Description
Seasonal pumpkin spice blondie bites blend nostalgic autumn flavors with sweet, crumbly textures. Small dessert squares deliver rich comfort perfect for weekend gatherings or quiet afternoon snacking when companions appreciate classic fall treats.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 cup (2 sticks / 227 g) unsalted butter, melted
- 1 ¾ cups (350 g) light brown sugar, packed
- 1 cup (245 g) pure pumpkin
- 2 ½ cups (285 g) all-purpose flour
- 2 tsps pumpkin pie spice
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1 tsp kosher salt
- ½ tsp nutmeg
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- 3 tbsps granulated sugar
- 2 tsps vanilla extract
- 2 tsps cornstarch
Instructions
- Preparation: Warm the oven to 350°F (177°C) and line a 9×9-inch baking dish with parchment paper, ensuring complete coverage for seamless removal.
- Wet Mixture: Combine melted unsalted butter and brown sugar in a large bowl, whisking until smooth. Incorporate pumpkin puree and vanilla extract, stirring until the mixture transforms into a golden, homogeneous blend.
- Dry Components: Sift all-purpose flour, cornstarch, pumpkin pie spice, baking powder, kosher salt, and ground nutmeg in a separate bowl to eliminate potential lumps, creating a uniform dry mixture.
- Batter Assembly: Fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture using a spatula, blending just until incorporated to maintain a tender, delicate texture.
- Baking Preparation: Transfer the batter to the prepared baking dish, smoothing the surface evenly. Generously sprinkle cinnamon-sugar topping across the entire surface, creating a crystalline, caramelized crust.
- Baking Process: Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 35-38 minutes. Perform a toothpick test around the 30-minute mark to verify doneness, looking for a clean insertion with minimal crumbs.
- Cooling and Serving: Allow the blondies to rest in the pan for 10-15 minutes, enabling them to set properly. Slice into bite-sized squares and serve at room temperature to maximize flavor and enjoyment.
Notes
- Prevent Overmixing: Gently fold dry ingredients into wet ingredients to maintain a tender, soft blondie texture; overmixing can lead to tough, dense bites.
- Precise Baking Time: Check doneness at 30 minutes using a toothpick test; every oven varies, so watch carefully to avoid overbaking and drying out the blondies.
- Cooling is Crucial: Allow blondies to cool in the pan for 10-15 minutes before cutting, which helps them set and prevents crumbling during slicing.
- Spice Storage Tip: Use fresh, fragrant pumpkin pie spice for maximum flavor; replace spices annually to ensure the most vibrant taste in your blondie bites.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Desserts, Snacks
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 13
- Calories: 211
- Sugar: 18 g
- Sodium: 138 mg
- Fat: 9 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 30 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 2 g
- Cholesterol: 27 mg