Flourless Pumpkin Brownies (aka Lava Brownies)
These pumpkin bars are the perfect baked recipe because they are fluffy, chocolatey and delicious.
We love to make these every fall because they are the ideal segue into the autumn season. I still can’t believe summer is coming to a close but this recipe is a great way to jump into fall. These are an amazing back to school snack the kids will LOVE. It all happens in one bowl and in one step. You can’t beat that! Please remember to let them cool completely prior to slicing.

Thank you for swinging by Hungry Happens! If you create this dish or any other from our site, we would greatly appreciate you taking the time to comment and rate the recipe! LOVE YOUR LIFE!

Flourless Pumpkin Brownies
Ingredients
- 1 cup almond butter (or natural peanut butter)
- 3/4 cup pumpkin puree
- 1/3 cup maple syrup (or honey)
- 3 tbs cacao powder
- 1 egg, beaten
- 1 tsp baking soda
- pinch of salt
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup chocolate chips
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350° F. Line an 8×8" baking pan with parchment paper.
- In one bowl, mix all of the ingredients until just combined. Transfer batter to your pan and bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean. Allow to cool on rack prior to slicing.
Nutrition
Calories: 254kcal | Carbohydrates: 20g | Protein: 7g | Fat: 18g | Saturated Fat: 3g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 4g | Monounsaturated Fat: 9g | Trans Fat: 0.002g | Cholesterol: 20mg | Sodium: 135mg | Potassium: 309mg | Fiber: 4g | Sugar: 13g | Vitamin A: 3204IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 120mg | Iron: 2mg
These were amazing! I followed the recipe as is. The brownies turned out so fluffy and they taste amazing. I’ll definitely be making again!
Hi Shana, Glad you enjoyed and thanks for trying the recipe! Pumpkin is such a great ingredient to bake with – gives you the fluffiest texture!!
I’m double batching these. Do I cook the same amount of time?
Hi Yvette, it depends on the pan size. If you’re using a 9×13″ yes, the time will increase. If you are using two separate brownie pans, the time should not need adjustment.
So good! Just the right amount of sweetness using the maple syrup. And I love that it’s one bowl! Will definitely be making these again.
Hi Nancy, Perfect! Thanks for sharing your feedback and I’m happy they were enjoyed!
delicious – added a little pumpkin spice 😀
Perfect with the pumpkin spice! NICE JOb!
I’ve made so many of your recipes, and I love them all. I’ll be making this today!
LOVE LOVE LOVE!!!! I could not stop eating them!!
Hi Magdalena! I’m so happy you liked them and yes, they are hard to resist!
Thank you for this recipe…Amazing!!!
Just tried this recipe and we really enjoyed them. I switched out the choc. chips for dried cranberries and it worked quite well.
Hi Gayle, I love dried fruit with chocolate – great tip!
These are truly amazing! Not too sweet, so the chocolate chips make it perfect. Kids gobbled them down and had no idea they were healthy. A great option for gluten free too. 100% adding it to my dessert rotation.
Hi Lauren, Same, we love them and definitely not overly sweet which I love!
These turned out SO GOOD! And so easy! I love it!
When you calculate the nutritional information, is that for the entire pan of brownies or per serving?
Thanks so much! 🙏🏼
Hi Elizabeth! Thanks for trying them out! That nutritional info should be for one serving… (not the whole pan)
How many brownies do you divide the pan into? So I know what the nutritional value per brownie is—thanks!
Hi Jen, I usually cut them into 9 equal pieces like a TikTakToe board.
I made these yesterday since it is raining here and freezing. I had everything in hand so no trip to the store. These brownies are delicious and nutritious. I am so thankful for this recipe.
Hi Raffia, so glad it was raining and you got to make the brownies! But seriously, thank you for trying them and the kind review!!
Even my husband loved this recipe….enough said!
Made these as a treat to eat after dinner… Somehow, half of the pan was gone before dinner even started. My kids voted these the “best brownies EVER.” Some people will argue that they’re not that super healthy, all I’m saying is they’re better than any prepackaged stuff from the store. And yes, I’ll let my kids eat the leftovers for breakfast tomorrow, ha!
Hi Dina, that’s exactly what I say. I would much rather eat these than any pre-packaged or store bought dessert! I LOVE that the kids loved them! Thank you for giving them a go!
hi, how to do a pumpkin puree?
Hi Corz, I usually buy canned pumpkin puree at the super market. You can also just buy some squash and roast it in your oven to achieve the puree. I have also used sweet potato in this recipe and we love it!
3/13/23 I am not a baker and I’m always looking for easy recipes. That, and our d-i–l only eats gluten free. SUPER easy and yummy ! Highly recommend.
Glad you tried them and liked them! Thanks for the glowing rating!
Will definitely make these again!
Hi Alexandra, thanks for trying them out!!
can you use real peanut butter?
Hi Debby, I use the type of peanut butter where the only ingredient on the label is peanuts (and salt).
How many servings are in the recipe?
9 servings or cut them into smaller squares and get 18.
I just saw in the FB comments that the recipe should be cut into nine brownies.
Hi Elizabeth, yes you can cut it any way you like… and traditionally it is cut into 9 squares.
lf using peanut butter, how pronounced would it’s flavor be? Would it or the chocolate be the leading flavor?
Hi Barbara I do not find it to have a pronounced peanut butter flavor, however I am a fan of the peanut butter.
Can I use sweet potato instead? Don’t currently have pumpkin purée on hand?
Yes! I do that all the time! It’s Stella btw!
My kids have nut allergies. Can I substitute anything else in the place of the nut butter? Could I use sun butter?
Hi STacy, yes! you can use sunflower seed butter or almond butter (if that’s permitted)
thanks Stella! these brownies are delicious and the cool thing is that my kids don’t know about the “hidden” pumpkin!
do I have to store these in the refrigerator?
Delicious. I loved the brownies.
Have you ever tried adding nuts to this yummy looking brownie recipe?
I have made these twice now! They are delicious! So moist and not too overly sweet. I have tried it with both almond and peanut butter. Both are really good. I added walnuts to the second batch and really like the added crunch. This is now my “go to” recipe for brownies. So much better than a box!!!
Just a note that I had to cook them longer than 30 mins. It was more like 45 mins @ 350 degrees and it was perfect.
I don’t even know how it’s possible that these are so good looking at the ingredient list. The texture is phenomenal and they are absolutely delicious. I was craving a chocolate cake and these were perfect. It’s wizardry. Thank you!
Oh. My. Gaaawwwwwd!!! The tik tok video for this came up on my SM feed and being that it’s the weekend when I like to experimental cook & bake, decided to try it out. I substituted the maple syrup for agave syrup (more neutral taste, plus lower in the glycemic index), and also liberally put in 3 heaping tablespoons of the cocoa powder, and added a handful of the chocolate chips sprinkled on top (yes, I do love my chocolate!). I used Trader Joe’s 72% dark chocolate chips, super deep flavor. It. Is. SOOOOO. GOOOOOOOD!!! Keeper recipe, thank you!
Hi Stella, I just tried this recipe and used manuka honey. I followed the recipe exactly. However mine came out very flat and dry. It’s not moist like yours at all. What do you think happened?
Hi Ming, manuka honey would not work here! its a totally different texture. Only regular honey here
These were surprisingly delicious. I used half honey and half agave for sweetener. Mine turned out fluffy and cake like. Will definitely make these again!! Thank you
With the maple syrup in there, I was able to fully combine the recipe only using my whisk, which was AWESOME. I enjoyed the fun little wobble as I set them out to cool; they’re so fluffy! I’m definitely making these again.
Love your site…. Question, do you add the chocolate chips on top before baking? The way the brownies looks, it appears that way, Thank you for all of your recipes….
Hi Lyn, so sorry for the late reply! YES, i add before i bake!
I went ahead and made these with PBfit and sugar free syrup to fit my macros better and….YUM!!! I love this recipe!!! the texture is incredible. I’m obsessed. thank you!
how can we convert cups to grams?
they turned out amazing. took away my chocolate craving without feeling yucky the next day. all my coworkers loved them as well, some didn’t even realize it had no flour!
Hello Stella, Can I substitute mashed avocado for the pumkin?
Hi Janet, I haven’t tried that but it could work….
So tasty and healthy! Made them for friends and they all went back for seconds.
Hi Christine, glad you liked the brownies and thanks for the kind rating!
Hi! glad to have come across your channel. Can we use homemade peanut butter for this? the last peanut butter I made turned out a bit dry.
Hi Mary, welcome! I used peanut butter where the only ingredient is peanuts. Its texture is smooth and creamy. Hope this helps!
I have made MANY of the alternative brownies without flour and these are by FAR the best! They are amazingly delicious! Cannot taste the pumpkin at all. Thank you for this great recipe!
Hi Tina, glad the recipe was a such a winner for you! Thanks for trying it out and your kind rating!
Loved how simple they are to make about to try!!! OMG these are so good I just tried them and they are one of the best healthier brownies I’ve had
Hi Morgan, thanks so much for giving them a try! I’m so glad they worked out for you!