Indulge in these healthy vegan pumpkin cranberry blondies, crafted with wholesome coconut flour and creamy almond butter! They’re vegan, grain-free, oil-free, and Paleo-friendly. The perfect guilt-free treat!
Looking for a delightful holiday treat recipe that’s both easy to make and incredibly delicious? You’ve found it! As a self-proclaimed pumpkin enthusiast, I couldn’t resist bringing these tender, flavor-packed pumpkin blondies to your table. They are guaranteed to be a hit!
These blondies are incredibly simple to prepare, which is always a bonus during the hustle and bustle of the holiday season. Requiring only one bowl, cleanup is a breeze too. And while these treats are naturally Paleo, vegan, grain-free, and gluten-free, nobody will suspect a thing. They’ll be too busy reaching for a second serving!
Another fantastic feature of these tender, gently spiced sweets is the ability to customize them with your favorite mix-ins. I opted for dried cranberries, but I can already imagine these with miniature chocolate chips or toasted pepitas next time. Yum! The possibilities are endless.
I’ve yet to encounter someone who declines one of these blondies, especially once they discover how healthy they are. You can package them in cookie boxes and share them with your family, friends, and neighbors. They’ll be absolutely thrilled with this thoughtful and delicious gift.
Happy baking! Get ready to spread some holiday cheer with these irresistible treats.
More Delicious Recipes You’ll Love:
- Coconut Flour Sweet Potato Blondies {vegan, grain-free, oil-free}
- Cranberry Orange Chickpea Flour Muffins {Grain-Free, Vegan}
- Keto Vegan Peanut Butter Blondies {4-ingredients, Oil-Free}
- Millet Pilaf with Dried Cranberries {gluten-free & vegan}
- Vegan Gingerbread Chickpea Blondies {oil-free, flourless, grain-free}
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Vegan Pumpkin Cranberry Blondies (Grain-Free)
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350F (175C). Grease or spray 12 cups of a standard-size muffin tin.
- In a medium bowl, stir together the almond butter, banana, pumpkin puree, maple syrup, and vanilla until well-blended and smooth. Add the coconut flour, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt, stirring until just combined. Stir in the chopped dried cranberries.
- Divide batter evenly between the prepared muffin cups.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 23 to 28 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean, or with just a few moist crumbs clinging to it. Remove from oven and cool completely in a cooling rack. Run a knife around the edge of each cup and remove blondies.
Notes
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 126kcal |
Carbohydrates: 9.8g |
Protein: 3.8g |
Fat: 9.1g |
Saturated Fat: 0.7g |
Sodium: 42mg |
Fiber: 2.4g |
Sugar: 5.1g
Tips for Making the Best Vegan Pumpkin Cranberry Blondies
To ensure your vegan pumpkin cranberry blondies turn out perfectly every time, here are a few essential tips:
- Use Ripe Bananas: The riper the banana, the sweeter and moister your blondies will be. Look for bananas with plenty of brown spots.
- Measure Coconut Flour Accurately: Coconut flour is very absorbent. Spoon it lightly into your measuring cup and level it off with a knife. Avoid scooping directly from the bag, as this can compress the flour and result in too much being used.
- Don’t Overmix: Overmixing can lead to tough blondies. Mix the wet and dry ingredients until just combined. A few lumps are okay.
- Grease the Muffin Tin Thoroughly: This will prevent the blondies from sticking. Alternatively, use silicone muffin liners for easy removal.
- Check for Doneness: The blondies are done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs attached. Avoid overbaking, as this can make them dry.
- Cool Completely: Allow the blondies to cool completely in the muffin tin before removing them. This will help them to firm up and prevent them from crumbling.
Variations and Additions to Try
These vegan pumpkin cranberry blondies are incredibly versatile. Feel free to experiment with different mix-ins and flavors to create your own unique variations:
- Chocolate Chips: Substitute chocolate chips for the cranberries or use a combination of both. Dark chocolate chips work particularly well with the pumpkin flavor.
- Nuts: Add chopped walnuts, pecans, or almonds for a crunchy texture.
- Spices: Adjust the amount of cinnamon or add other warming spices like nutmeg, ginger, or cloves.
- Orange Zest: Add a teaspoon of orange zest for a bright, citrusy flavor.
- Pumpkin Pie Spice: Use pumpkin pie spice instead of cinnamon for a more intense pumpkin flavor.
- Seeds: Sprinkle pepitas (pumpkin seeds) on top of the blondies before baking for added crunch and visual appeal.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are some common questions about making vegan pumpkin cranberry blondies:
- Can I use a different type of flour? While I recommend coconut flour for this recipe, you can try using almond flour as a substitute. Keep in mind that almond flour is less absorbent than coconut flour, so you may need to adjust the amount. You can also use all-purpose flour in a 1:1 ratio if you are not gluten-free, but the recipe will no longer be vegan.
- Can I use a different type of sweetener? Yes, you can substitute maple syrup with other liquid sweeteners like agave nectar or brown rice syrup. You can also use granulated sweeteners like coconut sugar, but you may need to add a tablespoon or two of liquid to compensate for the dryness.
- Can I make these blondies in a baking pan? Yes, you can bake these blondies in an 8×8 inch baking pan. Grease and line the pan with parchment paper, then pour in the batter and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- How do I store these blondies? Store the blondies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks, or in the freezer for up to 3 months. Let the blondies thaw completely before serving.
- Can I make these blondies ahead of time? Yes, these blondies are great for meal prep. You can bake them a day or two in advance and store them in an airtight container at room temperature or in the refrigerator.
Why You’ll Love These Vegan Pumpkin Cranberry Blondies
- They’re incredibly delicious and satisfying. The combination of pumpkin, cranberries, and spices creates a warm and comforting flavor that’s perfect for fall.
- They’re healthy and guilt-free. Made with wholesome ingredients like coconut flour, almond butter, and pumpkin puree, these blondies are a much healthier alternative to traditional desserts.
- They’re easy to make. Requiring only one bowl and a few simple steps, these blondies are perfect for beginner bakers.
- They’re customizable. Feel free to experiment with different mix-ins and flavors to create your own unique variations.
- They’re perfect for sharing. These blondies make a great gift for family, friends, and neighbors.