Decadent Vegan Pumpkin Brownies
These Decadent Vegan Pumpkin Brownies are the ultimate indulgence for chocolate lovers and those seeking a guilt-free treat. Made with wholesome ingredients like pumpkin puree and whole wheat pastry flour, these fudgy brownies are rich, moist, and deeply satisfying while being entirely plant-based. Perfect for a late-night snack or a sweet treat any time of day, they transform into an exquisite dessert when gently warmed in the oven at 375°F for 20 minutes. Serve them on their own, or pair with a scoop of dairy-free ice cream for an extra-special touch. Remember, the key to achieving that perfectly dense texture is not to overbake—trust me, your taste buds will thank you!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
10
Ingredients
Ingredients
Pumpkin Puree
1 cup (Canned or homemade)
Splenda Granular
1/4 cup (Granulated sweetener)
Dark Brown Sugar
1/4 cup (Packed)
Vanilla (or any flavoring of your choice)
1 tablespoon (Liquid extract)
Whole Wheat Pastry Flour
3/4 cup (Sifted)
Cocoa Powder
1/3 cup (Unsweetened)
Baking Powder
1/2 teaspoon (Leavening agent)
Baking Soda
1/2 teaspoon (Leavening agent)
Salt
1/2 teaspoon (Fine sea salt)
Hot Water or Coffee
as needed (Boiling)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly spray an 8x8 inch baking pan with cooking spray or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
2
In a medium mixing bowl, combine the pumpkin puree, Splenda, dark brown sugar, and vanilla extract. Mix well until the ingredients are thoroughly incorporated.
3
In a separate large bowl, sift together the whole wheat pastry flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt to ensure there are no lumps.
4
Create a well in the center of the dry ingredients and pour in the pumpkin mixture. Stir gently until just combined, being careful not to overmix. If the batter seems too thick, add a little hot water or coffee to reach a smooth, spreadable consistency.
5
Pour the brownie batter into the prepared baking pan, spreading it evenly with a spatula.
6
Bake in the preheated oven for 28 minutes, or until the center feels firm to the touch but is not overcooked. Allow the brownies to cool completely in the pan.
7
Once cooled, slice into squares and enjoy! For the best experience, warm each slice in the oven at 375°F for 20 minutes before serving.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Decadent Vegan Pumpkin Brownies?
They are a plant-based, fudgy chocolate dessert made with pumpkin puree and whole wheat pastry flour for a wholesome treat.
Are these brownies suitable for a vegan diet?
Yes, these brownies are entirely vegan and contain no animal-derived ingredients.
What temperature should I set my oven to for baking?
The oven should be preheated to 350°F (175°C) for the initial baking of the brownies.
What size baking pan is required for this recipe?
An 8x8 inch baking pan is the recommended size for these brownies.
How should I prepare the baking pan?
Lightly spray the pan with cooking spray or line it with parchment paper to ensure easy removal after baking.
Which wet ingredients should be mixed together first?
Combine the pumpkin puree, Splenda, dark brown sugar, and vanilla extract in a medium mixing bowl.
Can I use homemade pumpkin puree instead of canned?
Yes, you can use either canned or homemade pumpkin puree in this recipe.
What type of flour is used in these brownies?
The recipe calls for whole wheat pastry flour to provide a healthy yet soft texture.
Why is it necessary to sift the dry ingredients?
Sifting the flour, cocoa powder, and leavening agents ensures there are no lumps in your brownie batter.
How do I combine the wet and dry ingredients correctly?
Create a well in the center of the dry ingredients and gently stir in the pumpkin mixture until just combined.
What should I do if my brownie batter is too thick?
You can add a small amount of hot water or coffee to the batter to reach a smooth, spreadable consistency.
How long should the brownies bake in the oven?
Bake the brownies for approximately 28 minutes at 350°F.
How do I check if the brownies are finished baking?
The brownies are done when the center feels firm to the touch, but be careful not to overcook them.
Do I need to let the brownies cool before cutting them?
Yes, allow the brownies to cool completely in the pan before slicing them into squares.
What is the best way to serve these for a dessert?
For an exquisite dessert, serve the brownies warm and optionally pair them with a scoop of dairy-free ice cream.
How do I reheat the brownies for the best experience?
Warm each slice in the oven at 375°F for 20 minutes before serving.
Why is it important not to overbake the brownies?
Not overbaking is the key to achieving the desired dense, fudgy, and moist texture.
Can I use coffee in this recipe?
Yes, hot coffee can be used as the liquid to adjust batter consistency while enhancing the chocolate flavor.
What kind of cocoa powder is recommended?
Use unsweetened cocoa powder to ensure you can control the sweetness level.
Does this recipe use artificial sweeteners?
It uses Splenda Granular as a sweetener alongside a small amount of dark brown sugar.
Are these brownies considered a healthy option?
Yes, they are described as a guilt-free treat made with wholesome ingredients and less sugar than traditional brownies.
Can I substitute the vanilla extract?
Yes, you can use vanilla or any other flavoring of your choice.
Does the recipe require eggs as a binder?
No, the pumpkin puree acts as the binder in this vegan recipe, so no eggs are needed.
What type of salt should be used in the batter?
Fine sea salt is recommended to enhance the flavors of the chocolate and pumpkin.
Is there a gluten-free version of this brownie?
While the recipe uses wheat flour, it is tagged as having a gluten-free option, which would involve substituting the flour.
What role does the pumpkin puree serve?
The pumpkin puree provides the necessary moisture and density, replacing the need for oils or fats.
Is there any butter or oil in this brownie recipe?
No, there is no oil or butter in the ingredient list; the moisture comes entirely from the pumpkin.
How should I measure the dark brown sugar?
The dark brown sugar should be firmly packed into the measuring cup.
What texture can I expect from these brownies?
Expect a rich, moist, and deeply fudgy texture rather than a cake-like consistency.
Can I add extra ingredients like chocolate chips?
While not in the base recipe, you can customize them with add-ins like dairy-free chocolate chips if desired.