Indulging in a rich, buttery treat is one of life’s simple pleasures. Imagine biting into a soft, chewy blondie, warm from the oven, studded with crunchy pecans, and kissed with the deep flavor of brown sugar. These Brown Sugar Pecan Blondies are not just dessert; they’re a delightful experience that can brighten any day. With their irresistible taste and texture, these blondies are sure to become your new favorite sweet treat. Get ready to fall in love!
Why You’ll Love This Brown Sugar Pecan Blondies
These blondies aren’t just ordinary—they’re extraordinary! Here’s what makes them stand out:
- Quick and Easy: This recipe is straightforward and can be whipped up in under an hour, making baking a breeze.
- Perfect for Beginners: No fancy techniques required—just combine, mix, and bake!
- Family-Friendly: Everyone loves a delicious blondie, and these will surely please kids and adults alike.
- Chewy, Buttery Perfection: The unique combination of brown sugar and pecans creates a perfectly chewy texture.
- Versatile Flavor: Customize them with your favorite mix-ins for a personal touch.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For these delightful blondies, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 ½ cups packed brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup chopped pecans
Ingredient Notes & Substitutions:
- Brown Sugar: This gives your blondies their unique flavor and chewy texture. You can use light or dark brown sugar, but remember that dark brown sugar will yield a deeper flavor.
- Pecans: Pecans add a lovely crunch and a nutty flavor. If you’re allergic or just don’t prefer them, you can substitute with walnuts or omit the nuts entirely.
- Butter: Using unsalted butter allows you to control the salt content. If you only have salted butter, that’s fine, but you might want to reduce the added salt in the recipe by half.
How to Make Brown Sugar Pecan Blondies Step-By-Step
Let’s get baking! Follow these easy steps to create your delicious blondies:
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13 inch baking dish. This ensures even cooking and prevents sticking. Pro Tip: Line your baking dish with parchment paper for easy removal!
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, use an electric mixer to cream the softened butter and brown sugar together until light and fluffy. This process incorporates air, which creates a tender blondie. Pro Tip: Make sure your butter is at room temperature for the best texture.
- Add Eggs and Vanilla: Beat in the eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract. This will help bind your ingredients and add moisture. Pro Tip: Scrape down the sides of the bowl to ensure everything is well combined.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. This helps distribute the leavening agent evenly throughout the batter. Pro Tip: Sifting the flour can also help prevent lumps!
- Mix Dry and Wet Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, mixing just until combined. Pro Tip: Avoid overmixing to keep your blondies soft and chewy.
- Fold in Pecans: Gently fold in the chopped pecans until evenly distributed throughout the batter. Pro Tip: You can toast the pecans beforehand for an extra depth of flavor!
- Bake: Pour the batter into your prepared baking dish and spread it evenly. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with a few moist crumbs. Pro Tip: Keep an eye on them, as baking times can vary based on your oven.
- Cool and Serve: Let your blondies cool in the pan for about 10 minutes, then lift them out and cool completely on a wire rack. Cut them into squares and enjoy! Pro Tip: They are even better after a day or two, as the flavors meld together!
Serving Suggestions
Satisfy your cravings with these fun serving ideas:
Perfect Pairings
- Ice Cream: Serve warm blondies topped with a scoop of vanilla or caramel ice cream.
- Coffee: Pair with a cup of coffee or latte for a delicious afternoon treat.
Occasions
- Weeknight Dessert: Whip these up on a busy weeknight for a sweet family treat.
- Holiday Parties: Perfect for serving at gatherings, they are quick to make and sure to impress!
Presentation Tips
- Dust with Powdered Sugar: Add a touch of elegance by dusting the blondies with powdered sugar right before serving.
- Drizzle with Caramel Sauce: For an extra indulgent touch, drizzle some caramel sauce on top.
Storage and Reheating Tips
To keep those blondies fresh and tasty:
Refrigerator
- Duration: Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
- Container: Make sure they are covered properly to retain moisture.
Freezer
- Packaging: Wrap blondies tightly in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer bag. They can last in the freezer for up to 3 months.
- Thawing: Allow them to thaw at room temperature for a few hours or microwave them for a few seconds before serving.
Reheating
- Best Method: For warm, gooey blondies, microwave a square for 10-15 seconds. Enjoy with a scoop of ice cream or simply as is!
Tips for Success
- Do Use Room Temperature Ingredients: This helps create a smooth batter.
- Don’t Overmix the Batter: Mix just until combined to ensure a tender crumb.
- Do Test for Doneness: If using a toothpick, aim for moist crumbs, not wet batter.
- Don’t Skip the Cooling: Letting them cool ensures they set properly and cut nicely.
- Do Experiment with Mix-Ins: Feel free to add chocolate chips or dried fruit for a unique twist!
Recipe Variations
Spice things up with these fun variations:
- Make it Spicy: Add 1 teaspoon of cinnamon or a pinch of cayenne pepper for a warm kick.
- Make it Vegan: Replace the eggs with flax eggs (1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons of water = 1 egg).
- Make it Chocolate Chip: Stir in 1 cup of semi-sweet chocolate chips along with the pecans for a delightful chocolate twist.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: My blondies came out dry, what did I do wrong?
A: If your blondies came out dry, it could be due to overbaking. Every oven is different, so check for doneness a few minutes before the specified bake time.
Q: Can I use margarine instead of butter?
A: Yes, you can use margarine, but keep in mind that it might affect the flavor. For best results, use vegan butter if you’re looking for a non-dairy option.
Q: How can I tell when the blondies are done?
A: The blondies are done when the top is lightly golden and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with a few moist crumbs. They continue to cook while cooling.
Q: Can I double the recipe?
A: Absolutely! Just be sure to adjust your baking time accordingly, and use a larger baking dish if possible.
Q: What if I can’t find pecans?
A: You can substitute them with walnuts, almonds, or even chocolate chips if nut allergies are a concern.
There’s no denying how delicious these Brown Sugar Pecan Blondies are! Easy to make and even easier to devour, they’ll quickly become a beloved recipe in your home. Get baking today and savor the sweet joy of these delightful blondies!
Brown Sugar Pecan Blondies
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened Using unsalted butter allows you to control salt content.
- 1.5 cups packed brown sugar You can use light or dark brown sugar; dark will yield a deeper flavor.
- 2 large eggs Room temperature ingredients work best.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour Sifting the flour can help prevent lumps.
- 1 teaspoon baking powder Use fresh baking powder for the best rise.
- 0.5 teaspoon salt Adjust if using salted butter.
- 1 cup chopped pecans Can substitute with walnuts or omit entirely if allergic.
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9x13 inch baking dish.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream the softened butter and brown sugar together until light and fluffy.
- Beat in the eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition, then stir in vanilla extract.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, mixing just until combined.
- Gently fold in chopped pecans until evenly distributed.
Baking
- Pour the batter into prepared baking dish and spread evenly.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted comes out with a few moist crumbs.
- Let the blondies cool in the pan for about 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before cutting.