Craving something sweet and nutty? Brown Butter Pecan Pie Blondies are your answer! With their gooey centers and a crisp top, these blondies blend rich brown butter flavors with crunchy pecans. I’ll guide you through easy steps, ingredient swaps, and tips for perfecting this delightful treat. Whether you serve them warm with ice cream or enjoy them on their own, you’re in for a tasty experience. Let’s get baking!
Ingredients
List of Ingredients
– 1 cup unsalted butter
– 1 1/2 cups brown sugar, packed
– 2 large eggs
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1 cup pecans, roughly chopped
– 1/2 cup corn syrup
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
Ingredient Substitutions
You might want a vegan option. Use coconut oil instead of butter. Replace eggs with flaxseed meal mixed with water.
For gluten-free blondies, try almond flour or a store-bought gluten-free blend. These will work well.
If you need a nut-free version, skip the pecans. Use chocolate chips or dried fruit for extra flavor.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Preparation Steps
1. Preheat oven and prepare baking dish: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray. This step makes it easy to remove your blondies later.
2. Brown the butter to perfection: In a medium saucepan, melt 1 cup of unsalted butter over medium heat. Keep stirring until it turns golden brown and smells nutty. This process takes about 5-7 minutes. Remove it from heat and let it cool a bit.
Mixing Instructions
3. Combining butter and sugar: In a large mixing bowl, pour the browned butter and add 1 1/2 cups of packed brown sugar. Whisk them together until smooth. This mixture will give the blondies a rich, sweet flavor.
4. Adding eggs and vanilla: Next, add 2 large eggs, one at a time. Make sure to whisk well after each egg. Then stir in 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. This adds warmth and depth to the flavor.
Baking Instructions
5. Preparing the pecan blondie batter: In another bowl, combine 2 cups of all-purpose flour, 1/2 teaspoon of baking powder, and 1/4 teaspoon of salt. Gradually mix this dry mixture into the butter-sugar mix. Stir until just combined, being careful not to overmix.
6. Swirling in corn syrup mixture: Fold in 1 cup of roughly chopped pecans. Pour the batter into your prepared baking dish and spread it evenly. In a small bowl, mix 1/2 cup of corn syrup with 1/2 cup of granulated sugar. Drizzle this mixture on top of the blondie batter.
7. Baking time and signs of doneness: Use a knife to swirl the corn syrup mixture into the blondie batter for a marbled look. Bake in the oven for 25-30 minutes. You’ll know they’re ready when the edges are golden brown and a toothpick comes out with a few moist crumbs.
Let them cool for about 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack. Enjoy this delightful treat!
Tips & Tricks
Perfecting the Blondies
To make sure your blondies are just right, focus on their texture. Aim for a soft, fudgy center. They should not be too wet or dry. Mix just until the flour disappears. Overmixing can lead to tough blondies, so be gentle.
Browning butter adds a rich flavor. To do this well, heat it slowly. Stir often to prevent burning. Look for a golden color and a nutty smell. It usually takes about 5 to 7 minutes. If you see dark bits, you may have burned it.
Serving Suggestions
Serve your blondies warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. The cold ice cream melts into the warm blondies. For a fun twist, drizzle more corn syrup on top. This adds a sweet touch.
To make them look fancy, dust with powdered sugar. Use a fine sieve for even coverage. This simple step will impress your guests.
Storage Tips
Store your blondies in an airtight container. This keeps them fresh for up to a week. If they become a bit dry, place a slice of bread in the container. The bread will help keep them moist.
When reheating, use the microwave. Heat for just a few seconds to warm them up. Avoid heating too long, or they will become tough. Enjoy your blondies warm, just like fresh out of the oven!
Variations
Flavor Additions
You can switch up the flavors in these blondies to suit your taste.
– Chocolate chip variation: Add 1 cup of chocolate chips to the batter. The blend of chocolate and pecans is rich and amazing.
– Adding spices for warmth: Stir in 1 teaspoon of cinnamon or nutmeg. These spices give the blondies a cozy, warm flavor.
Dietary Variations
You can also adapt the blondies for different diets.
– Sugar-free or low-sugar alternatives: Use a sugar substitute, like erythritol or monk fruit, in place of brown sugar. This keeps the sweetness while reducing calories.
– Options for nut-free blondies: Simply leave out the pecans. You can replace them with seeds like pumpkin or sunflower for a nice crunch.
Seasonal Twists
Feel free to change the recipe with the seasons.
– Fall-inspired blondies with pumpkin: Add 1 cup of pumpkin puree for a fall twist. This change makes the blondies moist and delicious.
– Summer versions with seasonal fruit: Toss in 1 cup of fresh berries or chopped peaches. This adds a burst of flavor and freshness to each bite.
FAQs
Common Questions
How do I know when the blondies are done?
You can tell the blondies are done by looking for golden edges. A toothpick inserted in the center should come out with a few moist crumbs. This means they are perfectly baked and ready to enjoy.
Can I use different nuts in this recipe?
Yes, you can use different nuts! Almonds, walnuts, or hazelnuts work well. Feel free to mix your favorite nuts for a unique taste.
Recipe Adjustments
How to scale the recipe for more or fewer servings?
To scale the recipe, you can easily double or halve the ingredients. For 24 blondies, double everything. For 6 blondies, halve the amounts. Just keep the baking time similar, but check for doneness.
Substituting cornstarch for flour – is it possible?
I do not recommend using cornstarch instead of flour. Cornstarch does not provide the same structure. Stick to all-purpose flour for the best results.
Leftover Tips
How long do blondies last?
If stored in an airtight container, blondies last for about 4-5 days. Keep them in a cool place to maintain their freshness.
Can I freeze these blondies for later use?
Yes, you can freeze blondies! Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer bag. They will stay fresh for up to 2 months. Just thaw them overnight in the fridge before enjoying.
Nutritional Information
Overview of Nutritional Facts
Each serving of my Brown Butter Pecan Pie Blondies has about 340 calories. Here’s how those calories break down:
– Carbohydrates: 50 grams
– Fats: 15 grams
– Proteins: 4 grams
These blondies are rich and satisfying. They pack a sweet punch with a nutty flavor.
Healthier Ingredient Options
You can make these blondies lighter. Here are a few ideas:
– Reduce sugar: Use less brown sugar or corn syrup.
– Try natural sweeteners: Consider using honey or maple syrup.
– Whole grains: Swap all-purpose flour for whole wheat flour for extra fiber.
These tweaks help cut calories while keeping the yummy taste.
Portion Control
To enjoy these blondies without guilt, follow these tips:
– Serving size: Cut them into 12 equal squares.
– Mindful eating: Savor each bite and enjoy the flavor.
– Pair with fruit: Serve a small piece with fresh fruit for balance.
These simple steps help you enjoy the treat while keeping portions in check.
This blog post shared a simple and tasty blondie recipe. We covered the key ingredients, substitutions, and step-by-step instructions. Tips and tricks helped ensure your blondies turn out great every time. We also explored variations to suit your taste and dietary needs.
Enjoy baking these delicious treats. They can be shared and customized for any occasion. With the right care, your blondies will be a hit at home or on special days. Happy baking!
