When fall rolls around, there’s no shortage of delicious treats to make. But if you’re looking for something that’s both unique and satisfying, look no further than Brown Butter Pumpkin Blondies. These chewy, flavorful blondies combine the rich nuttiness of brown butter with the warm spices of pumpkin, creating a dessert that tastes like autumn in every bite. Not only are they perfect for seasonal gatherings, but they’re also a treat you’ll want to make again and again.
In this detailed guide, we’ll break down everything you need to know about making these irresistible blondies. From the ingredients and directions to helpful tips, nutritional information, and frequently asked questions, you’ll have all the details you need to make the best Brown Butter Pumpkin Blondies ever!
What Are Brown Butter Pumpkin Blondies?
Blondies are essentially the lighter, vanilla-based cousin of brownies. They’re made without cocoa powder, and instead of a chocolatey flavor, they rely on rich ingredients like brown sugar and butter for depth. Adding pumpkin and brown butter into the mix gives these blondies a moist, chewy texture with a hint of nuttiness and spice, making them a perfect dessert for fall.
Ingredients for Brown Butter Pumpkin Blondies
Key Ingredients Breakdown:
- 1 cup unsalted butter
Brown butter is the star of this recipe, adding a nutty depth that complements the pumpkin. - 1 1/2 cups light brown sugar
This gives the blondies their sweetness and chewy texture. - 1 large egg
Eggs bind the ingredients together and provide structure to the blondies. - 1 cup canned pumpkin puree
Not only does pumpkin add moisture, but it’s also packed with vitamins and adds a beautiful fall flavor. - 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
Vanilla enhances the sweetness and rounds out the flavors. - 2 cups all-purpose flour
The base of the blondies that provides structure. - 1 teaspoon baking powder and 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
These leavening agents help the blondies rise. - Warm spices (cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, cloves)
The classic fall spice blend that makes these blondies taste like pumpkin pie. - White chocolate chips or chopped nuts (optional)
For an extra layer of texture and sweetness, add white chocolate chips or nuts.
How to Make Brown Butter Pumpkin Blondies
Making Brown Butter Pumpkin Blondies is easy, but to get that perfect chewy texture and rich flavor, follow these step-by-step directions carefully.
1. Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan and line it with parchment paper, making sure there’s enough overhang for easy removal.
2. Brown the Butter
In a medium saucepan, melt 1 cup of unsalted butter over medium heat. Continue to cook, stirring frequently, until the butter begins to foam and turn a golden brown with a nutty aroma. Remove from heat and let it cool slightly. This step is crucial as the brown butter adds a rich, toasty flavor that elevates the entire dessert.
3. Prepare the Batter
In a large bowl, whisk together the cooled brown butter and 1 1/2 cups light brown sugar until smooth. Add 1 large egg, 1 cup pumpkin puree, and 2 teaspoons vanilla extract, and mix well.
In a separate bowl, combine the 2 cups all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon baking powder, 1/2 teaspoon baking soda, 1/2 teaspoon salt, 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon, 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger, 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg, and 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves. Slowly add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined.
If using, fold in 1 cup of white chocolate chips or chopped nuts for extra flavor and texture.
4. Bake the Blondies
Spread the batter evenly into your prepared baking pan. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs. Let the blondies cool completely in the pan on a wire rack.
5. Cut and Serve
Once cooled, use the parchment paper overhang to lift the blondies out of the pan. Cut them into squares and serve. Enjoy with a cup of coffee or tea for the ultimate fall experience.
Notes and Tips for Perfect Blondies
1. Don’t Overmix the Batter
When mixing the dry ingredients into the wet, be careful not to overmix. Overworking the batter can lead to tough blondies. Stir just until the flour disappears to ensure a tender, chewy texture.
2. Customize Your Blondies
You can switch things up by adding chopped pecans, walnuts, or chocolate chips for extra texture and flavor. If you prefer a bit more sweetness, white chocolate chips are a fantastic addition, but feel free to experiment!
3. Storage Tips
These blondies keep well in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. You can also freeze them for up to 3 months. Just thaw them at room temperature before serving.
4. Browning the Butter
Keep a close eye on the butter while browning it. You want it to turn a golden brown color, but be careful not to burn it. The line between perfectly browned butter and burnt butter is thin, so stir constantly and remove from heat as soon as it turns golden and smells nutty.
Nutritional Information & Health Benefits
Pumpkin not only adds moisture to these blondies, but it’s also packed with nutrients. Rich in vitamin A, fiber, and antioxidants, pumpkin is a great ingredient for a fall treat. Plus, using brown butter instead of regular butter adds a richer flavor without needing to use more sugar or fat.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
- Calories: 210
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Protein: 2g
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Cholesterol: 35mg
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 20g
- Vitamin A: 60% DV
- Calcium: 2% DV
- Iron: 5% DV
While these blondies are definitely a treat, they’re a bit healthier than your average dessert thanks to the inclusion of pumpkin, which adds fiber and important nutrients like beta-carotene.
FAQs
Yes! Simply substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking mix that’s designed for a 1:1 swap. The texture might be slightly different, but the flavor will remain delicious.
While the brown butter adds a rich, nutty flavor, you can use regular melted butter if you’re short on time. However, for the best results, we highly recommend browning the butter.
Absolutely! If you have fresh pumpkin on hand, roast it until tender and puree it. Just make sure to strain out any excess liquid before adding it to the batter, as fresh pumpkin can be more watery than canned.
Keep your Brown Butter Pumpkin Blondies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. If you’d like to keep them longer, freeze them for up to 3 months. To enjoy, thaw them at room temperature or warm them slightly in the microwave.
Conclusion
Brown Butter Pumpkin Blondies are the perfect way to embrace the flavors of fall. The combination of nutty brown butter, warm spices, and sweet pumpkin is unbeatable. Not only are these blondies easy to make, but they’re also a crowd-pleaser at any gathering. Serve them at your next fall party, or enjoy them with a hot cup of coffee on a chilly day.
So why wait? Preheat your oven, grab your ingredients, and get ready to bake some delicious, chewy blondies that will quickly become a new fall favorite!
More Relevant Recipes
PrintBrown Butter Pumpkin Blondies
These Brown Butter Pumpkin Blondies are the perfect fall treat, combining the rich nuttiness of brown butter with pumpkin and warm spices. Moist, chewy, and packed with flavor, they’re a crowd-pleaser for any occasion.
- Total Time: 40-45 minutes
- Yield: 12–16 blondies 1x
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter
- 1 1/2 cups light brown sugar, packed
- 1 large egg
- 1 cup canned pumpkin puree
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1 cup white chocolate chips or chopped nuts (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan and line it with parchment paper, leaving an overhang for easy removal.
- Brown the Butter: In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Continue to cook, stirring frequently, until the butter foams, then turns golden brown with a nutty aroma. Be careful not to burn it. Remove from heat and let the brown butter cool slightly.
- Prepare the Batter: In a large mixing bowl, combine the brown butter and light brown sugar. Mix until well combined. Add the egg, pumpkin puree, and vanilla extract, and mix until smooth.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and cloves. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined. If using, fold in the white chocolate chips or chopped nuts.
- Bake the Blondies: Spread the batter evenly into the prepared baking pan. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs. Allow the blondies to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack.
- Serve: Once cooled, use the parchment paper overhang to lift the blondies out of the pan. Cut into squares and serve.
Notes
- Storage: You can store these blondies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. For longer storage, they can be frozen for up to 3 months.
- Variations: Feel free to customize your blondies by adding chocolate chips, nuts, or even dried cranberries. Each variation adds a unique twist to the flavor and texture.
- Pumpkin Substitute: If you’re out of pumpkin puree, sweet potato or butternut squash puree can be used as an alternative.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 blondie
- Calories: 210 kcal
- Sugar: 20g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 35mg