# What You'll Need:
→ 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 mixed with Dutch-process)
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
# Method:
01 - Preheat the oven to 325°F (160°C). Line an 8-inch square baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang for easy removal.
02 - Gently warm the almond butter or seed butter in the microwave or on the stovetop until easily stirrable.
03 - In a large mixing bowl, blend the pumpkin puree, warmed butter, and vanilla extract until smooth.
04 - Add cocoa powder, sugar, protein powder or cocoa, salt, and pumpkin pie spice or cinnamon. Stir thoroughly until the batter is 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 texture, aim for about 20 minutes. The brownies will seem underbaked when removed.
07 - Allow the brownies to cool completely in the pan. Cover loosely and refrigerate overnight to firm up and enhance sweetness and flavor.
08 - Cut into 9 to 12 squares. Optionally frost or serve plain.
09 - Store leftovers refrigerated for 2 to 3 days or freeze up to one month. Enjoy cold or thawed.
