The smell of pumpkin spice. Is there anything more synonymous with autumn? For me, it instantly transports me back to childhood, to Grandma’s kitchen filled with warmth and the promise of something delicious. This year, I wanted to bottle that feeling – and turn it into a blondie. These aren’t your average blondies. These are Irresistibly Soft Pumpkin Blondies You’ll Crave All Fall! They’re dense, chewy, bursting with pumpkin flavor, and incredibly easy to make. Trust me; you’ll be baking these again and again.
Why You’ll Love These Pumpkin Blondies
Let’s be honest, we all love a good fall treat. But what makes these blondies so special?
- Seriously Soft Texture: The secret is the combination of brown butter and a touch of sour cream. They create a fudgy, melt-in-your-mouth texture that’s simply irresistible.
- Intense Pumpkin Flavor: We’re using real pumpkin puree (not pumpkin pie filling!), which gives the blondies a natural sweetness and lovely autumnal taste.
- Easy to Make: This recipe requires minimal effort. It’s perfect for a beginner baker or someone who just wants a quick and satisfying dessert.
- Customizable: Want chocolate chips? Pecans? A sprinkle of cinnamon sugar on top? Absolutely! Feel free to make them your own.
- The Perfect Fall Treat: They’re warm, comforting, and scream autumn! Serve them with a cup of hot apple cider or coffee for the ultimate cozy experience.
The Ingredient List – Let’s Gather What We Need
Here’s everything you’ll need to bake up a batch of these decadent pumpkin blondies:
Dry Ingredients:
- 1 ½ cups (192g) all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ¼ teaspoon ground ginger
- ¼ teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients:
- ½ cup (113g) unsalted butter
- ¾ cup (150g) packed light brown sugar
- ¼ cup (50g) granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- ¼ cup (60ml) sour cream – full fat is best!
- 1 cup (240g) pumpkin puree (not pumpkin pie filling!)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Optional Add-Ins (choose your favorites!)
- ½ cup chocolate chips (milk, dark, or white)
- ½ cup chopped pecans or walnuts
- 1 tablespoon turbinado sugar (for sprinkling on top – adds great texture!)
Baking Time! Step-by-Step Instructions
Now for the fun part: baking! Don’t worry, it’s really straightforward.
Step 1: Prep Work is Key
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Grease and flour an 8×8 inch square baking pan. Line with parchment paper, leaving an overhang – this will make it super easy to lift the blondies out later.
Step 2: Brown the Butter (This is Magic!)
- In a light-colored saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter.
- Continue to cook, swirling occasionally, until the butter foams, then subsides, and turns a beautiful golden brown color. This takes about 5-7 minutes. Watch it carefully – you don’t want it to burn!
- Remove from heat and let cool slightly. It should still be melted.
Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and salt. This ensures everything is evenly distributed.
Step 4: Cream the Sugars and Brown Butter
- In a large bowl, add the brown sugar and granulated sugar to the slightly cooled brown butter. Beat with an electric mixer (or a sturdy spoon) until well combined.
- Beat in the egg until fully incorporated.
Step 5: Incorporate Pumpkin and Vanilla
- Stir in the pumpkin puree and vanilla extract until everything is smooth and evenly combined.
Step 6: Gently Fold in Dry Ingredients
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix! Overmixing will result in tough blondies. A few streaks of flour are okay.
Step 7: Add Your Mix-Ins (Optional)
- If using, gently fold in your chocolate chips or nuts.
Step 8: Bake to Perfection
- Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and spread evenly.
- If desired, sprinkle the top with turbinado sugar.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with a few moist crumbs attached. Don’t overbake!
- Let the blondies cool completely in the pan before lifting them out with the parchment paper overhang.
Step 9: Cut and Enjoy!
- Once completely cool, cut into squares and indulge!
Tips, Variations, and Serving Suggestions for the Perfect Blondie Experience
Want to take your pumpkin blondies to the next level? Here are some ideas:
- Spice it Up: Add a pinch of cloves or allspice for a warmer spice profile.
- Chocolate Lover’s Delight: Use dark chocolate chips and add a tablespoon of cocoa powder to the dry ingredients.
- Nutty Goodness: Toast the pecans or walnuts before adding them for a deeper, richer flavor.
- Cream Cheese Swirl: Before baking, dollop small spoonfuls of cream cheese frosting onto the batter and swirl it in with a knife.
- Maple Glaze: Mix together powdered sugar and a little maple syrup for a simple but delicious glaze. Drizzle over the cooled blondies.
- Serving Suggestions:
- Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
- Pair with a hot cup of coffee or spiced chai tea.
- Pack them in a lunchbox for a sweet treat.
- Share with friends and family (if you can resist eating them all yourself!).
Nutritional Information (Approximate, per square – will vary based on ingredients & portion size)
- Calories: 280-320
- Fat: 12-15g
- Saturated Fat: 6-8g
- Cholesterol: 35-40mg
- Sodium: 110-130mg
- Carbohydrates: 40-45g
- Fiber: 1-2g
- Sugar: 25-30g
- Protein: 3-4g
These Irresistibly Soft Pumpkin Blondies You’ll Crave All Fall! are guaranteed to be a hit. They are simple to make, bursting with flavor, and perfectly embody the cozy spirit of autumn. So, grab your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to experience a little piece of fall heaven. Happy Baking!
