# Components:
→ 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 mix of regular and 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
# Directions:
01 - Preheat the oven to 325°F. Line an 8-inch square baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang for easy removal.
02 - Gently warm almond butter or chosen nut/seed butter until easily stirrable, using microwave or stovetop.
03 - In a large bowl, mix pumpkin puree, warmed butter, and vanilla extract until smooth.
04 - Add cocoa powder, sugar, protein powder (or extra cocoa), salt, and spice to the wet mixture. Stir thoroughly until batter is smooth and uniform.
05 - Evenly spread batter in the prepared pan. Bake on the center rack for 20 to 25 minutes. For fudgier texture, bake closer to 20 minutes.
06 - Allow brownies to cool completely in the pan. Cover loosely with a paper towel and refrigerate overnight to firm up and enhance flavor.
07 - Cut into 9 to 12 squares. Optionally frost or serve plain. Store leftovers refrigerated for 2 to 3 days or freeze for up to 1 month.