“The single greatest thing you can do to change your life today would be to start being grateful for what you have right now. And the more grateful you are, the more you get” ~ Oprah Winfrey
(This post may contain affiliate links)
The weather in Iowa has been so beautiful this week. Perfect fall days if there ever were any. Our tree-lined street is so colorful, and it's such a treat to have all of the windows open. I love to feel the breeze as it blows through the house
Yesterday I found myself in the middle of the living room floor folding a big pile of laundry. For some reason, it's the folding that always seems to slow me down, so I put off as long as possible
As I worked, I was listening to Pandora and playing a game of fort with a kitty, the laundry basket, and a big fluffy towel. In between going through the repetitive motions of folding tees, squaring up the napkins, and an unsuccessful attempt at folding a fitted sheet (how anyone can do this is a mystery to me)
I was thinking about so many of the terrible things that have been in the news as of late. Of the friends who were at the concert on the evening of the Las Vegas shooting. Of all of the other images of people caught in fires, hurricanes, and other unfortunate situations all around the world. It can be so tough to watch and sometimes leaves me feeling helpless
So I simply sat and kept folding
As I did, I realized how lucky I was to be doing such a mundane thing. Something that a few minutes earlier I'd been avoiding. I felt a deep sense of gratitude to know there were yet more things to tidy up outside after the sheet and I were finished having our moment
That the people and friends I love are safe
But I also know life can go from humdrum to harrowing in the blink of an eye.
So I realize it's a privilege to be in this moment, blessed with its sense of peace and (relative) normalcy. I've always thought that if I'm fortunate enough to have both feet on the ground, I should offer a hand to someone else. But sometimes I forget as I go through the checklist of my everydays
I think about a fellow blogger and kindred spirit on a quest to be grateful. I've loved following his weekly posts “70 Days of Thankfulness” a countdown of sorts until Thanksgiving. Traditionally the time for everyone to pause and remember how blessed we truly are
The stack of Thanksgiving recipes on the coffee table reminds me of how excited I am to start experimenting. That in a month or so the big meal will be winding down. We'll be loading the dishwasher, wiping the countertops, and dreaming of turkey sandwiches
I've been thinking a lot lately about how to take that sense of security and gratitude and share it with someone who would be relieved, if not thrilled, to be sitting in their living room folding socks. Certainly, we all know how to do it via volunteering our time, donating money or supplies. But actually doing it, I suppose, is the key
And so, in the weeks leading up to Thanksgiving, I'm going to reminding myself that folding the laundry in and of itself, is a blessing everyone deserves
We've loving all things pumpkin at our house, and these pumpkin blondies have made more than one appearance. I'll just get this out in the open; they're absolutely delicious and such a fun thing to snack on this time of year
They're chewy, buttery, crisp and golden around the edges. Studded with chocolate and pecans; with the flavors of pumpkin, almond butter, and a clever hint of cinnamon. The kind of sweet treat that everyone should make because they come together easily and taste a lot like your favorite pumpkin cookie
Topped with a drizzling of chocolate. It's all good news
Enjoy
xoxo
~ Adapted from foodfaithfitness
Chocolatey Pumpkin Blondies
Ingredients
- 1 cup almond flour
- 1 tbsp coconut flour
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- 1 tsp pumpkin pie spice
- ½ cup natural sugar (such as turbinado)
- ½ tsp fine grain sea salt
- ¾ cup creamy almond butter
- ½ cup pumpkin puree
- 2 tbsp maple syrup
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 egg
- ½ cup chocolate chips
- ½ cup chopped pecans, optional
- 2 oz melted chocolate, for drizzling
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350° F
- Line an 8"x8" square pan with parchment paper, and butter to grease. Set aside.
- In a small bowl, add the dry ingredients and combine.
- In another bowl, using an electric mixer, blend the pumpkin, maple syrup, vanilla, egg, and almond butter. (Making sure not to over-mix)
- Slowly fold the wet ingredients into the dry.
- Add the chocolate chips and pecans
- Spread the batter into the pan and smooth the top until it's even
- Bake for 20-22 minutes, remove from oven and let cool completely.
- Melt chocolate and drizzle over the blondies. Cut into squares.
46 Comments
Two out of the four of us in my house are obsessed with pumpkin so when I make these, I don’t have to fight with both of my boys for them – only one 🙂
What a wonderful Fall recipe. We love pumpkin anything! I hadn’t had blondies in such a long time and couldn’t resist giving these a try. Back in the day, my grandma used to make blondies (or Butterscotch Bars) from a recipe she swiped out of an old Better Homes and Gardens magazine. If memory serves me right, she also added a shot of two of my grandpa’s bourbon!
Fitted sheets are still a mystery after all these years! I just can’t get it right. I love that you added chocolate chips to your blondies and then drizzled more chocolate because you can never have enough.
Oh yum, I love my pumpkin stuff. And chocolate. Combined this would be an amazing treat.
Confession: Laundry is my fave “chore” so much so that it rarely seems like a chore. Folding clothes fresh out the dryer while listening to my fave tunes with aromas of something baking in the oven makes for quite a relaxing day for this chica.
Could these possibly be a pumpkiny variation of the Peanut Butter Blondies the High School Cafeteria Lunch Ladies used to make? (I remember them all with great fondness). Please say yes, because now that I’ve feeling nostalgic, I’ll have to give them a try. x
These sound incredible and in some ways, they are very healthy too! I love when all the Fall pumpkin flavors come out and everyone shares their favorite recipes. Pinning this one for sure:)
Sometimes we do forget how lucky we are just in the mundane in our lives. Unfortunately it takes moments like the Las Vegas shooting incident to remind us. On a different note, this recipe sounds delish. It has everything I love, pumpkin AND chocolate. Must try!
You’re right I should be more grateful for some of the Munding things. Sometimes you get what you wish for when you want more action. That is a good reminder. This chocolate pumpkin blondies I perfect way to pay gratitude for my life. I think I need to make them just to enjoy.
Ali, just wanted to say thanks for sharing this wonderful recipe! I whipped up a double batch of these bad boys and threw in some extra nuts and dark chocolate for a potluck at work. Not a crumb was left!
Getting used to seeing amazing recipes on your blog nowadays. Only downside, given my kitchen skills my wife would let me in only to do the dishes and not near the oven by any stretch:) Jokes apart. This looks too yummy to pass of on. Will try this sometime!
Yum! I started LOVE baking these days. I’m baking each week and wanted to prepare for holiday dinner. Last week I baked Rum Pumpkin Cheesecake it was so delicious. This recipe is something I would love to try! Great recipe post 🙂
Holy crap… Am I ever excited to see these. Blondies are amazing, they melt on your tongue and pumpkin is festive and warms your heart. I wonder if I could make this into a vegan recipe, perhaps use coconut oil rather than an egg.
I love this quote, “The single greatest thing you can do to change your life today would be to start being grateful for what you have right now. And the more grateful you are, the more you get” by Oprah Winfrey. I enjoy reading your posts, as you write from the heart and then gift us with great recipes!
I love that this is made with almond butter. We love pumpkin in everything during this time of year. The combination of pumpkin and chocolate is sure to be a hit!
Growing up my mom made blondies all of the time. Her recipe came from the second Silver Palate cookbook and had (if I remember right) a large quantity of vanilla. She always sprinkled a few extra chips on top, along with some flaky sea salt, which took them to an even higher yumminess level!
It can be such a blessing to enjoy the mundane things sometimes. I easily forget how I longed to do just that while sick in the hospital for 60 days. It is a good reminder that while I was there and learning to walk again, I remember the staff letting me bake cookies in the kitchen and I felt like it was the best day of my life. Now at home I can bake cookies anytime I want and hardly ever do, I need to be more thankful that is for sure!
Laundry is one of the last chores I like doing myself. I love this time of year and can’t wait to try your recipe.
These Chocolatey Pumpkin Blondies look so delicious and easy to make. I will have to get the ingredients I need to make these for dessert this weekend.
Just made these last night and brought them in to work — everyone loves them… and hates me for ruining their diets! 🙂
Chocolate Pumpkin Blondies sound totally amazing! I love that you used pumpkin to make this recipe unique. I need to try this recipe soon.
Folding laundry is a “game” I play with our cats. As soon as I bring it up from the basement they jump on the bed and roll in the fresh warm clothes. Then they like to hide underneath and fall asleep. Love the combination of pumpkin and chocolate in your blondies. We’ll give them a try.
I just made these for a blonde friend who is recovering from surgery … she adores Blondies. They smell scrumptious and if I wasn’t on a weight loss mission they would most definitively be some missing from her care package. Thanks for the recipe! Happy Baking!
This looks very delicious! I can’t wait to try them this month! I have been compiling pumpkin recipes for the past couple of days and I know this would be a best seller on Halloween!
My new favorite “late night and in the mood for something sweet and easy” recipe! These are delicious with some Ghiradelli dark chocolate chips and extra nuts. Thanks for the new fall recipe staple!
What a beautiful and wise post. It’s so important to be grateful for all that we have in our lives. The recipe looks wonderful! I think that I will give them a try tomorrow.
I was talking with a friend the other day about blondies. If I remember right, Duncan Hines used to make a mix when we were kids. My aunt Agnus always had them, alongside brownies. Anyway, I had to do a search for a recipe to make a double-batch for a fall party and I’m going with yours. I’ll let you know how they are received. But they smell amazing and I wish I’d have made a batch for us at home too. xx
Autumn is definitely a time to be grateful, no doubt about it. The beauty of nature is all around us, we just need to enjoy it more. Have to say your blondies look really delicious!
I absolutely LOVE cooking with almond flour!!! Firstly because it’s gluten free but also because it gives such a rich flavour to recipes. These look ah-mazing – crunchy on the outside and so moist and chewy on the inside!
Oh good grief, I’ll be craving these all day, lol. I have too much to do to go get the ingredients today but will make time tomorrow for sure. I’ve never cooked with almond flour before but can’t wait to try it.
How good does this look! I am pinning this for sure. I love how you’ve also included alternative ingredients for a dairy-free version of this recipe. Thank you!
Oh wow I love how divine hese blondies look and they’re perfect for the season! I bet they’re so good with a cup of coffee
These blondies look amazing. I wish I could come live in your house for a week! I believe we all need to be grateful for everything we have in this life, and to have a more appreciative mindset.
Goodness gracious!!! The photos made it more irresistible! Thank you for sharing the recipe with us. Will try it one of these days 🙂
Ali, I had a serious chocolate/cookie craving today, so I googled “blondies recipe” and of course your wonderful recipe came up! I made these tonight and they were killer (and most importantly, my craving for sweets is satiated!)
Firstly I love this recipe. I have never anything with both chocolate and pumpkin and it sure looks delicious. Also I always wondered I am the only one who can’t fold a fitted sheet (haha! Thanks for telling me I am not alone). Yes a lot of things happened all over the world this year. It’s heartbreaking to watch news. That’s why I am always telling myself that you are lucky that you are alive and you are lucky that the people you love are safe.
You’re absolutely right about folding the laundry. Earlier this year I had the opportunity to see the founder of charity water speak and it was a stark realization that something even as mundane as having clean drinking water on a daily basis is nothing to be taken for granted.
Regarding the recipe, I’ve been on a pumpkin kick all month so thank you for adding to my list!
It is so true that tragedies like the Las Vegas shootings helps us seek gratitude, even for the things like folding that we might not always enjoy. Because as you say, some may never be able to do so again so we have to appreciate what we do have. And I am thankful for these pumpkin blondies that bring light and joy even in the darkest of times x
I am with you that laundry can be so mundane. I think it’s something I struggle with too. Or folding them just to have the kids throw them on the floor again. Oh! I love pumpkin btw, if you didn’t know, I have to try this out now!
I made these today for a party at my oldest’s school. They were delicious and all of the kids loved them too. This is the first time I’ve ventured away from Bittman’s more traditional blondies, and they were a lovely diversion.
Gratitude has got me through the hardest times of my life, it’s something I always cling to when things are tough. These look AMAZING, I love that they have pumpkin in, we never know what to do with our scooped out pumpkins for Halloween so I am going to make these!
These look delectable! It is currently around the time I indulge in a dessert so these seem extra tempting!
Hi Alison! Thanks so much for the shout out! I am grateful for you in my life to be sure. And you are right. Something as simple as doing laundry is definitely a blessing as compared to other places we could be. It means family and home and a whole other amount of things that many people do not have. Great thoughts!!! And as far as this recipe, my mouth is just watering at the thought of it. I always love doing different things for Thanksgiving and trying out different desserts. I think you have officially made my list of new dessert to try out for this Thanksgiving. I have many different staples, but desserts I always get to try doing something new. And I am all about learning and trying new things.
Blondies with chocolate is a concept I can love any day of the week! I like pumpkin for fall and now i am thinking of how to “Halloween theme” them, becuase it is a good and easy recipe for my halloween party!
I love that quote of Oprah Winfrey. Come to think of it, for me to be able to use my own computer makes me more blessed than millions of other people in the world. I should start to be more empathetic to others and share my blessings. Thanks for sharing the recipe of your Chocolatey Pumpkin Blondies. Me and my sister have a “cooking date” this weekend to prepare for our Halloween feast.
I am going to bake this recipe for my weekend party. i was looking to some pumpkin inspired recipes. I am glad i found it on your blog.