Pumpkin Maple Blondies : A Sweet, Spiced, Gluten-Free Treat

Name: Pumpkin Maple Blondies : A Sweet, Spiced, Gluten-Free Treat
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup (240g) canned pumpkin puree; ½ cup (120ml) pure maple syrup; ¼ cup (60ml) coconut oil, melted (or neutral oil); 1 tsp vanilla extract; ¾ cup (150g) coconut sugar or brown sugar; 1 ¼ cups (140g) almond flour; ½ cup (60g) oat flour (ensure gluten-free if needed); 1 tsp ground cinnamon; ½ tsp ground ginger; ¼ tsp nutmeg; ¼ tsp ground cloves (optional); ½ tsp baking soda; ¼ tsp salt; ½ cup (85g) dairy-free chocolate chips or chopped dark chocolate (optional)

July 24, 2025

BySophia

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If you’re looking for the ultimate cozy dessert that wraps up everything wonderful about fall, these Pumpkin Maple Blondies deliver the magic. With warm spices, pure maple syrup, and the earthy richness of pumpkin, this dessert bar is soft, chewy, and naturally gluten-free. Perfect for anyone seeking a crowd-pleasing, allergen-friendly sweet, these bars are also easy to make vegan or paleo with just a few swaps.

Whether you’re making lunchbox treats, a festive dessert board, or simply craving a wholesome snack with fall flair, these blondies belong in your baking rotation. They’re especially perfect for lovers of GF pumpkin blondies, blondies recipes, and cozy gluten free sweets.

Why You’ll Love These Pumpkin Maple Blondies

These blondies bring together the best of fall and simple baking.

They’re gluten-free and dairy-free, with easy vegan options

Sweetened naturally with maple syrup and coconut sugar

Super soft, moist, and chewy like a great dessert bar should be

Flavored with real pumpkin and warming spices

Customizable with chocolate chips, nuts, or other mix-ins

They’re ideal for anyone who loves healthy-ish sweets, seasonal baking, or wants a satisfying treat without refined flours or loads of sugar.

Ingredients for Pumpkin Maple Blondies

1 cup (240g) canned pumpkin puree
½ cup (120ml) pure maple syrup
¼ cup (60ml) melted coconut oil or other neutral oil
1 tsp vanilla extract
¾ cup (150g) coconut sugar or brown sugar
1 ¼ cups (140g) almond flour
½ cup (60g) oat flour (certified gluten-free if needed)
1 tsp ground cinnamon
½ tsp ground ginger
¼ tsp nutmeg
¼ tsp ground cloves (optional)
½ tsp baking soda
¼ tsp salt
½ cup (85g) dairy-free chocolate chips or chopped dark chocolate (optional)

Substitutions: Use butter instead of coconut oil for a non-vegan option, or try flax eggs for egg-free baking. Swap almond flour with cashew or sunflower seed flour if nut-free is needed.

Kitchen Equipment You’ll Need

Mixing bowls
Rubber spatula or whisk
8×8-inch baking pan
Parchment paper
Measuring cups and spoons
Cooling rack

How to Make Pumpkin Maple Blondies Step by Step

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line your baking pan with parchment paper so you can lift the blondies out easily after baking.

In a large bowl, whisk together the pumpkin puree, maple syrup, melted coconut oil, vanilla, and coconut sugar until well blended.

Add in the almond flour, oat flour, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, cloves, baking soda, and salt. Mix until just combined. The batter will be thick and moist.

Fold in chocolate chips or chopped nuts, if using.

Scoop the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top evenly with a spatula.

Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, until the top looks set and slightly golden. A toothpick inserted should come out with a few moist crumbs.

Let cool completely in the pan before removing and slicing into squares.

Pro Tips for the Best Gluten-Free Sweets & Pumpkin Blondies Vegan-Style

Let them cool before slicing — this keeps them intact and enhances texture

Don’t overbake — they should be soft and moist in the center

If using chocolate chips, lightly press a few on top before baking for a pretty finish

Use high-quality canned pumpkin for the best flavor and moisture

Adjust spices to taste — more cinnamon makes it warmer, more ginger makes it spicier

Common Mistakes to Avoid in Paleo Pumpkin Blondies & Dessert Bar Baking

Don’t confuse pumpkin puree with pumpkin pie filling — pie filling has sugar and spices already added

Avoid overmixing the batter — it can cause the blondies to become tough

Use the correct flour ratios — too much oat flour will make them dry

Don’t skip the parchment paper — it helps with easy removal and clean cuts

Serving Suggestions: Gluten-Free Sweets & USA Food Dessert Bar Ideas

Serve warm with a dollop of coconut whipped cream or a scoop of dairy-free vanilla ice cream

Pair with chai, spiced tea, or pumpkin-flavored coffee for the ultimate fall combo

Add to a dessert platter with cookies, bars, and fresh fruit for gatherings

Wrap them individually for lunchbox snacks or bake sale goodies

Drizzle with a light maple glaze or cashew butter for a gourmet touch

Presentation Ideas: Pumpkin Maple Blondies & Blondies Recipe Styling

Cut into clean, even squares and stack in a rustic bakery-style tin

Dust with powdered sugar or cinnamon before serving

Serve on a wood board surrounded by mini pumpkins and dried oranges for fall gatherings

Use decorative parchment squares for single-serve blondie wraps

Top with roasted pecans or pumpkin seeds for crunch and visual appeal

Variations: Vegan Gluten-Free Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies & More

Make it a cookie: Scoop the batter onto a baking sheet and bake for 10–12 minutes

Nut-free version: Use seed butter and oat flour only, or try sunflower seed flour

Add-ins: Swirl in almond butter, mix in chopped dates, or fold in dried cranberries

Paleo-friendly: Swap oat flour with coconut flour (use only ¼ cup) and ensure paleo-approved chocolate

Chocolate swirl: Add a layer of melted dark chocolate on top and swirl before baking

Why This Belongs in Your Gluten-Free Sweets Rotation

These Pumpkin Maple Blondies hit all the marks: they’re easy, naturally sweetened, and make use of pantry-friendly fall ingredients. They’re allergy-friendly, adaptable, and work equally well as a snack, dessert, or part of a holiday spread. If you’re into USA food-style dessert bars, paleo sweets, or just pumpkin-anything, this recipe will become a go-to favorite.

They store beautifully, taste even better the next day, and can be made in big batches to freeze for later. It’s the kind of treat you can feel good about enjoying and sharing.

How to Store & Freeze Pumpkin Maple Blondies

To store: Keep in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. Refrigerate for up to a week for longer freshness.

To freeze: Wrap each blondie individually in parchment or foil and place in a freezer-safe container. They’ll keep for up to 2 months. Defrost at room temperature or warm slightly in the microwave.

FAQs: GF Pumpkin Blondies & Paleo Pumpkin Blondies Answered

Can I make these sugar-free?
Yes! Use a natural sweetener like monk fruit or stevia-based maple syrup. Just know it may change the texture slightly.

Can I double the recipe?
Absolutely. Use a 9×13 pan and bake for about 5–10 minutes longer, checking doneness with a toothpick.

Are these kid-friendly?
Very much so! They’re soft, mildly sweet, and nut-free if you use oat flour only.

What kind of pumpkin should I use?
Canned pumpkin puree (not pie filling) works best. Homemade puree is fine too—just make sure it’s thick and not watery.

Do they taste like traditional blondies?
They have a similar chewy texture, but with pumpkin flavor and spice. Think of them as a fall-inspired, healthier version.

Final Thoughts: Sweeten Your Season with This Blondies Recipe

These Pumpkin Maple Blondies are everything a fall dessert should be — warm, comforting, and satisfying. With a chewy bite and the richness of maple and pumpkin, they feel indulgent but come together with nourishing ingredients. Whether you eat gluten-free, vegan, or just want something delicious and easy, this is a dessert that delivers every time.

They’re a must-try for anyone who loves seasonal baking, and they’ll quickly earn a spot in your rotation of cozy, go-to treats.

If you enjoyed these Pumpkin Maple Blondies, be sure to share this recipe with your baking friends and save it to your fall dessert board! Subscribe to the blog to get more cozy dessert bars, easy gluten-free sweets, and seasonal recipes delivered straight to your inbox.

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