Pumpkin Blondies
If you’re searching for a fall treat that captures all the warmth and coziness of the season, look no further than Pumpkin Blondies. These delightful bars combine a rich, spiced flavor with a moist, chewy texture that makes for the perfect autumn dessert or snack. With simple ingredients and easy steps, Pumpkin Blondies become an instant favorite you’ll want to bake again and again. Their unique blend of pumpkin and warm spices gives you all the harvest vibes, making them ideal for cozy afternoons, holiday gatherings, or just to brighten your week.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Seasonal Comfort: Pumpkin Blondies capture the essence of fall with the perfect mix of pumpkin and spices that evoke cozy feelings.
- Easy Preparation: This recipe uses straightforward ingredients and methods, making it accessible even for beginner bakers.
- Moist and Chewy Texture: Each bite strikes a perfect balance between a tender crumb and a satisfying chewiness, setting it apart from typical cakes or cookies.
- Versatile Treat: These blondies are great on their own or dressed up with toppings, making them perfect for any occasion.
- Impresses Everyone: Pumpkin Blondies offer a unique twist that pleases pumpkin lovers and dessert enthusiasts alike.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of Pumpkin Blondies lies in the simplicity of its ingredients, each chosen to contribute a specific flavor, texture, and autumnal color to the finished product. Here’s what you’ll need to gather:
- Pureed Pumpkin: The star ingredient that adds moisture, natural sweetness, and that unmistakable pumpkin flavor.
- Brown Sugar: Provides deep caramel notes and helps achieve the blondies’ chewy texture.
- All-Purpose Flour: The base that gives structure while keeping the blondies tender.
- Butter: Adds richness and helps maintain a moist, dense texture.
- Eggs: Bind the ingredients together and contribute to the moistness.
- Warm Spices: Cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves create that signature spiced aroma and flavor.
- Baking Powder: Ensures your blondies rise just enough for a soft, chewy bite.
- Vanilla Extract: Enhances the overall flavor complexity.
- Optional Add-ins: Chocolate chips or chopped nuts add texture and extra flavor bursts.
Variations for Pumpkin Blondies
One of the best things about Pumpkin Blondies is how easily you can tweak them to match your taste or dietary needs. Feel free to experiment with these variations to find your perfect fall treat:
- Gluten-Free Option: Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking blend to make these blondies safe for gluten-sensitive friends.
- Vegan Version: Use flax eggs instead of regular eggs, and swap butter for coconut oil or vegan margarine.
- Chocolate Lover’s Twist: Add dark or white chocolate chips for gooey pockets of chocolate in every bite.
- Nutty Addition: Mix in chopped pecans or walnuts for extra crunch and autumnal flavor.
- Spice Adjustment: Boost or reduce spices like ginger or cinnamon according to your preference for mild or bold spice.
How to Make Pumpkin Blondies
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Your Pan
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper or grease it lightly to ensure easy removal of your blondies later on.
Step 2: Mix the Wet Ingredients
In a large bowl, combine melted butter, brown sugar, and eggs. Whisk these together until smooth, then mix in the pureed pumpkin and vanilla extract, making sure everything is well incorporated.
Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves. This keeps the spices evenly distributed and prevents lumps in the batter.
Step 4: Bring It All Together
Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture. Stir gently until you have a thick, uniform batter without overmixing, which keeps the blondies tender.
Step 5: Add Optional Mix-Ins
If using chocolate chips, nuts, or any other extras, fold them in now for extra texture and flavor.
Step 6: Bake
Pour the batter into your prepared pan and spread it evenly. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs. Let the blondies cool completely before slicing.
Pro Tips for Making Pumpkin Blondies
- Use Fresh Pumpkin Purée: For the best flavor, use homemade or canned pure pumpkin rather than pumpkin pie filling, which contains added sugars and spices.
- Measure Flour Precisely: Spoon flour into your measuring cup and level it off to avoid dense or dry blondies.
- Don’t Overbake: Remove from oven when a toothpick has moist crumbs for a perfectly chewy texture.
- Let Cool Fully: Cooling allows the blondies to set and slice cleanly without crumbling.
- Customize Spice Levels: Adjust spices to your liking; add a pinch of ground ginger or cardamom for a unique twist.
How to Serve Pumpkin Blondies
Garnishes
Enhance the presentation and flavor by dusting Pumpkin Blondies with powdered sugar, drizzling with caramel sauce, or adding a dollop of whipped cream or cream cheese frosting on top.
Side Dishes
Pair these blondies with a cup of hot apple cider, chai tea, or a creamy latte for a perfect cozy fall snack or dessert setup.
Creative Ways to Present
For gatherings, serve Pumpkin Blondies on a decorative platter with fresh autumn leaves or mini pumpkins around them to bring seasonal charm to your table.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep leftover Pumpkin Blondies stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for up to a week to maintain freshness.
Freezing
Wrap the blondies tightly in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil to freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
Reheating
Warm individual pieces in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds to revive softness, or briefly in a preheated oven for a fresh-baked feel.
FAQs
Can I use canned pumpkin pie filling instead of pumpkin purée?
It’s best to use plain canned pumpkin purée because pumpkin pie filling contains added sugars and spices that can throw off the recipe’s flavor and texture.
How do I make Pumpkin Blondies vegan?
Replace eggs with flaxseed eggs (1 tablespoon flaxseed meal + 3 tablespoons water per egg) and use vegan butter or coconut oil instead of regular butter.
What is the best way to ensure moist Pumpkin Blondies?
Use pure pumpkin purée, brown sugar, and avoid overbaking to keep the blondies moist and chewy every time.
Can I add chocolate chips or nuts?
Absolutely! Chocolate chips and chopped nuts make great mix-ins that add texture and enhance the flavor.
How long do Pumpkin Blondies last?
Stored properly, they last up to 3 days at room temperature and up to a week refrigerated. Frozen, they can keep up to 3 months with minimal quality loss.
Final Thoughts
Pumpkin Blondies are truly a fantastic treat that blends ease, flavor, and fall magic all in one simple recipe. Whether you’re baking for your family, friends, or just to satisfy a cozy craving, these blondies are sure to become a seasonal favorite. So grab your ingredients and dive into making this delicious fall dessert—you won’t regret it!
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PrintPumpkin Blondies
Pumpkin Blondies are a moist, chewy autumn dessert bar that combines pureed pumpkin with warm spices, brown sugar, and butter to create a rich, spiced flavor. Easy to prepare and perfect for fall gatherings or cozy snacks, these blondies offer a comforting seasonal treat with versatile options for dietary preferences and creative mix-ins.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
- Total Time: 40-45 minutes
- Yield: 16 servings (about 2x2 inch squares) 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free (if gluten-free flour used, optional vegan with substitutions)
Ingredients
Wet Ingredients
- 1 cup pureed pumpkin
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Dry Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour (or gluten-free baking blend for gluten-free option)
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
Sugar
- 1 cup packed brown sugar
Optional Add-ins
- 1/2 cup chocolate chips (dark or white)
- 1/2 cup chopped nuts (pecans or walnuts)
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Your Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper or lightly grease it for easy removal of the blondies.
- Mix the Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the melted butter, brown sugar, and eggs until smooth. Stir in the pureed pumpkin and vanilla extract until fully combined.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves to ensure even spice distribution and prevent lumps.
- Bring It All Together: Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture. Stir gently until you have a thick, uniform batter, being careful not to overmix to keep the blondies tender.
- Add Optional Mix-Ins: If using chocolate chips, nuts, or other add-ins, fold them into the batter now for extra texture and flavor.
- Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and spread evenly. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the edges turn lightly golden and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs. Allow the blondies to cool completely before slicing.
Notes
- Use fresh pumpkin purée (homemade or canned pure pumpkin) rather than pumpkin pie filling for best flavor.
- Measure flour precisely by spooning it into the measuring cup and leveling it off to avoid dense blondies.
- Do not overbake; remove from oven when a toothpick has moist crumbs for a chewy texture.
- Let blondies cool fully before slicing to ensure clean cuts.
- Customize spice levels by adjusting cinnamon, nutmeg, or adding ginger or cardamom for a unique twist.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 blondie (about 2x2 inches)
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 90mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 35mg
Keywords: Pumpkin blondies, fall dessert, pumpkin bars, chewy blondies, spiced blondies, gluten-free pumpkin dessert, vegan pumpkin blondies
