# Required Ingredients:
→ Wet Ingredients
01 - 1 1/4 cups pumpkin puree
02 - 2/3 cup almond butter (or allergy-friendly substitute such as sunflower seed butter or pumpkin seed butter)
03 - 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
→ Dry Ingredients
04 - 1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder (regular or Dutch process blend)
05 - 1/4 cup granulated sugar (or keto-friendly substitute for low carb)
06 - 3 tablespoons chocolate protein powder (or additional cocoa powder)
07 - 1/4 teaspoon salt
08 - 1/4 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice or ground cinnamon
# Preparation Steps:
01 - Preheat the oven to 325°F. Line an 8-inch square baking pan with parchment paper, ensuring an overhang for easy removal.
02 - If using almond butter or a substitute, gently warm until soft and stirrable either in the microwave or on the stovetop.
03 - In a large bowl, blend the pumpkin puree, warmed nut or seed butter, and vanilla extract until smooth.
04 - Add the cocoa powder, sugar, chocolate protein powder (or extra cocoa), salt, and pumpkin pie spice or cinnamon to the wet mixture. Stir thoroughly until uniform and smooth.
05 - Spread the batter evenly into the prepared pan.
06 - Bake on the center rack for 20 to 25 minutes. For fudgier brownies, aim closer to 20 minutes. Brownies will appear slightly underbaked when removed.
07 - Allow the brownies to cool completely in the pan. Cover loosely with a paper towel and refrigerate overnight to firm up and enhance sweetness.
08 - Cut into 9 to 12 squares. Optionally frost or serve plain.
09 - Store leftovers refrigerated for 2 to 3 days, or freeze for up to one month. Brownies are enjoyable directly from the freezer.