These Brown Butter Pecan Blondies are a sweet treat with a nutty flavor. They’re chewy, buttery, and packed with crunchy pecans that bring a delightful crunch!
Making these blondies is a joy—just brown the butter, mix in the sugar and eggs, then fold in the pecans. They’re perfect with a scoop of ice cream on top! 🍦
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Unsalted Butter: Uses unsalted butter for controlled saltiness. You can substitute with margarine or coconut oil for a dairy-free version.
Brown Sugar: Light brown sugar gives these blondies their chewy texture and flavor. If you’re out, dark brown sugar works too, adding a richer taste.
Pecans: Chopped pecans are essential for that nutty crunch. Walnuts or almonds can be used instead, but they’ll change the flavor a bit.
Eggs: Eggs help bind the ingredients and provide moisture. For a vegan option, you can use flax eggs or applesauce as substitutes.
Chocolate Chips: While they’re optional, chocolate chips add a nice sweetness. You can skip them or use white chocolate or carob chips for variety.
How Do You Perfectly Brown Butter Without Burning It?
Brown butter is the star of these blondies, enhancing their flavor like magic! But you do need to pay attention to avoid burning it. Here’s how:
- Start by melting the butter in a saucepan over medium heat.
- Swirl it gently as it melts to help it cook evenly.
- Watch for the foaming stage. Once foamy, it’s done when it turns a beautiful golden brown and smells nutty (about 5-7 mins).
- Immediately pour it into a bowl to stop the cooking process.
Remember, it’s better to take it off the heat a bit early than risk burning it!
How to Make Brown Butter Pecan Blondies
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Blondies:
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter
- 2 cups light brown sugar, packed
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup chopped pecans (plus extra whole pecan halves for topping)
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips (optional)
- Flaky sea salt, for sprinkling on top
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes of prep time, plus an additional 25-30 minutes to bake. Make sure to let the blondies cool completely before slicing. The whole process makes for a delicious reward that’s worth the wait!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat and Prepare:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper or grease it lightly to prevent sticking.
2. Brown the Butter:
In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Keep swirling the butter as it melts. After about 5-7 minutes, the butter will foam, turn golden brown, and smell nutty. Once it’s brown, remove it from the heat and pour it into a mixing bowl to cool a bit.
3. Mix in Sugar:
Whisk the packed brown sugar into the warm brown butter until everything is smooth and well combined.
4. Add Eggs and Vanilla:
Add the eggs one at a time, whisking well after each addition. Then select the whisk in some wonderful vanilla extract for flavor.
5. Combine Dry Ingredients:
In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. This will help ensure your blondies have a nice texture.
6. Mix Wet and Dry Ingredients:
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mix, folding gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; it’s okay if a few small lumps remain.
7. Add Pecans and Chocolate:
Fold in the chopped pecans and optional chocolate chips. This adds both flavor and a nice little crunch!
8. Pour and Spread:
Spread the batter evenly into the prepared baking pan. Don’t forget to press some whole pecan halves into the top of the batter for a nice decorative touch.
9. Sprinkle with Sea Salt:
Lightly sprinkle flaky sea salt over the top before placing it in the oven.
10. Bake Away:
Bake for about 25-30 minutes. The edges should be golden brown, while the center will remain a bit soft. Use a toothpick to check it; if it comes out with a few moist crumbs, you’re good.
11. Cool and Cut:
Let the blondies cool completely in the pan on a wire rack before cutting them into squares. This part is essential to get clean cuts!
12. Enjoy!
Now, it’s time to indulge in your chewy, nutty brown butter pecan blondies! For a special treat, serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. Enjoy every bite!
This recipe yields rich, buttery blondies with toasted pecans and a slightly crisp top. The aroma of brown butter will fill your kitchen, and you’ll have delicious treats to share with friends and family!
Can I Use Different Nuts in This Recipe?
Absolutely! While pecans add a delicious flavor, you can substitute them with walnuts, almonds, or even hazelnuts. Just chop them up similarly, and they’ll work beautifully in the blondies!
What Should I Do If My Blondies Are Overcooked?
If you notice they’re overcooked, you can try to soften them by covering them with a damp paper towel and microwaving in short bursts. While they may still be a bit dry, they’ll be more enjoyable this way!
How Should I Store Leftover Blondies?
Store any leftover blondies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, you can refrigerate them or freeze individual pieces wrapped in plastic wrap and foil for up to 2 months.
Can I Make These Blondies Gluten-Free?
Yes, you can make them gluten-free by substituting all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Just ensure the blend contains xanthan gum or add it separately to mimic the texture of regular flour.
