These Brown Butter Pecan Blondies are the perfect blend of sweet and nutty. With rich brown butter and crunchy pecans, they’re soft and chewy—just how a blondie should be!
Honestly, they vanish quickly at my house. Just a warning: you might want to hide a few for yourself! I love enjoying them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. Yum!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Unsalted Butter: Brown butter is star here. The nutty flavor it develops is key! If you want to try something different, you could use coconut oil for a dairy-free option, though it gives a different taste.
Light Brown Sugar: This adds sweetness and moisture. If you don’t have it, you can use white sugar, but the blondies will be less chewy. A mix of half brown and half white sugar works well too!
Pecans: Crunchy pecans make these blondies pop! You could swap them for other nuts, like walnuts or even chocolate chips, if you prefer something sweeter.
Flour: All-purpose flour is perfect here. If you’re gluten-free, try using a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend—it usually works well in blondies.
How Do I Get the Butter Browned Just Right?
Getting that rich brown butter is a crucial step. Here’s how you can achieve it:
- First, use a light-colored saucepan so you can see the butter changing color.
- Melt the butter over medium heat, stirring often; this helps prevent burning.
- Watch for a golden hue and nutty smell; it usually takes about 5-7 minutes.
- Once browned, remove it from heat quickly to avoid overcooking.
Using brown butter gives your blondies a deeper, richer flavor—totally worth the effort!
Brown Butter Pecan Blondies
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter
- 2 cups light brown sugar, packed
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tbsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1 1/2 cups chopped pecans, plus extra whole pecans for topping
- Flaky sea salt, for sprinkling on top (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful recipe takes about 15 minutes for prep and 25-30 minutes for baking. Plus, make sure to let the blondies cool completely before cutting them into squares, which could take another 30 minutes. So, overall, you’ll need about 1 hour to enjoy your gooey, delicious treat!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Pan:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While it heats up, take a 9×13-inch baking dish and line it with parchment paper. If you don’t have parchment paper, you can lightly grease the dish with butter or cooking spray to prevent sticking.
2. Brown the Butter:
In a medium saucepan, melt the unsalted butter over medium heat. Continue to cook it, stirring frequently, until it transforms into a deep golden brown and releases a delicious, nutty aroma—this should take about 5-7 minutes. Once it’s browned, carefully remove it from the heat and let it cool slightly.
3. Mix the Sugars and Wet Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the browned butter and packed brown sugar. Stir everything together until the mixture is smooth and glossy. Add the eggs, one at a time, whisking well after each addition. Finally, mix in the vanilla extract and salt.
4. Combine Dry Ingredients:
In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour and baking powder. This helps to evenly distribute the leavening agent.
5. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients:
Gradually fold the dry ingredient mixture into the wet ingredients using a spatula. Mix just until combined—be careful not to overmix, as this could make the blondies tough!
6. Add the Pecans:
Gently fold in the chopped pecans, stirring until they are evenly distributed throughout the batter.
7. Pour and Top:
Pour the batter into your prepared baking dish and smooth the top with a spatula. Press whole pecan halves into the top of the batter for added crunch and presentation. If you like, you can sprinkle a little flaky sea salt on top for extra flavor.
8. Bake:
Place the baking dish in the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes. The edges will be golden brown, and a toothpick inserted into the center should come out with a few moist crumbs. If it comes out clean, the blondies may be overbaked.
9. Cool and Serve:
Once baked, allow the blondies to cool completely in the pan. This helps them set better and makes cutting easier. After about 30 minutes, cut them into squares, serve, and enjoy your delicious Brown Butter Pecan Blondies!
Happy baking! Enjoy every bite of your rich, nutty treats!
Can I Use Different Nuts in This Recipe?
Absolutely! While pecans add a wonderful flavor, you can certainly substitute them with walnuts, almonds, or even chocolate chips if you want a sweeter twist. Just be sure to adjust the quantity to your preference!
How Can I Tell When the Blondies Are Done Baking?
The best way to check is to insert a toothpick into the center of the blondies; it should come out with a few moist crumbs attached, but not wet batter. The edges should also be golden brown. If it comes out clean, they may be overcooked!
Can I Make These Blondies Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can! Make the blondies ahead and store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. They also freeze well—just wrap them tightly in foil or plastic wrap, and they’ll keep in the freezer for up to three months.
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want to keep them fresh longer, refrigerate them, but be aware that refrigeration may alter the texture slightly, making them less chewy.