This Italian cheese is so versatile that it can be used in both sweet and savory recipes from cheesecakes to lasagnas.
Easy Pumpkin Brownies
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- #75308
Made with a Devil's food cake mix and pure pumpkin puree, these rich and moist brownies are sure to be a hit with everyone.
serves/makes:
ready in:
30-60 minutes
30-60 minutes
ingredients
1 box (15-18 ounce size) Devil's food cake mix
1 can (15 ounce size) pure pumpkin puree
non-stick cooking spray
directions
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (see notes below). Grease a 9 x 13-inch baking dish with cooking spray.
Combine the cake mix and pumpkin puree in a bowl (do not add the ingredients called for on the cake mix package). Beat the two ingredients together with an electric mixer until the batter is just combined and most lumps are gone.
Scrape the batter into the prepared baking dish. Bake for 26-31 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in center comes out clean. Let cool in the pan on a wire rack for 15 minutes then cut into squares. Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
cook's notes
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F for metal and glass pans, 325 degrees F for dark or coated pans (Add 3-5 minutes to bake time for dark or coated pans).
recipe tips
Be careful not to overmix the batter, as this can lead to tough brownies.
Line the baking dish with parchment paper for easy removal and cutting of the brownies.
Sprinkle the top of the brownies with sea salt for a sweet and salty contrast.
common recipe questions
Can I use pumpkin pie filling instead of pumpkin puree?
You could use pumpkin pie mix (filling) instead of plain pumpkin puree, but there are some important considerations to keep in mind:
Sweetness: Pumpkin pie mix is already sweetened, so using it will make your brownies sweeter than if you used plain pumpkin puree.
Spices: Pumpkin pie mix also contains spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves. This will add a spiced flavor to your brownies, which may or may not be what you're looking for.
Consistency: Pumpkin pie mix is generally thinner than plain pumpkin puree because it contains added liquids and sweeteners. This could affect the texture of your brownies.
Can you add pumpkin pie spice to this recipe for more flavor?
Adding pumpkin pie spice would enhance the fall flavors and complement the pumpkin puree. Since the recipe is relatively simple with just a cake mix and pumpkin puree, you have some flexibility in how much spice to add. For a recipe of this size (using a 15-18 ounce box of Devil's food cake mix and a 15-ounce can of pumpkin puree), I would recommend starting with:1 to 1.5 teaspoons of pumpkin pie spice. This amount should provide a noticeable but not overpowering spice flavor. If you're a big fan of pumpkin spice, you could go up to 2 teaspoons, but it's always better to start with a smaller amount and adjust to taste in future batches if needed.
To incorporate the pumpkin pie spice, you can simply add it to the bowl when you're mixing the cake mix and pumpkin puree together. Make sure to mix it well so that the spice is evenly distributed throughout the batter. Remember, spices can vary in potency depending on their age and the brand, so you may want to taste and adjust in future batches.
What is Devil's food cake mix?
Devil's food cake mix is a rich, dark chocolate cake mix that usually has a higher fat content compared to regular chocolate cake mix, resulting in a moist and tender texture.
Can I use a different type of cake mix?
You can experiment with different cake mixes for variations in flavor, but keep in mind it may alter the final texture and taste of the brownies. You can try using a different chocolate cake mix with 1/3 cup full-fat sour cream added along with the pumpkin puree to increase the fat content.
Can I add chocolate chips or nuts to the brownie batter?
You can add chocolate chips, nuts, or any other mix-ins of your choice.
How should I store the brownies?
Store the brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. You can also freeze them for longer storage.
Can I freeze the brownie batter?
It is not recommended to freeze the brownie batter as the leavening agents may lose their effectiveness during freezing and affect the texture of the baked brownies. It's best to freeze the baked (and cooled) brownies.
How can I make these brownies more festive for a holiday?
You can sprinkle the top of the brownies with pumpkin spice seasoning, orange and black sprinkles, orange frosting, or festive decorations.
tools needed
9 x 13-inch baking dish: To bake the brownie batter in and produce the perfect brownie thickness.
Electric Mixer: For combining the cake mix and pumpkin puree. If you don't have a mixer you can use a wire whisk but the texture may not be quite the same.
Mixing Bowl: To mix the cake mix and pumpkin puree together before scooping the batter into the baking dish.
Toothpick: Used to test the doneness of the brownies by inserting it into the center - if it comes out clean, the brownies are ready to be removed from the oven.
Wire Rack: Necessary for cooling the brownies in the baking dish before cutting into squares.
Airtight Container: For storing the brownies once they have cooled, keeping them fresh for up to 5 days (if they last that long).
what goes with it?
Whipped Cream: add a dollop of whipped cream on top of the pumpkin brownies for an extra creamy texture. It's like wearing a fancy hat to a party - unnecessary but oh so delightful.
Caramel Drizzle: drizzle some caramel sauce over the pumpkin brownies for a decadent touch.
Vanilla Ice Cream: serve a scoop of vanilla ice cream alongside the pumpkin brownies for a classic dessert pairing. The coolness of the ice cream will contrast nicely with the warm brownies.
beverage pairings
Wine Pairings
Pinot Noir: Why? Well, its light-bodied nature won't overpower the flavors, and its fruity hints will play nicely with the richness of the chocolate and the subtle pumpkin notes. Look for one with cherry and raspberry notes for a real treat.
Riesling: If you're more of a white wine person, a slightly sweet Riesling could be your best buddy here. Its natural sweetness and acidity can cut through the rich chocolate while complementing the pumpkin's sweetness. Aim for 'off-dry' to balance the brownie's richness without turning the pairing into a sugar bomb.
Zinfandel: For those who live by the motto "the richer, the better," a Zinfandel with its bold flavors, packed with blackberry and plum, can stand up to the challenge these brownies present. A little spice from the wine will also make an interesting contrast to the brownies' sweetness.
Other Alcohol Pairings
Port: This is like inviting your richest, most indulgent friend over. A Tawny Port, with its sweet caramel and nutty flavors, is just decadent enough to sip alongside a fudgy, pumpkin-spiced brownie.
Stout: Commit to the darkness! A chocolate or coffee stout pairs wonderfully, echoing the deep chocolate tones of the brownies while the creaminess complements the moist texture.
Bourbon: The vanilla and caramel notes found in a smooth bourbon could sing alongside these easy pumpkin brownies. It's a slightly grown-up pairing that says "I enjoy dessert, but I also enjoy the finer things in life."
Non-Alcoholic Pairings
Milk: Yes, good old-fashioned milk. Whether you're a whole milk warrior or an almond milk aficionado, the creaminess will balance the rich chocolate and enhance the pumpkin flavor. It's classic for a reason.
Pumpkin Spice Latte: Want to double down on pumpkin? Grab a pumpkin spice latte. The coffee will highlight the chocolate, and the spices will meld with the pumpkin puree.
Apple Cider: If you're feeling very "autumnal," a nice, chilled apple cider can complement the spices in the brownies while adding a fruity tartness that cuts through the richness. It's like jumping into a pile of leaves but, you know, with your taste buds.
nutrition data
Nutritional data has not been calculated yet.
The name, vodka, comes from the Russian phrase zhiznennaia voda, or "water of life". It can be made from everything from potatoes to beets. It's considered to be fairly flavorless which makes it a great liquor for mixed drinks.
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reviews & comments
Always wonder about a recipe that calls for a 18.25 oz cake mix and they are no longer that big....usually 15.25. Does that make a difference or not?
It can make a difference in some recipes and we are updating our recipes to reflect that as needed. This recipe, however, should be fine using a cake mix meant for a 9x13 cake (which most standard size mix packages are meant for).