Gooey Caramel Pumpkin Blondies

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Spray a 13 x 9 x 2-inch baking pan with non-stick cooking spray.
2. In a large bowl, add ¾ cup butter and 1 cup brown sugar. Using a hand mixer, cream together until fluffy. Mix in 1 cup pumpkin puree, 2 eggs, and 1 teaspoon vanilla.
3. In a separate bowl whisk together 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour, ½ teaspoon cinnamon, ½ teaspoon pumpkin pie spice, 1 teaspoon baking soda, and ¼ teaspoon salt
4. Add the flour mixture to the butter mixture and mix until smooth. Stir in 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips.
5. Spread half of the batter in the prepared pan.
6. In a microwave-safe bowl, microwave 15 unwrapped caramel candies, and ¼ cup heavy cream, stirring every 20 seconds, until smooth. Pour the melted caramel mixture over the batter in the pan.
7. Drop spoonfuls of the remaining batter on top of the caramel. Use a knife or spatula to gently spread the batter over the caramel. It's okay a few spots of caramel aren't completely covered.
8. Bake for 25 minutes or until an inserted toothpick comes out clean.
9. Allow the blondies to cool before cutting into bars. Top with pecans, if desired, and enjoy!