Flourless Brown Butter Pumpkin Brownies
These Flourless Brown Butter Pumpkin Brownies are rich, fudgy, and packed with the nutty flavor of brown butter and the subtle sweetness of pumpkin puree. Moist and decadent, they are best enjoyed warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream and an optional drizzle of homemade hot fudge sauce, making them an irresistible fall dessert.
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Ingredients You Need:
Full ingredients and recipe are in the recipe card below. Read through this section for all the ingredients substitution and baking tips!
Pumpkin puree
Brown or coconut sugar
Almond butter
Salted butter
Maple syrup
Eggs
Vanilla extract
Unsweetened cocoa powder
Baking soda
Salt
Chocolate chips of choice
Flaky sea salt, for topping
Additional Ingredients for Making the Homemade Hot Fudge Sauce (Optional):
Semi-sweet chocolate chips
Evaporated milk or half and half
Granulated sugar
Why You’ll Love Flourless Brown Butter Pumpkin Brownies:
Rich Brown Butter Flavor: The nutty, caramelized flavor of browned butter adds a deep, luxurious taste to these brownies, making each bite extra indulgent.
Fudgy, Moist Texture: The combination of pumpkin puree and a flourless base creates an irresistibly moist, fudgy texture that’s perfect for a decadent dessert.
Gluten-Free Delight: Since they’re flourless, these brownies are naturally gluten-free, making them a perfect option for those avoiding gluten while still enjoying a rich, chocolaty treat.
Warm Pumpkin Notes: The subtle flavor of pumpkin puree brings a gentle sweetness that pairs beautifully with the rich chocolate, making these brownies a wonderful fall-inspired dessert.
Perfectly Complemented by Ice Cream: Serving these brownies warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream creates a delightful contrast of temperatures, adding creaminess to the rich, warm brownie.
Optional Homemade Hot Fudge Sauce: Drizzle homemade hot fudge sauce over the top for an added layer of chocolatey goodness that makes these brownies even more indulgent.
Simple Ingredients, Big Flavor: With just a few simple ingredients, these brownies are easy to make but deliver a big punch of flavor, making them ideal for a quick yet satisfying dessert.
No Flour, No Problem: By skipping the flour, you get an extra fudgy and dense brownie, which is exactly what every brownie lover wants—no compromise on taste or texture.
Easy to Make Ahead: These brownies are easy to prepare ahead of time and reheat beautifully, making them convenient for dinner parties or whenever you’re craving a warm, comforting dessert.
Versatile Serving Options: Enjoy them as they are, or dress them up with ice cream, fudge sauce, or even a sprinkle of sea salt for a sweet-and-savory twist.
Tips for Making Flourless Brown Butter Pumpkin Brownies:
Brown the Butter Carefully: When browning the butter, keep an eye on it and stir constantly. The butter should turn a golden brown color with a nutty aroma. Be sure not to let it burn, as this can add a bitter taste to your brownies.
Use Pure Pumpkin Puree: Be sure to use pure pumpkin puree, not pumpkin pie filling, as pie filling contains added sugar and spices that can alter the taste and texture of the brownies.
Cool the Brown Butter Before Mixing: Let the brown butter cool slightly before adding it to the other ingredients. Adding it while too hot can cause the eggs to scramble, affecting the texture of the brownies.
Mix Just Until Combined: When mixing the batter, stir until just combined to avoid overmixing. Overmixing can lead to a denser texture rather than the fudgy consistency you want.
Use High-Quality Chocolate: To enhance the flavor, use high-quality cocoa powder or chocolate. Good quality chocolate will make a big difference in the richness and depth of flavor in your brownies.
Bake Until Just Set: Check the brownies a few minutes before the recommended baking time. They are done when the edges are set and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with a few moist crumbs. Avoid overbaking to keep them fudgy and moist.
Allow to Cool Before Serving Warm: Let the brownies cool completely in the pan, then reheat individual pieces just before serving. This helps them firm up, making them easier to slice, while still allowing you to enjoy them warm.
Serve Warm for Best Flavor: To fully enjoy their fudgy texture, serve the brownies warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. The warmth enhances the rich flavors, while the cold ice cream adds a delightful contrast.
Drizzle with Homemade Hot Fudge: For an extra indulgent touch, drizzle the brownies with homemade hot fudge sauce. The combination of warm brownies, creamy ice cream, and hot fudge sauce makes for an unforgettable dessert.
Use Parchment Paper for Easy Removal: Line your baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides. This will make it easy to lift the brownies out of the pan for slicing and serving.
Add a Pinch of Sea Salt: For a balance of flavors, add a small pinch of sea salt to the brownie batter or sprinkle it on top before baking. This enhances the richness of the chocolate and the nuttiness of the browned butter.
Test the Doneness Carefully: Since these brownies are flourless, they will be fudgier than typical brownies. Check for doneness by looking for slightly firm edges and a center that still has a bit of give. They will continue to set as they cool.
How to Store Flourless Brown Butter Pumpkin Brownies:
Room Temperature (Up to 2 Days): Store the brownies at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 2 days. Be sure to cool them completely before storing to prevent excess moisture, which could make them soggy.
Refrigeration (Up to 5 Days): If you need to store them longer, refrigerate the brownies in an airtight container for up to 5 days. Refrigeration will help maintain their freshness and fudgy texture. For the best taste, bring them to room temperature or warm them slightly before serving.
Freezing for Longer Storage (Up to 3 Months): To keep the brownies longer, freeze them. Wrap each brownie individually in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before reheating or serving.
Freezing Brownie Batter: You can also freeze the brownie batter in a baking dish for up to 3 months. Wrap it well in plastic wrap and foil, and when ready to bake, thaw in the refrigerator overnight before baking as directed.
Reheating for Serving Warm: When serving, reheat the brownies in a 300°F (150°C) oven for 5-7 minutes, or microwave individual pieces for 10-15 seconds. This will bring back the warm, fudgy texture, especially if serving with ice cream and hot fudge.
Avoid Storing with Ice Cream: Store the brownies separately from ice cream. Ice cream should always be kept in the freezer, and brownies at room temperature or refrigerated. When ready to serve, warm the brownies before adding the ice cream.
Store Hot Fudge Sauce Separately: If you have homemade hot fudge sauce, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 weeks. Reheat it gently before drizzling over the brownies for the best flavor.
Wrap Tightly to Maintain Freshness: To prevent the brownies from drying out, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or foil before storing. This helps retain their moisture and fudgy texture.
Layer with Parchment Paper: If stacking brownies in a container, place parchment paper between the layers to prevent them from sticking together. This makes it easy to remove one piece at a time without damaging them.
Serving After Storing: After storing, serve the brownies slightly warmed for the best texture. The warm, gooey consistency pairs perfectly with a scoop of vanilla ice cream and a drizzle of hot fudge.
FAQs:
Q: Are these brownies gluten-free?
A: Yes, these flourless brown butter pumpkin brownies are naturally gluten-free, as they are made without any flour. They are perfect for those looking for a rich, fudgy dessert without gluten.
Q: How do I make the brownies fudgy?
A: To achieve the perfect fudgy texture, make sure not to overbake the brownies. Bake until the edges are set and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with a few moist crumbs. The pumpkin puree also helps to keep them moist.
Q: Can I use pumpkin pie filling instead of pumpkin puree?
A: No, it's best to use pure pumpkin puree. Pumpkin pie filling contains added sugars and spices that can alter the flavor and texture of these brownies.
Q: How do I store leftover brownies?
A: Store leftover brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. For longer storage, you can freeze them for up to 3 months.
Q: Can I freeze the brownies?
A: Yes, you can freeze the brownies. Wrap each one individually in plastic wrap, then store them in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before reheating and serving.
Q: How should I reheat the brownies?
A: Reheat individual brownies in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds, or warm them in a 300°F (150°C) oven for 5-7 minutes. This will help restore their fudgy texture, especially when serving with ice cream.
Q: What is the best way to serve these brownies?
A: These brownies are best served warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream and a drizzle of homemade hot fudge sauce. The combination of warm brownies and cold ice cream creates an amazing contrast in textures.
Q: How do I make the hot fudge sauce?
A: You can make homemade hot fudge sauce by combining evaporated milk or half and half, butter, sugar, chocolate chips, vanilla, salt and high-quality cocoa powder. Cook until thickened, then let it cool before drizzling over the brownies.
Q: Can I use any other type of butter instead of browned butter?
A: Browned butter adds a nutty, caramel-like flavor that makes these brownies special, but you can use regular melted butter if needed. However, the flavor won't be as deep and rich.
Q: Can I make the brownies without eggs?
A: Eggs are important for the structure of these brownies. If you need an egg substitute, you could try using a flax egg, though the texture may be slightly different and less fudgy.
Check out my other pumpkin recipes on Instagram:
Make sure to tag me @wellmadebykiley on Instagram and leave a review or comment if you make these flourless brown butter pumpkin brownies. Happy baking!
