Name: Healthy Pumpkin Brownies Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 3/4 cup natural peanut butter; 3/4 cup canned pumpkin puree; 2 eggs; 1/2 cup maple syrup or honey; 1.5 tsp vanilla extract; 1/2 cup cocoa powder; 1/2 tsp baking soda; Pinch of salt; 3/4 cup chocolate chips; 1/2 cup chocolate chips; 1 tbsp butter

Print Recipe· 4.2 from 10 reviews

If you’re on the lookout for a dessert that’s both indulgently chocolatey and surprisingly good for you, let me introduce you to this Healthy Pumpkin Brownies Recipe. These brownies strike the perfect balance between rich, fudgy texture and wholesome ingredients like pumpkin puree and natural peanut butter, making them a guilt-free treat. Whether you’re craving something comforting on a chilly day or want to sneak some veggies into your dessert, these brownies promise a moist, flavorful bite that’s truly satisfying without the usual sugar overload.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A square black baking tray lined with white parchment paper contains a thick, dark brown chocolate batter spread evenly inside, topped with scattered chocolate chips that add texture and slight shine to the surface. The batter looks smooth and rich, with small swirls and lumps visible throughout. The baking tray rests on a white marbled texture. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

These ingredients are wonderfully simple but play a crucial role in bringing that rich, soft, and chocolaty magic to life. Each one adds its own special touch—from creamy peanut butter to the natural sweetness of maple syrup, everything works in harmony.

3/4 cup natural peanut butter: Creamy and nutty, it adds moisture and depth while keeping things healthy.
3/4 cup canned pumpkin puree: Moisturizes the brownies and adds subtle earthiness plus a beautiful hue.
2 eggs: Bind the mixture together and help the brownies rise just right.
1/2 cup maple syrup or honey: Natural sweeteners that provide gentle sweetness without refined sugar.
1.5 tsp vanilla extract: Enhances all the other flavors with a lovely warm aroma.
1/2 cup cocoa powder: The heart of the chocolatey flavor, rich and intense.
1/2 tsp baking soda: Helps give the brownies a subtle lift and tender crumb.
Pinch of salt: Balances sweetness and deepens the chocolate taste.
3/4 cup chocolate chips + 1/2 cup for folding and topping: Adds melty chocolate bursts throughout for extra indulgence.
1 tbsp butter: Used for optional topping drizzle to create a glossy finish.

How to Make Healthy Pumpkin Brownies Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Pan and Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F and get your baking dish ready by greasing it or lining it with parchment paper. This ensures your brownies come out clean and intact, making cleanup easier and presenting nicely.

Step 2: Combine the Wet Ingredients

Start by mixing the peanut butter and pumpkin puree in a large bowl until completely smooth and homogenous. This mixture forms the fudgy base of your brownies and keeps them wonderfully moist.

Step 3: Add Eggs, Sweetener, and Vanilla

Whisk the eggs into the pumpkin-peanut butter blend, then stir in the maple syrup (or honey) and vanilla extract. These ingredients create the perfect balance of sweetness and depth, enhancing the overall texture.

Step 4: Incorporate the Dry Ingredients

Next, add in the cocoa powder, baking soda, and a pinch of salt. Mix thoroughly until no streaks remain—this step is key to achieving that deep, chocolatey flavor and tender crumb.

Step 5: Fold in the Chocolate Chips

Gently fold in 3/4 cup of chocolate chips to disperse sweet, melty pockets of chocolate throughout the batter. This adds delightful texture and bursts of flavor in every bite.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Pour the batter into your prepared pan, spreading it evenly. Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of chocolate chips on top for an extra chocolatey finish. Bake for 22 to 25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Adjust time slightly if your pan size varies.

Step 7: Cool and Optional Chocolate Drizzle

Let your brownies cool completely in the pan to set up that perfect fudgy texture. For a show-stopping touch, melt chocolate chips with 1 tablespoon of butter in the microwave and drizzle this luscious topping over the brownies before serving.

How to Serve Healthy Pumpkin Brownies Recipe

There are nine dark brown brownies arranged in a 3x3 grid on crumpled white paper over a white marbled surface. Each brownie has a rough, slightly cracked texture and is drizzled with smooth, shiny milk chocolate sauce that creates thin lines and some larger blobs on top. There are also small milk chocolate chips scattered across the surface of the brownies. The chocolate drizzle extends beyond the brownies onto the paper, adding a casual, messy look. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Adding a dusting of powdered sugar or a sprinkle of chopped nuts can bring an elegant touch and a little crunch. Whipped coconut cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream also pair beautifully with these brownies to create a well-rounded dessert experience.

Side Dishes

Serve these brownies alongside fresh fruit such as sliced strawberries or raspberries to add brightness and contrast. A hot cup of coffee, chai tea, or even a creamy latte complements the chocolate and pumpkin flavors perfectly.

Creative Ways to Present

Try cutting the brownies into bite-sized squares and layering them in a dessert trifle with whipped cream and crushed nuts for a crowd-pleasing presentation. Or, sandwich two brownies with a smear of peanut butter or cream cheese icing for a decadent brownie sandwich treat.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

You can store leftover brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. This keeps them moist and fudgy without drying out, making a perfect quick snack or sweet breakfast on the go.

Freezing

If you want to save your Healthy Pumpkin Brownies Recipe for later, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and pop them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They freeze well for up to two months. Thaw overnight in the fridge for best texture.

Reheating

Warm individual servings in the microwave for 15-20 seconds to revive that freshly-baked softness and gooey chocolate chips. If you prefer, a few minutes in a preheated oven at 300°F will refresh these brownies and bring back their fudgy goodness.

FAQs

Can I use fresh pumpkin instead of canned puree?

Absolutely! Just roast and puree fresh pumpkin until smooth. Keep in mind that fresh pumpkin puree might have more moisture, so you may want to reduce other liquid ingredients slightly for the perfect brownie texture.

Is it necessary to use natural peanut butter?

Natural peanut butter works best for this recipe because it’s less sweet and contains no added oils or sugars, keeping your brownies healthier and maintaining the right consistency. However, smooth peanut butter will also work if natural isn’t available.

Can I substitute the maple syrup with another sweetener?

Yes! Honey is a great alternative with a similar sweetness level. Other liquid sweeteners like agave nectar can work too, but avoid granulated sugars as they may alter the texture.

Are these brownies gluten-free?

This recipe does not contain any flour, so it is naturally gluten-free, making it a delicious option for those with gluten sensitivities.

How fudgy are these brownies?

They are wonderfully fudgy yet soft thanks to the peanut butter and pumpkin puree combination. If you prefer cakier brownies, you can try adding a little oat flour, but the signature fudge-like texture is what makes this Healthy Pumpkin Brownies Recipe so addictive.

Final Thoughts

There’s something genuinely special about a treat that feels indulgent but is made with wholesome ingredients, and this Healthy Pumpkin Brownies Recipe does just that. It’s a fantastic way to enjoy a rich, chocolate dessert while sneaking in a bit of pumpkin goodness. I can’t wait for you to try these brownies and make them a new favorite in your recipe collection—you might just find yourself baking them again and again!