Name: Fudgy Chocolate Pumpkin Patch Brownie Cake Recipe
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 2 h
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup unsalted butter; 2 cups granulated sugar; 4 medium eggs; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1 cup all-purpose flour; 1 cup cocoa powder; ½ teaspoon baking powder; ¼ teaspoon salt; 1 cup heavy cream; 8 ounces dark chocolate (chopped); 2 tablespoons unsalted butter; 15 fresh strawberries; 1 cup orange candy melts; Fresh mint or basil sprigs (optional to resemble vines)

Jump to Recipe· 4.2 from 31 reviews

If you have a soft spot for rich, chocolaty desserts with a seasonal twist, then you are absolutely going to adore this Fudgy Chocolate Pumpkin Patch Brownie Cake Recipe. Imagine biting into dense, melt-in-your-mouth brownies layered with silky chocolate ganache, then finishing with adorable pumpkin-like strawberries that bring charm and a burst of fruity freshness. It’s a stunning combination that not only dazzles the eyes but satisfies the soul, perfect for autumn gatherings or anytime you want to impress with something uniquely delicious.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A rustic rectangular baking dish lined with white parchment paper holds a thick, shiny layer of dark brown chocolate batter spread evenly inside. The dish is placed on a white marbled surface with light powdery cocoa scattered around it. In the top left corner, part of a white bowl with dark chocolate smears and a wooden spoon resting inside is visible. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Gathering simple yet impactful ingredients is what makes this Fudgy Chocolate Pumpkin Patch Brownie Cake Recipe so delightful. Each element, from the silky butter to the zesty cocoa powder and fresh strawberries, contributes to a perfect harmony of texture, flavor, and that festive orange pop.

Unsalted butter (1 cup): Provides richness and helps achieve that ultra-fudgy texture in the brownies.
Granulated sugar (2 cups): Sweetens the cake and balances the deep cocoa flavors.
Eggs (4 medium): Bind everything together and add structure without drying out the brownies.
Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Enhances the chocolate notes with its warm aroma.
All-purpose flour (1 cup): Offers just the right amount of body for fudgy brownies rather than cakey.
Cocoa powder (1 cup): The heart of the cake’s chocolatey essence, adding deep flavor and color.
Baking powder (½ teaspoon): Just enough to lighten the brownies slightly without compromising their fudginess.
Salt (¼ teaspoon): Intensifies the chocolate’s richness and balances sweetness.
Heavy cream (1 cup): Key for a luscious, glossy ganache that’s both creamy and decadent.
Dark chocolate (8 ounces, chopped): Melts into a silky frosting, adding a deep bittersweet richness.
Unsalted butter (2 tablespoons): Enriches the ganache, giving it that shiny, smooth finish.
Fresh strawberries (15): Act as your “pumpkins” when dipped in bright orange candy melts for a fun twist.
Orange candy melts (1 cup): For coating the strawberries and creating that signature pumpkin patch look.
Fresh mint or basil sprigs (optional): Mimic pumpkin vines, adding a fresh green contrast and extra charm.

How to Make Fudgy Chocolate Pumpkin Patch Brownie Cake Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Pan and Oven

Start by heating your oven to a cozy 350°F (180°C), ensuring the perfect baking environment. Line a 9×13-inch pan with parchment paper and grease it lightly, which guarantees easy removal of those luscious brownies once baked.

Step 2: Mix the Brownie Batter

In a saucepan, melt one cup of unsalted butter over medium heat, then take it off the heat and stir in the sugar until just combined. Beat in eggs one at a time for smooth incorporation, followed by the fragrant splash of vanilla extract. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt, then gradually fold this dry mix into the wet ingredients. This method ensures a beautifully uniform batter ready for the oven.

Step 3: Bake the Brownies

Pour your batter into the prepared pan, smoothing it out evenly. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted near the center comes out with just a few moist crumbs clinging to it. Cooling the brownies completely in the pan on a wire rack sets the stage for the next decadent layer.

Step 4: Make the Chocolate Ganache Frosting

Gently heat the heavy cream in a small saucepan until it shimmers with tiny bubbles but doesn’t boil. Pour this heated cream over chopped dark chocolate in a heatproof bowl and let it sit for two minutes, allowing the chocolate to soften. Stir well until glossy and smooth, then beat in two tablespoons of butter until fully combined. Let the ganache cool just enough to thicken slightly but remain spreadable.

Step 5: Prepare the Strawberry Pumpkins

Melt the orange candy melts in bursts of 30 seconds in the microwave, stirring after each until silky smooth. Dip each fresh, dry strawberry into the melted candy, ensuring a full coating, then place them on parchment paper to set. These make the perfect festive decorations reminiscent of tiny pumpkins in your chocolate patch.

Step 6: Assemble the Pumpkin Patch

Once the brownies have cooled completely, lift them from the pan using the parchment paper and spread the ganache evenly across the surface. Arrange the candy-coated strawberries on top, gently pressing them into the ganache so they stay put. Add fresh mint or basil sprigs around the strawberries for whimsical “vines” that complete this charming pumpkin patch presentation.

How to Serve Fudgy Chocolate Pumpkin Patch Brownie Cake Recipe

A rectangular dark brown chocolate cake sits on a wooden cutting board, covered with a thick layer of shiny chocolate glaze. On top of the glaze, there are several small yellow fruit pieces spaced out evenly, each attached to green leafy stems that stretch across the cake. Around the cutting board, there are additional yellow fruits resting on the white marbled surface. A white bowl with a wooden spoon holds more chocolate glaze in the top left corner, and a beige plate with a beige cloth napkin is in the bottom left corner. Two forks with wooden handles are placed near the top center. A shiny golden spider decoration lies on the white marbled surface near the bottom right corner. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Consider dusting a little cocoa or powdered sugar for an extra touch of elegance or adding a few chocolate shavings atop the ganache before placing the pumpkins. If you want to amp up the autumn vibe, a sprinkle of cinnamon or a drizzle of caramel can highlight the seasonal feel wonderfully.

Side Dishes

This recipe shines as the star of any dessert table but pairs beautifully with simple vanilla ice cream or whipped cream, balancing the rich chocolate and providing a creamy cool contrast. A cup of spiced chai or a pumpkin latte can also enhance the flavors with their complementary warmth and spice notes.

Creative Ways to Present

Slice the brownie cake into generous squares or diamond shapes for a more rustic, homemade feel. For festive flair, place each piece on a mini wooden board or autumn-themed plate. Hosting a party? Create individual dessert jars layering crumbled brownies, ganache, and mini pumpkin strawberries, making bite-sized delights that are both cute and convenient.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Wrap any leftover brownies tightly in plastic wrap or foil and store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They will stay delectably moist and fudgy for up to three days, perfect for enjoying a little chocolate patch magic later on.

Freezing

You can freeze the uncut baked brownies before frosting by wrapping them well in plastic wrap and then foil to prevent freezer burn. Freeze for up to two months. Thaw completely at room temperature before spreading the ganache and decorating with the dipped strawberries for the freshest finish.

Reheating

For a warm, comforting treat, microwave individual slices for 15 to 20 seconds. This slight warming heightens the fudgy, melty sensation but be careful not to overheat, as it may cause the ganache to lose its glossy texture.

FAQs

Can I use milk chocolate instead of dark chocolate for the ganache?

Absolutely! Milk chocolate will give you a sweeter, creamier ganache, though it will be less intense in chocolate flavor. Adjust the sugar in your brownie batter slightly if you prefer a less sweet final dessert.

Are the strawberries mandatory for the pumpkin patch effect?

The strawberries are key for that visual impact and fresh fruit element, but you can get creative with small orange candies or marzipan pumpkins if you prefer. Just be sure to keep the theme alive!

Can this recipe be made gluten-free?

Yes, by substituting the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking blend that measures cup-for-cup, you can enjoy this brownie cake without gluten. Just check that your baking powder is gluten-free as well.

What if I don’t have candy melts for the strawberries?

You can use white chocolate tinted with orange food coloring or even tempered orange-colored chocolate. Alternatively, a thin layer of apricot jam or marmalade can add sticky sweetness and a subtle orange tint to the strawberries.

How do I ensure the brownies come out fudgy and not cakey?

The key is not to overbake. The toothpick test should show moist crumbs, never dry. Also, the butter-to-flour ratio and minimal leavening help maintain that dense, fudgy texture.

Final Thoughts

This Fudgy Chocolate Pumpkin Patch Brownie Cake Recipe is honestly one of my all-time favorites to bake for friends and family when I want to bring both wow-factor and comforting flavors to the table. Its rich fudgy base paired with smooth ganache and playful pumpkin-inspired strawberries creates a dessert that’s as fun to make as it is to eat. Give it a try next time you crave something a bit different and delightfully delicious—you won’t regret it!