These Brown Butter Pecan Blondies are rich and chewy, with a nutty flavor that makes them irresistible. The brown butter gives them a delightful twist!
Every bite feels like a warm hug, especially with those crunchy pecans mixed in. I swear, I can never eat just one! Perfect for sharing, or not. 😉
Making these blondies is a breeze! Just melt the butter, mix in your ingredients, and bake. You’ll have a treat that’s simple yet impressive—great for any occasion!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Unsalted Butter: Browning the butter adds a lovely nutty flavor. You can use salted butter, but be mindful of adding less salt to avoid an overly salty result.
Brown Sugar: Light brown sugar gives a nice molasses flavor. If you’re out, dark brown sugar works too, just know it will give a richer flavor.
Pecans: Pecans add crunch and flavor, but feel free to substitute with walnuts or almonds if you prefer. You could even use chocolate chips for a sweeter twist!
Flour: All-purpose flour is standard, but you could try a gluten-free blend if you’re avoiding gluten. Just check that it includes xanthan gum for the right texture.
How Can I Get My Butter Perfectly Browned?
Browning butter is a key step for these blondies! It’s all about cooking it just right. Here’s how:
- Use a light-colored saucepan to easily see the color change.
- Heat over medium, swirling occasionally, until it turns golden brown and smells nutty (5-7 minutes).
- Keep a close eye on it to prevent burning. Remove from heat as soon as it’s browned.
Waiting for that nutty aroma is totally worth it. Trust me, it makes a huge difference in flavor!
Brown Butter Pecan Blondies
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter
- 2 cups packed light brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup chopped pecans (plus additional whole or halved pecans for topping)
- Flaky sea salt, for sprinkling on top (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This scrumptious recipe will take about 15 minutes of prep time and 25-30 minutes of baking. Be sure to let your blondies cool completely before cutting them so you get nice squares. All in all, you’ll have delicious blondies ready in about an hour!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Baking Pan:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13 inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving some extra hanging over the sides so you can lift the finished blondies out easily later.
2. Brown the Butter:
In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Keep a close eye on it and swirl the pan occasionally. Cook it until the butter turns a beautiful golden brown and smells nutty, which should take about 5-7 minutes. Once browned, remove it from the heat and let it cool slightly.
3. Mix the Wet Ingredients:
Transfer your browned butter to a large mixing bowl. Add the packed brown sugar and whisk it together until well combined. Then, add the eggs one at a time, whisking well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract for that lovely flavor!
4. Combine Dry Ingredients:
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. This helps to ensure that your baking powder and salt are evenly distributed throughout the flour.
5. Mix It All Together:
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, folding gently with a spatula until just combined. Make sure not to overmix; it’s okay if there are a few small lumps!
6. Add the Pecans:
Gently fold in the chopped pecans so they’re evenly distributed in the batter.
7. Bake the Blondies:
Pour the batter into your prepared pan and spread it out evenly. If you’d like, you can press some additional pecan halves or pieces on top and sprinkle a bit of flaky sea salt for added flavor. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with just a few moist crumbs.
8. Cool and Serve:
Once baked, remove from the oven and let the blondies cool completely in the pan on a wire rack. When they are cool, lift them out using the parchment overhang, cut into squares, and serve!
Enjoy the rich, buttery flavor and crunchy pecans in these luscious blondies! Perfect treat for sharing or enjoying all by yourself! 😊
Can I Use Different Nuts in This Recipe?
Absolutely! While pecans are traditional, you can easily substitute them with walnuts, almonds, or even a mix of your favorite nuts. If you’re feeling adventurous, try adding chocolate chips instead!
How Do I Store Leftover Blondies?
Store any leftover blondies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, keep them in the fridge for up to a week. You can also freeze them for up to 3 months—just make sure they’re well-wrapped!
Can I Make These Blondies Gluten-Free?
Yes, you can! Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend that contains xanthan gum. This will help maintain the right texture, so your blondies turn out delicious!
What Should I Do If My Blondies Are Too Crumbly?
If your blondies come out crumbly, it might be due to overbaking or not enough moisture. Make sure to keep an eye on baking time and check the center for doneness. If they feel dry, next time, try adding an extra egg or a bit more butter for added moisture.
