These Brown Butter Pecan Blondies are a buttery treat with crunchy pecans adding a nice twist! They’re rich, chewy, and perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth.
I love how the brown butter gives these blondies a nutty flavor that makes them extra special. Pair them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a tasty dessert! 🍦
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Unsalted Butter: Browning the butter adds a rich nutty flavor. If you’re in a pinch, you can use salted butter, but remember to reduce the added salt a bit since salted butter can be salty on its own.
Brown Sugar: Light brown sugar gives a lovely moist texture and sweetness. For a deeper flavor, you could use dark brown sugar. If you need a sugar substitute, coconut sugar works well in a pinch.
Pecans: Chopped pecans are a must for that crunch! You can easily swap them for walnuts or even almonds if you prefer. Toasting them briefly before adding enhances their flavor.
Chocolate Chips: I love adding semi-sweet chocolate chips, but feel free to skip them if you’re not a chocolate fan. You could use white chocolate chips or butterscotch chips for a fun twist!
What’s the Best Way to Brown Butter Without Burning It?
Brown butter brings incredible flavor, but it needs your attention to prevent burning. Here’s how to do it right:
- Use a light-colored saucepan so you can easily monitor the color of the butter.
- Heat the butter over medium heat and stir or swirl the pan regularly. This helps distribute the heat evenly.
- Watch for foam as it melts; once it subsides, you’re getting close!
- Look for a light golden-brown color and a nutty smell. That’s when it’s ready!
- Remove it from the heat immediately to prevent further cooking.
With these tips, you’ll have perfectly brown butter to enhance your blondies!
Brown Butter Pecan Blondies
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 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 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup chopped pecans, plus extra for topping
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips or chunks (optional)
- Flaky sea salt, for sprinkling
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful treat takes about 15 minutes to prepare and around 30 minutes to bake. After baking, give the blondies some time to cool before cutting. All in all, you’re looking at about 1 hour until they’re ready to enjoy!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat and Prepare the Pan:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Next, take a 9×9-inch baking pan and line it with parchment paper. Let the paper hang over the edges a bit so it’s easy to lift the blondies out later.
2. Brown the Butter:
In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Keep an eye on it and give it an occasional swirl. You want it to bubble and turn a lovely golden brown, which should take about 5–7 minutes. The smell of this butter will be heavenly! Just be careful not to let it burn. Once it’s browned, remove the pan from the heat and let the butter cool for a few minutes.
3. Mix in the Sugar:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the browned butter and brown sugar. Stir until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
4. Add the Wet Ingredients:
Next, add in the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Now stir in the vanilla extract, and give it a good mix.
5. Combine the Dry Ingredients:
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. This ensures everything is evenly distributed.
6. Mix It All Together:
Gradually add the dry ingredients to your wet mixture. Stir gently until just combined—try not to overmix, as this can make your blondies tough.
7. Fold in the Goodies:
Now, fold in the chopped pecans and chocolate chips if you’re using them. These will add the perfect crunch and sweetness!
8. Pour and Spread:
Pour your batter into the prepared baking pan, spreading it out evenly. Add some extra pecans on top to make them look extra delicious!
9. Bake!
Pop your pan in the oven and bake for 28–32 minutes, or until the edges look set. To check for doneness, insert a toothpick into the center; you should get a few moist crumbs, not wet batter.
10. Add Salt and Cool:
Once baked, take them out and immediately sprinkle a bit of flaky sea salt on top for that sweet and salty flavor boost. Let them cool completely in the pan on a wire rack for the best texture.
11. Slice and Serve:
Once they’ve cooled, use the parchment paper to lift the blondies out of the pan. Cut them into squares and enjoy the delightful, chewy goodness!
Enjoy these rich, nutty blondies with a perfect balance of sweet and salty flavors! They are perfect for sharing or keeping all for yourself!
Can I Use Margarine Instead of Butter?
While butter gives the best flavor, you can substitute margarine if needed. Just make sure it’s a stick variety for the best texture in your blondies. Keep in mind that the taste may vary slightly!
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover blondies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. If you want to keep them longer, you can freeze them for up to 3 months. Just wrap them securely in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe bag!
What Can I Substitute for Pecans?
If you’re not a fan of pecans, walnuts or almonds can be tasty alternatives. For a different flavor, you might try using dried fruits like cranberries or cherries for a fruity twist!
Can I Make These Gluten-Free?
Yes, you can! Substitute all-purpose flour with a good gluten-free baking blend, but be sure it contains xanthan gum for structure. Your blondies should still turn out deliciously chewy!