This is the ultimate fall treat: a warm, fudgy brownie baked in a skillet with nutty brown butter and real pumpkin for extra moisture and spice. It’s quick to stir together, bakes in one pan, and delivers that gooey-center, crisp-edge magic we crave. If you love simple baking that feels special, this Brown Butter Pumpkin Brownie Skillet is your new weeknight (and weekend!) obsession. Grab a spoon dessert is now.
Brown Butter Pumpkin Brownie Skillet: The Ultimate Cozy Dessert
Think deep chocolate, toasted-butter notes, and gentle pumpkin spice all in one bite. Browning the butter is a small step with a big payoff, those amber milk solids add a caramel, almost toffee-like richness that makes these brownies taste bakery-level. Pumpkin keeps everything plush without tasting like pie. Serve straight from the skillet with a scoop of vanilla ice cream and a sprinkle of flaky salt for an irresistible finish.
Ingredients for a Fail-Proof Pumpkin Brownie Skillet
- ½ cup (113 g) unsalted butter
- ½ cup canned pumpkin purée (not pumpkin pie filling)
- ¾ cup packed brown sugar
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs, room temp
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- ¾ cup (95 g) all-purpose flour
- ½ cup (40 g) cocoa powder (natural or Dutch-process)
- ½ tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp fine salt
- 1 tsp pumpkin pie spice (or ½ tsp cinnamon + ¼ tsp ginger + ¼ tsp nutmeg)
- 1 tsp espresso powder (optional, but powerful for chocolate depth)
- ¾ cup chocolate chips or chunks
- Flaky sea salt, for topping (optional)
- 10-inch oven-safe skillet (cast iron is reliable)

How to Make Brown Butter Pumpkin Brownies (Skillet Style)
- Brown the butter: Melt butter over medium heat, stirring, 3–5 minutes until foamy and nutty with browned specks. Remove from heat; cool 5 minutes.
- Heat oven: 350°F (175°C). Lightly butter your skillet.
- Whisk wet: Stir in brown sugar, granulated sugar, pumpkin, and vanilla. Whisk in eggs one at a time until glossy.
- Combine dry: In a bowl, whisk flour, cocoa, baking powder, salt, pumpkin spice, and espresso powder.
- Bring together: Fold dry into wet just until no dry streaks remain. Stir in chocolate.
- Bake: Spread batter in skillet. Bake 22–28 minutes, until edges are set and a toothpick has moist crumbs (not wet batter) in the center.
- Finish: Sprinkle flaky salt. Cool 10 minutes for clean slices or dive in spoon-first.
- Serve: Top with ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for a sensational finish.

Practical Tips for the Best Pumpkin Brownie Skillet
A few tested tricks make this a sure-fire win. If your pumpkin looks watery, blot it with a paper towel, less moisture equals fudgier brownies. For shiny, crinkly tops, whisk the eggs vigorously into the warm (not hot) butter-sugar mixture. Weigh the flour and cocoa for accurate results, and don’t overbake; the center should wobble slightly and firm up as it cools. Brown butter should smell nutty and turn amber, not dark brown.
Bonus Ideas to Remix Your Pumpkin Brownie Skillet
- Nut crunch: Fold in ½ cup toasted pecans or walnuts.
- Cheesecake swirl: Marble 4 oz softened cream cheese beaten with 2 Tbsp sugar and 1 tsp vanilla over the batter.
- Double chocolate: Add 2 Tbsp mini chips on top for a melty finish.
- Caramel drizzle: Swirl in 2–3 Tbsp caramel sauce before baking for a luxury touch.
- Gluten-free twist: Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend; rest batter 10 minutes before baking for improved texture.
FAQ: Brown Butter Pumpkin Brownie Skillet
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Can I use fresh pumpkin instead of canned?
Yes, just roast and puree until very smooth, then blot excess moisture. You want a thick, scoopable purée (not watery) for quality fudginess.
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How do I make this gluten-free?
Swap in a cup-for-cup gluten-free blend. Let the batter rest 10 minutes so the starches hydrate, then bake and start checking a few minutes early.
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Can I bake this without a skillet?
Absolutely. An 8×8-inch metal pan works well; begin checking at 20 minutes. The edges won’t be as crisp, but the center stays amazing.
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Why did my brownies turn cakey or dry?
Likely too much flour or overbaking. Spoon-and-level (or weigh) the flour and pull them when the center still shows moist crumbs on a tester.
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Is it freezer-friendly?
Yes. Cool completely, slice, and wrap individually. Freeze up to 2 months. Rewarm at 300°F (150°C) for 8–10 minutes for that fresh-baked vibe.
Ready to bake this easy, delicious favorite? Pin this Brown Butter Pumpkin Brownie Skillet for later, share it with a friend, and try it tonight—you’ll be delighted with every fudgy bite!