Pumpkin Blondies (Gluten Free)

These pumpkin blondies are made with all my favorite fall flavors, plus they’re topped with chocolate and caramel. They are thick and moist but still light and fluffy! If you’re going to only make one recipe this fall, these pumpkin blondies would be the recipe to make since you get a little pumpkin spice, caramel and chocolate in every single bite!

If you love my pimpkin blondies, you’ll also love my pumpkin brownies, my gluten free chocolate chip pumpkin bars and my Mini Vegan Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Bread!

what is the difference between blondies and brownies?

Blondies are usually lighter than brownies. They have a fluffier texture. Brownies have more of a chocolate base. Blondies have a more neutral base.

why you’ll love this gluten free recipe

• These pumpkin blondies are so simple to make! Basically throw everything in a bowl, mix it up, pop it in a baking dish and bake! No need for multiple bowls! I even line my baking dish with parchment paper to keep it mess free.
• The best part about this recipe is that it is a one bowl recipe…which means only one bowl to make it and only one bowl to clean up! My ideal situation since I hate doing dishes.
• This recipe is allergy friendly. You can use gluten free flour like I did for gluten free pumpkin blondies. You can use dairy free butter and chocolate chips for an easy dairy free recipe!
• I love bringing chocolate pumpkin bars as my dessert to a potluck because no one ever knows it is actually gluten free and I get to safely enjoy it!
• These gluten free pumpkin squares are freezer friendly, which means it is a great option to throw into the fridge and pull one blondie out every time you need a sweet treat!

ingredients & substitutions

Pumpkin puree: This adds moisture and that classic pumpkin flavor to the gluten free pumpkin squares. Plus using this helps eliminate the eggs in this recipe! You can substitute it with applesauce or mashed bananas.

Vegan butter: I used this to add richness and moisture without any dairy.

Peanut butter: This adds moisture. If you are nut free you can use tahini.

Pumpkin pie spice: This adds the classic pumpkin pie flavor. You can always use cinnamon insetad.

Brown sugar: I like brown sugar the best. You can always use standard granulated sugar in place, I prefer the richer molasses taste of brown sugar.

Gluten free flour: Helps to provides the structure for the pumpkin blondies. Since they are gluten free brownies, I use gluten free flour.

Baking soda: This helps the blondies rise! Don’t skip this step and I always make sure my baking soda isn’t expired.

Chocolate chips: This adds sweetness and hints of chocolate to the chocolate pumpkin bars. I use vegan or dairy free chocolate chips to make dairy free blondies.

directions

Step 1

Preheat oven to 350.

Step 2

Add all ingredients except rolos to a large mixing bowl. Mix together until fully comined.

Step 3

Line an 8×8 pan with parchment paper. Pour into a parchment lined pan. Bake 30-35 minutes.

Step 4

Remove and top with chopped rolos.

Step 5

Add back to oven for an additional 5 minutes to let the rolos melt.

Step 6

After 5 minutes, remove from oven and let the chocolate pumpkin bars cool for 10 minutes before slicing.

expert tips & tricks

I like to line my baking pan with parchment paper so removing the pumpkin blondies from the pan is easy and clean. Nothing getting stuck to the pan here!

serving, storing and meal prepping

These pumpkin blondies can be served as is or with a scoop of your favorite ice cream or cool whip. I like to serve them warm. If I am eating them the next day after baking, I pop them into the microwave for 30 seconds to heat them up.

To store, I let the pumpkin blondies cool completely before refrigerating in an airtight container for up to four days.

For longer storage, I love to portion the chocolate pumpkin bars into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 2 months. When ready to eat, I let thaw, then I pop them into the microwave for 30 seconds to heat them up.

Looking for more allergy friendly easy recipe?

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