, then placing them in a freezer-safe bag. They freeze well up to 2 months. When thawing, leave them wrapped at room temperature to avoid condensation making them soggy.

Reheating

Reheat your brownies gently in the microwave for 10-15 seconds to bring back that fresh-baked warmth. Be careful not to overheat—you want that frosting soft but not melted into a puddle!

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Pumpkin Spice Brownies with Pumpkin Pie Spice Frosting Recipe holds a special place in my fall baking rotation—it’s easy, comforting, and always gets rave reviews from friends and family. I hope you enjoy making and eating them as much as I do; trust me, once you try this recipe, it’ll become a seasonal staple you reach for year after year. So go ahead, grab your mixing bowl, and let’s bring that cozy pumpkin magic into your kitchen!

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