Vegan Pumpkin Brownies

Can you believe it’s the end of summer?  This week was the first official day of fall.  I LOVE fall.  The leaves change, the humidity disappears, and some of my favorite fruits vegetables come into season.  Fall makes me think of pumpkins, and from there it’s only a short while before my mind turns to pumpkin brownies.

 



 

I went to the grocery store with all intentions of getting supplies to make a vegan omelette for the blog.  But when I arrived I saw this outside:

 

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YES! YES! YES!  I LOVE pumpkin flavored everything.  Pumpkin breads, pumpkin chai tea, and especially pumpkin desserts.  Hence my aborted omelette mission in favor of making some vegan pumpkin brownies!

 

This recipe can also make pumpkin brownie MUFFINS!
This recipe can also make pumpkin brownie MUFFINS!

 

These vegan pumpkin brownies are dense and fudgy.  I love making black bean brownies because black beans are high in protein and fiber.  Pumpkins are high in vitamin A and C and also contain a good amount of potassium and fiber.  Vitamin A is great for eye health, Vitamin C helps boost your immune system, potassium helps with recovery after a hard workout, and fiber aids in weight loss.

 

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Basically, what I’m telling you is that these pumpkin brownies are way healthier than any regular brownies.  Who wouldn’t want to make a delicious dessert that is actually healthy?!?  What are you waiting for?!

 


 

Vegan Pumpkin Brownies

 

First pre-heat your oven to 350ºF.  Mix all your ingredients in a food processor.  Pro tip: add the dry ingredients (cocoa powder, baking soda, salt) and pumpkin puree first so they are on the bottom.  Then add the rest of the ingredients on top.  That way when you turn on the food processor, you don’t get a puff of cocoa or splatter of pumpkin puree on the lid.  (I unfortunately learned this after taking the picture below…)

 

Mix all the ingredients in the food processor
Add all the ingredients in the food processor

 

 

Mix until smooth.  You may have to use a rubber spatula to scrape down the sides.  As some of you already know, I prefer making my own beans from bulk for various reasons.  I used black beans I had cooked in this recipe.  If you use canned beans, the recipe will have more liquid, so you may have to increase the amount of rolled oats you use.  You can add more a tablespoon at a time during this stage until you have a thicker consistency.  

 

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Then add in chocolate chips, nuts, raisins, or any other mix-in you like!

 

Chocolate chips for extra chocolatey pumpkin brownies
Chocolate chips for extra chocolatey pumpkin brownies

 

 

Pour batter into 8×8 square pan or muffin tins.  Bake at 350ºF for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.  *Pro tip: If using a metal pan or muffin tins, spray with a non-stick spray first.  Metal pans also cook faster than glass pans so it check them closer to the 30 minute mark.  Using canned beans may also increase cooking time.  Allow the brownies to cool for 10 minutes before serving.

 

Perfect pumpkin brownie
Perfect pumpkin brownie

 

Use a square pan or make pumpkin brownie muffins in a muffin tray
Use a square pan or make pumpkin brownie muffins in a muffin tray

 

 

These pumpkin brownies are simple to make and require little clean-up!  Moist, fudgy, and healthier than regular brownies, pair them with a glass of almond milk or scoop of vegan ice cream for the perfect dessert.  Now that it’s fall, I will be experimenting with other pumpkin recipes.  What’s your favorite pumpkin recipe?

 

If you try out these pumpkin brownies, leave your comments below and share on Instagram with #rabbitfoodrunner 🙂

 

Buen provecho!

Becca

 

 

Print Recipe
Vegan Pumpkin Brownies
These vegan pumpkin brownies are dense, flavorful, and so easy to make! Black beans increase the amount of protein and fiber in the dish, and add a fudge-like consistency. Add in chocolate chips, nuts, or any other mix-in you wish!
Pumpkin brownie square
Course Dessert
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 30-35 minutes
Servings
8x8in pan or 12 muffins
Ingredients
  • 1 cup black beans I used beans made from bulk, but you can use a can
  • 1 cup pumpkin puree
  • 1/2 cup rolled oats
  • 1/2 cup cocoa powder
  • 2 1/2 TBSP coconut oil
  • 6 TBSP maple syrup
  • 1 TBSP apple cider vinegar
  • 1 tsp baking soda
  • 1 tsp vanilla
  • 1/2 tsp salt
Optional
  • 1/4 cup vegan chocolate chips
  • 1/4 cup chopped nuts
Course Dessert
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 30-35 minutes
Servings
8x8in pan or 12 muffins
Ingredients
  • 1 cup black beans I used beans made from bulk, but you can use a can
  • 1 cup pumpkin puree
  • 1/2 cup rolled oats
  • 1/2 cup cocoa powder
  • 2 1/2 TBSP coconut oil
  • 6 TBSP maple syrup
  • 1 TBSP apple cider vinegar
  • 1 tsp baking soda
  • 1 tsp vanilla
  • 1/2 tsp salt
Optional
  • 1/4 cup vegan chocolate chips
  • 1/4 cup chopped nuts
Pumpkin brownie square
Instructions
  1. Preheat oven to 350ºF.
  2. Add all of the ingredients except for the chocolate chips to a food processor*
  3. Process on high until smooth, scraping down the sides with a spatula as needed. Batter will be thick but pourable. Add in chocolate chips or other mix-ins if you prefer.
  4. Pour batter into 8x8 inch baking sheet or scoop into mini muffin tins.
  5. Bake at 350ºF for 30-35 minutes or until toothpick comes out clean.**
  6. Recipe makes 16 2x2 inch square brownies (if using 8x8 in pan) or 12 muffins (is using medium sized muffin tray)
Recipe Notes

* When you add the ingredients to the food processor, I would suggest adding the cocoa powder and pumpkin puree first so it's on the bottom.  Layer the black beans, oats, and liquids on top of them.  If the powder and puree are on top, they splatter onto the lid.  You won't lose much, but it's something to consider! 🙂

 

*I used black beans I had made from bulk.  If you use canned beans, it will be wetter and you may need to increase the amount of rolled oats to 3/4 - 1 cup.

 

** If using a metal pan or muffin tins, the cooking time will be closer to 30 minutes.  Glass pans will be closer to 35 minutes.

 

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