If you adore the cozy flavors of fall and want to indulge in something both sweet and comforting, the Spiced Baked Pumpkin Blondies Recipe is about to become your new favorite treat. Bursting with warm spices, rich pumpkin puree, and a delightful mix of white chocolate and crunchy pecans, these blondies offer a moist, tender crumb with just the right hint of autumn magic in every bite. Whether you’re baking for a holiday gathering, a cozy evening in, or simply craving a dessert that feels like a hug, these pumpkin blondies will warm your heart and satisfy your sweet tooth effortlessly.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering these simple yet essential ingredients is the first step toward creating the perfect balance of flavors and textures in your pumpkin blondies. Each item plays a crucial role, whether adding moisture, sweetness, spice, or an irresistible crunch.
- 1 cup unsalted butter, melted: Provides a rich, buttery base delivering moist texture and depth of flavor.
- 1 cup packed light brown sugar: Adds caramel notes and moistness for a soft, chewy bite.
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar: Brings sweetness and helps balance the brown sugar’s richness.
- 2 large eggs: Act as binders, giving structure and tenderness to the blondies.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Enhances all the flavors with a warm, sweet aroma.
- 1 cup pumpkin puree: Infuses the blondies with moisture, subtle earthiness, and that perfect pumpkin flavor.
- 2 cups all-purpose flour: Forms the backbone of the blondies, providing structure.
- 1 teaspoon baking soda: Helps the blondies rise and keeps them light and tender.
- 1 teaspoon salt: Balances the sweetness and heightens the flavors.
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon: The star spice delivering warmth and classic autumn character.
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg: Adds a cozy, nutty essence.
- 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger: Offers a subtle spicy kick to brighten the taste.
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves: Provides a smoky, slightly sweet depth to the spice blend.
- 1 cup white chocolate chips: Melts into pockets of luscious sweetness throughout the blondies.
- 3/4 cup chopped pecans (optional): Adds crunch and a toasty nutty flavor for a wonderful contrast.
How to Make Spiced Baked Pumpkin Blondies Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Your Pan
Begin by heating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish or line it with parchment paper. This little prep ensures your blondies bake evenly and can be removed effortlessly once cooled.
Step 2: Mix the Butter and Sugars
In a large bowl, combine the melted butter with the brown and granulated sugars. Whisk these together until you get a smooth, glossy mixture. This step dissolves the sugars slightly, setting the stage for a tender blondie texture.
Step 3: Incorporate Eggs, Vanilla, and Pumpkin
Add the eggs one at a time, whisking thoroughly after each addition to create a creamy batter. Stir in the vanilla extract and pumpkin puree until everything is seamlessly blended, distributing moisture and flavor evenly.
Step 4: Combine the Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, and all the warm spices. This meticulous mixing ensures the leavening and spices are evenly dispersed, which is crucial for uniform flavor in every bite.
Step 5: Blend Dry and Wet Mixtures
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet pumpkin mixture. Stir carefully just until combined—overmixing can lead to tough blondies, and we want that perfect tender crumb!
Step 6: Fold in White Chocolate and Pecans
Gently fold in the white chocolate chips and chopped pecans, if using. These ingredients introduce delicious bursts of sweetness and texture, creating an exciting bite every time.
Step 7: Spread and Bake
Pour the batter into your prepared pan and spread it evenly with a spatula. Bake for 30 to 35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted near the center comes out with a few moist crumbs clinging to it. Avoid overbaking so your blondies remain moist and chewy.
Step 8: Cool Completely Before Cutting
Once baked, allow the blondies to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack. Cooling is essential for the blondies to set properly and makes cutting into neat squares much easier.
How to Serve Spiced Baked Pumpkin Blondies Recipe
Garnishes
A simple dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of warm caramel sauce instantly elevates these blondies, making them look as gorgeous as they taste. For festive occasions, a sprinkle of extra chopped pecans or a dollop of whipped cream adds a lovely finishing touch.
Side Dishes
Pair these spiced blondies with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a cup of rich hot coffee or chai tea for a comforting autumn treat. Their warm spice notes go beautifully with creamy and slightly bitter companions to balance sweetness.
Creative Ways to Present
Turn these blondies into a showstopper by sandwiching them with cream cheese frosting or pumpkin butter for a decadent dessert bar. Alternatively, cut them into bite-sized squares and serve with skewers for a delightful party platter guaranteed to turn heads.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftover Spiced Baked Pumpkin Blondies Recipe fresh by storing them in an airtight container at room temperature. They will stay moist and delicious for up to three days, perfect for snacking throughout the week.
Freezing
You can freeze these blondies if you want to enjoy them later. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap, then place in an airtight freezer bag or container. They’ll maintain their flavor and texture well for up to two months. Just thaw overnight in the fridge before serving.
Reheating
Reheat individual blondie squares gently in the microwave for 10 to 15 seconds to bring back that fresh-baked warmth. Avoid overheating or they could dry out. Pair with a scoop of ice cream for an even more indulgent treat.
FAQs
Can I substitute the pumpkin puree with something else?
While pumpkin puree gives these blondies their signature flavor and moisture, you can substitute it with sweet potato or butternut squash puree for a similar texture and taste. Just be mindful of slight flavor changes.
Are the pecans necessary in the Spiced Baked Pumpkin Blondies Recipe?
Pecans are optional but highly recommended for their crunch and rich nutty taste. If you have nut allergies or prefer to skip them, the blondies will still taste wonderful with just the white chocolate chips.
Can I use canned pumpkin for this recipe?
Yes! Canned pumpkin puree works perfectly in this recipe and is often more convenient. Just ensure it’s pure pumpkin and not pumpkin pie filling, which contains extra spices and sugars.
How do I know when the blondies are fully baked?
The blondies are done when a toothpick inserted near the center comes out with a few moist crumbs. If the toothpick is wet with batter, give them a bit more time but watch closely to avoid drying them out.
Can I make mini pumpkin blondies in a different pan size?
Absolutely! If you want thicker blondies, try an 8×8 inch pan; if you prefer thinner ones, a larger pan works. Baking times will adjust slightly—start checking around 25 minutes for smaller pans and add a few minutes for smaller sizes.
Final Thoughts
I can’t wait for you to try this Spiced Baked Pumpkin Blondies Recipe because it truly is one of those desserts that feels like a warm embrace. Whether you enjoy them fresh from the oven or chilled with coffee, each bite invites you to savor the perfect blend of spices, pumpkin, and sweetness. Give this recipe a go, and let it become a cheerful staple in your baking rotation!
