Brown Butter Pumpkin Blondies

When the air turns crisp and pumpkin spice takes over every café menu, there’s no better treat to bake than Brown Butter Pumpkin Blondies. These golden dessert bars are rich, nutty, and perfectly spiced, combining the warmth of brown butter with the sweetness of pumpkin and fall spices. Each bite melts in your mouth with chewy edges and a soft, cake-like center.

Whether you’re planning a Thanksgiving dessert table, looking for a seasonal bake sale favorite, or simply craving a cozy treat to enjoy with your morning coffee, these blondies deliver everything you love about fall in one irresistible bite.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These Brown Butter Pumpkin Blondies aren’t your average pumpkin bar. The brown butter gives them an extra depth of flavor, making them rich and nutty, while the pumpkin adds natural moisture and warmth. Here’s why this recipe is a keeper:

• Irresistibly flavorful: Brown butter and pumpkin create a deep, caramelized flavor you can’t get from regular butter.
• Perfect fall dessert: Loaded with cozy spices and golden hues, these blondies scream autumn comfort.
• Easy to make: Simple ingredients and one bowl for mixing—ideal for busy bakers.
• Versatile: Add nuts, chocolate chips, or drizzle with glaze for a bakery-style finish.
• Crowd-pleasing texture: Soft, chewy, and slightly fudgy with crisp edges.

Ingredients Breakdown

Let’s break down the star ingredients that make these pumpkin blondies unforgettable:

• Unsalted Butter: Browning the butter intensifies its flavor, giving these blondies a nutty, toffee-like richness.
• Light Brown Sugar & Granulated Sugar: Brown sugar adds chewiness and moisture, while granulated sugar balances sweetness.
• Canned Pumpkin Puree: Adds flavor, moisture, and a gorgeous orange hue. Be sure to use pure pumpkin puree, not pumpkin pie filling.
• Eggs: Bind the ingredients and help achieve that soft, tender texture.
• Vanilla Extract: Enhances sweetness and rounds out the flavor.
• All-Purpose Flour: The base that gives the blondies their structure.
• Baking Powder & Baking Soda: Provide lift without making the bars too cake-like.
• Pumpkin Pie Spice: A warm blend of cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves that defines every great fall dessert.
• Salt: Balances out the sweetness and enhances flavor.
• White Chocolate Chips or Pecans (Optional): Add a creamy or crunchy twist to every bite.

Tips and Tricks for the Perfect Blondies

1. Watch the butter closely: Brown butter can go from perfect to burnt quickly. Remove from heat once it turns golden and smells nutty.
2. Cool the butter slightly: Adding hot butter to eggs can scramble them, so let it cool for a few minutes first.
3. Don’t overmix the batter: Stir just until combined to keep your blondies soft and tender.
4. Use parchment paper: This makes removing and slicing the bars easier.
5. Check doneness early: The edges should be golden and the center slightly soft—overbaking will dry them out.

Variations and Customizations

These blondies are delicious on their own, but a few simple tweaks can make them even more exciting:

• Chocolate Lovers: Fold in dark or milk chocolate chips for a richer, fudgier taste.
• Nutty Delight: Add chopped pecans, walnuts, or hazelnuts for a satisfying crunch.
• Frosted Blondies: Top with cream cheese frosting or maple glaze once cooled.
• Coconut Pumpkin Bars: Mix in shredded coconut for extra chewiness and flavor.
• Spice Boost: Add a pinch of ground ginger or cardamom for a more aromatic twist.

Pairing Suggestions

These blondies are incredibly versatile and pair beautifully with a variety of fall favorites:

• Hot Apple Cider: The sweet, spiced flavor complements the pumpkin beautifully.
• Coffee or Latte: A pumpkin spice latte or a simple black coffee enhances the brown butter richness.
• Vanilla Ice Cream: Serve warm blondies with a scoop of ice cream for a decadent dessert.
• Whipped Cream: A dollop of lightly sweetened cream adds a fluffy contrast to the dense texture.

Storage Instructions

• Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Refrigerator: Keep in the fridge for up to 5 days to maintain freshness.
• Freezer: Wrap individual bars in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer bag for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
• Reheat: Microwave for 10–15 seconds for that “just-baked” warmth.

Popular Questions

Can I use homemade pumpkin puree?

Yes! Just make sure it’s smooth and not watery. If it’s too thin, strain it using a cheesecloth before adding it to the batter.

Why brown the butter?

Browning butter enhances flavor, giving these blondies a caramel, nutty depth that plain melted butter can’t achieve.

Can I make these blondies gluten-free?

Yes—use a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour blend. The texture will remain soft and chewy.

How do I know when they’re done baking?

Insert a toothpick into the center—if it comes out with a few moist crumbs (not wet batter), they’re ready.