Soft, spiced bars with fall flair
These pumpkin blondies bring all the cozy fall flavors into one chewy, sweet square. With warm pumpkin spice, a soft brownie-like texture, and melty chocolate chips (or nuts, if you prefer), they make the perfect afternoon treat or holiday dessert bar. They’re quick to whip up no mixer needed and bake in under 30 minutes, making them an easy go-to when you want something festive without the fuss. Great for bake sales, family gatherings, or even a quick snack with coffee, these blondies hit that sweet spot between a brownie and a pumpkin bar. Once you taste their soft spiced crumb, you’ll want to keep a batch ready all season long.
- Prep: 10 mins
- Cook: 25 mins
- Total: 35 mins
- Servings: 12 blondies
Ingredients
- 1 cup pumpkin purée (not pie filling)
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 large egg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp pumpkin pie spice
- 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1/4 tsp baking soda
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup chocolate chips or chopped pecans (optional)
Substitution: Swap butter for coconut oil for a dairy-free twist. Nuts can be replaced with white chocolate chips or dried cranberries for a festive note.
Kitchen Tools
- 8×8-inch baking dish
- Mixing bowls
- Whisk & spatula
- Measuring cups & spoons
- Parchment paper
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prep: Line an 8×8 baking dish with parchment paper; preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Mix Wet: In a bowl, whisk together pumpkin, brown sugar, melted butter, egg, and vanilla until smooth.
- Mix Dry: In another bowl, combine flour, pumpkin spice, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- Combine: Fold dry ingredients into wet until just combined. Stir in chocolate chips or nuts.
- Bake: Spread batter evenly in pan; bake 25 minutes or until edges are set. Cool before slicing.
Pro Tips
- Storage: Keep in an airtight container at room temp up to 3 days, or refrigerate for 5 days.
- Subs: Swap pumpkin spice for cinnamon + nutmeg if needed.
- Meal Prep: Double the recipe and freeze squares individually wrapped for quick treats.
- Serving: Delicious with whipped cream, vanilla ice cream, or a drizzle of caramel.
Main Body
What makes these pumpkin blondies so irresistible is the balance of flavors and textures. They combine the chewy richness of a brownie with the cozy warmth of pumpkin pie spice, giving you the best of both worlds. The pumpkin purée not only adds flavor but also keeps the blondies moist and soft, which makes them perfect for sharing or keeping all to yourself.
The method is beginner-friendly. By mixing the wet and dry ingredients separately and then folding them together, you avoid overmixing, which could make blondies tough. The batter comes together in minutes, and the hardest part is waiting for them to cool before slicing.
Pumpkin is the star here not only does it bring natural sweetness and that autumn flavor we love, but it also adds vitamins and fiber. Pairing it with chocolate chips brings a rich contrast, while pecans add a toasty crunch. You can even split the batter into halves and do a mix-in for each side to please everyone in the family.
These blondies shine as a quick weeknight bake. While they’re in the oven, you can prepare coffee, tidy up, or whip a light cream topping. The recipe’s simplicity makes it easy to squeeze into busy schedules without sacrificing homemade warmth.
If you’d like to plan ahead, these blondies freeze beautifully. Wrap individual bars in plastic and store them in a freezer-safe bag. Just thaw on the counter for an hour or warm them briefly in the microwave for that fresh-baked taste.
Variation Recipes
- White Chocolate Pumpkin Blondies: Use white chocolate chips instead of dark for a creamy, sweeter twist.
- Pumpkin Cheesecake Swirl Blondies: Add a cream cheese swirl for a tangy, decadent upgrade.
- Gluten-Free Blondies: Swap flour for a gluten-free 1:1 baking blend for an easy alternative.
Conclusion
These pumpkin blondies are the perfect fall dessert bar soft, spiced, and impossible to resist. Whether you’re making them for a bake sale, a family gathering, or just a cozy night in, they’ll quickly become a seasonal favorite. Pin, save, or share this recipe so you always have a quick autumn treat ready to go. 🍂
Nutrition (Estimated)
| Serving | Calories | Protein | Carbs | Fat | Fiber | Sugar |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 blondie | 210 | 3g | 28g | 10g | 2g | 18g |
Disclaimer: Estimates vary by ingredients and tools.
