Ah, Trader Joe’s! Just when you think you’ve tried every possible permutation of pumpkin-flavored treats, they surprise you yet again. This time, with their Pumpkin Blondie Brownies infused with white chocolate chips and pecans. The intriguing twist? A taste that is reminiscent of a classic carrot cake. But does this unlikely blend of flavors work? Let’s dive in.
I love brownies like any red blooded American. They have to be one of my favorite “treats” out there. Probably because I am a chocolate hound. So, I was intrigued when I saw these on the shelf.
The first thing I thought to myself was these aren’t brownies, but I would wait until I got home and tried them to pass judgment on them.
Presentation & Packaging
Upon first glance, the packaging exudes a warm, fall-centric vibe. Shades of deep orange and rustic browns lure you in, creating a palpable anticipation of the treat inside. The Pumpkin Blondie Brownies are safely ensconced in a clear plastic tray, ensuring that each piece remains intact and retains its moist texture.
Flavor Profile
The taste of these blondies is where the real magic happens. The pumpkin spice flavor is pronounced, yet it doesn’t overshadow the other elements. It brings a mild sweetness and an earthy undertone that’s quintessentially autumnal. And then there’s that unexpected taste of carrot cake spices too.
It’s not overpowering, but there’s a subtle spiciness, likely from the blend of cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves, that immediately brings to mind a freshly baked carrot cake. The white chocolate chips, with their creamy sweetness, add another dimension, harmoniously fusing with the pumpkin base.
But the elephant in the room is the texture. These are basically like a carrot cake. It has the same exact texture as a cake, not the dense chewiness of a brownie or even a blondie bar. They should just call them pumpkin cake with white chocolate chips and pecans because they most certainly do not resemble either a blondie bar or brownies in texture or even in taste.
Pairings & Serving Suggestions
These Pumpkin Blondie Brownies are versatile. While they stand out on their own, they’re even more delightful when paired with a warm cup of coffee or chai tea. If you’re in the mood to indulge, try warming a piece slightly and serving it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. The contrast of cold ice cream and warm blondie is sheer perfection.
Final Thoughts
Trader Joe’s Pumpkin Blondie Brownies with white chocolate chips and pecans are a testament to the brand’s innovative approach to seasonal treats. By infusing a familiar fall favorite with elements of a classic dessert, they’ve created something truly unique. The surprising nod to carrot cake adds depth and complexity to the flavor profile, ensuring these blondies are not just another pumpkin-themed treat.
In conclusion, if you’re someone who eagerly awaits pumpkin season and is always on the lookout for the next best pumpkin-flavored delicacy, these blondies are a must-try. They capture the essence of fall in every bite and are a delightful addition to any dessert spread.
At the end of all this, I am only going to rate them 6 out of 10 because I really was expecting something different and they taste like carrot cake!
Ingredients
BROWNIE BASE (UNBLEACHED ENRICHED WHEAT FLOUR [WHEAT FLOUR, MALTED BARLEY FLOUR, NIACIN, REDUCED IRON, THIAMINE MONONITRATE, RIBOFLAVIN, FOLIC ACID], BROWN SUGAR, EGGS, SUGAR, PALM OIL, DRIED HONEY BLEND [HONEY, INVERT SUGAR SYRUP, WHEAT STARCH, CALCIUM STEARATE, SUNFLOWER LECITHIN], EGG WHITES, SALT, LEAVENING AGENT [BAKING SODA, MONOCALCIUM PHOSPHATE, SODIUM ACID PYROPHOSPHATE], NATURAL FLAVORS), BROWN SUGAR, WATER, PUMPKIN PUREE, WHITE CHOCOLATE CHIPS (SUGAR, VEGETABLE OIL [PALM KERNEL OIL, PALM OIL], COCOA BUTTER, NONFAT MILK, CREAM, WHEY, SUNFLOWER LECITHIN, NATURAL FLAVOR), UNBLEACHED ENRICHED WHEAT FLOUR (WHEAT FLOUR, MALTED BARLEY FLOUR, NIACIN, REDUCED IRON, THIAMINE MONONITRATE, RIBOFLAVIN, FOLIC ACID), SALTED BUTTER (CREAM, SALT), PECANS, WHITE GANACHE (SUGAR, VEGETABLE OIL BLEND [PALM KERNEL OIL, RAPESEED OIL, PALM OIL], SKIM MILK POWDER, SUNFLOWER LECITHIN, NATURAL FLAVOR), PUMPKIN PIE SPICE (CLOVES, GROUND GINGER, GROUND CINNAMON).
- CONTAINS MILK, EGG, WHEAT, PECAN.
