Chef Jake Thompson - Comfort Food Specialist
👨‍🍳 Comfort Food Chef

Recipe by Mitchell

🎓 Culinary Arts Graduate ⏰ 18+ Years Experience 🍽️ BBQ & Grill Master

❤️ My Recipe Story

"These brownies were inspired by my favorite fall coffee order - a pumpkin spice latte. I wanted to capture those warm, cozy flavors in a rich chocolate brownie that would be perfect for autumn gatherings and holiday celebrations."

Jake specializes in elevated comfort food that brings bold flavors to classic dishes. He's spent years perfecting techniques that maximize flavor while maintaining the hearty, satisfying nature of traditional American cuisine.

View All Mitchell's Recipes →
Rich, fudgy pumpkin spice latte brownies with glossy coffee glaze drizzled on top, dusted with cinnamon, cut into perfect squares on parchment paper

The Perfect Fall Brownie Base

Creating the ideal pumpkin spice latte brownie requires balancing moisture from pumpkin puree with the fudgy texture that makes brownies irresistible. The key is not overdoing the pumpkin - it should enhance the chocolate rather than overpower it, while the espresso powder intensifies both flavors.

The combination of brown sugar and dark chocolate creates depth and richness, while pumpkin pie spice adds warmth without being overwhelming. Using quality chocolate and real pumpkin puree (not pie filling) ensures the best flavor and texture in every bite.

💡 Professional Tip

Don't overbake - the brownies should still be slightly soft in the center when you remove them. They'll continue cooking as they cool and achieve the perfect fudgy consistency.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, you can omit the espresso powder and replace the coffee in the glaze with milk or cream. The brownies will still be delicious with just the pumpkin spice flavor.

Store covered at room temperature for up to 4 days or refrigerate for up to a week. The glaze may soften slightly but they'll still taste amazing.

Yes, but make sure to cook and puree the pumpkin until very smooth. Canned pumpkin puree has the ideal consistency and moisture content for baking.

A toothpick inserted in center should come out with a few moist crumbs clinging to it. The top should look set but still have a slight shine.

Yes, wrap individual pieces in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature. Add the glaze after thawing for best appearance.

Mix 1 tsp cinnamon, ½ tsp nutmeg, ¼ tsp ginger, and ¼ tsp cloves. This homemade blend works perfectly in place of store-bought pumpkin pie spice.

Absolutely! Chopped walnuts or pecans work beautifully. Add about ½ cup along with the chocolate chips for extra texture and flavor.

This usually means they were overbaked or overmixed. Mix just until ingredients are combined and check for doneness a few minutes before the suggested time.

Recipe Troubleshooting Guide

✅

Brownies Too Dry

Problem: Brownies turn out dry instead of fudgy

Solution: Reduce baking time by 5 minutes, check oven temperature accuracy, and ensure you're not overbaking. The center should still be slightly soft.

✅

Glaze Too Thick

Problem: Coffee glaze is too thick to drizzle

Solution: Add more coffee or cream, 1 teaspoon at a time, until you reach the desired consistency. The glaze should flow smoothly off a spoon.

✅

Weak Coffee Flavor

Problem: Can't taste the coffee/latte flavor enough

Prevention: Increase espresso powder to 1½ teaspoons and use strong coffee in the glaze. Instant coffee granules can be substituted for espresso powder.

✅

Brownies Sticking

Problem: Brownies stick to the pan despite greasing

Recovery: Always use parchment paper with overhang for easy removal. Grease the pan first, then add parchment for best results.

✅

Uneven Baking

Problem: Some areas cook faster than others

Prevention: Rotate pan halfway through baking, ensure oven rack is in center position, and check that batter is spread evenly in pan.

✅

Flavor Balance Issues

Too Sweet: Add a pinch of salt to the glaze or sprinkle flaky sea salt on top

Too Salty: Increase powdered sugar in glaze or add extra cinnamon for sweetness

Bland: Increase pumpkin pie spice, add vanilla to glaze, or use darker chocolate for more intensity

Baking ingredients for pumpkin spice latte brownies including dark chocolate, pumpkin puree, spices, coffee, and eggs arranged on marble countertop

Choosing Quality Ingredients

The success of these brownies depends heavily on using quality chocolate and real pumpkin puree. Choose dark chocolate with at least 60% cacao for rich flavor that pairs beautifully with pumpkin spice. Avoid chocolate chips for melting - they contain stabilizers that can affect texture.

Fresh pumpkin pie spice makes a noticeable difference in flavor complexity. If your spice blend is more than a year old, consider making fresh or buying new. The warmth and depth of fresh spices elevate these brownies from good to exceptional.

Essential Ingredient Notes

  • Dark Chocolate: Use bar chocolate rather than chips for melting. Good quality chocolate with 60-70% cacao provides the perfect balance of sweetness and intensity.
  • Pumpkin Puree: Use pure pumpkin puree, not pumpkin pie filling. Check that it's smooth and not watery - drain if necessary for consistent texture.
  • Espresso Powder: Instant espresso powder dissolves easily and provides concentrated coffee flavor. Instant coffee granules work as substitute but use slightly less.
Pumpkin spice latte brownies baking in the oven with golden top forming, showing perfect doneness and fudgy texture through oven door

Mastering the Baking Process

The key to perfect pumpkin spice latte brownies is understanding doneness. Unlike regular brownies, the pumpkin adds moisture that can make them appear underdone when they're actually perfect. Look for a set top with a slight shine rather than relying solely on the toothpick test.

The coffee glaze should be made while the brownies cool completely. This timing allows the glaze to set properly without melting into the brownies. The contrast between the rich brownie and smooth glaze creates the perfect textural experience.

Perfect Glaze Consistency

The glaze should coat the back of a spoon but still drizzle smoothly. If too thick, add liquid gradually. If too thin, add more powdered sugar until you achieve the perfect drizzling consistency.

Pumpkin Spice Latte Brownies

Prep 20 min
Cook 35 min
Serves 16 servings
Level Easy

📋 Ingredients

For the Brownies

  • 120g powdered sugar
    Sifted for smooth glaze
  • 45ml strong coffee, cooled
    Use espresso or strong brew
  • 30ml heavy cream
    Creates smooth, creamy texture
  • ½ tsp cinnamon
    For dusting and extra warmth

For the Coffee Glaze

  • 200g unsalted butter
    Room temperature for easy melting
  • 200g dark chocolate, chopped
    60-70% cacao for rich flavor
  • 300g brown sugar
    Adds moisture and caramel notes
  • 3 large eggs
    Room temperature for best mixing
  • 120g pumpkin puree
    Pure pumpkin, not pie filling
  • 15ml vanilla extract
    Pure vanilla for best flavor
  • 150g all-purpose flour
    Don't overmix once added

Instructions

  1. Prepare Pan and Oven

    Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9x13 inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving overhang for easy removal. Grease lightly with butter.

  2. Melt Chocolate and Butter

    In a double boiler or microwave-safe bowl, melt butter and chopped chocolate together, stirring until smooth. Let cool slightly for 5 minutes.

  3. Mix Wet Ingredients

    In a large bowl, whisk together melted chocolate mixture, brown sugar, eggs, pumpkin puree, and vanilla until well combined and glossy.

  4. Combine Dry Ingredients

    In separate bowl, whisk flour, cocoa powder, pumpkin pie spice, espresso powder, and salt. Gradually fold into wet ingredients until just combined. Fold in chocolate chips.

  5. Bake and Make Glaze

    Pour batter into prepared pan and bake 30-35 minutes until toothpick comes out with few moist crumbs. While cooling, whisk powdered sugar, coffee, and cream for glaze. Drizzle over cooled brownies and dust with cinnamon.

Recipe Notes & Tips

Storage

Store covered at room temperature for up to 4 days or refrigerate for up to a week. The glaze may soften slightly but they'll maintain their delicious flavor and texture.

Serving Suggestions

Serve with a dollop of whipped cream, vanilla ice cream, or alongside a hot cup of coffee or pumpkin spice latte for the ultimate fall experience.

Variations

Try adding chopped pecans or walnuts to the batter, or experiment with cream cheese frosting instead of the coffee glaze for a different flavor profile.