Caramel Pecan Blondies Irresistible Treat to Enjoy

Craving a sweet and nutty treat? Let’s dive into making Caramel Pecan Blondies! These chewy brownies are packed with rich caramel and crunchy pecans, offering a taste that’s hard to resist. With simple steps and basic ingredients, you’ll create a dessert that delights everyone. Perfect for sharing, these blondies bring a touch of homemade goodness to any occasion. Let’s get started on this delicious journey!
Ingredients
Gathering the right ingredients is key to making these Caramel Pecan Blondies. Here’s what you need:
– 1 cup unsalted butter, melted
– 1 ½ cups light brown sugar, packed
– 2 large eggs, at room temperature
– 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon baking powder
– ½ teaspoon baking soda
– 1 teaspoon fine sea salt
– 1 cup pecans, chopped (lightly toasted for enhanced flavor)
– ½ cup caramel sauce (store-bought or homemade)
– Flaky sea salt for topping
Each ingredient plays a role in creating the perfect blondie. The butter gives richness, while brown sugar adds a lovely caramel flavor. Eggs help bind everything and make it soft. Vanilla lifts the taste, and flour gives structure. Baking powder and baking soda create lift, making the blondies light. The sea salt enhances the flavors, while pecans add crunch. Caramel sauce brings sweetness and gooeyness. Finally, a sprinkle of flaky sea salt on top creates a sweet and salty finish.
With these ingredients, you will create blondies that are chewy, gooey, and utterly delicious. Each bite will melt in your mouth and leave you wanting more.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Prepping the Baking Pan
First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). While the oven heats up, take a 9×13-inch baking pan. Line it with parchment paper. Let some of the paper hang over the edges. This helps lift the blondies out later.
Making the Batter
In a large bowl, combine melted butter and packed light brown sugar. Mix until it looks smooth. Next, add two large eggs, one at a time. Whisk well after each egg. Then, pour in the pure vanilla extract. Mix until everything blends well.
In another bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and fine sea salt. This separates the dry ingredients from the wet ones.
Combining Ingredients
Now, stir the dry mix into the wet mix. Do this gently. Mix until just combined to keep the blondies tender. Then, fold in the chopped pecans. Make sure they spread evenly throughout the batter.
Layering and Baking
Pour half of the blondie batter into your prepared pan. Spread it out evenly. Drizzle half of the caramel sauce over this layer. Use a knife to swirl the caramel into the batter. Next, add the rest of the blondie batter on top. Smooth it out again. Drizzle the remaining caramel sauce and swirl it for decoration.
Finishing Touches
Before baking, sprinkle a light pinch of flaky sea salt on top. This adds a sweet and salty touch. Bake in your preheated oven for 25 to 30 minutes. To check if they’re done, insert a toothpick into the center. It should come out with a few moist crumbs, not wet batter.
Tips & Tricks
Keeping Blondies Moist
To ensure your blondies stay soft and moist, avoid overmixing the batter. Mixing too much makes them dense. Use room temperature eggs. They mix better and help create a smooth batter.
Enhancing Flavor
Lightly toast the pecans before adding them. This brings out their rich flavor and adds depth. You can also experiment with adding chocolate chips. They melt into the blondies and give a nice contrast to the caramel.
Baking Tips
Check for doneness with a toothpick. Insert it into the center; it should come out with a few moist crumbs. For perfect texture, let them cool in the pan for about 15 minutes. Then, lift them out using the parchment paper. This helps them cool evenly and keeps them from becoming too soft.
Variations
Flavor Variations
You can change the flavor of your blondies in fun ways. Try making chocolate caramel pecan blondies. Just add chocolate chips to the batter. The rich chocolate mixes well with the sweet caramel. You will love this twist!
If you want a nut-free option, use chocolate or butterscotch chips instead of pecans. This makes the blondies safe for people with nut allergies. Plus, the sweet chips add a nice texture and flavor.
Dietary Modifications
For those who need a gluten-free version, swap the all-purpose flour for almond flour. This will keep your blondies soft and tasty. Make sure to check that your caramel sauce is gluten-free too.
You can also make vegan caramel pecan blondies. Use flax eggs instead of regular eggs. Combine one tablespoon of flaxseed meal with three tablespoons of water for each egg. This makes a great substitute. Use a plant-based butter for the recipe and ensure the caramel sauce is vegan.
Serving Suggestions
These blondies are great on their own, but you can make them even better. Serve them warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. The cold ice cream melts into the warm blondie. It creates a delightful mix of flavors and textures.
You can also drizzle extra caramel sauce on top before serving. A sprinkle of flaky sea salt adds a nice touch. Get creative with toppings like whipped cream or crushed nuts for added flair. Enjoy these treats in many ways!
Storage Info
Storing Leftovers
To keep your caramel pecan blondies fresh, place them in an airtight container. This helps avoid dryness and preserves their gooey texture. If you layer them, separate each layer with parchment paper. This prevents sticking and keeps them intact. The blondies stay tasty for about a week at room temperature. You can also store them in the fridge for a longer shelf life. They should stay good for up to two weeks when chilled.
Freezing Instructions
To freeze your blondies, first cool them completely. Once cool, cut them into squares. Wrap each square tightly in plastic wrap. Then, place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. This helps maintain their flavor and texture. When you’re ready to enjoy them, take out the desired amount and let them thaw at room temperature for a few hours. For best results, reheat them in the oven for a few minutes. This will help restore their soft, chewy texture.
FAQs
What can I substitute for brown sugar?
You can use granulated sugar if you need a substitute for brown sugar. This will change the flavor slightly, making it less rich. You can also use coconut sugar, which has a similar taste. Both options will work, but the texture may vary a bit.
How can I make my blondies chewier?
To make your blondies chewier, try adding an extra egg yolk. This helps add moisture. You can also mix the batter less. Overmixing can lead to dry blondies, so stir just until everything combines.
Can I use a different type of nut?
Yes, you can use other nuts if you want. Walnuts, almonds, or pecans all work well. Each nut adds its own flavor. Just make sure to chop them up so they mix into the batter nicely.
How long do Caramel Pecan Blondies last?
Caramel pecan blondies last about 4 to 5 days at room temperature. Store them in an airtight container to keep them fresh. If you want to keep them longer, you can freeze them. They stay good in the freezer for up to 3 months.
You learned how to make Caramel Pecan Blondies, from ingredients to storage tips. Remember, use room temperature eggs for moisture and avoid overmixing. Feel free to try new flavors or textures based on the variations provided. These blondies can be a treat for any occasion, especially when served warm with ice cream. With proper storage, they can last for days. Enjoy baking, and share these treats with friends and family! Your kitchen adventures just got sweeter.
