Pumpkin Butterscotch Blondies
This time last week, I came home from our vet’s office in tears. Our dog Abby had been sick for three days, and the prognosis wasn’t good. She was in awful shape – weak, not eating, not wagging her tail – all things that are way out of character for our loving, energetic girl. Last Monday was our third office visit with her in four days, and I was so upset when we left that Eric had to leave his car there and drive us home in mine. Those of you that don’t have pets may not understand this, but Abby is part of our family. She’s been with us since she was just a little four and a half pound puppy, and we sometimes (and by sometimes I mean more frequently than I should admit) refer to her as Clara’s big sister. As you can imagine, we were both distraught (though, admittedly, Eric handled it much better than I did). We had to leave her there so she could receive treatment via IV, and I was so glad to have her home and snuggling with us that night.
After a long ten days since that first vet visit, I’m happy to say that our sweet Abby is doing much better. She’s not completely back to normal, but she’s on her way there thanks to the wonderful veterinarian and all the people that treated and took care of her. Everyone at the office was so kind and helpful that I wanted to thank them properly. What better way to do that than baked goods? Not to mention, I definitely needed the time in the kitchen to clear my mind and cheer me up.
These pumpkin bars are full of awesome, which makes sense since pumpkin and butterscotch are involved. Add white chocolate chips to that combo, and you’ve got a pumpkin dessert that’s hard to resist. These don’t have quite the same texture as other blondies I’ve made, but that’s largely due to the fact that pumpkin seems to make every baked good a little fluffier than it’s non-pumpkin counterpart. I know not everyone is a fan of nuts in their baked goods, but I think these would taste fabulous with pecans or walnuts mixed in. This is a great recipe to have for fall gatherings because it’s simple and perfect for sharing.
- COOK TIME:
- YIELD: 24 squares
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 tablespoon pumpkin pie spice
1 teaspoon baking soda
¾ teaspoon salt
1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, at room temperature
1¼ cups granulated or brown sugar
1 large egg
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1 cup pumpkin puree
1 cup white chocolate chips
1½ cups butterscotch chips
½ cup chopped, toasted nuts (optional)
- 1
Heat oven to 350º. Line a 9×13-inch baking dish with foil or parchment, leaving an overhang on the long sides. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, pumpkin pie spice, baking soda and salt. Set aside.
- 2
In the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, beat the butter and sugar together on medium-high speed until fluffy, about 2 minutes. Add the egg and vanilla and beat until combined. Add the pumpkin puree and continue mixing until well combined. On low speed, add the flour mixture and mix just until incorporated. Using a rubber spatula, fold in the white chocolate and 1 cup of the butterscotch chips (and nuts, if using).
- 3
Spread the batter evenly in the prepared pan, then sprinkle the remaining butterscotch chips over the top. Bake for 35-40 minutes, until the edges begin to pull away from the sides of the pan and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with just a few moist crumbs attached. Transfer pan to a wire rack and allow to cool completely before cutting.
- 4
Use the foil/parchment handles to lift the dessert from the baking dish. Cut into 24 squares. Store in an airtight container.
Good Morning,
I love your recipes and although I don’t comment as much as I want to, I had to say something today… I am so sorry that your pup was sick and I really hope things are getting better. I definitely understand our pets being family (my husband and I have 2 dogs and they are just the best). My thoughts are with you and your family and I’m wishing a speedy recovery for your pup.
Thanks for all the wonderful recipes! Hope you have a great day,
Rachel
Thank you so much, Rachel! I really appreciate that. 🙂
What a great recipe for the season! You should share in in the #BYOBrownies link up party today! http://www.thespiffycookie.com/2012/10/01/byobrownies-peanut-butter-biscoff-blondies/
Mmmm…this looks amazing, and perfect for fall. And I’m so glad that your little Abby is doing better too! She is too adorable. 🙂
Poor Abby! I’m glad to hear she’s doing better and glad you got some comfort from these yummy looking treats.
I love this! Yum!
yummy! two of my favorite things in a bar!
I’m glad Abby is doing better! My dog Boomer had a big health scare last year and had to be in the hospital for a few days, I was SO worried about him. Like you said, they’re family!
These bars look delicious, can’t wait to try them!
I will keep Little Abby in my thoughts and prayers. Poor sweet little girl, I hope she is feeling better! She is so cute, I love spaniels! I feel the same about my puppies, I call them my “fur babies.”
I’m so sorry you’ve been going through such a hard time with your dog! I’m glad she is starting to feel better though! Your bars look wonderful!
I am so glad to hear Abby is feeling better. Our family dog was very ill this past summer and it was awful to watch and wait. Thankfully he is doing much better now. Which is quite surprising for a dog that’s 15 tomorrow! He’s ancient. I am so glad your pup is on the mend. Dogs are definitely part of the family.
Seems as though we had the same idea for posts today! 🙂 I posted pumpkin blondies as well! *hah* Love your combo of butterscotch chips and white chocolate.
Awwwwwwww your poor pup! Glad she’s feeling better… that face! She’s adorable! (okay and those blondies look ridic)
Oh no Courtney! I sure wish Abby a speedy recovery! I completely understand about animal’s being pets. My cat Tenshi had cancer last year and we did radiation and just found out it is back last week. She is off for radiation round number 2 and even then we are just buying time. Anyhow, glad you got into the kitchen and made these. They look absolutely delicious and I know how soothing and healing being in a kitchen can be. Keep us up to date on Abby!
**** Animal’s being family 🙂