These Pumpkin Blondies are an easy, healthier version of a classic blondies with less sugar, using an unrefined sweetener and only 5 wholesome ingredients.
I love making healthier blondies, like my Blueberry Lemon Blondies, Chickpea Blondies, or Vegan Blondies, but when it’s the pumpkin season, I just have to make blondies with pumpkin! Pumpkin adds a delicate texture to the blondie and bath the house in pumpkin pie smells.
Ingredients and Substitutions
You only need 5 base ingredients to make these blondies. Here’s how to pick them.
- Pumpkin Puree – Use 100% pure pumpkin puree, not pumpkin pie filling. Homemade puree works well too, but ensure it’s not too watery.
- Peanut Butter – I use fresh, runny peanut butter for the best consistency. Almond butter or sunflower seed butter are great alternatives for different flavors or nut-free options.
- Maple Syrup – Pure maple syrup provides the best flavor, but other liquid sweeteners like agave syrup or coconut nectar can be used. For a lower sugar version, try a sugar-free maple-flavored syrup.
- All-Purpose Flour – Regular all-purpose flour works best. For a gluten-free version, a 1:1 gluten-free all-purpose flour blend should work, though it may slightly affect the texture.
- Pumpkin Pie Spices – This is optional but adds great flavors. Use a store-bought pumpkin spice mix or make your own with cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves.
- Baking Powder – It is optional, it makes the blondies less chewy and dense.
How to Make Pumpkin Blondies
Find below pictures of the key steps to make this recipe.
Pour all the blondie ingredients in a mixing bowl.
Stir them until it’s well combined and add the chocolate chips.
Gently incorporate the chocolate chips into the batter without over-mixing.
Pour the batter in a square pan lined with parchment paper.
Flatten the top of the pumpkin blondies and bake them for 25-28 minutes at 350 °F (180 °C).
Let them cool down for a few minutes before slicing.
Expert Tips
All you need to make these blondies is in the recipe card further down, but I’ve included below a few extra tips and tricks.
- Ingredient Temperature – Ensure all ingredients are at room temperature for better mixing and even baking.
- Mixing Technique – Mix the ingredients just until combined to avoid overmixing, which can lead to tough blondies.
- Pan Preparation – Line the pan with oiled parchment paper for easy removal and clean cutting.
- Even Spreading – Use a spatula to spread the batter evenly in the pan for consistent baking.
- Baking Time – Keep a close eye on the blondies towards the end of baking. They’re done when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with a few moist crumbs.
- Cooling – Allow the blondies to cool completely in the pan before cutting for cleaner slices.
- Texture Variation – For chewier blondies, omit the baking powder. For cake-like blondies, include it.
More Plant-Based Blondie Recipes
If you like blondies made with plant-based ingredients, you’ll love these other recipe:
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Pumpkin Blondies
Ingredients
- 1 cup Pumpkin Puree - (note 1)
- ½ cup Peanut Butter - (note 2)
- ½ cup Maple Syrup - (note 3)
- 1 cup All-Purpose Flour - (note 4)
- ½ teaspoon Baking powder - for a fluffier less chewy texture (note 5)
Optional
- 1 tablespoon Pumpkin Pie Spices
- 1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract
- ⅓ cup Dark Chocolate Chips
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350 °F (180 °C). Line an 8-inch x 8-inch pan with parchment paper. Slightly oil it and set it aside.
- In a large mixing bowl, add pumpkin puree, fresh peanut butter, maple syrup, and all-purpose flour. For a less chewy, dense blondie, add the baking powder now. For pumpkin flavors, add the pumpkin pie spices.
- Stir until the batter is smooth, stir in vanilla extract and chocolate chips if used, stir to incorporate.
- Spread the batter in an even layer in the pan and bake in the center rack of the preheated oven for 25-28 minutes at 350 °F (180 °C) until a toothpick inserted in the center of the blondies comes out clean.
- Let the blondies cool down on a cooling rack for 20 minutes before slicing.
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