Little Debbie Pumpkin Brownies Recipe

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I’m not only going to unravel the steps to making these mouthwatering pumpkin brownies, but I’ll also sprinkle in little tips and personal touches that have taken my baking from delightful to absolutely unforgettable. So, strap on your apron, preheat your oven, and let’s whisk our way into the world of Little Debbie Pumpkin Brownies – a recipe that promises to be the crowning glory of your fall dessert repertoire.

How to make Little Debbie Pumpkin Brownies

Little Debbie Pumpkin Brownies are a seasonal treat made by the Little Debbie brand, known for its variety of snack cakes and baked goods. These particular brownies are typically available around the fall season and feature a pumpkin-flavored brownie base with a rich, chocolatey texture.

Ingredients:

For the Brownie Layer:

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Pumpkin Layer:

• 1 cup pure pumpkin puree (not pumpkin pie filling)
• 1 egg
• 1/3 cup vegetable oil
• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt

For the Cream Cheese Frosting:

• 4 oz cream cheese, softened
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar, sifted
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions:

Preparing the Brownie and Pumpkin Layers:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 9×13-inch baking dish with parchment paper, leaving some overhang for easy removal.
2. Brownie batter: In a medium bowl, whisk together 1 cup flour, cocoa powder, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1/2 teaspoon baking powder. In another bowl, mix the melted butter and granulated sugar until well combined. Beat in 2 eggs and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract. Gradually mix in the dry ingredients until just combined. Spread this mixture into the prepared baking dish, creating an even layer.
3. Pumpkin batter: In a separate bowl, combine the pumpkin puree, 1 egg, vegetable oil, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger. In another bowl, mix together 1 cup flour, 1/2 teaspoon baking powder, and 1/4 teaspoon salt. Gently fold the dry ingredients into the pumpkin mixture until just combined. Dollop the pumpkin batter over the brownie layer, then use a knife or a skewer to swirl the two batters together gently.
4. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Avoid overbaking to keep the brownies moist. Allow them to cool fully in the pan on a wire rack.

Making the Cream Cheese Frosting:

1. With an electric mixer, beat the softened cream cheese and butter until smooth and creamy. Gradually add in the sifted powdered sugar, beating until fluffy. Mix in the vanilla extract.
2. Once the brownies have cooled, spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over them. If desired, sprinkle with cinnamon or pumpkin spice mix for an extra touch of fall.

Tips and Personal Touches:

• Spice it up: Feel free to adjust the spices in the pumpkin layer according to your preferences. A pinch of cloves or allspice can add an exciting twist.
• Texture tip: For those who love a bit more crunch, consider adding a layer of chopped walnuts or pecans between the pumpkin and cream cheese layers.
• Storing advice: These brownies keep well in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days, making them a great make-ahead dessert for fall gatherings.

What to serve with

Little Debbie Pumpkin Brownies are a delightful treat on their own, but pairing them with the right accompaniments can elevate your dessert experience to a whole new level. Here is a detailed list of what to serve with these tasty brownies to maximize the flavors and make your meal or gathering even more memorable.

Beverages

1. Coffee:

• Regular or Spiced Coffee: A cup of hot coffee goes wonderfully with sweet desserts. Add spices such as cinnamon, nutmeg, or pumpkin spice to your brew for an autumnal twist.
• Cappuccino or Latte: The creamy texture of a cappuccino or a latte complements the richness of the Little Debbie Pumpkin Brownies.

2. Tea:

• Chai Tea: The spices in chai will echo the spices in your pumpkin brownies beautifully.
• Herbal Tea: For a caffeine-free option, herbal teas like chamomile or peppermint are soothing and light.

3. Milk:

• Cold Milk: A simple glass of cold milk is a classic pair for any brownie.
• Hot Chocolate: For chocolate lovers, a warm, rich hot chocolate enhances the cocoa elements in the Little Debbie Pumpkin Brownies.

Spirits

1. Dessert Wines:

• Port Wine: The sweetness and body of a good Port can complement the deep flavors.
• Sherry: A sweet sherry brings out the dessert’s complexity without overpowering it.

2. Whiskey:

• Bourbon: The caramel and vanilla notes of bourbon pair exceptionally well with pumpkin and spice.

Ice Cream and Whipped Cream

1. Vanilla Ice Cream: Serving vanilla ice cream with warm pumpkin brownies makes for a classic and loved combination. The contrast between the hot and cold is always pleasing.

2. Cinnamon or Pumpkin Spice Ice Cream: If available, ice creams flavored with cinnamon or pumpkin spice can enhance the autumnal feel of your dessert.

3. Whipped Cream: A dollop of whipped cream on top of each brownie adds a creamy texture that balances the spice and richness of the brownies.

Fruit and Nuts

1. Sliced Apples or Pears: Fresh, crisp slices of apples or pears provide a tart contrast to the brownies’ sweet, soft texture. For extra spice, consider sprinkling a bit of cinnamon on the fruit.

2. Nuts: Offering a small bowl of mixed nuts, such as walnuts, pecans, or almonds (either raw or candied), allows guests to add crunch and flavor to their dessert.

Cheese

1. Cream Cheese or Mascarpone: A soft, spreadable cheese can accentuate the creaminess without overpowering the brownies’ flavors. This can be a sophisticated addition especially for adult dining.

Side Dishes

1. Cheese Board: Creating a cheese board with various cheeses, crackers, and fruits can balance the sweetness of the brownies and add a savory component to your dessert offering.

2. Warm Caramel or Chocolate Sauce: A drizzle of warm caramel or chocolate sauce over the brownies can make the dessert even more luxurious.

Ingredients Substitutes

Making a homemade version of Little Debbie Pumpkin Brownies means you might sometimes need to substitute ingredients, either due to dietary restrictions, availability, or personal taste preferences. Below are detailed substitutes for critical ingredients involved in making pumpkin brownies, similar to those delightful treats from Little Debbie.

For Pumpkin Puree

1. Butternut Squash Puree: Similar in texture and taste, butternut squash can be a great alternative. You can make it by roasting and pureeing butternut squash until smooth.

2. Sweet Potato Puree: Sweet potato puree can replace pumpkin puree in a 1:1 ratio. It offers a slightly sweeter taste and similarly moist texture.

For Eggs (Vegan Options)

1. Applesauce: It makes the brownies moister and is perfect for those avoiding eggs.

2. Flaxseed Meal: Mix 1 tablespoon of flaxseed meal with 3 tablespoons of water. Let it sit for a few minutes until it becomes gel-like. This mixture is equivalent to one egg.

For Sugar

1. Coconut Sugar: Coconut sugar can be used as a 1:1 substitute for white sugar, offering a slight caramel flavor.

2. Maple Syrup: For a liquid option, maple syrup can substitute for sugar. Use 3/4 cup of maple syrup for every 1 cup of sugar, but reduce the other liquid ingredients in the recipe by about 3 tablespoons.

For Vegetable Oil

1. Applesauce: For a lower-fat option, substitute unsweetened applesauce for vegetable oil in a 1:1 ratio. This makes the brownies moist but slightly denser.

2. Melted Coconut Oil: Coconut oil is a great vegan substitute for vegetable oil. Use it in a 1:1 ratio, but this might add a slight coconut flavor to your brownies.

For Cocoa Powder

1. Carob Powder: For those sensitive to caffeine, carob powder can be substituted for cocoa powder in equal amounts. However, carob is sweeter than cocoa, so you may want to adjust the added sugar.

For Spices (Pumpkin Spice Substitute)

1. Make Your Own Blend: If you don’t have pumpkin spice, you can make your own by mixing 1.5 tsp ground cinnamon, ¼ tsp ground nutmeg, ¼ tsp ground ginger, and ⅛ tsp ground cloves. This mix approximates 2 tsp of pumpkin spice blend.

Final Thoughts

Taking the time to bake something from the heart, especially with the warmth of fall flavors, always brings joy to both the baker and those lucky enough to indulge. So, whether you’re making these Little Debbie Pumpkin Brownies for a special occasion or simply to celebrate the season, they’re bound to become a beloved tradition in your home as they have in mine.

More Little Debbie Recipes:

• Little Debbie Brownies with Nuts Recipe
• Copycat Little Debbie Cereal Cosmic Brownies