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Healthy pumpkin brownies are the best fall dessert. Flourless, fudgy, gluten-free, and extremely easy to make, these from scratch brownies taste better than any box mix!
Happy fall everyone! I know what you’re thinking… brownies don’t really scream fall. But what about when they are loaded with canned pumpkin? If you’re looking for other brownies to make try these super fudgy brownies or these paleo brownies.
I’m starting with these delicious flourless pumpkin brownies that honestly you probably wouldn’t even notice have pumpkin in them if I didn’t tell you. These pumpkin brownies are gluten-free, dairy-free, and paleo so if you or someone else in your family eats that way, I got you covered.
The pumpkin is there for more texture, kind of like adding sweet potato or applesauce to a baked good. It helps to keep them really moist. Canned pumpkin on its own isn’t very flavorful, however, it’s the spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and ginger that really give us that fall flavor.
Before making these brownies, you can also make your own almond butter from my recipe here.
Pumpkin Brownies Video
Healthy pumpkin brownies recipe
These pumpkin brownies are made with chocolate chips and with cocoa powder, giving them a rich chocolate flavor. Since there is no flour in them at all, they turn out fudgy, but also light in texture. That also makes these pumpkin brownies low carb so if someone in your life is watching their carb intake, make them these brownies!
We strongly suggest eating these brownies with pumpkin ice cream and extra melted chocolate chips on top in order to satisfy your sweet tooth. No one will believe these brownies are healthy.
The ingredients in pumpkin brownies are simple.
- almond butter – gives these brownies the fudgy texture and a subtle hint of nutty flavor. Make sure your almond butter is natural and only has two ingredients: almonds + salt. Or just one ingredient: almonds.
- canned pumpkin – brownies made with canned pumpkin are deliciously rich. pumpkin also helps with the fudgy texture but also adds a healthy nutritional kick.
- honey – the only sweetener we use is honey, but this can be replaced with maple syrup as well.
- egg – the binding agent in these brownies. We haven’t tested a flax egg but let us know if you do!
- cocoa powder – along with the chocolate chips, what gives these brownies their rich chocolate flavor.
- a few other baking necessities like vanilla, salt, baking soda, and chocolate chips.
How to make pumpkin brownies
The best part about these brownies is that you only need one bowl. Seriously. ONE BOWL. That’s it. I always appreciate a recipe that requires minimal equipment so I can definitely get behind these.
You’ll want to preheat your oven, get all your healthy pumpkin brownie ingredients out, get your measuring cups and mixing bowls out, and then get to work.
Step 1.
Mix together your almond butter and pumpkin until completely combined.
Step 2.
Add in your egg, honey, and vanilla and stir until creamy.
Step 3.
Throw in the cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt. Then add the chocolate chips.
Step 4.
Pour into a greased 8×8 and bake. Twenty minutes later and you have fudgy pumpkin brownies that are actually good for you. Amazing and seriously as simple as that.
How to store brownies
Storing brownies isn’t meant to be complicated. In fact, I follow a general rule of thumb whenever it comes to brownies. Leave them on the counter for 24 hours still in the baking dish or in a tupperware covered with aluminum foil.
After 24 hours is up, move them to the fridge. Brownies are so. much. fudgier. when they are directly out of the fridge. Just do it and thank me later.
You can also freeze brownies! Wrap them up tightly in saran wrap or aluminum foil (or both for extra precaution against freezer burn) and into a plastic gallon bag. Freeze brownies for up to three months.
If you make this recipe, be sure to comment below and let me know how it was! Also tag @erinliveswhole on Instagram and use the hashtag #erinliveswhole so I can see it and feature you!
If you liked this recipe, you’ll want to try these!
Flourless Pumpkin Brownies
This easy recipe for flourless pumpkin brownies takes only 5 minutes to get in the oven and is made with only one bowl. These brownies are completely gluten free and dairy free.
Ingredients
- 3/4 cup almond butter (or other natural nut butter)
- 3/4 cup canned pumpkin puree
- 2 eggs
- 1/2 cup maple syrup or honeyÂ
- 1 tsp vanilla
- 1/2 cup cocoa powder
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- pinch of salt
- 1/2 cup chocolate chips
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350F and prepare a 8×8 baking dish with grease or parchment paper.Â
- In a large bowl, mix together almond butter and pumpkin.
- Whisk in the eggs, then add the maple syrup and vanilla.
- Add cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt, and stir till combined.
- Add in chocolate chips.
- Pour into pan and bake for 22-25 minutes or until toothpick comes out clean. Different size pans will yield different baking times.
- Let cool before serving (For topping, melt chocolate chips in microwave with 1 tsp coconut oil)
Pro Tip: store in fridge after completely cooling and they will become very fudgy.
Notes
This recipe has been updated from the original to fit an 8×8 pan.
There may be affiliate links in this post! By purchasing a product I recommend, I may receive a small compensation. However, I only recommend products I absolutely love and use myself. Thank you for supporting Erin Lives Whole, it helps keep this blog afloat 🙂
Laura says
My husband and I both agreed this was the best lasagna we’ve ever had! This recipe is a keeper — and you’d never guess that it’s healthier than lasagna might normally be!
★★★★★
Erin says
Hi Laura, so glad you liked the lasagna but think you commented on the wrong recipe.
Suze says
These flourless brownies are the BEST. Every time I make them, my first bite is immediately followed with, “I can’t believe these are healthy!” My boyfriend loves them too. Definitely don’t skip Erin’s recommendation for extra chocolate on top! 🙂
Hot tip: microwave your brownie and serve with a dollop of frozen coconut whipped cream. *chef’s kiss*
★★★★★
Erin says
Hi Suze, I am so happy you both loved them so much! Thanks for sharing!
Suze says
Replying to my own comment to emphasize how good these are. I literally have the link to this recipe bookmarked on Chrome on my phone. Made at least a dozen batches since it was first posted. MAKE THESE!
★★★★★
Erin says
Hi Suze, I appreciate you!!
Abby says
Love these brownies! I have made them twice now and was very happy each time. Feels decadent but is a nice, lighter alternative to a traditionally baked brownie. Love to top with whipped cream or ice cream! The almond butter adds great flavor.
★★★★★
Erin says
Hi Abby, I am so glad you loved them and great toppings!!
Georgia says
I LOVE these! so fudgy and addicting, I’ve made them about 3 times and you don’t feel so bad eating half the pan knowing there’s a vegetable snuck in there
★★★★★
Erin says
Hi Georgia, so happy you love them!!
Emily says
Subbed Pb for AB so it’s tree nut free and I can’t tell you how many times I’ve made this recipe over the years. Fudgey and never fails, no matter the season!!
★★★★★
Erin says
Hi Emily, so glad you liked it!
Nicolle says
These were so easy to make and DELICIOUS! I think ‘healthy’ brownies taste better than the unhealthy ones!
★★★★★
Erin says
Hi Nicolle, I am so happy you loved them!!
Adele S says
Do you think I could make these with tahini? Trying to work around a nut allergy
Erin says
Hi Adele, I haven’t tried it with that substitution, so feel free to try it out and let me know how they come out! 🙂
Cait says
These brownies are SOO incredible! It was very much a trust-the-process experience for me because I don’t even like pumpkin or almond butter and I ended up with the best brownies I’ve ever had. My family was obsessed when I made them for Thanksgiving. Thank you!!!
★★★★★
Erin says
Hi Cait, I am so happy you and your family enjoyed them so much! 🙂
Nikki says
Erin this recipe is PHENOMENAL!!! I am so thankful for your creations! these brownies were too easy & soooo delicious! thank you so so much! take care 😊
★★★★★
Erin says
Hi Nikki, thank you so much for your kind words! I am thrilled you love the brownies!
Aarti says
these were GREAT! After about 20 mins of cooling to room temp, they tasted like chocolate cake!
Erin says
Hi Aarti, I am thrilled you liked them!
Catherine says
These were delicious and so easy to make!
★★★★★
Erin says
Hi Catherine, I am so glad you liked them!
Madeline says
These are great! I’m vegan and used flax eggs instead of eggs in this recipe, and found it worked well. The time you indicated seemed short for me- I had to bake it an extra 15 minutes to get it set, and it didn’t rise as much as in your photos, but tasted amazing. 🙂
Madeline says
These are great! I’m vegan and used flax eggs instead of eggs in this recipe, and found it worked well. The time you indicated seemed short for me- I had to bake it an extra 15 minutes to get it set, and it didn’t rise as much as in your photos, but tasted amazing. 🙂
Erin says
Hi Madeline, thanks for sharing! I am so happy you were able to make it your own! Every oven is a little different/may not always heat to the exact temperature, so I am so glad you watched and enjoyed them!
Kendall Woods says
Hi! Just tried these and they came out perfect. I baked them in a muffin tin and there was exactly enough for 12 muffins. I decided to use crunchy almond butter and added in chopped dates!
18 minutes in the oven. Thank you!
Erin says
Hi Kendall, thanks for sharing! Such a great idea and love crunchy almond butter!! 🙂
Sarah beth says
Wow oh wow. These were just delightful!!! I made these for some friends that came over and didn’t tell them anything other than that they were brownies. They RAVED and a) couldn’t taste the pumpkin at all and b) had no idea that they were flourless!! Big win that you don’t feel heavy and bloated after eating them. They are that perfect. Recipe was SO easy too.
One note/word of caution – 22 minutes in an 8×8 didn’t do it at all for me. I had to add about another 15 minutes. So just be forwarded if you’re in a time crunch you might need that extra time!
★★★★★
Erin says
Hi Sarah Beth, thank you so much for your kind words! I am so happy you enjoyed them so much! 🙂
Christina says
SOOOO delicious!!! I used 1/2 cup of tahini and 1/4 of crunchy peanut butter and they came out so great! Will definitely be using this recipe in the future!
★★★★★
Erin says
Hi Christina, I love that you made it your own and enjoyed it! 🙂
Taylor says
I love this recipe!!! The brownies turned out beautifully, you’d never know that they are healthy(er)! I will be making again for sure.
★★★★★
Erin says
Hi Taylor, I am so glad you liked them!!
Emily says
I’m so sorry to say that I was prepared for this to be repulsive. I have been paleo for a year and I used to love baking, now I find that I’m let down by paleo friendly recipes more often than not. But THIS was an absolute gem. Can’t wait to make it again. Added a tsp of pumpkin spice and a sprinkle of cinnamon too and I had no regrets.
★★★★★
Erin says
Hi Emily, ah this makes me SO happy! I am so glad that you enjoyed the brownies and hope you enjoy more of my paleo recipes and love baking again! 🙂
Cindy says
Is there anything I could substitute for the nut butter?
Erin says
Hi Cindy! You can try substituting another butter like coconut, cookie, sunflower seed, etc. I haven’t tried the recipe with any of them, so let me know which you use and how it goes!
Tammy says
These were delicious! I have tried several of your recipes and they are better than the ones in published Paleo cookbooks. Those of us who have to eat dairy/gluten free are rejoicing!
★★★★★
Erin says
Hi Tammy, I am so happy you loved the brownies and enjoyed them so much!! 🙂