As the leaves begin to turn and the air takes on a crispness that can only mean one thing—fall is here—I find myself yearning for cozy, comforting treats. That’s when I stumbled upon my secret weapon for satisfying my sweet tooth: Butternut Squash Blondies. Combining the creamy goodness of roasted butternut squash with the rich, nutty flavor of brown butter, these blondies are not just a dessert; they’re a celebration of the season.

Imagine biting into a warm, chewy blondie studded with creamy white chocolate chips, tart dried cranberries, and crunchy pumpkin seeds. Each bite transports you to a world of autumnal bliss, where the warm spices of cinnamon and nutmeg create an inviting aroma that fills your kitchen. Easy to whip up and adaptable to whatever add-ins you have on hand, these blondies are perfect for gatherings or simply enjoying with a cup of spiced cider after a brisk walk.

Join me in creating this delicious treat that will redefine your dessert game, making every occasion feel just a bit more special!

Why Are Butternut Squash Blondies So Irresistible?

Chewy, decadent delight: These blondies deliver a satisfying texture that’s both chewy and moist, making them a perfect treat for any occasion.

Rich, warm flavor: The combination of brown butter and roasted butternut squash gives a unique and rich taste, enhanced by delightful spices like cinnamon and nutmeg.

Versatile & adaptable: Customize your blondies with various add-ins such as nuts or dark chocolate, making them your own creation each time.

Quick and easy: With straightforward steps, you’ll have a batch of these dreamy blondies ready in no time, perfect for busy days or unexpected guests.

Crowd-pleaser: Whether at a potluck or a cozy family gathering, these blondies are sure to impress everyone and keep them coming back for more!

Indulge in the warmth of fall with these delicious treats and discover how they can be a delightful addition to your dessert repertoire.

Butternut Squash Blondies Ingredients

These Butternut Squash Blondies are not just delicious but also easy to make!

For the Blondies

Butternut Squash – Adds moisture and sweetness; can substitute with canned pumpkin puree or mashed sweet potato.
Unsalted Butter – Provides richness and flavor; brown it for an additional nutty depth.
Brown Sugar – Offers sweetness and caramel notes; coconut sugar is a healthier alternative.
Eggs – Acts as a binding agent for structure and moisture.
All-Purpose Flour – Gives structure; gluten-free flour works for a gluten-free option.
Baking Powder – Helps the blondies rise for a light texture.
Salt – Enhances all the flavors.

For the Mix-Ins

White Chocolate Chips – Adds a creamy sweetness; opt for dark chocolate for a richer flavor.
Dried Cranberries – Brings a sweet-tart burst; can substitute with raisins or chopped dates.
Pumpkin Seeds – Provides a satisfying crunch; nuts like pecans or almonds are great alternatives.

For the Spice Blend

Cinnamon – Lends warmth and coziness; essential for that fall flavor.
Nutmeg – Adds depth and a hint of nuttiness to the blondies.
Ginger – Complements the other spices with a bit of zing.

Prepare to enjoy the delightful aroma and taste of these scrumptious blondies, perfect for any occasion!

How to Make Butternut Squash Blondies

Prepare the Squash: Preheat your oven to 400°F. Toss butternut squash cubes in a bit of olive oil, sugar, and your favorite spices. Roast for about 45 minutes until they become soft and caramelized.
Make Puree: Once the squash is cool, puree it until smooth and velvety. Let it cool completely before using.
Brown the Butter: Melt unsalted butter in a saucepan over medium heat until it turns a lovely light brown and develops a nutty aroma; then let it cool to room temperature.
Mix Wet Ingredients: In a mixing bowl, whisk together eggs and brown sugar until the mixture thickens delightfully. Add the browned butter and butternut squash puree, stirring until smooth and combined.
Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, sift together all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually fold this dry mixture into the wet ingredients until just combined; no flour should be visible.
Add Fillings: Gently stir in white chocolate chips, dried cranberries, and pumpkin seeds, ensuring they’re evenly distributed throughout the batter.
Bake: Pour the batter into a greased baking pan, smoothing out the surface. Bake at 350°F for about 30 minutes. Perform the toothpick test to check for doneness—look for a few moist crumbs when tested.
Cool and Serve: Let the blondies cool completely in the pan before slicing into squares. For an indulgent treat, serve them warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream and a drizzle of caramel.

Optional: Enjoy with a sprinkle of cinnamon for an extra cozy touch!

Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.

What to Serve with Butternut Squash Blondies?

These delightful blondies not only make for a delectable dessert but can also be paired with an array of tantalizing treats to complete your fall experience.

Vanilla Ice Cream: A scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream adds a cool contrast to the warm, chewy blondies, creating a heavenly combination.
Spiced Apple Cider: The warm, spiced flavors of apple cider complement the cozy notes of cinnamon and nutmeg in the blondies, making for a perfect drink pairing.
Chai Latte: The rich, spiced notes of a homemade chai latte enhance the festive flavors of the blondies, warming your heart and soul.
Candied Pecans: Their crunchy texture and sweet flavor bring an added level of richness and crunch that perfectly balances the density of the blondies.
Dark Chocolate Drizzle: A simple drizzle of dark chocolate can elevate the sweetness of the blondies and add a touch of elegance to your dessert.
Fresh Pear Slices: Juicy pear slices provide a refreshing contrast, adding lightness to the chewy richness of the blondies.
Maple Syrup: A drizzle of warm maple syrup ties in beautifully with the autumn theme and enhances the natural sweetness of the butternut squash.
Caramel Sauce: Indulgent caramel sauce makes anything decadent; drizzle it over your blondies for a sweet finishing touch that’s hard to resist.

How to Store and Freeze Butternut Squash Blondies

Room Temperature: Store your blondies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days to maintain their chewy texture.

Fridge: If you want to extend their life, refrigerate for up to a week. Just ensure they’re in an airtight container to prevent them from drying out.

Freezer: For longer storage, freeze blondies in an airtight container or wrap them tightly in plastic wrap for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before enjoying.

Reheating: To restore their warmth, microwave individual portions for 10-15 seconds or warm in an oven at 350°F for about 5 minutes, enhancing their delicious flavors!

Expert Tips for Butternut Squash Blondies

Don’t Rush the Roast: Ensuring the butternut squash is fully roasted will enhance its sweetness and flavor, leading to better blondies.
Cool That Butter: Allow the browned butter to cool to room temperature before mixing. This prevents scrambling the eggs, maintaining the right texture.
Mix with Care: Avoid overmixing once you combine wet and dry ingredients. This keeps the blondies chewy—no one wants a cakey texture!
Perfect Baking Time: Every oven is different; start checking for doneness a few minutes early. Look for a light golden edge and a slightly set center.
Storage Simplicity: Keep your blondies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days, or refrigerate for up to a week to enjoy them later!
Experiment with Add-Ins: Feel free to customize your butternut squash blondies with different mix-ins like nuts or chocolate for a delightful twist!

Make Ahead Options

These Butternut Squash Blondies are perfect for busy weeknights, allowing you to enjoy a delicious treat without a last-minute rush! You can prepare and roast the butternut squash up to 3 days in advance, storing the puree in the refrigerator until you’re ready to bake. Additionally, you can mix the dry ingredients (flour, baking powder, and salt) and keep them in an airtight container for up to 5 days. When you’re ready to whip up these blondies, simply combine your prepped ingredients with the wet mixture and bake as directed. This way, you’ll have fresh, chewy blondies with all their wonderful flavors intact, making your dessert game smoother and more enjoyable!

Butternut Squash Blondies Variations

Feel free to get creative and tailor these blondies to your taste buds—each twist brings its own special charm!

Dairy-Free: Substitute unsalted butter with coconut oil for a lovely, buttery flavor without dairy.
Gluten-Free: Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend to make these blondies suitable for gluten-sensitive friends.
Nutty Delight: Add chopped walnuts or pecans for a crunchy texture that beautifully contrasts the chewy blondies.
Extra Spice: Boost the warmth by adding a teaspoon of ground ginger or allspice for a cozy twist.
Cranberry-Free: Swap dried cranberries with diced apple or even fresh blueberries for a fruity freshness.
Chocolate Swirl: Create a chocolate marble effect by folding in melted dark chocolate before baking for richness.
Syrup Drizzle: Elevate servings with a maple syrup drizzle on top, adding a touch of sweetness and fall flavor.
Salty-Sweet Finish: Sprinkle sea salt flakes on top right before baking to enhance the flavors and create a delightful contrast.

Enjoy experimenting with these variations to find your perfect Butternut Squash Blondie blend!

Butternut Squash Blondies Recipe FAQs

What type of butternut squash should I use?
Absolutely! When choosing butternut squash, look for ones that are firm, heavy for their size, and have smooth, blemish-free skin. If you see any dark spots all over, those could indicate rot. Choosing a squash that meets these criteria will ensure your blondies are flavorful and moist.

How do I store leftover blondies?
To maintain their deliciousness, you can store your butternut squash blondies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you prefer to keep them longer, refrigerate them for up to a week. Just ensure that the container is sealed tightly to keep the moisture in and preserve their chewy texture.

Can I freeze butternut squash blondies?
Very! Freezing is a great option if you want to keep your blondies longer. Simply wrap each blondie individually in plastic wrap before placing them in an airtight container or a freezer bag. They can be frozen for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy them, thaw them at room temperature for a couple of hours or microwave for about 10-15 seconds for a quick treat.

What can I do if my blondies come out too dry?
If your blondies end up a bit dry, don’t worry! This can happen if they were overbaked or mixed too much. To help salvage the situation, you can serve them warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of caramel sauce to add moisture and decadence. For future batches, consider checking for doneness a few minutes earlier and avoiding overmixing the batter to keep their chewy texture intact.

Are there any dietary considerations for this recipe?
Absolutely! These butternut squash blondies can be adapted to suit various dietary needs. For those with gluten sensitivities, simply substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free variety. Additionally, if you need to accommodate nut allergies, feel free to omit the pumpkin seeds or switch them out for more dried fruits. Always double-check ingredient labels to ensure they are safe for your dietary requirements.

Can I use fresh butternut squash instead of canned?
Definitely! Using fresh butternut squash gives your blondies a wonderful depth of flavor. To use fresh squash, just roast it as directed in the recipe, then let it cool before pureeing. This homemade puree will enhance the natural sweetness and texture of your blondies, making them even more delightful!