Butterscotch Blondies

Butterscotch blondies are a rich and chewy dessert bar that combines the deep caramel notes of brown sugar with the crunch of pecans in a soft, buttery bite. These blondies are made in just one bowl, making cleanup a breeze and the baking process effortless. Whether you’re looking for a quick treat to bring to a potluck, a sweet finish to a family dinner, or just an indulgent snack to enjoy with your coffee, this simple blondie recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.

Ingredients

½ cup unsalted butter, melted
2 cups brown sugar
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons baking powder
1 teaspoon salt
1 cup pecans, chopped

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F and grease a 9×13-inch baking pan.
2. In a large bowl, stir together the melted butter and brown sugar until well combined.
3. Add the eggs and vanilla; stir until smooth.
4. Mix in the flour, baking powder, and salt until fully incorporated.
5. Fold in the chopped pecans.
6. Spread the batter evenly into the prepared baking pan.
7. Bake for 30 to 33 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
8. Let cool completely in the pan before cutting into squares.

Serving and Storage Tips

Serving Tips

• Allow the blondies to cool completely before cutting to ensure clean, even squares.
• Serve as-is for a chewy treat, or warm slightly and top with vanilla ice cream for a decadent dessert.
• Dust with powdered sugar or drizzle with melted chocolate for an extra touch.

Storage Tips

• Store blondies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days.
• For longer storage, refrigerate them for up to 1 week.
• To freeze, wrap individual blondies tightly in plastic wrap and place in a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll keep well for up to 2 months.
• Thaw frozen blondies at room temperature or microwave for 10–15 seconds for a quick treat.

Variations

1. Chocolate Chip Butterscotch Blondies
   Add 1 cup of semi-sweet or milk chocolate chips to the batter along with the pecans for a delightful chocolate and butterscotch combination. The melty chocolate adds richness and gooey pockets throughout the blondies.
2. White Chocolate Cranberry Blondies
   Swap pecans for 1 cup of white chocolate chunks and ½ cup dried cranberries. This variation adds a sweet and tangy twist, perfect for holiday seasons or a festive treat.
3. Walnut Blondies
   Replace pecans with chopped walnuts for a slightly different nutty flavor and texture. Walnuts add a subtle earthiness that pairs beautifully with the brown sugar base.
4. Salted Caramel Blondies
   After baking, drizzle the cooled blondies with homemade or store-bought salted caramel sauce. Sprinkle a pinch of flaky sea salt on top to balance the sweetness and add a gourmet touch.
5. Peanut Butter Swirl Blondies
   Before baking, drop spoonfuls of peanut butter over the batter and swirl gently with a knife to create a marbled effect. This adds a rich, nutty layer that complements the butterscotch flavor.
6. Gluten-Free Blondies
   Use a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour blend in place of all-purpose flour to make these blondies suitable for gluten-sensitive diets without sacrificing texture.
7. Vegan Blondies
   Substitute melted vegan butter or coconut oil for butter, use flax eggs (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed + 3 tablespoons water per egg), and ensure baking powder is aluminum-free and vegan-friendly. These adjustments create a delicious plant-based version.
8. Spiced Butterscotch Blondies
   Add 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon and ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg to the dry ingredients for a warm, spiced flavor perfect for fall or winter treats.
9. Toffee Blondies
   Mix in ½ cup toffee bits along with the pecans for a crunchy, buttery sweetness that enhances the butterscotch taste.
10. Mocha Butterscotch Blondies
    Add 1 tablespoon instant coffee granules dissolved in 1 teaspoon hot water to the wet ingredients for a subtle coffee flavor that pairs excellently with the brown sugar base.

FAQs

1. Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted butter?
   Yes, but reduce or omit the added salt in the recipe to avoid an overly salty taste.
2. How do I prevent my blondies from drying out?
   Avoid overbaking; check them a few minutes before the recommended time. Also, store them properly in an airtight container.
3. Can I make blondies without nuts?
   Absolutely. You can simply leave out the pecans or substitute them with chocolate chips or dried fruit.
4. What type of brown sugar is best to use?
   Light or dark brown sugar can be used, but dark brown sugar adds a richer molasses flavor.
5. Can I bake these blondies in a different size pan?
   Yes, but adjust the baking time accordingly. A smaller pan will make thicker blondies that need more time; a larger pan will require less.
6. How do I get chewy blondies instead of cakey?
   Don’t overmix the batter and bake just until a toothpick comes out with moist crumbs. Overbaking causes cakey or dry blondies.
7. Can I prepare the batter ahead of time?
   Yes, you can prepare the batter and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking. Just allow it to come to room temperature before baking.
8. Is it possible to freeze the batter?
   It’s better to freeze the baked blondies. Freezing batter can affect texture and rise.
9. What is the best way to cut blondies?
   Use a sharp knife, and wipe it clean between cuts to get neat squares.
10. Can I add other mix-ins to the blondies?
    Yes, you can add chocolate chips, toffee bits, dried fruits, or different nuts according to your preference.

These butterscotch blondies are the perfect dessert bar for anyone looking for a quick, satisfying sweet treat. With their chewy texture, rich brown sugar flavor, and crunchy pecans, they deliver classic homemade comfort in every bite. Best of all, they’re simple to make and versatile enough to customize with your favorite mix-ins. Try them once, and they’re sure to become a staple in your dessert rotation.

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