Pumpkin Spice Brownies with Pumpkin Buttercream Frosting Recipe

If you love autumn flavors and crave something rich and comforting, you’re going to adore this Pumpkin Spice Brownies with Pumpkin Buttercream Frosting Recipe. These brownies blend that cozy pumpkin spice warmth with the fudgy goodness of chocolate, creating a perfectly balanced treat. Plus, the pumpkin buttercream frosting adds a silky, luscious layer that makes every bite feel like a celebration of fall.

I remember making this recipe on a chilly afternoon last fall, and the house filled up with the most inviting aromas of cinnamon, nutmeg, and chocolate. It’s a fantastic recipe to bring out when you want to impress guests or just cozy up with a cup of coffee. Trust me, once you try this Pumpkin Spice Brownies with Pumpkin Buttercream Frosting Recipe, you’ll find yourself craving it year-round!

this …

Ingredients & Why They Work

The ingredients in this Pumpkin Spice Brownies with Pumpkin Buttercream Frosting Recipe come together to deliver the perfect balance of moist texture, warm spices, and creamy sweetness. Plus, I always recommend using quality butter and fresh pumpkin puree for the best results.

• Granulated sugar: Sweetens and helps create a tender crumb in the brownies.
• Unsalted butter: Adds richness and moisture; unsalted lets you control salt levels.
• Whole milk: Keeps the batter smooth and enhances the fudgy texture.
• Milk chocolate chips: Melts into the batter, giving luscious chocolate pockets.
• Flour: Provides structure to hold the brownies together without drying them out.
• Pumpkin spice: Brings in that warm, autumnal blend of cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves that makes this recipe special.
• Baking soda: Helps with a slight lift and tenderness in the brownies.
• Salt: Balances sweetness and enhances flavor depth.
• Eggs: Bind ingredients and add richness for that fudgy texture.
• Vanilla extract: Adds a subtle sweet aroma and flavor complexity.
• Pumpkin puree: In the frosting, it adds moisture and authentic pumpkin flavor without being overpowering.
• Powdered sugar: Sweetens the frosting and helps it whip up smooth and fluffy.
• Pumpkin pie spice: Enhances the frosting with classic fall flavors for a perfectly spiced finish.
• Kosher salt: Just a hint to balance the sweetness in the buttercream frosting.

Make It Your Way

I love tweaking this Pumpkin Spice Brownies with Pumpkin Buttercream Frosting Recipe depending on the occasion. You can easily lighten it up or make it more indulgent by switching up a few things. Don’t hesitate to experiment and make this recipe your own!

• Variation: Once, I swapped milk chocolate chips for dark chocolate chunks to add a bit more bittersweet depth, and it was amazing.
• Dairy-Free Option: You can replace butter and milk with plant-based alternatives like coconut oil and almond milk for a vegan-friendly version.
• Extra Texture: Adding chopped pecans or walnuts gives a delightful crunch that pairs beautifully with the soft brownies.
• More Pumpkin Flavor: Stirring in a bit more pumpkin puree into the batter can enhance that pumpkin punch if you’re a fanatic like me.

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

Step 1: Prep and Melt the Chocolate Base

First thing I do is preheat the oven to 325°F and grease or line an 8×8 baking dish – always helps prevent sticking. Then, I combine the butter, sugar, and milk in a small sauce pot over medium heat until it just starts to simmer. Once it’s hot, I turn off the heat and stir in the milk chocolate chips until everything is silky and smooth. Make sure to let this mixture cool slightly before moving on, so the eggs don’t cook when you add them.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

While the chocolate mixture cools, whisk together the flour, pumpkin spice, baking soda, and salt in a separate bowl. This step is simple but important — even distribution of the pumpkin spice enhances the overall flavor.

Step 3: Combine and Bake

Now, whisk the eggs and vanilla extract into your cooled chocolate mixture until well combined. Gradually add in the dry ingredients, folding gently with a spatula until just mixed—don’t overmix or the brownies will be tough. Pour the batter into your prepared pan and bake for about 25 to 30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let the brownies cool completely before frosting.

Step 4: Whip Up the Pumpkin Buttercream Frosting

For the frosting, I use a stand mixer fitted with the whisk attachment to cream the softened butter and pumpkin puree until smooth and fluffy. Then I add pumpkin pie spice, vanilla extract, and a pinch of kosher salt, scraping down the sides as I go. Slowly adding powdered sugar is key here—too fast and you might get a sugar cloud! Keep whipping until you get that perfect creamy buttercream texture.

Step 5: Frost and Enjoy

Once your brownies have completely cooled, spread the pumpkin buttercream evenly on top. I find that spreading with an offset spatula gives the smoothest finish. Cut into 9 squares, serve, and watch people fall in love with every bite.

How to Serve Pumpkin Spice Brownies with Pumpkin Buttercream Frosting Recipe

Garnishes

I like to sprinkle a little cinnamon or some finely chopped toasted pecans over the frosting for a lovely crunch and an extra hint of warmth. Sometimes a light dusting of powdered sugar adds a pretty finishing touch that looks so inviting on the plate.

Side Dishes

These brownies pair beautifully with a hot cup of chai tea or a rich latte, enhancing all those pumpkin spice notes. For an extra cozy touch, try serving alongside whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for contrast.

Creative Ways to Present

One fall, I layered these brownies in a trifle dish with whipped cream and crushed gingersnap cookies to impress my guests — it looked stunning and tasted even better! You can also cut them into festive shapes using cookie cutters for parties or holidays.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftover brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days, but if it’s warm or humid, refrigeration helps keep the frosting firm and fresh.

Freezing

You can freeze unfrosted brownies wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and foil for up to three months. I usually thaw them overnight in the fridge, then frost just before serving — this keeps the frosting fresh and creamy.

Reheating

If you want a warm brownie, I suggest gently microwaving for 10-15 seconds to avoid melting the frosting too much, or carefully peeling off the frosting before warming, then adding a scoop of ice cream on top instead.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

Honestly, this Pumpkin Spice Brownies with Pumpkin Buttercream Frosting Recipe has become one of my favorite seasonal treats to share and enjoy. The ease, comfort, and those cozy fall flavors make it perfect for any occasion when you want to spread a little warmth. I hope you take a moment to try it for yourself—or with friends—and see just how delightful these brownies can be.

Print