Flourless Pumpkin Brownies – Fudgy Gluten-Free Recipe

Flourless pumpkin brownies that are rich, fudgy, and indulgent are right here. These brownies get their dense, chocolatey texture from almond butter and melted dark chocolate, while pumpkin puree adds moisture and subtle fall flavor. The result is a grain-free, flourless treat that’s easy to make with pantry staples.

A pan filled with brownies covered in chocolate chips.

If you prefer fudgy brownies over cakey ones, this recipe was created with you in mind. We kept flour to an absolute minimum — only a couple tablespoons of superfine almond flour — and relied on creamy, high-fat ingredients like almond butter and melted dark chocolate to create a dense, fudgy crumb. Canned pumpkin puree adds moisture and a mild autumn spice character without weighing the bars down.

Testing showed that even ovens can vary, so for even baking rotate the pan about halfway through the cook time. The brownies are best when the center is just slightly underbaked and still a bit moist on a toothpick; they continue to set as they cool.

What You Need for Flourless Pumpkin Brownies

This recipe uses simple, wholesome ingredients. The main components are almond butter, canned pumpkin puree, cocoa powder, dark chocolate, and a liquid sweetener (maple syrup) for balanced sweetness and moisture. A touch of superfine almond flour gives structure without making the brownies cakey.

A table topped with bowls filled with different types of food.

Variations

These brownies are flexible—try one of these simple swaps to suit your pantry or taste:

  • Use another superfine nut flour in place of the almond flour if preferred.
  • Swap dark chocolate chips for milk or semi-sweet chocolate for a sweeter profile.
  • Stir in a handful of nuts, dried fruit, or a pinch of cinnamon or pumpkin spice for seasonal flavor.
A bowl of chocolate pudding with a wooden spoon.

FAQ

Why are my brownies dry?
Brownies can become dry if there isn’t enough fat or moisture in the batter, or if they are overbaked. These flourless brownies rely on almond butter, pumpkin, and melted chocolate to stay fudgy. Remove them from the oven when a toothpick reveals a few moist crumbs in the center.

Can I use a different nut butter?
Yes. Creamy peanut butter or cashew butter can work well. Choose a smooth, pourable consistency for the best texture—thicker, dry nut butters may yield a denser result.

More of our favorite

Brownie Recipes

  • Beet Brownies
  • Thin Mint Brownies
  • Skillet Sweet Potato Brownies
  • Flourless Cashew Butter Brownies
A stack of brownies sitting on top of a white plate.

Storage

Allow the brownies to cool completely before transferring them to an airtight container. Store at room temperature in a cool, dark place for up to 3 days. For longer storage, wrap cooled brownies tightly in foil and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator or at room temperature before serving.

How to Serve Pumpkin Brownies

These brownies are delightful warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a decadent a la mode dessert. Drizzle with chocolate sauce or serve plain. They also pair nicely with coffee or tea. If serving warm, handle gently as they can be quite soft and may fall apart; cooled brownies slice more cleanly.

Flourless Pumpkin Brownies

Incredible flourless pumpkin brownies made with almond butter, canned pumpkin puree, maple syrup, cocoa, and chocolate chips. Makes 12 squares.

Ingredients

Dry

  • ½ cup cocoa powder
  • 2 tablespoons superfine blanched almond flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1 teaspoon sea salt
  • ½ cup dark chocolate chips, plus extra for topping

Wet

  • 1 cup unsalted, creamy almond butter (drippy consistency)
  • ½ cup maple syrup
  • 3 tablespoons light brown sugar, packed
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • ½ cup canned pumpkin puree
  • 2 large eggs
  • ½ cup unsweetened plain almond milk (add more if needed)
  • ½ cup dark chocolate chips, melted

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a light-colored 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper for easy removal.
  2. Whisk together the cocoa powder, superfine almond flour, baking powder, sea salt, and the ½ cup of chocolate chips in a bowl and set aside.
  3. In a separate bowl, cream the almond butter with the maple syrup, brown sugar, and vanilla until smooth and well combined.
  4. Add the pumpkin puree, eggs, and almond milk to the almond butter mixture and stir to combine thoroughly.
  5. Fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until combined. If the batter seems too thick to pour, add almond milk one tablespoon at a time until it loosens.
  6. Gently fold the melted chocolate into the batter, leaving some streaks and pockets for a fudgy texture rather than fully blending it smooth.
  7. Transfer the batter to the lined baking pan and smooth the top. Sprinkle additional chocolate chips if desired.
  8. Bake 35–40 minutes, rotating the pan halfway through the baking time for even browning. The center should be just slightly underbaked—there should be a little batter clinging to a toothpick.
  9. Cool for 3–5 minutes, then loosen the edges with a knife and lift the parchment paper to transfer the brownies to a cooling rack. Serve warm with ice cream or allow to cool completely before slicing into squares.

Tips & Notes

  • This recipe was updated on October 2, 2023.
  • Bake time may vary by oven, pan color, and altitude—watch closely toward the end of baking time.
  • If one side of your oven bakes hotter, rotate the pan halfway through baking for even results.
  • Mix-ins like chopped nuts, a sprinkle of sea salt, or a few dried cherries can add flavor and texture.

Nutrition

Nutrition information is an estimate. Per serving (one of 12): Calories: 292 kcal, Carbohydrates: 29 g, Protein: 7 g, Fat: 19 g, Fiber: 4 g, Sugar: 19 g.

Watch It

Video demonstration available for those who prefer a visual guide. Follow along to see technique tips for folding melted chocolate and checking doneness.

Shop This Post

Photo of coconut flour
Coconut Flour (optional alternative ingredient)
Photo of pumpkin puree
Pumpkin Puree — keep a can on hand for seasonal baking
Photo of maple syrup
Maple Syrup — natural liquid sweetener used in the batter

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