If you crave a sweet treat that’s both rich and easy to make, you’re in luck! These Brown Butter Salted Caramel Blondies are the perfect blend of chewy texture and gooey caramel. In this post, I’ll guide you through each step, from gathering just a few simple ingredients to achieving that golden-brown perfection. Let’s dive into making your new favorite dessert!
Ingredients
To make the best Brown Butter Salted Caramel Blondies, you need some key ingredients. Here’s what you will need:
– 1 cup unsalted butter (2 sticks)
– 1 cup brown sugar, packed
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 2 large eggs
– 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon baking powder
– 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1 cup salted caramel sauce (store-bought or homemade)
– Flaky sea salt, for topping
Each ingredient plays a special role. The unsalted butter gives a rich flavor. Brown sugar adds moisture and a deep sweetness. The eggs bind the mix together, while vanilla extract brings warmth. Flour forms the base, and baking powder and soda help it rise. Salt balances the sweetness, making every bite perfect. The salted caramel sauce adds a gooey, sweet layer that makes these blondies a treat. Finally, the flaky sea salt on top gives a lovely finish.
Using high-quality ingredients always pays off. Fresh eggs and quality butter make a big difference. You can even make your own salted caramel for extra flair. Remember, each ingredient counts, so choose wisely!
Step-by-Step Instructions
Preheat and Prepare
– Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
– Grease and line a 9×13 inch baking pan with parchment paper. Leave some overhang for easy removal.
Brown the Butter
– Melt the butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat.
– Stir frequently until it foams and turns a golden brown, about 5-7 minutes.
– Remove from heat and let it cool slightly.
Mix and Combine
– In a large mixing bowl, combine the brown sugar and granulated sugar.
– Pour the warm browned butter into the sugar and mix well until combined.
– Add the eggs one at a time, then mix in the vanilla extract.
– In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
– Gradually add this dry mix to the wet ingredients. Stir carefully until just combined.
– Pour half of the blondie batter into the prepared pan. Spread it evenly.
– Drizzle half of the salted caramel sauce over this layer.
– Pour the remaining batter on top and drizzle with the rest of the caramel.
– Use a knife to swirl the caramel slightly into the batter.
Bake and Cool
– Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes.
– The edges should be golden brown, and a toothpick should come out with a few moist crumbs.
– After baking, let the blondies cool in the pan for about 10 minutes.
– While still warm, sprinkle flaky sea salt on top for that perfect finish.
Slice and Serve
– Once the blondies have cooled completely, lift them out of the pan using the parchment paper.
– Slice into squares or rectangles. Enjoy these delicious treats!
Tips & Tricks
Perfecting Your Blondies
To make perfect blondies, avoid overmixing the batter. Stir just until the flour disappears. This keeps your blondies chewy and soft.
Next, ensure the right baking time. Bake at 350°F for 20-25 minutes. Look for golden edges and a toothpick that comes out with a few moist crumbs.
Ingredient Substitutions
If you don’t have unsalted butter, use salted butter. Just skip adding the extra salt.
For homemade salted caramel, you can melt sugar until golden. Add heavy cream and salt for a quick version.
Presentation Tips
When serving, cut the blondies into squares. You can add a scoop of ice cream on the side for fun.
Garnish your blondies with a caramel drizzle. This makes them look fancy and taste even better.
Variations
Nutty Additions
Adding nuts gives your blondies a nice crunch. I love using walnuts or pecans. These nuts pair well with the sweet caramel. You can chop them coarsely and mix them into the batter. Aim for about 1 cup of nuts. If you like a stronger nut flavor, toast them lightly before adding. This boosts their taste and aroma. The added texture makes each bite more enjoyable.
Flavor Twists
You can play with flavors by adding chocolate chips. Semisweet or dark chocolate chips work well. They add richness to the blondies. You can use about 1 cup of chips. Feel free to mix in other things, too! Try dried fruit like cranberries or cherries. They add a tangy contrast to the sweet caramel. You can even use butterscotch chips for a new twist. The options are endless!
Dietary Alternatives
If you need gluten-free blondies, you can substitute all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour blends. Look for ones with a good mix of flours. This keeps the texture nice and chewy. For vegan blondies, replace the eggs with flax eggs. Mix 1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed with 2.5 tablespoons of water for each egg. Use vegan butter instead of regular butter. These swaps keep all the flavor while meeting your needs.
Storage Info
Best Storage Practices
To keep your Brown Butter Salted Caramel Blondies fresh, store them in an airtight container. Place a layer of parchment paper between layers if you stack them. This helps avoid sticking. Blondies stay fresh at room temperature for up to three days. If you want them to last longer, keep them in the fridge. They can stay good for up to a week when chilled.
Freezing Instructions
Freezing blondies is simple. First, let them cool completely. Then, wrap each blondie in plastic wrap. Make sure they are tight and secure. Place the wrapped blondies in a freezer-safe bag or container. They can last in the freezer for up to three months. When you want to enjoy them, take them out and thaw at room temperature. If you’re in a hurry, a quick microwave blast for 10-15 seconds works too. Enjoy your sweet treat any time!
FAQs
Common Questions
How do I know when the blondies are done baking?
You can check by inserting a toothpick into the center. If it comes out with a few moist crumbs, your blondies are ready. They should have golden edges but still look soft in the middle.
Can I make these blondies ahead of time?
Yes, you can make these blondies a day before. Just let them cool completely and store them in an airtight container. They taste even better the next day as flavors develop.
What can I substitute for salted caramel sauce?
If you don’t have salted caramel sauce, you can use regular caramel sauce. You can also make a quick homemade version by melting sugar and mixing it with cream and a pinch of salt.
How should I reheat leftovers?
To reheat, place a blondie in the microwave for about 10 to 15 seconds. This warms it up without drying it out. You can also enjoy them cold if you prefer!
Are these blondies customizable for allergies?
Absolutely! You can use dairy-free butter for a vegan option. For gluten-free blondies, substitute regular flour with a gluten-free blend.
Troubleshooting Issues
Why did my blondies turn out dry?
Dry blondies can happen if you overbake them. Make sure to check for doneness a few minutes early. It’s better to underbake slightly than overbake.
What to do if the blondies are too gooey?
If your blondies are too gooey, they might need more time in the oven. Return them to the oven for a few more minutes. Make sure to check often to avoid overcooking.
This blog post covered how to make delicious salted caramel blondies. You learned about the simple ingredients and steps needed to create them. I shared tips to perfect your recipe and ideas for variations. Remember to store them properly for lasting freshness.
Enjoy your baking journey with these blondies. Your friends and family will love them!
