Description

These pumpkin-forward brownies are dense, chocolatey, and extra fudgy, with a sneaky boost of protein built right in. They’re the kind of treat that feels indulgent but still fits into a balanced, active lifestyle.

Ingredients

Pumpkin puree – 1¼ cups for moisture and that subtle fall flavor
Nut or seed butter – ⅔ cup almond butter works great, but sunflower seed or pumpkin seed butter are solid allergy-friendly swaps
Cocoa powder – ⅓ cup, either regular, Dutch-processed, or a mix of both
Granulated sweetener – ¼ cup, adjusted to taste
Chocolate protein powder – 3 tablespoons (or use extra cocoa powder if skipping protein)
Vanilla extract – 1 teaspoon for depth
Salt – ¼ teaspoon to balance the sweetness
Pumpkin pie spice or cinnamon – ¼ teaspoon for warmth

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Instructions

Start by heating your oven to 325°F (165°C). Line an 8-inch square baking pan with parchment paper, leaving a little overhang so you can lift the brownies out later.
If your nut or seed butter feels thick or stiff, warm it gently until it’s smooth and easy to stir. Add it to a mixing bowl along with the pumpkin puree. Stir until fully combined.
Next, add the cocoa powder, sweetener, protein powder, vanilla, salt, and spice. Mix well, making sure the batter turns completely smooth with no streaks or lumps. It should be thick but spreadable.
Scoop the batter into your prepared pan and smooth the top with a spatula. Place the pan on the center rack of the oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes. Pull them closer to 20 minutes if you want ultra-fudgy brownies. They will look slightly underbaked when you remove them—this is exactly what you want.
Let the pan cool at room temperature. Once cooled, loosely cover the brownies with a paper towel and refrigerate overnight. This resting time helps them firm up while keeping that dense, fudgy texture—and they taste noticeably sweeter the next day.
Add frosting if you like, or enjoy them as-is.

Notes

These brownies are meant to be a wholesome snack rather than a sugar-loaded party dessert. If you enjoy treats that lean a little healthier while still delivering real chocolate satisfaction, this recipe is likely right up your alley.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Category: Desserts

Nutrition

Calories: 107
Sugar: 4.7 g
Sodium: 67 mg
Fat: 7.1 g
Saturated Fat: 1.5 g
Trans Fat: 0 g
Carbohydrates: 8.9 g
Fiber: 2.3 g
Protein: 4.6 g
Cholesterol: 0 mg