If you love sweet treats, you need to try my Brown Butter Maple Pecan Blondies. These delicious bars mix rich brown butter and sweet maple flavor, topped with crunchy pecans. They are easy to make and will impress everyone. In this post, I share simple steps, tips, and ways to customize these blondies. Let’s dive into the world of flavor and baking magic that awaits you!
Ingredients
List of Ingredients
– 1 cup unsalted butter
– 1 cup brown sugar, packed
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 2 large eggs
– 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon baking powder
– 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup maple syrup
– 1 cup pecans, chopped
– Flaky sea salt, for sprinkling on top (optional)
Measurements and Substitutions
Each ingredient plays a key role in flavor and texture. You can use margarine instead of butter, but it won’t have the same rich taste. If you need a nut-free option, swap pecans for sunflower seeds. You may also replace all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend, but check the ratio on the package. For sweetness, use coconut sugar as a substitute for brown sugar.
Notes on Quality of Ingredients
Choosing high-quality ingredients is vital. Use unsalted butter for better control over salt levels. Opt for real maple syrup instead of imitation to get the best flavor. Fresh eggs give a nice lift. When picking pecans, look for whole, unbroken nuts for a crunchier bite. For a finishing touch, flaky sea salt adds a delightful contrast to the sweet blondies.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Prepping the Oven and Baking Dish
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This step is key for even baking. Next, grab a 9×13 inch baking pan. You can grease the pan with butter or line it with parchment paper. Make sure to leave some overhang. This helps with easy removal later.
Making the Brown Butter
Now, let’s make brown butter. Place 1 cup of unsalted butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Stir it often as it melts. Keep cooking until it turns golden brown. You should smell a nutty scent, which takes about 5-7 minutes. When done, remove the pan from heat and let it cool a bit.
Mixing the Batter
In a large mixing bowl, combine 1 cup of brown sugar and 1/2 cup of granulated sugar. Pour in the cooled brown butter and whisk well until smooth. Next, add in 2 large eggs and 1 teaspoon of pure vanilla extract. Whisk again until everything is mixed well.
In a separate bowl, whisk together 2 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon of baking powder, 1/2 teaspoon of baking soda, and 1/4 teaspoon of salt. Gradually mix these dry ingredients into the wet mixture. Be careful not to overmix, just combine until you see no dry flour.
Finally, stir in 1/2 cup of maple syrup and 1 cup of chopped pecans. Mix gently until the nuts are spread evenly through the batter.
Baking the Blondies
Pour the batter into your prepared baking pan. Spread it out evenly with a spatula. If you like, sprinkle a pinch of flaky sea salt on top for added flavor. Bake in your preheated oven for 20-25 minutes. You want the edges to be golden and a toothpick inserted in the center should come out with a few moist crumbs.
Cooling and Serving
Once baked, let the blondies cool in the pan for at least 10 minutes. After that, use the parchment paper to lift them out. Place them on a wire rack to cool completely. When you are ready to serve, cut them into squares. For a nice touch, dust them with powdered sugar. Pair with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a sweet treat!
Tips & Tricks
How to Achieve Perfect Brown Butter
To make brown butter, start with unsalted butter. Melt it in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Stir the butter often. Watch closely as it cooks. After about 5-7 minutes, it will turn golden brown. The smell should be nutty and sweet. Remove it from the heat right away to avoid burning. Let it cool slightly before using it in your recipe.
Avoiding Common Mistakes
One mistake is overcooking the butter. If it burns, the flavor will be bitter. Another mistake is overmixing the batter. Mix just until the dry and wet ingredients combine. This keeps your blondies soft and chewy. Also, remember to measure your ingredients carefully. Too much flour can make them dense.
Enhancing Flavor with Optional Ingredients
You can add chocolate chips for extra sweetness. A mix of dark and milk chocolate works well. Try adding a pinch of cinnamon for warmth. You can also use walnuts instead of pecans if you prefer. A sprinkle of flaky sea salt on top enhances the sweet flavors. Each option brings a new twist to your blondies!
Variations
Nut-Free Option
You can make these blondies nut-free easily. Just skip the pecans. The blondies will still be rich and tasty. You can add sunflower seeds for a nice crunch instead. They will add texture without the nut flavor.
Flavor Variations
Want to mix it up? You can add chocolate chips. Dark, milk, or white chocolate chips work great. Just stir in one cup before you pour the batter into the pan. This adds sweetness and a new depth of flavor. You can also try adding spices like cinnamon or a pinch of nutmeg for warmth.
Dietary Substitutions
If you need a gluten-free option, use a gluten-free flour blend. Make sure it measures cup for cup like all-purpose flour. You can also use maple syrup instead of granulated sugar for a tasty twist. This keeps the blondies sweet and adds that maple flavor.
Storage Info
Cooling and Storing the Blondies
After baking, let the blondies cool in the pan for at least 10 minutes. Use the parchment paper to lift them out. Place them on a wire rack to cool completely. Once cooled, cut them into squares. Store them in an airtight container. They can last for up to one week at room temperature. For extra freshness, you can refrigerate them. Just remember to bring them back to room temp before serving.
Best Practices for Freezing
These blondies freeze well, making them a great treat for later. First, let them cool completely. Wrap each square tightly in plastic wrap. Then, place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. Label the bag with the date. You can freeze them for up to three months. When you want a blondie, just take it out to thaw.
Reheating for Optimal Enjoyment
To enjoy your blondies warm, you can reheat them. Place a square on a microwave-safe plate. Heat it for about 10-15 seconds. This warms them up nicely without drying them out. You can also warm them in an oven at 350°F for about 5-10 minutes. They taste best when warm, paired with a scoop of vanilla ice cream!
FAQs
What are Blondies?
Blondies are a sweet treat, similar to brownies. They have a rich, buttery flavor. Instead of cocoa, they use brown sugar. Blondies are chewy and often include nuts, like pecans. They are great for any gathering or as a snack.
Can I use a different type of nut?
Yes, you can use different nuts! Walnuts or almonds work well in this recipe. If you prefer no nuts, just leave them out. The blondies will still taste delicious and sweet.
How do I know when the blondies are done?
You can tell when the blondies are done by looking at the edges. They should be golden brown. Insert a toothpick into the center. If it comes out with a few moist crumbs, they are ready. If it comes out wet, bake for a few more minutes.
Can I make these blondies ahead of time?
Yes, you can make these blondies ahead of time! They stay fresh for a few days. Just store them in an airtight container. For best taste, eat them within three days. You can also freeze them for up to a month.
In this post, we covered key ingredients, made brown butter, and shared baking tips for blondies. I included variations to fit different diets and storage tips to keep them fresh. Remember, quality ingredients and careful prep lead to great results. I hope this guide makes your baking fun and easy. Now you can enjoy delicious blondies any time!
